ENTOMOLOGY

CHAPTER IVA General Survey of the Seriousness of Insect-Borne Diseases to Armies 1W. Dwight PierceAs thi$ course of study is directed primarily toward obtaining athorough knowledge of the relations of insects to diseases of men andthe measures which must be taken to prevent these diseases, it is eminentlyproper for us to make a survey of the insect problems which confront thegreatest aggregations of men, the modern army. From a study of militarysanitation methods we may learn much which we need to know inpractical municipal problems. Military methods are based on the necessityof quick returns and emergency efficiency, from which are built up inpermanent establishments more perfect measures.The discussion of military entomology immediately falls into two verydistinct lines: first, the army training and concentration camps, andsecond, the active service camps and battle conditions.Before the location of the average training camp, we may assumethat it is possible to deliberate more or less on the desirability of one ormore sites and that in a general way drinking water and general healthconditions are considered. Not infrequently some other considerationwill outweigh sanitation, as when it is considered essential to place a campnear a certain city or on a certain ,vaterway or railway. In such casesof expediency, we are quite likely to find sanitation a serious problemfrom the outset.The camp site is selectelio because of some important reason.From an entomologist's viewpoint a number of outstanding questionsimmediately arise as to this site. Is the ground open or wooded, level orsloping and well drained? Are there water holes, running streams, orswamps in the camp area or nearby? Are there farmhouses, stables,or other buildings on the site and what is the entomological situation inthese buildings? What disease-carrying insects are naturally breedingabout the camp site? If th~re has been any contagious disease of manor animals in the community before the camp was located, the entomologist'sconcern is the greater. He should if possible learn the focus of• This lecture was originally presented May 27, 1918, and distributed the same day.It has been revised for the present edition.43