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undimtinimo. 885

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Value of such knowledge in combating superstition and ignorance, and blind trust in so-called "native medicines."-Views as to diseases, formerly held in Europe.

2. Sanitation is "cleanliness in all things."

Fact recognised to a certain extent by such reformers as Moses and Mohammed, who to ensure obedience to some sanitary practices, made them religious obligations; the benefit of which is in evidence at the present day.

Results of absence of sanitation in Europe; Plague, Jail Fever (Typhus), Cholera, Small-pox.

In London alone, in 1665, the Great Plague killed more than 100,000 persons.

3. Preventable and non-preventable diseases.

The list of non-preventable grows smaller each year; so that it would almost seem that in time only those caused by injuries from accidents will be on the list.

4. The study of Hygiene, indicating causes of diseases in-

Air, Water, Food,

Clothing,

Buildings,

Occupations and Habits,

Contracting disease from others,

leads to a careful study of all these subjects.

Hence it is necessary to have some knowledge of—

(B.) The Nature and Causes of Diseases.

1. Parasites the cause of most diseases.

2.

Definition of " Parasite."

Examples of Animal and Vegetable parasites: -

Mistletoe.

Worms.

Fleas.

Jiggers.

"Germs" (Bacteria).

(Magnifying glasses-brief description.)

"Germs."-Minute Vegetable parasites, the cause of the great majority of

diseases. Size; method of reproduction; habitat; life history.

Brief allusion to Fermentation and Moulds.

Examples with special study of germs of the diseases most important

in West Africa:-

(a) Diarrhoea.

Dysentery.

Tetanus.

Leprosy.

Abscesses and sores, &c.

Small-pox.

Vaccination.

(b) Plague.

Cholera.

Pneumonia.

Tuberculosis.

How nature fights Germs-Phagocytes-Alexins-Immunity.

3. Animal parasites.

Special study of those of West Africa:

Intestinal worms.

Guinea worm.

4. Malaria.

1.

Jiggers. Filaria. Malaria. Bilhartzia.

Fly larvæ. Ticks.

Life history of the parasite.

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Mode of infection of man by mosquitos.

Brief description of life-history of mosquito.

Culex and Anopheles.-Malaria carried by Anopheles and Filaria and Yellow Fever (and Sleeping-sickness?) by Culex. Hence both kinds are dan- gerous to health, and both are to be destroyed and guarded against.

Necessity for abolishing standing water, where mosquitos breed. Use of kerosine oil, &c.; use of mosquito nets and wire gauze.

Quinine in Malaria, as prophylactic and for cure.

Constituents of air.

2. Impurities of air.

(C.)—–—Air.

3. How air may convey Germs on dust grains.

4. Necessity for constant supply of fresh air. (To be treated fully under Ventilation" later.)

1. Constituents. Sources.

(D.) Water.

2. Conservation of water in wells and tanks.

3. Impurities:-

Chemical-Organic and Inorganic. Parasites.

4. How impurities may obtain entrance into water.

5. How, by impurities, water may convey disease.

6. The pure-water question, one of the most important to health in West Africa.

Imperative necessity for endeavour to obtain pure water for drinking and cooking. How to do so. Protection of "water-holes" and springs.

7. Still-water collections, in relation to mosquito-breeding.

(E.)-Food.

1. A brief description of foods necessary to support life.

2. Vegetable food (as being that of the West Africans) more fully treated.

Use of Milk (and hence, cattle rearing) with Vegetable Foods, advocated.

3. Feeding of infants. (Weaning, &c., also alluded to later under " Customs.")

1.

2.

house.

3.

(F.) The Dwelling.

Evils of over-crowding, bad ventilation, and bad lighting.

Disinfecting action of sunlight.

Site. Ground air; ground water; rise of latter causing former to enter

Disposal of refuse and excreta.

4. Appropriate houses for West Africa.

fa.) Tropical house in European style of superior grade to native house.

Site. As high as possible; and as far away from river-beds, ponds, and swamps as possible.

Ventilation; fortunately simple in West Africa, not the difficult matter it is in cold climates; practically, protection frem entrance of rain only is needed, with windows to admit enough air and sunlight.

Floor should be raised from ground, at least 4 feet, so that air may pass freely under it.