There are but few classes of men in tlr-j
United States whose calling subjects them
to sudden changes of temperature that at
times will vary in degrees that reach into
the hundreds. Boiler inspectors probably
have more of this to contend with than any
other single class of men in the country,
and they, sooner or later, feel the effects
of it and not a small number of them
have died at an age when they should
really begin enjoy the fruits of their labor.
Paralysis of tne spine is one of the fruits
of an expert knowledge of steam boilers.
In the coldest season of the year, the ex
pert is required to go into a boiler room and
inspect the boilers while the temperature
is crowding the mercury up into the hun
dreds. When his work is done, he puts on
his coat and goes out in the cold. Tile re
sult is easily imagined.
For the past seventeen years Mr. John
Bird, one of the best known men of Jersey
City, has been an in-pector lor the Hart
ford Steam Boiler Insurance Company.
About two years ago he began to suffer
with pains in the small of his back, but at
first paid but little attention to it, thinking
that it was nothing more than a severe
cold, or at worst, an attack of rheumatism
He went about his work as usual and the
pain became more intense. Finally im be
came so bad mat he could scarcely use his
limos at all.
He called in Dr. Farick, of Jersey City
wno after -a thorough examination r. s' 1
point blank to attend him. He.
