Chapter I: Preface

This is the first occasion on which, on the special lines indicated in this book, any adequate attempt has been made in this or any other country to deal with the conduct of trades and other occupations in respect to the dangers to life and health to which the workers are liable.

The subject is year by year engrossing more of the attention of the public, and this has been evinced in many ways, _e.g._, in the amount of space devoted by the Press to the subject of leadless-glaze in pottery, and to the manufacture of matches without phosphorus, etc.

The increasing interest displayed by the public in social affairs has led to a corresponding desire for accurate information as to the condition in which their fellow-men and women live and work. This volume is a response to a widely-expressed demand for a true and authoritative statement on this important subject--a subject which concerns thousands upon thousands of our fellow country-people.

The field covered by “Dangerous Trades and Occupation Diseases” is a very wide one, and, as there is no one person competent to deal adequately with the whole, it has been found desirable to engage the co-operation of experts on the various trades with which the volume treats.

In carrying out this scheme, an enormous amount of information which has hitherto been unrecorded or inaccessible has been brought into focus and made available for reference.

The language employed has been kept as free as possible from technicalities. It is confidently believed that this volume will be of considerable value, not only to medical men, whose practice brings them into contact with the working classes, to Certifying Factory Surgeons, Factory Inspectors, and employers of labour, but also to the educated public and to professional men interested in the hygienic side of industrial problems and in occupation diseases. It is hoped also that it will be of assistance to members of both Houses of Parliament.

Whilst congratulating myself on my good fortune in securing the assistance of many distinguished and able specialists, I take this opportunity of expressing my warmest thanks to Dr Whitelegge, Dr Morison Legge, Miss A. M. Anderson, and especially to Commander Hamilton Smith, R.N., of the Factory Department of the Home Office, for their help in various ways, and to all my contributors for their ready acquiescence and loyal support.

THOMAS OLIVER.

NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE,
_March 1902_.

LIST OF CONTENTS

PAGE

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION. By THOMAS OLIVER, M.D., F.R.C.P., 1

CHAPTER II

HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF LEGISLATION FOR
INJURIOUS AND DANGEROUS INDUSTRIES IN ENGLAND. By
Miss A. M. ANDERSON, _H.M. Principal Lady Inspector of
Factories_, 24

Special Rules for Injurious Occupations--Appendix.

CHAPTER III

REGULATION OF INJURIOUS OR DANGEROUS OCCUPATIONS IN FACTORIES
AND WORKSHOPS IN SOME OF THE CHIEF EUROPEAN
COUNTRIES. By Miss A. M. ANDERSON, 44

CHAPTER IV

PRINCIPLES OF PROSPECTIVE LEGISLATION FOR DANGEROUS TRADES.
By H. J. TENNANT, M.P., _Chairman late Dangerous Trades
Committee_, 63

CHAPTER V

INFANT MORTALITY AND FACTORY LABOUR. I.--By Mrs H. J.
TENNANT. II.--By GEORGE REID, M.D., D.P.H., _Medical Officer
of Health, Staffordshire County Council_, 73

CHAPTER VI

CHILD LABOUR. By Miss MARGARET M’MILLAN, _Member of School
Board, Bradford_, 90

CHAPTER VII

HOME-WORK. By A. BALLANTYNE, 98

CHAPTER VIII

THE PHYSIOLOGY AND PATHOLOGY OF WORK AND FATIGUE. By
THOMAS OLIVER, M.D., F.R.C.P., 104

CHAPTER IX

MORTALITY OF OCCUPATIONS. By JOHN TATHAM, M.A., M.D.,
F.R.C.P., _General Register Office, Somerset House, London_, 118

CHAPTER X

DUST-PRODUCING OCCUPATIONS. By JOHN TATHAM, M.A., M.D.,
F.R.C.P., _General Register Office, Somerset House, London_, 134

Potter, Earthenware, China Manufacture--Cutlers,
Scissor-makers--File-cutters--Glassmakers--Copper-workers--Iron
and Steel Workers--Zinc-workers--Lead-workers--Stone
Quarriers--Brass-workers--Gunsmiths--Chimney Sweeps, Soot
Merchants--Textile-workers--Wool, Worsted Manufacturers--Other
Workers in Dusty Trades--Effects of Breathing Foul
Air: Bookbinders, Printers; Musicians; Hatters; Hairdressers;
Tailors; Drapers, Manchester Warehousemen;
Shoemakers--The Mining Industry: Coal Miners; Ironstone-mining;
Copper Miners; Tin Miners--Mortality of Unoccupied
and Occupied Men.

CHAPTER XI

THE DISEASES OF SOLDIERS AT HOME AND ABROAD. By JOHN R.
DODD, M.D., F.R.C.S., D.P.H., _Lieutenant-Colonel Royal Army
Medical Corps_, 166

CHAPTER XII

HEALTH IN THE MARINE SERVICE. By WILLIAM COLLINGRIDGE,
M.A., M.D., F.R.C.S., D.P.H. (Camb.), _Medical Officer of Health,
City of London, formerly (1880–1901) Medical Officer of Health,
Port of London_, 182

Diseases due to their Employment--Diseases caused by the
Habits of Seamen--Diseases of Climate--Diseases due to
Insanitary Conditions and Environment.

CHAPTER XIII

RAILWAYS. By HENRY H. CUNYNGHAME, C.B., _Assistant
Under-Secretary, Home Department_, 190

CHAPTER XIV

SAFE-GUARDING OF MACHINERY. By H. S. RICHMOND, _H.M.
Superintending Inspector of Factories_, 203

Prime Movers--Steam Engines--Gas and Oil Engines--Other
Prime Movers--Electrical Generators--Mill-Gearing--Mill-Gearing
Construction--Access to Shafting--Fencing of Low
Shafting, etc.--Pulleys--Driving Belts--Shipping of Belts--
Belt Poles--Protection of Belts--Bevel Wheels--Means of
Stopping Machinery--Machine Tools--Fencing of Dangerous
Machinery--Set-screws--Toothed Wheels--Shaft or Spindle
Ends--Loose Pulleys and Strap Forks--Plate
Wheels--Hoists--Teagles--Cranes,
Winches, etc.--Self-acting Mules--Looms--Circular
Saws--Planing Machines--Power Process.

CHAPTER XV

AGRICULTURE, HORSES, CATTLE. By D’ARCY POWER, F.R.C.S.,
M.A. (Oxon.), _Senior Surgeon, Victoria Hospital for
Children_;_Assistant Surgeon, St Bartholomew’s Hospital_;
_Assistant Professor of Physiology, Royal Veterinary
College, London_, 232

Agriculture: Labourers; Gardeners--Horses: Ostlers,
Stablemen, and Cartmen--Cattle: Butchers, Slaughterers, and
Tanners; Cowmen and Dairymaids; Shepherds; Pig-keepers.

CHAPTER XVI

ELECTRIC GENERATING WORKS. By HAMILTON P. SMITH, _Retired
Commander R.N., and one of H.M. Inspectors of Factories_, 250

CHAPTER XVII

DUST AS A CAUSE OF OCCUPATION DISEASE. By THOMAS OLIVER,
M.D., F.R.C.P., 267

General View of the Subject--Skin Diseases of
Flax-workers--Diseases of Nails in Furriers--Lung Diseases
due to Dust--Gastro-intestinal Lesions.

CHAPTER XVIII

DUST WOMEN. By THOMAS OLIVER, M.D., F.R.C.P., 278

CHAPTER XIX

LEAD AND ITS COMPOUNDS. By THOMAS OLIVER, M.D., F.R.C.P., 282

Lead Mining and the Health and Surroundings of the
Miner--Lead-smelting--Red Lead, Lead Oxide, Litharge, Massicot,
Minium--White Lead: Carbonate of Lead (Céruse, _Fr._)--Lead
Poisoning--Treatment: Preventive and Curative--Chromate
of Lead: Dye Works--Calico Printing--Enamelling of Iron
Plates and Hollow Ware--Electric Accumulator Works and
Lead Poisoning--Motor Cars--Electric Tramways--Soldering,
Typefounding, Printing, Typesetting,
Linotyping--Precautions--Plumbing--House Painting--Coach
Painting--Glass Polishing--File-cutting--Use of Lead in
Potteries--Chromo-lithographic Works and
Transfer-making--Tile-making and Manufacture of
Porcelain Stoves--Washing of Lead-workers’ and Painters’
Clothes--Lead Foil Manufacture--Shoe-finishing and Staining
by Lead Compounds--Lucifer Matches containing Lead--Buffing
of Brass Cocks and Plumbism.

CHAPTER XX

ELECTRICAL TREATMENT IN CASES OF LEAD POISONING. By H.
LEWIS JONES, M.D., _Medical Officer in charge of Electrical
Department, St Bartholomew’s Hospital_, 373

The Elimination of the Metal--The Electrical Treatment of the
Paralysis caused by Lead.

CHAPTER XXI

ARSENIC. By MALCOLM MORRIS, F.R.C.S., _Lecturer on Dermatology,
St Mary’s Hospital, London_, 378

Symptoms--Treatment and Prophylaxis.

CHAPTER XXII

CHINA AND EARTHENWARE MANUFACTURE: POTTERS’ ROT. By
THOMAS OLIVER, M.D., F.R.C.P., 382

Symptoms--Prevention.

CHAPTER XXIII

BASIC SLAG. By JOHN HEDLEY, M.D., _Middlesborough_, 390

CHAPTER XXIV

GANISTER CRUSHING. By HAMILTON P. SMITH, _Retired Commander
R.N., and one of H.M. Inspectors of Factories_, 396

Report on Portions of Lung from a Ganister Miner--Microscopic
Examination--Chemical Analysis.

CHAPTER XXV

MILLSTONE BUILDING: FRENCH BUHRSTONE. By THOMAS OLIVER,
M.D., F.R.C.P., 405

CHAPTER XXVI

STEEL GRINDING. By SINCLAIR WHITE, F.R.C.S., _Lecturer on
Surgery, University College, Sheffield_, 408

Grinding--Glazing--Polishing--Lapping--Racing the Stone.

CHAPTER XXVII

PHOSPHORUS AND LUCIFER MATCHES. By THOMAS OLIVER, M.D.,
F.R.C.P., 417

Phosphorus Necrosis--Prevention of Phosphorus
Necrosis--Treatment of Phosphorus Necrosis.

CHAPTER XXVIII

DANGERS IN THE USE OF MERCURY AND ITS SALTS. By T.
MORISON LEGGE, M.D., _H.M. Medical Inspector of Factories_, 434

Introduction--Historical--Mode in which Poisoning is brought
about--Symptoms--Recovery from the Ore--Making of
Thermometers--Incandescent Electric Lamps--Electrical
Meters--Gold and Silver Extraction--Water-gilding--Silvering of
Mirrors--Hatters Furriers’ Processes--Preparation of Mercurial
Compounds--Preventive Measures--Rules to be observed in
the Manufacture of Mercurial Preparations.

CHAPTER XXIX

THE LESIONS RESULTING FROM THE MANUFACTURE AND USES
OF POTASSIUM AND SODIUM BICHROMATE. By T. MORISON
LEGGE, M.D., _H.M. Medical Inspector of Factories_, 447

Nature of the Perforation--Ulceration of the Skin.

CHAPTER XXX

COPPER AND BRASS. By ROBERT M. SIMON, B.A., M.D. (Cantab.),
F.R.C.P., _Physician, General Hospital, Birmingham; and_
SEYMOUR H. KNYVETT, M.A. (Oxon.), _one of H.M. Inspectors of
Factories_, 455

CHAPTER XXXI

INDIARUBBER--DANGERS INCIDENTAL TO THE USE OF BISULPHIDE
OF CARBON AND NAPHTHA. By THOMAS OLIVER, M.D.,
F.R.C.P., 470

CHAPTER XXXII

THE EFFECTS OF DINITROBENZINE AND OTHER NITRO-SUBSTITUTION
PRODUCTS OF THE AROMATIC SERIES ON THE WORKMEN
EMPLOYED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF HIGH EXPLOSIVES. By
ROBERT PROSSER WHITE, M.D., _Surgeon, Roburite Explosives
Company; Hon. Medical Officer, Royal Albert Edward Infirmary,
Wigan_, 475

Poisonous Dose--Acute Poisoning--Subacute Poisoning--Chronic
Poisoning--Muscular System--Nervous Symptoms--Eye
Affections--Urinary Affection--Urine--Pathology: The
Blood--Prognosis--Precautions.

CHAPTER XXXIII

DRY CLEANING BY MEANS OF BENZINE. By THOMAS OLIVER,
M.D., F.R.C.P., 491

CHAPTER XXXIV

USE OF INFLAMMABLE OR SPIRIT PAINTS. By THOMAS OLIVER,
M.D., F.R.C.P., 494

CHAPTER XXXV

ACETYLENE AND ITS DANGERS. By HAMILTON P. SMITH, _Retired
Commander R.N., and one of H.M. Inspectors of Factories_, 497

CHAPTER XXXVI

FLOUR MILLS. By THOMAS OLIVER, M.D., F.R.C.P., 505

CHAPTER XXXVII

MINING. By HENRY LOUIS, M.A., A.R.S.M., F.I.C., F.G.S.,
_Professor of Mining, Durham College of Science,
Newcastle-upon-Tyne_, 508

CHAPTER XXXVIII

THE AIR OF MINES. By JOHN HALDANE, M.D., F.R.S., _Fellow
of New College, and Lecturer on Physiology, University
of Oxford_, 540

Black-damp--Carbonic Acid--Fire-damp--After-damp--Smoke--White-damp,
Gob-stink, Fire-stink--Gases from Explosions.

CHAPTER XXXIX

QUARRIES. By JOHN BROWN, M.D., D.P.H., M.O.H., _Borough of
Bacup_; and T. N. KELYNACK, M.D., M.R.C.P., _London, Assistant
Physician to Mount Vernon Hospital for Consumption and Diseases
of the Chest, Hampstead and Northwood; late Pathologist and
Medical Registrar, Manchester Royal Infirmary, etc._, 557

Introduction--Definitions--Varieties of Quarries--Methods of
Working--Pathology--Etiology--Quarry Accidents--Diseases--Affections
of the Respiratory Organs--Cardio-Vascular
Disease--Cutaneous Lesions--Digestive Disturbances--Ear
Affections--Eye Affections--Osteo-arthritis--Septic
Infection--Tetanus--Legal Provisions--Prophylaxis and
Treatment--Preventive Measures--Treatment of Accidents and
Ailments occurring in Quarries.

CHAPTER XL

THE CHEMICAL TRADES. By A. P. LAURIE, M.A., _Principal,
Heriot-Watt College, Edinburgh_, 568

Introductory Remarks--The Le Blanc Process--Alkali Manufacture,
other Methods--The Chemical Worker--Hours of Work
in Alkali Manufacture--The Administration of the Alkali Act--Output
Method of Paying Wages--Bichromate of Potash Manufacture--Coal
Tar Products--Bisulphide of Carbon--Phosphorus--Health
of Chemical Workers as shown by Statistics.

CHAPTER XLI

EXPLOSIONS AND EXPLOSIVES. By A. COOPER KEY (Major, late
R.A.), _H.M. Inspector of Explosives_, 599

Introductory--Accidents in Manufacture and Use--Products of
Combustion; Fumes--Explosives in Coal Mines.

CHAPTER XLII

ANTHRAX. By W. H. HAMER, M.D., F.R.C.P., _Assistant Medical
Officer of Health, City of London_, 621

Hides and Horsehair--History of the Disease--Anthrax
Statistics--Outbreaks Recorded during Recent Years--Anthrax
Notification--Grouping of Anthrax Cases--Grouping of Cases
considered in relation to Preventive Measures--Disinfection
and Other Measures of Precaution.

CHAPTER XLIII

ANTHRAX: ITS RELATION TO THE WOOL INDUSTRY. By JOHN
HENRY BELL, M.D., _Consulting Medical Officer, Bradford Royal
Infirmary; Consulting Surgeon, Bradford Eye and Ear Hospital_, 634

Cutaneous Anthrax--Erysipelatous Anthrax: Symptoms; Diagnosis;
Prognosis--Pulmonary Anthrax: Symptoms; Duration
of Illness; Diagnosis; Prognosis; Incubation--Pathological
Changes: External; Internal--Intestinal Anthrax--Distribution
of the Bacilli--Preventive Measures--The Precautionary
Regulations--Treatment.

CHAPTER XLIV

RAGS AND THEIR PRODUCTS IN RELATION TO HEALTH. By JOHN
A. E. STUART, L.R.C.S. (Edin.), _Medical Officer of Health,
Batley, Yorkshire_, 644

Rag-Sorting, Rag-Grinding, Shoddy, Mango, Flocks, Carbonising
or Wool-Extracting--Effects of Rag-Sorting on
Health--Carbonising--Recommendations.

CHAPTER XLV

BLANKET STOVING. By JOHN A. E. STUART, L.R.C.S. (Edin.),
_Medical Officer of Health, Batley, Yorkshire_, 648

CHAPTER XLVI

JUTE. By HARRY J. WILSON, _one of H.M. Inspectors of
Factories_, 650

CHAPTER XLVII

LAUNDRY WORKERS. By LUCY A. E. DEANE, _one of H.M. Inspectors
of Factories_, 663

CHAPTER XLVIII

FISH-CURING AND FRUIT-PRESERVING. By MARY M. PATERSON,
_one of H.M. Inspectors of Factories_, 673

CHAPTER XLIX

WOMEN’S LABOUR IN TINPLATE WORKS. By ROSE E. SQUIRE,
_one of H.M. Inspectors of Factories_, 681

Opening--Washing--Pickling--Tin-houses.

CHAPTER L

WOMEN’S LABOUR IN AERATED WATER WORKS. By ROSE E.
SQUIRE, _one of H.M. Inspectors of Factories_, 687

CHAPTER LI

FLAX AND LINEN. By HENRY S. PURDON, M.D., _Certifying
Factory Surgeon; Consulting Physician, Hospital for Skin
Diseases, Belfast_, 691

Historical, Manufacturing, Hygienic, and Medical.

CHAPTER LII

MANUFACTURE OF COTTON. By JAS. WHEATLEY, M.D., B.Sc. (Lond.),
_Medical Officer of Health, Blackburn_, 702

CHAPTER LIII

RABBIT DOWN. By ROSE E. SQUIRE, _one of H.M. Inspectors of
Factories_, 724

CHAPTER LIV

DISEASES DUE TO WORKING IN COMPRESSED AND STAGNANT AIR.
By THOMAS OLIVER, M.A., F.R.C.P., 728

Caisson Disease: Treatment--Dangers Incidental to the Making
of, and Working in, Tunnels--Underground Railways--Divers’
Paralysis.

CHAPTER LV

DISEASES DUE TO DIMINISHED ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE: PURE
AND IMPURE GASES. By THOMAS OLIVER, M.D., F.R.C.P., 749

Mountain Climbers--Military Balloonists.

CHAPTER LVI

EFFECTS OF CONCUSSION OF THE AIR. By THOMAS OLIVER, M.D.,
F.R.C.P., 752

Boilermakers--Riveters--Shipwrights, etc.

CHAPTER LVII

IRON AND STEEL INDUSTRIES. By THOMAS OLIVER, M.D., F.R.C.P., 756

Exposure to High Temperatures, and Severe Muscular
Strain--Blacksmiths and Forgemen--Use of Converters in Steel
Works--Nail and Chain Making.

CHAPTER LVIII

EYE DISEASES AND EYE ACCIDENTS IN RELATION TO INDUSTRIAL
OCCUPATIONS. By SIMEON SNELL, F.R.C.S. (Edin.), _Ophthalmic
Surgeon, Royal Infirmary; and Professor of Ophthalmology,
University College, Sheffield_, 761

Diseases due to Occupations involving prolonged use or excessive
strain of the Eyes, such as Nystagmus in Miners and others--Diseases
due to Occupations involving the use of certain Poisonous
Substances, such as Dinitrobenzol, Bisulphide of Carbon,
Tobacco, Lead, etc.--Diseases due to Occupations involving
exposure to excessive Light or Heat, or both, such as Burnishers,
Steel Melters, Electric Welders, etc.--Exposure to Electric
Light--Injuries or Accidents amongst Grinders, Iron and Steel
Workers, Masons, Coal Miners, Weavers, etc.--Bursting of
Water Gauges on Boilers.

CHAPTER LIX

MISCELLANEOUS TRADES. By THOMAS OLIVER, M.D., F.R.C.P., 788

Silicate of Cotton--Upholsterers’ Occupation--Joiners and Carpenters:
Workers in Sequoia Wood--Manufacture of Celluloid--Tobacco
and Cigar Manufacture--Engine-Drivers and Railway
Employés--Drivers of Public Vehicles--Cooks--Confection
Makers--Domestic Servants and Housemaids, etc.--Barmen
and Dealers in Alcoholic Drinks--Sewing-Machine
Workers--Label-licking--Glass Manufacture: Glass-Blowing--Glazed
Ware Poisonous from other causes than Lead:
Cyanide of Potassium--Coal-Heaving, Coal-Trimming, and
Chimney-Sweeping--Manufacture and Use of Emery Wheels.

CHAPTER LX

OCCUPATION DISEASES DUE TO EXCESSIVELY REPEATED MUSCULAR
ACTIONS. By THOMAS OLIVER, M.D., F.R.C.P., 815

Fatigue Neuroses: Scriveners’ Spasm, or Writers’ Palsy;
Telegraphists’ Spasm, or Cramp; Pianoforte Players’ Cramp, etc.;
Shoemakers’ Spasm--Boot and Shoe Making.