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In 94 of the above cases post-mortem examinations were
made by authority, principally under the Coroner's warrant.
The mortuary comprises two chambers, for infectious
and non-infectious bodies respectively, separated by "a place
provided for post-mortem examinations," which is highly
convenient, and much appreciated by medical practitioners.
This "place" is designed "for the reception of dead bodies
during the time required to conduct a post-mortem examination
ordered by the Coroner;" who "may order the removal
of a dead body to and from such place for carrying out such
examination, and the cost of such removal shall be deemed
to be part of the expenses incurred in and about the holding
of an inquest." * The Coroner orders the removal of
bodies for this purpose in nearly all cases. Even now,
however, too little use is made of the mortuary, and
especially as a place of deposit for the bodies of those who
have died from infectious disease. Medical men can effect
the removal of the body, in such cases, by Justice's Order
(Public Health (London) Act, 1891, sec. 89), if persons live
or sleep in the room where the body is retained, or if the
body is in such a state, from decomposition, as to endanger
the health of the inmates of the same house or room.
The Royal Commission on the Housing of the Working
Classes (1885) recommended the provision of additional
mortuaries in London. What, however, is even more
wanted, at present, is power to require the removal of the
dead to existing mortuaries, when removal is necessary on
sanitary grounds. The Commissioners recognized this fact,
by implication, in the further recommendation that, "in the
event of a death from infectious disease, the body should
forthwith be removed to a mortuary, in cases where it would
otherwise be retained in a room used as a dwelling by
others." They thought it desirable, moreover, "that in any
* Coroners Act, 1887, section 24.