The field of possible operations at once widened; surgeons began to have better operating rooms, more scientific preparation of patients before operations and better dressings and care afterward. Not only antiseptic but aseptic treatment became known. New anesthetics, and local ones have been found; the use of oxygen and electricity have been beneficial; the X-ray has been discovered and put to practical use.
Great sums of money have been set aside for research work, and new serums have been found of enormous benefit to the public. Scientists are looking for the germs of many diseases, and for their antidotes.
Wonderful new operations are full of interest; note especially the transfusion of blood, and the preservation of tissue and transplanting of living organs.
Have other papers on: the specialist as the supplanter of the general practitioner; the new relation between medicine and hygiene; the relation of the old family physician to his patients; the work of the Red Cross Society, and the widespread knowledge of first aid to the injured. What are the possibilities of the near future in medicine and surgery? What in research work?
V—MODERN MOVEMENTS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH
Boards of Health in the state and community exist for the purpose of controlling and repressing agencies which would undermine the health of the people. Their work is far-reaching, but it may be grouped under the following heads:
1. The care of the water supply is among its most important functions; it must protect it from its source to the homes of the consumers, overseeing all sewers, cesspools and drainage. It must also see that the supply of ice is pure. It undertakes to care for all roads and sidewalks, and their proper lighting. It is responsible for the construction of buildings, as to safety, ventilation, plumbing and draining.
2. It also insists on its notification of all disease and attends to quarantining and disinfecting; it vaccinates; it fights tuberculosis; it removes the sick to the proper place; it sees that the dead are properly handled; it keeps a record of vital statistics.
3. It has an oversight of food supplies; it insists that the milk is pure and carefully handled; it prevents the adulteration of foodstuffs and drugs; it stops the sale of stale or unwholesome foods; it demands clean slaughter houses; it sees that all dangerous animals are shut up or killed, and dead ones removed from the streets; it prohibits unpleasant odors, and smoke; it tries to do away with all public nuisances; it seeks to exterminate the mosquitoes.
These topics may be taken up as far as time allows. Discuss in closing such questions as: What does our local Board of Health do for us? Where does it fail? What can women's clubs do to make it more effective?