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be suffering from contagious disease. The instances of persons being seized
with typhoid fever in different parts of London, in Glasgow, in Leeds, and,
perhaps, elsewhere, by the use of milk which had either been exposed to the
emanations of persons suffering from typhoid fever, or from impure water
bein g mixed with it, are sufficiently numerous to prove, almost to demonstration,
the great danger to which the public is exposed by using milk so
contaminated; and hence the necessity of public authorities taking every
means in their power to prevent the contamination of such an important
article of food.
In my report for the Quarter ending 29th Sept., 1866, I stated that "in
some of the cow-sheds pumps are used not only for the purpose of cleanliness,
but, probably, for the dilution of milk, and that the use of such pumps ought
to be discontinued, and the supply of water obtained from the Water
Company." I further added, "that the water in all the superficial wells
in London is more or less contaminated; and in the cow-houses the well-water
is in constant danger of being still further polluted by the soakage of the
fluid filth of the premises. Milk diluted with impure water from these
pumps is unwholesome, and may at times be dangerous."
As a cow-keeper in this district has a pump on his premises contiguous
to his cow-shed, I gave him notice to remove it, considering that, after the
experience we have gained of the danger to health from the use of water
derived from such a source, the further use of this pump should be discontinued
; and that unless the said pump be removed, it will be my fluty to
urge the Board to oppose a further grant of his license for keeping cows.
The water from this pump has been analyzed by Dr. Tidy, and the
following is the result of the analysis.

I am decidedly of opinion that the water is a dangerous one. The very large
amount of organic matter and ammonia present is a proof that it is totally unfit for
drinking purposes. I consider that the evidence of extensive sewage contamination
renders it imperative that the well should be immediately closed.
CHARLES MEYMOTT TIDY, M. B.,
Joint Lecturer on Chemistry & Professor of Medical Jurisprudence at the
London Hospital; Master of Surgery; Medical Officer of Health and
Analyst for Islington; Food Analyst for Whitechapel, &c.
The Laboratory, London Hospital Medical College,
12th November, 1873.