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 1922
Report for the year 1922 of the Medical Officer of Health
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were held, and in 14 instances postmortem examinations were made
and inquests followed. The following table indicates the causes of
death of the persons whose bodies were received into the Mortuary.
Public Mortuary.
| Cause of Death or Verdict | Number of Bodies received. |
|---|---|
| Deaths from natural causes | 38 |
| Accidental deaths | 3 |
| Open Verdict | 2 |
| Misadventure | 3 |
| Alcoholic Poisoning | 1 |
| Neglect at Birth | 1 |
| Suicide—Fall under train | 3 |
| Poisoning | 5 |
| Drowning | 2 |
| Cut throat | 1 |
| Hanging | 1 |
| Burning | 1 |
| Pistol Shot | 1 |
| Total | 62 |
In addition to these 62 bodies, the bodies of two still-born children
were also brought to the Mortuary.
Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act, 1919.
During the year various complaints concerning these pests were
received and investigated. The occupiers were advised and assisted
as far as possible, and supplied with poison to help in eradicating
the vermin.
The Public Health Committee considered a communication from
the Ministry of Agriculture suggesting concerted action between Local
Authorities for the destruction of rats and mice. The Committee
requested the Borough Engineer to see that all disused sewers and
drains are effectively sealed up ; and gave instructions for the sewers
to be baited during " Rat Week " which commenced on 6th November.
The poison employed was a preparation of Barium Carbonate.
In addition, posters and handbills were distributed dealing with
the subject of extermination of rats, and the local Chemists were
supplied with the prescriptions of suitable forms of rat poison.