The relation of the Panama Canal to the introduction of yellow fever into Asia : A paper read before the Epidemiological Society of London / by Dr. Patrick Manson, C.M.G., F.R.S., medical advisor to H.M. Colonial Office, ex-president of the Epidemiological Society.

  • Patrick Manson
Date:
1903
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: The relation of the Panama Canal to the introduction of yellow fever into Asia : A paper read before the Epidemiological Society of London / by Dr. Patrick Manson, C.M.G., F.R.S., medical advisor to H.M. Colonial Office, ex-president of the Epidemiological Society. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    efficiency, the organisation should he altogether independent of the local Canal functionaries ; it must be liberally subsidised; its official head must be responsible to the Secretary of State in Washington, or other central authority, and his position should be such as to secure him freedom of action and freedom from interference by the local authority. The funds might be provided by a special toll on ships using the Canal, or by a pro rata contribution from the Asiatic governments interested. The chief of the sanitary staff must, of course, be an American citizen—such a man as Gorgas—possessed of ability, experience, energy, independence of character, and, above all, imbued with a thorough belief in the efficacy of anti-mosquito measures. The details of the staff might be selected from those nationalities whose .ships are most likely to use the Canal. That is, in rough outline, the scheme I have in my mind. The particular methods that would be employed to clear ships of mosquitoes can be easily devised after a little experience of the local conditions. I would suggest that every ship on arrival at the eastern end of the Canal be boarded by at least two sanitary officers, who, during the passage of the waterway, would clear her of mosquitoes. Before she puts to sea again at Panama, one or more inspecting officers should board her, and assure themselves that the work has been effectually carried out. As a supplementary measure, I would suggest that the banks of the Canal, for at least half a mile back, and on both sides, should be cleared of jungle and mosquito pools. The American people have always—and more especially of late years—shown themselves alive to the value of scientific discovery. They have been prompt, indeed usually the first, to apply it in practice. I have, therefore, very little doubt that the American Government will do all in its power, by anti-mosquito means, to render the making and working of the Canal as little dangerous to those engaged as possible. Not to mention humanitarian considerations, it is the interest of America to do so. But, apart from trade, America has little direct interest in Asia, and we have no right to expect that she will regard the health of the peoples of that Continent as specially in her keeping. It is otherwise with Great Britain. Our stake in Asia is an enormous one ; our duty to our fellow subjects there is a very manifest one, and the duty of our rulers to guard our
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