A national sanitary question : new entozootic malady : observations on the probably introduction of this formidable disease, and on the almost inevitable increase of parasitic diseases in general, as a consequence of the proposed extensive utilization of sewage / by T. Spencer Cobbold.

  • Cobbold, T. Spencer (Thomas Spencer), 1828-1886.
Date:
1865
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A national sanitary question : new entozootic malady : observations on the probably introduction of this formidable disease, and on the almost inevitable increase of parasitic diseases in general, as a consequence of the proposed extensive utilization of sewage / by T. Spencer Cobbold. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The Royal College of Surgeons of England. The original may be consulted at The Royal College of Surgeons of England.

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    reports, provided only adequate remuneration be forthcoming. An active ignoramus thus employed would in his ovm person forcibly represent the pecuhar charms of parasitic life. Perhaps it will be thought that the foregoing observations have been penned in a spirit hostile to the interests of those commercial gentlemen who are hkely to be concerned in the process of utilizing sewage in accordance with one or other of the proposed schemes. Such an idea, if it exists, should at once be discarded. For my own part, I regard the evidence as to the agricultural value of sewage as perfectly conclusive; but after having laboured incessantly, for years, with the view of making myself practically and scientifically acquainted with the origin and developement of parasites, I have ventured to think myself entitled to express my opinions on this subject pubhcly, and without reserve. Moreover, in this connection, I am taking a perfectly legitimate course; for, again and again, I have sought to bring this subject before the people through other recognized channels estabhshed for the diffusion of scientific and general knowledge. I have not, however, yet obtained a hearing. Doubtless a thorough, deep-rooted, and almost universal contempt for parasites has operated to prevent my carrying out my wishes on this score ; nevertheless, I am not discouraged, but beheve that, before very long, the leading men of our pubhc institutions will eschew their previous fastidious- ness, wiU be convinced that the social advantages to be derived from the dehvery of pubhc lectures on the subject are calculated to do more than counterbalance the (imaginary) disagreeable effects hitherto anticipated from this source, will cordially enter inta the views here enunciated, and will thus finally confer upon the people a lasting benefit. Should this result be achieved, my foremost thought will be one of gratitude to Heaven that an arduous professional study, of more than twenty years’ duration, will not have been totally unproductive of good to those whose attention is sohcited at the commencement of this hrocJmre. T. SPENCER COBBOLD. 39, Norland Square, Notting mil, W. December 23rd, 1864.