Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
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young. The deaths although increased to 21, were still under the
average, which is about 28. There were 3 fatal cases of Scarlatina.
The total deaths in the three weeks were 46, the births 153.
I am, Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
JOHN CHALLICE, M.D.
Officer of Health.
TO THE VESTRY OF BERMONDSEY.
Nov. 21st, 1859.
Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen, —I have inspected the premises in
Swan Mead, used as a manufactory of farina from potatoes. These
were on a former occasion brought under the notice of the Vestry,
and complained of, in consequence of the effluvia arising from large
quantities of potatoes, in a diseased condition.
There does not appear to me to be at present the same legitimate
and strong grounds for complaint as formerly, inasmuch as the
potatoes do not now give off any disagreeable odour. It is true that
there is a faint and sickly odour about the place, which is however
not perceptible outside the premises. Close to the chapel there is a
very offensive open privy communicating with the public Sewer. It
is very probable that the drainage from these premises, combined
with this cause, may produce the nuisance complained of by the
memorialists to your Board.
The mortality for the week ending Nov. sth was 20, the corrected
average being 24.—There were 8 in St. James', 5 in St. Mary Magdalen,
and 7 in the Leather Market. The births for the same period
were 46. For the week ending Nov. 12th, the deaths were 19, the
corrected average being 26; thus divided, 2 in St. James', 8 in St.
Mary Magdalen, and 9 in the Leather Market. The births were 53.
I am, Gentlemen,
Your obedient faithful Servant,
JOHN CHALLICE, M.D.,
Officer of Health.