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Annual Report of the Medical Officer of Health—1862. 21
lower than it had been for many years. We are now taught that there are various classes
of Fevers, having different causes for their origin; which fact if fully borne out, will
have practical results. One of these is, Typhus; created by overcrowding and filth, and
which having once commenced its existence becomes capable of propagating its kind, where
the causes of its creation are not to be found. Another kind owes its origin to decaying
organic matter, especially animal matter, and may start up in any locality where this cause
is in active operation, just as certainly on the lone hill side, or remote village, as in the
most crowded court, or alley. This source of its rise, as we might expect, is most busy in
hot weather, when decomposition goes on much more rapidly and continuously. The third
is very similar to Typhus, and is closely connected with it as regards cause and result. It
like a shadow, invariably follows Famine when passing through a stricken land. Now this
division of Fevers may not be so distinct as here stated; for Nature seldom employs definite
lines and limits, but shades one thing insensibly into another; still there is doubtless much
truth in the theory. In dealing with Sanitary Science, it is well that we should view it, in
its broadest aspects; and not fix our minds unduly upon one or two points, however important
they may be, and neglect, or pass heedlessly over the rest; if so our career will be
halting, and unsatisfactory. Let us then under this consideration, examine the rise and
progress of Typhus ; that which during the past year has been so prevalent here, and elsewhere.
Want in its innumerable forms, is the most frequent and general cause of this
disease, as it is indeed of many others, which do not so plainly claim their parentage; the
result of this is, a thorough prostration of the vital powers, which renders the individual
peculiarly susceptible to the leception of disease, more especially of epidemic disease.
What numbers of families there are in our district, who have sufficient food to sustain life
but not equal to the maintaining it in required health, and strength. In Manchester,
Typhus Fever began to spread to an unusual extent, but immediately declined as soon as
the Relief Committee raised their allowance of money per head, and added a more plentiful
distribution of clothing. In all seasons and situations every individual is surrounded by an
atmosphere containing organic matter, in a state of decay, and which he prepares and gives
off from himself; the quantity of this matter will just be, in proportion to the space he
occupies, and the freedom of ventilation present. Now in cold weather, the poor necessarily
badly fed, and ill supplied with fuel and clothing; purposely crowd together, and with the
utmost care exclude the entrance of the fresh air, because cold; and with the like care
prevent the passing out of the foul air, because warm; and thus is formed by respiration,
and exhalation, a cloud of this decomposing matter, which possesses the most deleterious
qualities. Here consequently is the chosen birth place, and seat of Fever; and here, the
victims produce their own destroyer. During the cold of last November, this disease lifted
up its head in Preston and neighbourhood, but the liberality of the country intervened, and
by a plenteous supply of food and clothing, as at Manchester, crushed it down again.
The teaching of all this is, that we wisely relieve distress, the wide spread, and prolific
source of disease; and as wisely, carry on sanitary measures for the keeping up the
physical, and moral condition of the people.
HENEY BATESON, M.D.,
Medical Officer of Health
May 5th, 1863.