SECOND 
ANNUAL REPORT 
OF 
THE If. Y. SANITARY ASSOCIATION 
FOR THE YEAR ENDING DEC. 1860. 
Organized Jan. 1859. 
NEWYORK: 
ROBERT CRAIGHEAD, PRINTER. 
1860. SECOND ANNUAL REPORT 
OF THE 
NEWYORK SANITARY ASSOCIATION. 
FOB THE TEAE ENDING DEC. 6, 1860. 
In presenting the Report of the work undertaken by this 
Association during the second year of its history, the Council 
would refer to the Report of the previous year, for a concise 
statement of the plan of operations adopted and commenced 
under its direction. The labors that were begun during the 
first year, have been steadily advancing during the past 
twelve months, and the great objects of the Association have 
been kept steadily in view by those who have co-operated 
in its undertakings. Harmony and an increasing interest in 
the purposes and efforts of the Association have marked the 
history of the year now closing; and some progress has 
been made towards the accomplishment of the ultimate 
objects of our organization. 
The meetings of the Association have been regular]}*- kept 
up and well attended, and they have been characterized bv 
a steadily increasing interest. They have afforded the proper 
opportunities for a free interchange of thought, and the dis- 4 
SECOND ANNUAL REPORT OP THE 
(Mission of a great variety of practical questions relating to 
sanitary improvements and various departments of hygiene. 
Had our organization no other design, and did it fulfil no 
other end than this of inviting such open discussion and free 
interchanges of thought and the results of observation and 
O O 
study, this single object is of sufficient importance, and it 
is worthy to receive all the labors and interest that are 
required for maintaining the Association. Indeed, this con- 
stituted one of the several objects that induced the organi- 
zation of the friends of sanitary improvement. A wide- 
spread popular interest in, and a better knowledge of, the 
laws of life and health, are ends that cannot be attained 
without patient inquiry and free discussion. Hence the 
latter may justly be regarded as being only the means for 
the attainment of the more important and permanent ends 
of the Association, viz. the investigation and diffusion of 
useful knowledge relating to the health and welfare of the 
people. But the full attainment of such ultimate results 
necessarily contemplates and will require permanency of 
effort, and such a disinterestedness of purpose as will 
neither be relaxed nor thwarted by the difficulties and delays 
that are experienced in the work of sanitary and social 
improvement. 
The New York Sanitary Association must be regarded 
as a permanent organization, The human necessities and 
the philanthropic obligations which called it into existence, 
will continue so long as ignorance, neglect, and selfishness, 
continue to be the great producing causes of disease, suffer- 
ing, and demoralization, among the various classes of our 
fellow beings. It is believed that the plan and purposes of 
the Association are sufficiently flexible, and that its design 
and spirit possess the requisite scope and catholicity, to meet 
incidental as well as the constant demands and necessities 
for the co-operation of sanitary science and an enlightened NEW YORK SANITARY ASSOCIATION. 
5 
philanthropy in the promotion of personal and public 
hygiene. 
The labors of the Association during the present, as well 
as during the preceding year, have satisfactorily demonstrated 
its general adaptedness for a varied and harmonious applica- 
tion of its services. Though at this early period of its 
history the labors which have been committed to the various 
committees have been but partially matured, yet much good 
work has already been accomplished, a vast amount of labor 
performed, a great variety of inquiries instituted, and profit- 
able discussion awakened, as the following brief summary 
of the Association’s proceedings will show. 
SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS. 
In this abstract, taken from the Minutes of the Associa- 
tion, it is not proposed to refer to any of the incidental 
discussions and executive business of the several meetings, 
but only to the permanent and systematic undertakings of 
this body. 
The regular labors of the Association were spontaneously 
entered upon at the first meeting after its organization, by 
resolutions and discussions upon the following subjects : 
First, A request that the Council should submit a system 
of policy calculated to improve the general and local drain- 
age of the city. Second, A similar reference and request 
respecting the publication of a Journal of Health. Third, A 
committee was appointed to report upon the hygienic con- 
dition and physical education of infants and children in 
this city. 
In reference to the first of these propositions, the Council 
appointed the well known topographical engineer, Egbert 
L. Viele, Esq., to undertake the important work of investi- 
gation which the Association desired on the subject of sys- 
tematic and improved drainage. The proposition for the 6 
SECOND ANNUAL EEPOKT OF THE 
establishment of a periodical, to be exclusively devoted to 
sanitary and social improvement, is still under consideration, 
with a prospect of eventual success in making the press 
contribute more largely and effectually to the diffusion of 
practical information on this subject- The final report upon 
the third subject of inquiry has not yet been rendered; but 
the members of the Association, and thousands of our 
fellow-citizens, will long remember the verbal report that 
was made by the venerable chairman of that committee. 
The life and death scenes he reproduced from his personal 
observations left lasting impressions. 
But, without referring to results, our summary shows that 
the Association commenced the formation of a library of 
books relating to sanitary, social, and economical improve- 
ments ; that a committee was appointed to report on the 
cellar population of the city, and that in due time partial 
reports and interesting discussions were had upon that 
subject', that a committee was called to examine the Health 
Laws of the city and the State, and that much labor was 
bestowed upon that subject, and the preparation of plans for 
the improvement of those laws, or the establishment of a 
more comprehensive sanitary code ; that memorials were 
drafted by those committees, and numerously signed by 
members and their fellow-citizens, petitioning the Legisla- 
ture for such improvements in the laws; that special com- 
mittees were delegated to confer with legislators in reference 
to this subject, and that much progress was made towards 
the ultimate attainment of this desirable object; that, by a 
special committee, the Association has undertaken to pre- 
pare statistics and plans calculated to aid the extension of 
vaccination, and thereby diminish the ravages of small-pox / 
while at the same time another committee has stood in 
readiness to co-operate with legislators in plans for encou- 
raging; vaccination. 
Ocr 7 
The Third National Sanitary and Quarantine Convention 
having invited this Association to unite in the deliberations 
of that body, the call was responded to by a full representa- 
tion of delegates; and both in the Third and the Fourth 
Annual Sessions of that important organization, our local 
Association had the privilege of contributing largely to the 
interest and success of the deliberations of the National 
NEW YORK SANITARY ASSOCIATION. 
Sanitary Congress, 
Investigations respecting the adulteration of articles used 
for food have been assigned to a competent committee ; by 
a special committee, a most elaborate and practical Report 
has been made on the Condition of the Population in 
Tenement Houses in this city, and their effects upon their 
inmates; and during the year that valuable Report, as 
enlarged and published by its author, has been sent forth in 
large editions, in the form of that thrilling volume, “ Lost 
and Found,” 
At a large public meeting of the Association, a practical 
discourse on the Hygienic Influences and Uses of Sunlight 
was delivered by one of our members; and at the same 
meeting several stirring addresses were made, of which that 
by Hon. Erastus Brooks deserves especial mention, as it was 
published and widely circulated. 
The Association having requested Lieut. Viele to prepare 
a large topographical and hydrographical map of the city 
of New York, which should, in advance of his anticipated 
report on an effective system of drainage, serve to illustrate 
the importance of such a system, a special meeting of the 
Association was called for the purpose of listening to that 
distinguished engineer’s remarks, and viewing the illustra- 
tions he would make upon the subject. It was a meeting 
of peculiar interest, and Mr. Yiele’s paper was published, 
and extensively circulated by the daily press. At a sub- 
sequent meeting one of our medical associates presented 8 
SECOND ANNUAL REPORT OP THE 
an elaborate report upon the geology and medical topo- 
graphy of the twenty-second ward of this city. On 
another occasion, when the final report of the Com- 
mittee on tenement houses and their inmates was presented, 
it was observed that thirty clergymen, and a much larger 
number of physicians, were present, many of whom took 
part in the discussions of the meeting. Again the Associ- 
ation was favored with an elaborate essay, exhibiting sta- 
tistics, showing the percentage of pauperism in different 
countries, and the ratios of death at different ages. A 
committee was appointed to continue investigations upon 
this subject, which had been thus ably brought before the 
Association and the public, by the distinguished statistician, 
Dr. Wynne. At the next meeting a graphic x-eport of 
the eighth aldermanic district of this city was read, and, 
like Dr, Wynne’s, has since been copied throughout the 
United States. To Mr. E. T. Robbins, to the Venerable 
Dr. Francis, Rev. Dr. Bellows, Rev. T. L. Cuvier, Rev. 
Dr. Hague, Prof. Ordronaux, and many others, the Asso- 
ciation is likewise indebted for addresses of great inte- 
rest. 
At subsequent meetings various committees continued to 
report, in part, and several new ones have, from time to time, 
been appointed, among which are mentioned—committees to 
report upon the improper sale and use of poisons ; upon 
the sanitary relations of light; upon the hours of labor or 
exercise, study and rest; and another on the agency, inte- 
rests, and influence of woman in 'promoting improvements 
in domestic hygiene. These are examples—the evidences—of 
the purposes and spirit of the Association. And to this brief 
abstract of its proceedings might be added the sketch of 
personal labors, not only of particular members, but of 
various gentlemen who have casually become interested in 
the objects and efforts of this institution. Among the NEW YORK SANITARY ASSOCIATION. 
9 
latter class of friends may be named a large number of 
clergymen, physicians, and philanthropic citizens. 
From the foregoing sketch of the Association’s proceed- 
ings, it will be observed that a considerable variety of 
highly important subjects have been considered at the regu- 
lar sessions, and that investigations have been commenced 
by various committees upon many subjects of practical 
importance and public interest. This is but the commence- 
ment of labors for the promotion of sanitary improvements 
and the advancement of sanitary science. The rich fruits 
of such labors, we hope and believe, are to be enjoyed 
hereafter by entire communities; but in a peculiar and a 
very practical sense it will be found that the laborers for 
the health and happiness of their fellow creatures, will 
themselves be rewarded with personal and social benefits 
that they did not directly seek. He that promotes the 
health and happiness of his fellow men is doubly blessed, 
for by the same means that he employs to benefit his fellow 
beings, he becomes prepared to appreciate and promote his 
own and his family’s welfare ; and also as a natural conse- 
quence, in his philanthropic labors to protect and benefit 
his neighbor, however poor or degraded, he becomes bene- 
fited and protected in return. Illustrations of this truth 
will readily occur to every mind. Human society is full of 
evidences that— 
“ The quality of mercy is not strained ; 
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven 
Upon the place beneath; it is twice blessed; 
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes.” 
The incidental fruits of the discussions at our stated meet- 
ings are often of a strikingly interesting and instructive 10 
SECOND ANNUAL REPORT OE THE 
character. The following are among the many illustrations 
that may serve to impress upon our minds the practical 
importance and direct results of the discussions and sugges- 
tive reports and essays which the Association calls forth. 
The Principal of one of our largest schools was present at 
a meeting, when the importance and means of ventilation 
were discussed and illustrated ; and although he had for 
years been making improvements in the plans of ventilation 
in his school-rooms, he has recently remarked that the sug- 
gestions in that discussion immediately induced him to 
make a wiser use of his means for supplying pure air; so 
that since discussion the thousand children under his charge 
have enjoyed an abundant supply of fresh air—the ventila- 
tion having been improved simply in consequence of his 
own more intelligent and conscientious attention to the 
subject. Here we see a thousand children, and hundreds of 
families, have been directly and permanently benefited by 
this improvement; while the Principal and his assistants, 
by the same means, have procured for themselves the double 
advantage of salubrious air, and greater ease and enjoyment 
in their labors of instruction and school-room discipline. 
Again, a distinguished literary gentleman, who was pre- 
sent at a meeting when the hygienic importance of sunlight 
was under consideration, some time afterwards was heard to 
say, that by putting in practice the principles and sugges- 
tions of the essay and discussions of that occasion, his own 
nervous system and his mental and bodily powers had been 
greatly invigorated; and that if such teachings were enjoyed 
and regarded by sedentary persons, and all who lead an 
indoor life, they would reap advantages inestimable. 
The recent reports and discussions upon the disastrous 
consequences of marriages of consanguinity, have produced 
indelible impressions upon all who listened to them, and if 
that subject is brought fairly to the attention of families and NEW YORK SANITARY ASSOCIATION. 
11 
the masses of the people, the results of such reports aud dis- 
cussions will be experienced by unnumbered generations. 
And not less could be affirmed of certain questions con- 
nected with inebriety, narcotic excesses, aud certain specific 
causes of deterioration of the human race. And all these 
subjects invite extended inquiry and free discussion. 
As previously remarked, it. must be admitted that the 
incidental and immediate fruits of this Association’s efforts 
are such as amply to reward all the labor and time which 
it receives from its members. Yet it is manifest that the 
ultimate objects will be enriched by perennial and more 
abundant fruit. For the attainment of those objects we 
might consistently labor, and it would be our duty, even if 
no immediate, no incidental benefits, were conferred upon 
the community. The objects, the necessities, and the moral 
influences which called this Association into existence were, 
and they still continue to be, such as insure the perpetuity 
of its organization, its plans, and its labors. To promote the 
sanitary and social welfare of our fellow beings in this world 
will ever remain one of the first among Christian duties, and 
by every proper means it is the duty of every person to pro- 
mote the diffusion of practical knowledge, and seek the 
enactment and execution of proper laws for human improve- 
ment.* 
* The efforts put forth by this Association for the improvement of 
Health Laws will doubtless be crowned with success whenever the 
public mind becomes fully awakened to the importance of sanitary 
reforms. This department of labor in the Association has been placed 
in charge of competent committees, who have given to the subject 
their patient and continued attention; and it is believed that the 
outline of a Sanitary Code, which they have at last completed, after 
many months of inquiry and consultation, will be acceptable to the 
Legislature, and happily adapted to the practical wants of our metro- 
polis. But whatever may be the immediate results of this branch of 
their labors, it is the imperative duty of this Association not to relax 12 
SECOND ANNUAL REPORT OF THE 
Under a strictly democratic government, like that of our 
American States, where all laws and every feature of State 
polity spring directly from the people, reforms, improve- 
ments, and progress, whether in our social economy, or in 
the laws and affairs of state, do, almost without exception, 
its efforts to secure the enactment and execution of wholesome sanitary 
regulations in this vast centre of population and commerce. There is 
no other public organization among us that can undertake the work 
which has, from the very constitution of this Association, been thrown 
upon it to carry forward. But, while urged by all the claims of 
humanity and public economy to press forward these efforts, we 
heartily concur with the Association for Improving the Condition of 
the Poor, “that an enlightened public sentiment is the surest gua- 
rantee of the needed reformsand further, “ that the public, in the 
absence of such a sentiment, must share with the magistracy the 
responsibility for the existence and continuance of these great social 
evils. The power is in the people. Let them demand such reforms 
as the vital interests of the city require, and they will .come—not 
otherwise. No one, meanwhile, can consistently complain of the 
frightful waste of human life in this city, and its direful consequences, 
who does not regard the causes as specialties demanding his personal 
influence and co-operation with the public authorities for their correc- 
tion and removal.” 
That charitable association, which for seventeen years has annually 
canvassed all the pauvres faubourgs and the habitations of want in this 
city, has from year to year taken increasing interest in the questions 
of sanitary reforms and improved health laws, and the co-operation of 
that Association to secure such reforms is a fact full of significance 
and encouragement. 
Until recently, there appears to have been a general opinion, that in 
matters relating to health, in our American cities, all the private and 
public interests should be self-regulating, without the interposition of 
specific laws. But this erroneous opinion is now giving place to a 
sound public sentiment in favor of wholesome sanitary regulations. 
The Earl of Shaftesbury has recently remarked, that “ in America, 
sanitary arrangements are even more necessary than they are in 
England, because their larger towns are in great peril from evil cir- 
cumstances far excelling tlje worst of pqrs.” ' NEW YORK SANITARY ASSOCIATION. 
13 
originate with individuals, and with the people in their 
primary and voluntary associations. Laws and public mea- 
sures for the benefit of the people, do not usually spring 
spontaneously from the wisdom and goodness of our Jein’s- 
lators, nor are the laws and public measures of our self- 
governing States apt to be servile transcripts from those of 
other countries. Public measures and our statutes, no less 
than social and private improvements among us, originate 
with the people, either in their individual or associated 
capacity. Self-interest and a conscientious sense of personal 
duty usually determine the introduction both of physical 
and social improvements, and to these powerful motives we 
may always safely appeal. 
Acting in view of this obvious truth, the friends of sanitary 
have undertaken a work that is doubtless as 
practicable as it is necessary—viz. the improvement of the 
sanitary condition of the people, and, so far as connected 
therewith, the advancement of their economic and moral 
interests : 
First, By promoting the investigation of facts and prin- 
ciples relating to personal, domiciliary, and public Hygiene ; 
Second, By diffusing information on the laws of health and 
life, and the best means for their application. 
It will be recollected by many of the members of the 
Association that the earnest desire of the friends of reform, 
for the diffusion of information and the increase of popular 
interest upon this subject, led to our public organization for 
this specific purpose. Providentially this organization was 
placed upon a basis or plan that invited the co-operation and 
sympathies of various classes in the community ; and in ful- 
filling the great objects of the Association, as above quoted 
from its Constitution, such a basis will doubtless be found 
well adapted to its philanthropic design. 
The preceding summary of proceedings shows that the 14 
SECOND ANNUAL REPORT OE THE 
Association’s work of investigation in the several branches 
of personal, domiciliary, and public hygiene, has been fairly 
commenced. But the Council recommend that the members 
of the Association be advised to pursue their labors of inves- 
tigation and inquiry to greater completeness, when prac- 
ticable; and that the reports of the committees be carefully 
prepared and attentively studied by the authors, previously 
to being presented ; and that in cases which admit of ren- 
dering a report in parts or sections, such parts be presented 
from time to time, for discussion by the Association, in order 
to keep up a general interest upon the subjects under con- 
sideration by committees, andjalso for tiie purpose of eliciting 
facts and suggestions from the members. 
r such works are, in-a peculiar sense, it labors of 
love,” we believe that both the laborer and the objects of tSP 
labor will derive the greatest advantages when we faithfully 
observe the good proverb, “ What’s worth doing at all is 
worth doing well.” 
The Council have deemed it to be their duty to state that 
in their opinion it is desirable that the various investigations 
and inquiries that have been commenced, or that are con- 
templated, should be pressed forward systematically and in 
earnest, until full and practical reports upon the various 
sanitary questions shall be brought fully before the people.* 
* The National Association for the Promotion of Social Science, 
which was organized in England during the year 1856, has already 
demonstrated the vast utility of a popular association for promoting 
and systematizing the inquiries and efforts of philanthropic and scien- 
tific minds in works for human improvement. And it is a notable 
fact that the investigation and discussion of sanitary questions are 
among the most prominent themes that engage the attention of that 
vast association of political economists, savants, and divines. At the 
first Annual Meeting of that body, there were thirty-six elaborate 
contributions presented upon questions directly connected with NEW YORK SANITARY ASSOCIATION. 
15 
The second great object of Association, as previously- 
quoted from the Constitution, though secondary in the 
natural order of sequence in the progress of our labors, is 
really of primary importance in the work to be accomplished 
by this organization. The general diffusion of knowledge 
relating to the laws of Life and Health, together with prac- 
tical instruction respecting the best means of their appli- 
cation, is unquestionably the most important object of the 
Association; and we believe the time has arrived when 
comprehensive plans and systematic efforts should be brought 
into operation for the wide diffusion of such information, and 
for universal and practical applications of such knowledge. 
The precise plans and agencies by which this department of 
kibor may -mo'st advantageously be prosecuted*-are yet to be 
determined. But it cannot be doubted that there will be 
found ample ways and means for the- accomplishment of 
such good works of philanthropy and social economy. 
To the educated classes the way of access is ever open. 
The press, the active spirit of inquiry, and an enlightened 
recognition of religious obligation to promote personal and 
public purity, cheerfulness, and health, constitute the best 
agencies that can be brought to bear upon this subject. 
But to the uneducated and the poor this gospel of health 
must be carried. To the lowest classes the lessons of health 
and social economy must be taught by specially qualified 
•missionaries off health and social improvement. Friendly 
instruction must also be made a constant attendant, and 
auxiliary—of all our charities to those classes. The sugges- 
tive card of plain directions and advice on those daily 
practices which relate to Domestic- Economy and Health 
should be hung up in every tenement home of the poor, and 
Hygiene, and a still larger number upon practical questions connected 
with social economy. Their published proceedings make annual 
volumes of seven or eight hundred pages. 16 
SECOND ANNUAL REPORT OP THE 
should invariably accompany all our almsgiving, and should 
also be made to accompany the ordinary payments of wages 
for labor performed by the poorer classes, to serve as an 
insurance for their prudent disbursement, as well as to 
encourage sanitary and social improvements.* 
The precise plan and various methods which may be 
most happily adapted for the good work of diffusing specific 
information and friendly counsel upon this subject, are yet 
to be presented and put into operation; but the work will 
not be difficult of .accomplishment, for the poor and the 
ignorant are peculiarly accessible when approached with the 
right spirit, and with really practicable suggestions for the 
improvement of their condition. And it is hoped that dur- 
ing the ensuing year this Association will be enabled suc- 
cessfully to devise and prosecute measures for this desirable 
purpose. We may, at least, safely follow the good example 
of the British Association for the Diffusion of Sanitary 
Science, in the work of preparing and distributing cheap 
and attractive publications, giving plain advice, and simple 
practical rules respecting ventilation, lighting, heating, 
cleanliness, household economy, and personal health, etc. 
We are engaged in a progressive work that will for ever 
be presenting philanthropic minds with fresh incentives and 
* An institution having these and other objects in view was a few 
years ago organized, and is at present in successful operation, in Eng- 
land, under the title of the “Ladies’ National for the 
Diffusion of Sanitary Knowledge.” By means of health tracts, special 
instruction of mothers, nurses, and governesses, cheap publications, and 
popular lectures upon domestic hygiene, that Association is doing a vast 
amount of good in an unostentatious and highly acceptable manner. 
It is believed that there exists a wide field in which the ladies of 
New York might successfully co-operate with the Sanitary Associa- 
tion in establishing an institution similar to that above referred to. 
In no other city is there greater need of instructing the lower classes 
in the science of common life and the principles of Domestic Hygiene. new aspects, and that will always call forth earnest efforts 
and fervent desires for the moral and the physical elevation 
of our fellow-beings. Our earlier labors have been directed 
principally to the investigation of simple facts, and to the 
preparation of plans and means for effectually accomplishing 
the ultimate objects of the Association; and we believe that 
all who have engaged in these efforts have become perma- 
nently interested in those objects, and will continue to labor 
with increasing intelligence for human improvement. 
NEW YORK. SANITARY ASSOCIATION. 
During this first period of the Association’s history, it 
was to be expected that its real objects and essential design 
would be peculiarly liable to be misapprehended, and, by 
men accustomed to judge all things by mercenary and self- 
ish standards, there might have been misrepresentations; 
but it is a gratifying fact that this Association has been 
very kindly regarded by all classes of good men in this city, 
and throughout our country. The organization was at first 
regarded as an experiment, which might not prove successful, 
however laudable its purposes; but we are now permitted 
to rejoice in the prospect of its permanent and substantial 
usefulness. 
The Association now numbers upwards of two hundred 
and fifty members. It includes a large proportion of names 
which have long been known among the friends of human 
improvement. The professions of Medicine, Law, Public 
Instruction, and Divinity, and all the callings of commercial 
and industrial life, are fairly represented in the membership. 
The wealthiest and oldest of our citizens have not stood 
aloof from sympathy and co-operation with the Association, 
nor has any class of honest men been excluded from partici- 
pation in its deliberations. Providence has beneficently 
prospered our organization during this first period of its his- 
tory ; and now, with grateful and strong hearts, we may 
hopefully and humbly press forward the labors that are 18 
SECOND ANNUAL REPORT. 
already begun, and also enter upon the execution of the 
great practical works which constitute the ultimate objects 
of the New York Sanitary Association.