AN EPIDEMIC OP PHTHISIS. An Epidemic of Phthisis is reported by Marfan, who observed fourteen deaths from among twenty-two employes in an office during five years. The cases are traced to oue emat ploye who, forty years, died of phthisis, after twenty-four years' employment. He coughed and expectorated a great deal for three years. The office occupied by these men only admitted 10 cubic meters air for each individual; ventilation and light were bad. The floor was uneven, full of crevices and cracks, and was not kept clean. All employes spat upon the floor. The author has no doubt that tubercle bacilli were present in the dust arising from sweeping done in the presence of the employes. He was prevented from demonstrating this fact, because the place had been thoroughly swept when he called. The predisposing element of poverty (the small incomes), and in hygienic dwellings, doubtless played an important role.? JV. Med. Presse.? The Times and Register, \4ith December 1889.
