HEALTH IN OUR HOMES. BY "DOCTOR FRANK," AUTHOR OF "A HOUSEHOLD GUIDE IN HEALTH AND DISEASE," "HEALTH OF OUR CHILDREN," ETC. Corp's Facukrin Sony, M.D. Hv SOCIETY. BOSTON: THAYER PUBLISHING COMPANY. 1887. HARVARD Copyright, 1887, BY THAYER PUBLISHING COMPANY. Electrotyped by J. S. Cushing & Co., Boston. PREFACE. It is assumed at the present day that the causes of many of the most fatal diseases which attack man are living germs or organisms, and that unless those agents are introduced into the body, the diseases in question cannot be brought into existence. While this theory is yet to be established by patient microscopic study, many of the conditions which are essential to the development and diffusion of contagious and infectious diseases are known and have been clearly defined. Facts are not wanting to prove that infectious diseases depend very largely upon bad sanitary conditions, and that for protection, man must rely on his own efforts. There is an infinite number of other diseases which, while they do not originate in the manner of those mentioned, are measurably affected and owe much of their virulence to baneful influences, such as foul air, lack of cleanliness, and defects of a like character common among the ignorant, thoughtless, and neglectful. The health of a man, and that of his family, is, to a very great degree, in his own keeping. By sanitary precautions, much of the sickness which many experience might be prevented. On the following pages, in a series of talks as it were, some of the most glaring faults which exist in many homes, and the measures of relief demanded, will be described. It is earnestly hoped that the reader will be convinced of the value of the protective remedies advised. They are easily applied, promote health, contribute to comfort, and promise immunity from many diseases. AUTHOR. CONTENTS. PAGE each other, the shorter their lives. - Cleanliness and disinfec- tion. Ignorance and neglect characterize many people.. Diphtheria due to foul surroundings. Its liability to reap- pear where it has once existed. — Responsibility of landlords. Evil effects of bad drainage. — Safety from infectious dis- The care of the cellar. The walls should be impervious to water. — Dryness and cleanliness of the utmost importance.— Thoroughly ventilate on every pleasant day. - How to dry the air without heat. Burn sulphur in it once a week. - A |