General Report of the Board. from several points of view, i. e., the much too common habit of resorting to the use of alcoholic stimulants freely offered under the disguise of medical preparations bearing various deceptive names, but which, nevertheless, are nothing better than "cheap rum," more or less disguised. Dr. Kaine's previous contributions to the reports of the board have attracted marked attention, and the one now presented will be found to be possessed of as much interest and value as those printed in former volumes. In the same line is a paper by Prof. T. W. Chittenden, in practical continuation of a contribution by the same writer to a former report. In the earlier article the subject of nostrums was discussed, while the present one is devoted to the consideration of the ways of peripatetic quacks and charlatans, the brood of whom is exceedingly larg already, and shows no signs of immediate extinction. A fourth article is by Rev. D. L. Holbrook, of Lake Geneva, and treats of “The Higher Sphere of Sanitary Scier e," the aim being to show what might be accomplished in the improvement of individual and general health were certain. entirely practicable efforts made in our institutions of learning, particularly in our high schools, colleges and universities. Mr. Holbrook cites work that has already been done as evidence of what is possible, and looks for the upbuilding of the highest type of humanity on the basis of the most perfect sanitation. Yet another contribution is one from Prof. I. N. Stewart, well-known in many parts of the state as an able educator. This article treats of practical school sanitation from the point of view of an experienced teacher, and will be found well worthy of perusal by all who are interested in the improvement of the physical conditions under which so large a part of the preparation for the active duties of life is carried on which means everyone who has a child in attend General Report of the Board ance at any of the public schools of the state. We commend this paper to the careful attention of parents and instructors, although its value is by no means limited to them. Dr. K. Hoegh, who has made a special study of Leprosy in this and adjoining states, and whose facilities for investigating this disease have been exceptionally favorable, has given the results of his studies and observations in a paper which also forms part of this report. While Dr. Hoegh does not think that there is any great danger to be feared ›rom the existence of Leprosy in this state, he yet recognizes te necessity for such isolation and care of lepers as shall in sure the community against all risks. The measures requisite for this purpose he would make a charge upon the relatives of lepers, or upon their own estates if they are possessed of any; but in the event of inability of these parties he suggests that the county is the proper authority to provide the means of seclusion, the local board of health having direct charge of the persons, under instructions to be given by the state board of health. Prof. W. W. Daniells also furnishes an article on The Sanitary Examination of Water. This paper briefly refers to the most approved methods of biological and chemical examination of water, but its chief design is to serve as a practical aid to such health officers and others as desire to know with reasonable certainty whether any given water supply is suitable for domestic use, and who are not able to secure these more elaborate examinations. Some of the more common and dangerous sources of contamination are referred to, and several of the simpler methods of testing water, to enable one to judge of its fitness for drinking purposes, are detailed. There is also presented in connection with this report, a compilation of the health laws of the state, which, it is General Report of the Board. believed, will be of service to boards of health, health officers and others who have frequent occasion to refer to these statutes. In their present state they are the product of many years of legislation, special acts having apparently been passed at times for local reason's and in some instances without sufficient reference to their bearing upon and relations to other laws already existing. As a result, they are in many points in a condition so confused that it is difficult to determine with precision the true intent of the legislature. A complete revision and codification of these laws in the interests of simplicity and clearness is very desirable; especially is the need felt for a clearer definition of the exact relations existing between local health boards and local governing bodies. A copy of a model sanitary code prepared by the board for adoption either as a whole or in part, or which may be used as a guide in the preparation of ordinances similar in character is also printed with this report. This code was prepared with much care, and after special study of similar codes proposed for adoption by the Boards of Health of other states as well as of numerous ordinances adopted in Wisconsin. It has already been adopted, wholly in some places, and in specially applicable portions in many others. The preparation and enforcement of suitable sanitary ordinauces is among the most important of the duties of local boards of health, and their adoption by both such boards and by the local governing bodies, whatever these may be, is a matter that should engage early attention. Finally, a large number of extracts from the correspondence of the board are presented, chiefly with the view of showing what is being done by health boards in different parts of the state. These letters have value also as manifesting the progress of thought in the direction of public General Report of the Board. sanitation, but for the opinions therein expressed the correspondents only are responsible. Very Respectfully, S. MARKS, J. T. REEVE, G. F. WITTER, W. W. DANIELLS, S. C. JOHNSON, B. O. REYNOLDS, K. HOEGH, State Board of Health. Secretary's Report. SECRETARY'S REPORT. To the State Board of Health and Vital Statistics: GENTLEMEN:-I have the honor to present the following report as your secretary and executive officer, covering the year ending October 31, 1888. The names and post office addresses of the gentlemen composing the board are as follows: K. Hoegh, La Crosse Prof. W. W. Daniells, Madison G. F. Witter, M.D., Grand Rapids Term expires 1st Monday in Feb., 1889. Term expires 1st Monday in Feb., 1895. Dr. Marks was re-elected president of the board at the annual meeting held in January last, and appointed the following standing and special committees: STANDING COMMITTEES. On Legislation - Drs. B. O. Reynolds, S. C. Johnson and K. Hoegh. On Finance - Prof. W. W. Daniels, Drs. G. F. Witter and B. O. Reynolds. On Printing and Stationery - Drs. J. T. Reeve, G. F. Witter and Prof. W. W. Daniells. SPECIAL COMMITTEES. On Leprosy in Wisconsin, Dr. K. Hoegh. On Typhoid Fever, the causes of its extension iu Wisconsin, and the means to be used in preventing its spread, Dr. S. C. Johnson. On the Hygiene of Trades and Manufactures, the dissemination of disease by the materials used and by employes; the danger to life and limb incident to the use of machinery of various kinds, and the means of avoiding such dangers; the employment of children in manufactories |