THE HUMAN MACHINE.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 14220, 18 February 1914, Page 3

THE HUMAN MACHINE.

VENTILATION AND EFFICIENCY

All’ IS MOTIVE-PO WEi;

That better results may he obtained from work in the open air than in an ill-ventilated room is a tact well known to most persons. 'The factors of efficiency are now being put to the mathematical test of figures, this particular one among them. Says American Medicine on its editorial page: “Dexter’s work on ‘Weather Inllneuees' was the first to prove that meteorological conditions affect us far more profoundly than we had imagined. We all long knew the nervous effects of 1 great disturbances, but it was a revelation to know that the minor changes also had appreciable remits. This kind, of work is now being earned on by Professor Ellsworth Huntington, of Yale University, whose writings have already attracted great attention front his originality ‘ and his power to analyse figures which are meaningless to others. Last but not least is the investigation of the loss of efficiency due to insanitary conditions in the workrooms. Winslow, of the College of the City of New York, has called the attention of manufacturers to the fact that if the above-mentioned investigators find that in a hot, sultry August day the output is less and of a poor quality, while it is far better in October, it is business folly to make the work-rooms so hot and stuffy as to resemble August dog-days. W'e fully expect that it will he proved to be a pay iug investment, in certain lines, to introduce cooling apparatus in such factories, so that the workers are kept in the best conditions for speed and accuracy. Our interest in the matter i» the influence' on public health. Every factor which is found to reduce efficiency certainly affects health adversely, and we are therefore sure to learn more about hygiene than we ever know before. Every improvement in factory conditions to increase efficiency will roffexly enhance health and reduce the number of breakdowns: We therefore urge physicians to take an active interest in these investigations, for they arc quite sure to find out why many of their patients got sack, though apparently living wholesome lives, (lure as well as prevention will become more certain. President Taft’s economy commission is said lo have found inefficiency due to the insanitary conditions in which clerks are compelled to work in the executive departments in Washington. We therefore urge factory-owners to investigate all such matters as room temperature, excess or deficiency of light, ventilation, the food of employees, and even their home conditions, for it will increase profits enormously if the workers arc made healthier. We particularly urge the Economy Com.mission to investigate the effects of long hours for clerks, for if the above-men-tioned investigators are not deceived, the (lovernment is losing very heavily through ihe errors committed by tired brains after four o’clock, and probably after three, in lines requiring keen attention—not to mention the nervous breakdowns resulting from straining jaded nerves to work when rest is imperative.’’