RUSSELL LECTURES ON PREVENTIVE MEDICINE

In a free public lecture, on "Progress in Preventive Medicine," given at the Medical School yesterday afternoon. Dr. Frederick F. Russell, professor of Preventive Medicine and Epidemiology, gave a detailed analysis of the achievement to date in the field of vaccination and state controlled health measures, and pointed to the particular fields in which there was room for additional work.

Confining himself largely to the problems of Massachusetts, Dr. Russell reported that smallpox, once dreaded above all diseases, has now been beaten to a standstill. Thanks to universal application of the Jenner vaccine, introduced in 1800, the disease has very nearly disappeared from the State, the last small pox death occurring over five years ago.

So it was with other diseases, whooping cough, diphtheria, typhoid and tuberculosis, although these would be still further diminished if sweeping reforms, such as compulsory pasteurization of milk could be brought about.

Dr.Russell, who was formerly Director of the International Health Division of the Rockefeller Foundation, pointed out, however, that this region was singularly fortunate, for not only were State laws rigorously enforced, but climatic conditions were especially favorable to the preparation and preservation of preventive medicines.

As a note of warning, however, Dr. Russell pointed out that until preventive steps are taken the world over, every community is in danger of having disease brought into its midst by travellers and tourists, and can never afford to relax its vigilance.