Manawatu Herald. THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 1891. Germs.

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, Issue III, 15 January 1891, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 1891. Germs.

At all times cleanliness is needful, but in summer more especially so. The investigations of the scientists Pasteur and Koch have revealed to our eyes and knowledge that which, though always in existence, has been unknown. The more one reads about these discoveries the more one is confirmed of man's littleness, but through all we see the absolute need of great care and watchfulness. The germs are many and various. Of the order of Cocci, or dots, there are eighty named varieties ; of the ovals, or Bacteria, there are fifty varieties ; of the rods, or Bacilli, there are forty varieties ; and of the spirals and irregular shapes, there are thirty varieties. In quoting these particulars, we do not do so to instil fear, but to brinpf 1 efore the eye and mind, that in ouvsc lyes, in the soil on which we tread, in the air we breathe, and in the fcod and water we eat and drink,

'IS Untold life, which, under healthy surroundings, pursues the even tenor of its ways, but ready at the very first chance to prey upon the sick. We are informed that in our system a constant battle wages between tlie bacteria and our blood cells, and in a healthy person the blood easily becomes the victor." However, as the bacteria are present, they are ready at any moment to increase, given an opportunity, and as they increase at the rate of one hundred thousand an hour, and in some cases at the rate of one million an hour, it is necessary to take every precaution to preserve healths We urge upon householders to see to the cleanliness of their back yards, to be particular as to the water they drink, and above all to leave no reeking mass of corrupting vegetation lying about. It is most strongly recommended that in summer no liquid should be taken that had not previously been boiled half an hour, and that those having to approach possible infection should not do so on an empty stomach. Dirt, either breathed, swallowed, or received through a wound, produces blood poisoning, keep clear of dirt and we shall keep olear of blood poisoning, and thus our blood cells will be assisted in their continual battle. Thus have these patient investigators laid before us the actual actions that produce disease, and, being warned, We should be careful to accept their statements and protect ourselves according to their guidance. A little thought will save a great ill.