University of Virginia Library

SANITARY APPLIANCES.

On two occasions in the history of the University its doors
have been closed by explosions of the malady characteristic
of the Piedmont region—typhoid fever. The tragical story
of these epidemics is made more pathetic by the fact that the
wisest physicians of the day were profoundly ignorant of the
causes of the malady and unable to prevent its recurrence.

One of the great triumphs of modern medicine has been the
detection of the causes and the discovery of the remedy.
Acting upon this discovery the University has provided for
itself a copious supply of the purest water, conducted in underground
pipes from a mountain reservoir five miles distant;
has put in a complete system of impervious sewers which
convey all excreta and human wastes at once from the premises;
removes all kitchen wastes daily from the buildings;
permits no horses nor cattle within the precincts, and in all
things exercises a scrupulous cleanliness. The result is, that
since these precautions have been taken, no case of typhoid
or dysentery has originated within the precincts of the University.
Perseverance in them may be relied on to eliminate
these two grave dangers to public health in this region.
The situation of the University ensures it at the same time
against malarial maladies. So that its sanitary condition
seems to be as good as human care and foresight can make it.