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20
defective in every particular, constituting a breeding place,
a perfect hot-bed for generating disease; the sick are then
cared for, the house purified and repaired, and the disease
ceases both to exist and to disseminate germs which are
capable of reproducing it in a similar form in other individuals.
In this example, that which was done, should have been
done before life became sacrificed ; it could not be done
without the condition of the house was known, and the
condition of the house could not be known without inspection.
That which applies to one honse applies with greater force to
the many, and the amount of suffering and disease capable
of being prevented and saved by the adoption of the course
recommended I believe would be great.
Such inspection, without waiting for complaint, would be
the surest way to avoid every cause of complaint. Even if
Epidemic disease should, contrary to probability and expectaation,
break out in places so regulated, it could not acquire
any powerful poisoning force, and the outbreak would
actually die out for want of its natural support.
I have the honour to be,
Gentlemen,
Your most obedient servant,
J. H. FREEMAN,
Medical Officer of Health for Mile End Old Town.
Town House,
July 10th 1860.
Newell, Printer, Assembly Row, Mite End Road.