London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Hampstead 1902
Report for the year 1902 of the Medical Officer of Health
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57
Public Mortuary.
During the year the bodies of 64 persons were brought to the
Mortuary as against 67 last year -36 by order of the Coroner, 18 by the
Police, and 10 at the request of friends of the deceased.
In 50 instances, or 78 per cent, of the bodies admitted, inquests
were held, and in 26 instances, or 40 per cent., post-mortem examinations
were made.
The following table indicates the causes of death of the persons whose bodies were received into the Mortuary.
| Cause of Death. | Number of Bodies received. |
|---|---|
| Deaths from natural causes | 34 |
| Accidental deaths | 16 |
| Suicide | 9 |
| Neglect at birth | 2 |
| Found drowned (open verdict) | 3 |
| Total | 64 |
It will be noted that in no instance was the body of a person who
had died from an infectious disease brought to the Mortuary.