Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 9.djvu/504

 486 THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY

fiscating whole calves that are found to fall below the minimun weight of forty-five pounds when dressed, or lambs which were killed when less than eight weeks old. All meat must also be sold only under the proper conditions provided for by the Sanitary Code, 1 and it is made the duty of all persons who know of unsound food being sold anywhere within the city to report the fact to the Department of Health or one of its officers.

Early in 1902 many of the public markets were found to be in a generally unsanitary condition, and Commissioner Lederle ordered that hereafter these be carefully inspected. In some cases the president of the borough of Manhattan and the Comp- troller were notified that the markets would be closed and ordered vacated unless they were properly repaired.

In New York the Department of Health undertakes weekly inspection and analysis of the city water supply, the results of which are published in its weekly reports. In this way the public is always informed as to the general condition of its drinking water, and the danger of pollution carefully guarded against. In 1902, for the first time, an elaborate investigation was made of the methods and conditions under which carbon- ated waters were being made and sold in the city.

About one hundred and forty manufactories in Manhattan were inspected. In many instances they were in tenement houses, cellars and stables. There was a lack of proper drainage, and the ceiling and walls were covered thickly with ancient accumulations of dust. Orders were issued that carbonated waters should not be made in any part of a tenement house or stable which was not entirely separated from the rest of the building; that in all plants for the manufacture of carbonated water proper ventilation should be pro- vided; that all tanks and receptacles for water or for syrups which some of these manufactories make should be kept clean and have suitable covers; that bottles should be washed in a solution of washing-soda or other alkaline substance; that the floors should be water-tight and connected with the sew- ers; that ceilings, floors, and walls should be kept clean; that the water used should be pure. Every manufacturer is required to swear to a statement setting forth the sanitary condition of his premises, the source of his water supply, and its chemical and bacteriological analysis. Unless these conditions are complied with no permit to do business is granted. 2

1 For the provisions of the code regarding all kinds of food see sees. 44-56.

9 The Health Department of the City oj New York, published by the City Club, IQ02, p. 22.