Lessons on elementary hygiene and sanitation : with special reference to the tropics / by W.T. Prout.

  • Prout, W. T. (William Thomas), 1862-
Date:
1905
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Lessons on elementary hygiene and sanitation : with special reference to the tropics / by W.T. Prout. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    midst of a population the mass of which is only partly civilised, and among whom there is an entire absence of the necessary skilled mechanical labour in the way of plumbers and sanitary workmen. We must therefore consider the applicability of the con- servancy system, of which four varieties may be mentioned. 1. The cesspit, which, as I have shown, possesses every possible evil. 2. The Privy or Midden system. This consists of a shal- low built-in pit, protected from the rain, in which the excreta are deposited, as well as the ashes and dry household refuse. It should be small, so that a frequent removal of the con- tents is necessary. It should also be paved so as to prevent soakage into the soil. It is an improvement on the cesspit, but has the disadvantage of storing decomposing matter in the neighbourhood of dwellings, and unless it is kept dry, which would be a very difficult matter during the rainy season, is apt to give rise to offensive gases and smells, and breeds flies. 3. The Pail system. Each closet is provided with a tub or pail placed under the seat for the reception of excreta. The pail should be firm with a well-fitting lid, and should be air and water tight. At intervals, once or twice a week, they are removed, emptied, and a clean pail substituted. 4. The Dry Earth system. This is the best, and con- sists in the addition of earth to the stools. Dry earth has the power of completely disintegrating fecal matter, so that it becomes not only inoffensive, but cannot be detected in the soil. The efficacy of dry earth was recognised by the Jews in the sanitary regulations to which I have referred. When the Israelites were travelling in the wilderness, provision had to be made for the removal of excreta, and accordingly in Deuteronomy, Chap. 23rd, 12th and 13th verses, we find the following regulation :— “ Thou shalt have a place also without the camp, whither thou shalt go forth abroad : “ And thou shalt have a paddle upon thy weapon ; and it shalt be, when thou wilt ease thyself abroad, thou shalt dig therewith, and shalt turn back and cover that which cometh from thee.” You observe that the excreta had to be covered up. Faeces on the surface of the ground are offensive and danger- ous ; mixed with earth they are innocuous, and rapidly disappear.