That in a succeeding generation Mr. Chadwick's estimate of a possible
mortality of five per thousand would be realised, I have no reasonable
doubt, since the almost unrecognised, though potent, influence of
heredity in disease would immediately lessen in intensity, and the
healthier parents would bring forth the healthier offspring.
As my voice ceases to dwell on this theme of a yet unknown city of
health, do not, I pray you, wake as from a mere dream. The details
of the city exist. They have been worked out by those pioneers of
sanitary science, so many of whom surround me to-day, and specially
by him whose hopeful thought has suggested my design. I am, therefore,
but as a draughtsman, who, knowing somewhat your desires and
aspirations, have drawn a plan, which you in your wisdom can modify,
improve, perfect. In this I know we are of one mind, that though the
ideal we all of us hold be never reached during our lives, we shall
continue to work successfully for its realisation. Utopia itself is
but another word for time; and some day the masses, who now heed us
not, or smile incredulously at our proceedings, will awake to our
conceptions. Then our knowledge, like light rapidly conveyed from one
torch to another, will bury us in its brightness.
_By swift degrees the love of Nature works
And warms the bosom: till at last, sublimed
To rapture and enthusiastic heat,
We feel the present DEITY, and taste
The joy of GOD to see a happy world!_
End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Hygeia, a City of Health
by Benjamin Ward Richardson
*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HYGEIA, A CITY OF HEALTH ***
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