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REPORT
ON THE
SANITARY CONDITION
OF THE PARISHES OF
St. Margaret and St. John, Westminster,
DURING THE MONTH OF JANUARY, 1858,
BY
BARNARD HOLT, F.R.C.S.
Medical Officer of Health.
To the Members of the District Board of Works.
Gentlemen,
During the present month the number of Births
registered has been 121 boys and 98 girls, making a total of
219, while the Deaths were 100 males and 88 females. From
these numbers, however, must be deducted 7 as coming from
other Parishes, which reduces the actual number to 181. In
1857 the Deaths were 171, and the 10 years' average 180-7;
but if 18 be added to this average as occurring in an increased
population, the numbers will be 198-7, showing that although
there is an increase of 10 in comparison with the previous year,
yet there is a decrease in reference to the 10 years' average
of 17. So many and such various circumstances tend to
influence the public health, that it is a matter of difficulty to
account for the various fluctuations which from time to time
occur. A monthly comparison, however, with previous years,
other circumstances being equal, may to a certain extent
enlighten us as to the cause of any considerable increase in the
number of Deaths. A comparison of January 1858 with that
of January in the two previous years, shows an increase of 10
Deaths in each year, the numbers being January 1856—161,
1857—171 and 1858—181, these numbers being doubtless
due to an increased population; 1856 was however a