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

Islington 1858

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Islington, Parish of St Mary]

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Table: 30. Local Sources of Miasma, &c.at the houses invaded. The following table exhibits the results of inquiries instituted at 57 houses where fatal cases occurred:—

30. Local Sources of Miasma, &c.at the houses invaded. The following table exhibits the results of inquiries instituted at 57 houses where fatal cases occurred:—

Number of Houses.House Damp, Drains defective, or Offensive Smells on or near the Premises.Overcrowding, or Defective Ventilation.Foul Drinking Water and other Nuisances and Noxious Accumulations of various kinds.Nothing Amiss.
Class 146194620
Class 263——3
Class 352—22
Total57244825

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In more than half the houses examined there was some defect or other in the sanitary
arrangements or surrounding conditions of the patient. In the greater number
of houses thus deficient the fault was discovered in the state of the drainage.
31. The full discussion which I have given to these 80 cases enables me to dismiss
in a very few words the subject of epidemic sore throat, so far as it relates to the
year 1858. The total number of primary cases was 59, of which 37 occurred in the
East Sub-district. Their distribution over the various periods of the year may be
seen in Table II. The frequency of the deaths from this disease, relatively to those
from other diseases in the several Wards of the Parish may be gathered from
Table III.
I have the honour to be, Gentlemen,
Your very obedient Servant,
EDWARD BALLARD, M.D., L.RC.P.
Medical Officer of Health.
42, Myddelton Square,
April 4th, 1859.