The new chapters dealing with Dietetics, Trade Nuisances, Meteorological Observations, Tuberculosis, Disinfection, and Vital Statistics will, it is believed, enhance the value of the book.
Attention is also drawn to the solutions of mathematical problems in the different branches of hygiene, of which a table of contents is given on page viii.
In its new form, it is hoped that this work will be found to have retained its value as a plain and straightforward account of its subject for the general public and for science students; and to have become a practical guide to sanitary inspectors and to medical students, whether preparing for a diploma in public health, or studying hygiene as an important branch of medicine. The use of smaller type for specially technical matter of less general interest will facilitate discriminative reading.
VI.—THE PREPARATION AND PRESERVATION OF FOOD 38
XII.—ORIGIN AND EFFECTS OF THE IMPURITIES OF WATER 89
XIV.—COMPOSITION AND PROPERTIES OF AIR 100
XVI.—GASEOUS AND OTHER IMPURITIES OF AIR 111
XX.—GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF VENTILATION 132
XXIII.—VENTILATION BY THE INTRODUCTION OF WARMED AIR 155
XXXI.—THE MATERIALS USED IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF A HOUSE 205
XXXVIII.—PERSONAL HYGIENE—REST AND SLEEP 257
XLII.—THE RÔLE OF INSECTS IN SPREADING DISEASE 281
_SPECIAL TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR ARITHMETICAL PROBLEMS IN HYGIENE._
In classical mythology, Æsculapius was worshipped as the god of Medicine, while his daughter Hygeia had homage done to her as the sweet and smiling goddess of Health. The temples of these two deities were always placed in close contiguity; and statues representing Hygeia were often placed in the temple of Æsculapius. In these statues she is represented as a beautiful maid, holding in her hand a bowl, from which a serpent is drinking—the serpent typifying the art of medicine, then merely an art, now establishing its right more and more to the dignity of a science.
That considerable attention was paid in very early times to matters relating to health, is also shewn by the elaborate directions contained in the Mosaic law as to extreme care in the choice of wholesome foods and drinks, in isolation of the sick, and attention to personal and public cleanliness. It is not surprising, therefore, to find that the Jews, throughout the whole of their history, have apparently enjoyed a high standard of health.