Report of discussion on Mr. Shaw's paper, "Ventilation as a dymanical problem", delivered at an ordinary meeting of the Society, on February 6th, 1902, at the Medical Rooms, Chandos Street, W.

Date:
1902
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Report of discussion on Mr. Shaw's paper, "Ventilation as a dymanical problem", delivered at an ordinary meeting of the Society, on February 6th, 1902, at the Medical Rooms, Chandos Street, W. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    Report of Discussion on Mr. Shaw’s paper, u Ventilation as a Dynamical Problem” delivered at an ordinary meeting of the Society, on February 6th, 1902, at the Medical Rooms, Ghctndos Street, W. The President, in opening the discussion, said the paper was extremely interesting. The subject was a large and complicated one, and he did not intend to intervene in any way between Mr. Shaw and those who were prepared to discuss the paper. He, however, ventured to call attention to the fact that the discussion was on the Ventilation of School Buildings, with special reference to its application to existing buildings ; and speakers were asked, as far as possible, to give the meet¬ ing the advantage of their actual experience of systems of ventilation, how they have failed or succeeded, and general opinions on the whole subject. Dr. Childs said they were all very much indebted to Mr. Shaw for his interesting paper, which had given them a great deal to think about. Not only were they indebted to him on this occasion, but also for having placed the whole subject of ventilation on a scientific basis, and on a far higher platform than they were usually accustomed to adopt in discussing this very complicated question. Mr. Shaw has shown definitely, and has emphasised the fact, that the movement of all air currents is regulated by given physical laws. He has shown that it is not simply a question of sticking on some patent cowl or similar apparatus to bring about a complete and efficient system of ventilation. He hoped that the members of the Association might be able to make observations on their own account with regard to ventilation in public schools. The Association can really do nothing more useful at the present time than to obtain the results of observations, and draw up certain rules which will be useful to all of them in deciding the practical details of ventilation. They were asked that afternoon to discuss the question from the public school point of view, more particularly with regard to buildings which have been already con¬ structed. The question of ventilation, as has been pointed out, is generally the last matter thought of in the construction of a building. Unfortunately, the ventilation and lighting and warming of buildings are hardly ever considered together or by the same individual. Most deplorable of all, the medical officer of the school is the last person the authorities consult. Ventilation arrangements are generally left to the architect, with the result that the necessary alterations which the medical officers request have to be made subsequently at great expense. Before constructing school buildings, ventilation should receive its due consideration, and the medical officer of the school should be con-