On 4 Feb. 1862, a special committee of the Select and Common Councils of Philadelphia was appointed to investigate any public health hazard presented by salting railroad tracks to remove ice and snow. The question was referred to the College of Physicians of Philadelphia. On 19 Feb. 1862, a committee of physicians Franklin Bache, D. Francis Condie, J. M. DaCosta, Edward Hartshorne, and Caspar Morris, chairman, was appointed to consider the questions.
The committee made its report to the College on 5 Mar. 1862 and submitted related statements by Wilson Jewell and R. E. Rogers. The committee concluded that salting produced no adverse effects on public health and recommended improved drainage during periods of thaw.
From the description of Records, 1862. (College of Physicians of Philadelphia). WorldCat record id: 122609068
