London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London

Hackney 1900

Report on the sanitary condition of the Hackney District for the year 1900

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Table: Analysis of River Lea Water, made during the year 1900, byLeo Taylor, F.I.C.,Public Analyst.

Analysis of River Lea Water, made during the year 1900, byLeo Taylor, F.I.C.,Public Analyst.

Date.Where taken.Total solid residueSaline Ammonia.Organic Ammonia.Chlorine.Nitrates.Nitrites.Sulphuretted HydrogeSuspend'd matter.Remarks.
July 11Culvert of Ley-ton and Wal-thamstow Sewage.142.8 grains per gallon.2.8 grains per gallon..896 grains per gallon.7.8 grains per gallon.Exc'siveSlight.Ab'nd'ntThe sample was very foul, and contained a large quantity of suspended matter. It may be fairly described as muddy sewage water.
July 11White Hart Temple Mills.43.404.22.667.2Exc'siveSlight.Ab'nd'nt369.0 grains per gallon.This is really a sample of river mud, as the suspended matter settles down directly the sample is allowed to stand. Exceedingly foul and giving off very offensive odours.