tempted to write an additional chapter upon venereal diseases, but have refrained from treating this unsavoury topic. I may, however, be permitted to quote here from the concluding paragraph of my "Lomb Prize Essay," upon Disinfection and Personal Prophylaxis against Infectious Diseases, published by the American Public Health Association in 1886:

"This chapter might be greatly extended, but, having passed in review the principal measures of individual prophylaxis against those infectious diseases which are most fatal, we shall not dwell upon precautions to be taken in other contagious diseases. These precautions will not differ from those already recommended in the cases of smallpox and scarlet fever. So, too, in regard to the infectious skin diseases. These are communicated by personal contact, and rarely occur except among those who neglect personal cleanliness as well as other sanitary laws. Soap and water will generally suffice for individual prophylaxis. By avoiding filthy persons as well as filthy places, the danger of contracting these and certain other unmentionable infectious diseases will be reduced to a minimum."

G. M. S.

2144 CALIFORNIA AVENUE,

WASHINGTON, June 10, 1903.