The same author said, and said truly, that:
“Very few people, indeed, consider the subject of their own health, until warned by a present attack of sickness, through failing to acknowledge the true worth of science and medicine, which is far more preventive than remedial. Can it be doubted that it is better and wiser to abolish the cause of disease, to prevent its appearance, than to wait for its attack and cure the result?”
As regards houses: some have been built without reference either to light, air, or dryness. Some have been made out of cattle-sheds, cabins, and stables, and are far worse than prison cells or workhouse wards. These damp dark dungeons lower the temperature of the body, decrease the strength, generate disease, cause rheumatism, and predispose to other evils, not the least of which is consumption. We have it on the authority of the highest medical men that with proper sanitary objects attained a reduction of nearly half the present premature disability from sickness, and mortality due to conditions about their dwellings may be obtained.
Let the people ponder these things; let them balance such heavy items against the trivial cost a better sanitary state of things would entail.
Whatever such cost might be it is for them to consider what they would save by the removal of causes of disease, and the concomitant advantages arising from improved health and prolonged life. Again, it is only fair for them to consider the amount they pay and the precautions they take to mitigate the evils of sickness.
And the question naturally arises whether whilst providing so liberally for sickness, it is not worth while paying a slight rate for the enforcement of such sanitary regulations as may prevent sickness—especially if the statement made on the highest medical authority, to the effect that a reduction of nearly half the present sickness and premature mortality might be prevented, be correct.
THE STEAM ENGINE IN ITS INFANCY.
It will be seen from what has already been written how much this parish has been associated with various improvements and matters connected with the early history of the steam engine, and although the subject might not be of universal interest, we might mention here a correspondence between the Commissioners of Patents and W. R. Anstice, Esq., senior partner of the Madeley Wood Company. On the 24th of May, 1879, an article appeared in the Times under the head of
PATENT MUSEUM,
Stating that a very interesting old engine, the last of its kind which remained at work, had been removed from and re-erected in this museum, having been presented for that purpose to the Commissioners of Patents; and giving the following description issued by the curator, Colonel Stuart Wortley.—