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"Perhaps the real significance of these totals is best shown by an
"examination of the details embodied in them; and, for a convenient
"instance of this kind, there has been prepared a table which illustrates,
"in respect of 45 streets, the method and materials of comparison. In
"every one of these details the mains of the rival Companies run side
"by side, each supplying its own proportion of houses; so that, although
"in any one street the number of houses may be unequally divided
"among the Companies, the respective totals are equal—1,517 houses
"supplied by Lambeth, 1,517 by the Southwark and Vauxhall.
"Here then are 3,034 houses, with about 20,000 inmates, divisible
"as it were into two populations, each the exact counterpart of the
"other except in the one particular of water supply; one of these popu"lations
lost 57 persons by cholera, the other 164."
The foregoing truthful remarks are sufficient to throw considerable
doubt on the previously entertained opinions, that the course of cholera
was influenced by some inexplicable miasma; and while it cannot be
denied that impure air and other adjuncts may materially influence its
severity, yet it must be admitted that more fatalities are attributable to
effects produced by the imbibition of that which becomes a part and
parcel of ourselves, than by any external agencies. These remarks arc
not simply applicable to cholera, but refer equally to the influence of
impure water, both in apparent health and general disease.
Although the inhabitants generally are now supplied with water from
a much purer source, yet the poorer portion of the Parishes do not at
present reap the advantage they otherwise would do, from the absence
of covers and taps to the waterbutts, and the frequently rotten state of
the butts themselves. Water being a rapid absorbent, it speedily
becomes impregnated with the impurities incidental to noxious gases and
aerial contaminations; and so, among the dwellings of the poor, water is
and must always be contaminated, until more fitting receptacles are
provided them.
The method of supply is, in many instances, very objectionable, as,
from the absence of any receptacle, the inhabitants are obliged to catch
their daily supply in any convenient vessel—which, being stored in the
already too closely packed apartments, speedily becomes tainted and
unfit for drink. Although it would probably entail too much upon the
owners of property to fix proper water tanks to each house, yet, where
there is not any receptacle, a proper slate cistern should be erected for
the use of each set of houses.
The supply, which during the previous six months has been irregular
and insufficient, is now, from the better arrangements of the Water Companies,
ample, always presuming the duties of the turncock are faithfully
carried out.
The influence of foul air upon health is too well known to require
much comment: it is recognized in the prevalence of fever, cholera, ague,
&c., &c., in inefficiently drained localities; and when it is remembered
our daily consumption averages 2,000 gallons, it must be at once apparent
that all sources likely to add to its impurities must also add materially
to the mortality of the district.