Bacteriology and Sanitation

by Kate Lenart, MA
In the collection of the Delaware Academy of Medicine, we have a book “Bacteriology and Sanitation,” copyright 1909 (see Figure 1a, Figure 1b, and Figure 1c). Science was able to assess the presence of malaria-infected mosquitos, and prescribe a course of action – proper paving and drainage (see Figure 2) – to remedy the spread of malaria. This is an excellent example of the preventive intersection of planning and public health, with a clear health benefit.

Figure 1a. Bacteriology and Sanitation, 1909

Figure 1b. Inside Cover, Bacteriology and Sanitation, 1909

Figure 2. Paving and Drainage methods to decrease malaria transmission

(Originally appeared in DJPH, CREATING HEALTH COMMUNITIES – THE INTERSECTION OF PLANNING AND PUBLIC HEALTH (V4, I2)