recorded in every state in the Union. The subject of drinkingwater for the school children is exceedingly important to every parent.

PRIVIES.

The most abominable and disgraceful condition of affairs that could well be imagined, exists in connection with this subject. Fourteen houses have nothing of the kind. In one hundred and three districts there is only one privy, and that is common to both

In sixty districts the condition is reported bad, in sixteen as fair, and the remainder are either classed as good or are not mentioned at all. In thirty-six districts the privy is connected with the house; in nine they are in the shed; in nine less than five feet distant from the house, in thirty-three less than ten feet, in fifteen less than fifteen feet, in twenty-three less than twenty feet, while the remainder are at varying distances above this figure.

OFFENSIVE NUISANCES

exist near the schoolhouse in sixteen districts, exclusive of the district privy which is not infrequently reported as a nuisance. In one instance the schoolhouse formed one side of a hog-pen. Stables, barnyards, swamps, etc., generally constitute the nuisances mentioned.

STRUCTURE, LOCATION, ETC.

Fourteen houses are constructed of brick and one hundred and sixty-two of wood. Ten only have cellars. Twenty are upon damp or swampy sites, or are so situated that water stands beneath them after rains.

DOORS.-LAW VIOLATED.

In 1875 the legislature passed a law requiring the doors of all schoolhouses afterward constructed to be swung outward. The survey shows that of the number reported, twenty-five were constructed since the date above mentioned. Of these twentyfive only five are constructed as required by law, twenty having been built in violation of its requirements.

PHYSIOLOGY AND HYGIENE.

Fifty-nine teachers report that physiology is taught in their schools. Twenty-six, however, have only one pupil each pursuing the study. The total number reported as studying this branch is one hundred and eighty-one, while the total number of pupils aggregates over twenty-two hundred. Twelve teachers, in addition to the above, teach it orally.

In concluding this brief presentation of facts, I would say that a definite plan for measures to remedy these conditions will probably be presented by this board to the next legislature. By that time we shall have completed the survey throughout the state, and shall be in possession of the most complete information regarding our schoolhouses that has ever been secured. That something should be done to give the school children of our state a better protection against unsanitary evils, is plainly to be seen.

CHRONIC LEAD POISONING

FROM DRINKING WATER CONVEYED THROUGH A LEAD PIPE.

BY FREDERICK W. JONES, M. D., NEW IPSWICH, N. H.

While diagnosing a case in an adjoining state during the fall of 1885, my attention was called to a feeble and cachectic-looking lady seated in a corner of the room, crouched down in her chair like a cripple. When introduced she did not rise, and but scarcely changed her troubled countenance.

On making inquiries the next day in regard to her condition, she said, "I have rheumatism. Pains commence at times in my bowels and radiate over the abdomen and chest; I also have pains in my limbs."

Finding that she had obstinate constipation, with abdominal tenderness and pain, a bad breath, a metallic taste in her mouth, and a cachexia indicative of slow poison, I asked her to exhibit her tongue. After examining it, I turned the lips over the gums and found the marked lead line extending from the incisors to the last molars on each jaw. I immediately said, “Your case is one of lead poisoning." She exhibited great surprise, saying, "I have rheumatism, and have been treated for it, only leaving my house one week ago on account of increased illness and inability to labor."

I ascertained that the lady had been sick about one year, had drank water brought through a two-inch lead pipe by pumping from a well, situated five rods away. Her sister, who had been occupying the same house, had been ill for three years, also

unable to do any work during this time. Her mother had died in the same house since the lead pipe had been in use. A relative, who was very healthy, had visited them each year during her vacation, and after leaving always felt exceedingly unwell, which she attributed to her extra exertions for those who were unwell in the house.

I analyzed a sample of the water,—most beautiful to the eye, and possessing the clearness of a diamond. The presence of lead was revealed. I now discovered that I possessed the secret in full, and that there could be no mistaken diagnosis, for I had found cases of chronic lead poisoning. I gave the usual remedies for lead poisoning, and in a few weeks the lady improved so much that she was able to do the housework for the family.

Let us as physicians make special investigations in all these obscure cases which are often overlooked in the busy routine of a medical practitioner's life. I firmly believe that a large number of persons are now suffering in our state and all parts of New England from chronic lead poisoning, due to drinking water conveyed through lead pipes. My father, Dr. Frederic Jones, a few years ago found three persons in one family sick with lead colic.

WATER-WORKS OF ROCHESTER.*

BY J. F. SPRINGFIELD, C. E., ROCHESTER, N. H.

Although the inhabitants of Rochester for many years have felt the need and necessity of a better supply of water than that attainable from its shallow and surface-draining wells, yet whenever the outlay required for such improvements over the old methods was considered, “such luxuries," as they were called by the non-progressive individual, were, until very recently, never regarded as indispensable.

The nature of the soil is such that all liquid waste and impurities of all sorts contained therein would inevitably find their way into the wells before there had been sufficient filtration to arrest this foreign matter, which is so detrimental to the health of the

consumer.

The subject of a water supply had long been talked of and discussed by the more enterprising citizens of the town, but it was not until about ten years ago that the idea seemed to meet with sufficient favor and approval to warrant its public consideration.

A little later than the above date an act was passed in the state legislature granting to the town the right of bringing in water for the domestic uses of its inhabitants; but on account of some

*This extensive and complete history of the Rochester water-works, prepared by Mr. J. F. Springfield for his own use, but through whose courtesy we are able to present to the public, s of great value to any town contemplating the construction of a public water supply. Besides its mportance as a history of what Rochester has done for the good of her people in supplying an abundance of good water, thereby rendering it possible for her citizens to abandon wells that, if not already polluted, are in danger, the specifications, etc., will be of great assistance in indicating to other water companies a safe and proper method of procedure. [Secretary.