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The process is, I am informed, always carried on at night, and
generally only about once a week. It may in my opinion be remedied
without much difficulty or expense.
If the vapour were passed through a vessel containing lime, or
were condensed in a leaden chamber, the difficulty would be
removed.
I am, Gentlemen
Your very faithful Servant,
JOHN CHALLICE, M.D.,
Officer of Health.
TO THE VESTRY OE BERMONDSEY.
Oct. 1st, 1860.
Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen, —It is very satisfactory for me to
report upon the continued favorable condition of the health of the
Parish. The mortality is not merely diminished very considerably
when compared with the general average of deaths for the last ten
years, but is absolutely less, in relation to the population than in 34
out of the 36 Metropolitan Districts. I am speaking now of the
week ending September 15th, the deaths registered being but 12,
and the corrected average within a fraction of 40. For the week
ending September 22nd, the registered deaths were 15, the corrected
average being 34.
I visited the premises of Mr McMurdo, Manufacturing Chemist,
in Homey Lane, on the night of 28th inst. or rather on the morning
of the 29th, as it was near upon one o'clock a.m. I was accompanied
by your Inspector, having been informed by him, that the
process of manufacturing the sulphate of mercury, during which the
suffocating vapour, so much and so justly complained of is cooled,
would then take place.