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obviously in the ordinary course of disease, I have denned it proper, in
order to make the nosological table as complete as possible, to refer
them to their respective classes, the number of deaths then under the
Coroners' inquisitions will stand thus Rateliff 26, Limehouse 1
Shadwell 14 and Wapping S. Of individual cases. I may allude to
1 from want of food, the case of a woman found in a sinking State,
a stranger to the district, taken to Wapping workhouse, where she died;
in another, a woman while drunk took laudanum in excess to relieve
tooth-ache, and poisoned herself. Of the 5 cases of murder, 3 were
new-born children, the fourth that of a sailor murdered in a low
lodging house in Wellclose Square, the Fifth a boy, son of a policeman,
beaten to death with sticks. Of the strictly accidental deaths, one
occurred to a man, a hawker, run over in the street, taken to Ratclift
workhouse where he died; another happened to a person crushed
between the gates of the London Docks.
The births for the District during the 6 months were 995, and
deducting the 696 deaths, it gives for that period an increase of 299 in
the population.
If I allude to myself in reference to the sanitary condition, I
would beg to direct the Board to the zymotic class of disease, 137 in
number, the far greater portion of the abodes of which have been
visited, and where requisite improvements have taken place in
drainage, ventilation, water supply, &c.
I regard this mode of inspection as preferable to any other; it is
never impertinent or intrusive: a death takes place; the plea for
inquiry is good, while it affords me at the same time an opportunity
for a more extended investigation of the locality. I shall continue to
pursue this course of proceeding, believing it will be for the advantage
of the public health, and elicit the approbation of the 13oard.
I am, Gentlemen,
Your most obedient servant,
THOMAS ORTON,
Medical Officer.