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17
tages hitherto gained. The improvements before alluded to
have been extensive, and the statistics of disease prove them
to have been distinctly productive of an extension of the term
of human life. Much, however, remains yet undone, and, I
believe, in a quarter from whence greater results are immediately
attainable,—I mean in the more complete purification,
repair, and improvement of dwellings occupied especially
by the poor. That examination into these particulars
is in a measure unpopular and repulsive to the owners of
house property, I am fully aware; and this objection constitutes
the principal obstacle to the rendering the Ilamlet
of Mile End Old Town as desirable a place for residence, as
far as a healthy condition can make it, as is possibly consistent
with a full, or nearly full, amount of population and
occupation of space. The large manufactories and establishments
of a similar kind are not numerous, are conducted
with care, and, I believe, contribute but little, if anything,
to destruction of life. In a populous place the absolute
purity desirable for the most perfect condition of atmosphere
cannot be obtained; an approximation to it is all that can
be reasonably attempted. Nothing can lead to a state of
proximate purity so desirable as a general improvement of
defective habitations, which I consider to be by far the most
potent force at our command to diminish, and sometimes
even to extinguish the scourge of disease.
I have the honor to be, Gentlemen,
Your most obedient servant,
J. H. FREEMAN,
Medical Officer of Health for Mile End Old Town.
Town House,
June 28, 1859.