THE OPEN WINDOW.

Mataura Ensign, 16 August 1906, Page 4

THE OPEN WINDOW.

in 'his Nobel lecture at Stockholm at the end of last year, on "How the l"ig'ht against Tuberculosis Now Stands," Professor • It. Koch pointed out that different countries have in the past endeavored to deal with the problem in different ways, but lately there had been a tendency towards a greater uniformity in the methods recommended. He referred to infection hospitals for the segregation of advanced cases, siuuitoriums, and "euro stations" as the heavv artillery in the battle against tuber'sulosis. Of thej importance oi notification, even of compulsory notification, he spoke in the strongest terms, insisting that it should be introduced everywhere. The [ "care stations" are dispensaries after the manner suggested by Professor Culmette for the special purpose of assisting cases too advanced for sanatorium treatment (which is obtainable elsewhere) ; but the patient is visited at his own home, instruction and advice are given as to cleanliness and disinfection of the 'sputum, while, some supervision of the family is undertaken, even in the matter of the supply of suitable provisions, fuel, and other necessaries in the case of the very poor. There are now fifty of these institutions in Germany, and Professor Koch regards them as one of the most powerful means of comjbialing the disease. Commenting on Professor Koch's lecture, the 'Lancet' remarks that ii will bo seen that the methods in vogue in Germany are now very similar in principle to those recommended in Great Britain. While, however, it is admitted on all hands that these general measures are of great, and vital importance, it should not be ignored that there is still room for improvement in regard to domestic and personal hygiene in ordinary homes, notably in respect to ventilation. In this connection, it is to be remarked that a movement, has just been started, called tho Open Air League, which has for its object to educate the public respecting the advantages of the open window, to promote tho establishment of sanitoriums for the poor, to assist in the care, and employment of patients after treatment, and to advocate open-air methods for school and public buildings, Theso are all worthy objects, deserving of. the assistance and support of those who are interested in the public weal, and are deserving of as muen attention in this colony and in this district as elsewhere. That the introduction of sanatorium methods, the 'Lancet' says, has done much to popularise the open window is certain, but there is still much to be done in this respect, anil the Open Air League proposes to employ lectures, pamphlets, and skilled house-to-house visitation for this purpose.