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Was Spitting Responsible?

Hugh H. Hussey, MD

JAMA. 1975;234(11):1170.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text PDF and any section headings.

The special feature, "JAMA 75 Years Ago," has its devotees who read it with amusement when they note the foibles of our predecessors in medical practice, or with chagrin when they find that medical affairs have not improved much with the passage of time. The item in the Oct 20, 1975, issue of JAMA (p 294) was concerned with the need for control of the filthy habit of spitting in public places.

The author, Elmer B. Borland, MD, observed in passing that Dickens characterized Americans as a nation of spitters, lacking the natural instinct of cleanliness. Borland continued:

Five years ago, the writer read a paper before the Allegheny County Medical Society recommending restriction and regulation of the spitting habit. Nine of ten members who took part in the discussion agreed that restriction and regulation were needed. Six, however, of the nine thought any regulation impossible. "Women can, but men . . . [Full Text PDF of this Article]

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