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some terrible disease. Life, under such circumstances, instead of
being a pleasure, a happiness, and a comfort, as the beneficent
Creator intended, will be a terror, a misery, and a trouble. The
revolt against these needless alarms has (naturally I think) created
another class. They cry "Peace, peace, when there is no peace."
Constantly do they preach "Do nothing, lest you alarm the public
—let the enemy attack you before you attack him." I am fully
aware how dangerous this theory also is, and to steer the middle
course between these extremes, will, therefore be my constant
desire as your medical adviser. To be on the watch for the enemy
when his approach is heralded, and to have our armour in readiness
when he comes, is surely proper generalship. But it shall
also be my aim to keep our sanitary defences always so
prepared, that there shall be no need to put them in order
when we hear the warning note of an approaching epidemic.
I do not say that these defences will be impregnable, though I may
be pardoned in expressing the opinion that my eminent predecessor,
Dr. Ballard, has done much to render them so. But the work of
your sanitary officers must have (if it is to be of any use) the
active and intelligent support of the public. Each member of the
community must strive to be a Sanitarian. I conclude with
the words of my friend and lecture-colleague, Dr. Letheby,
written many years ago on the eve of a Cholera outbreak
(but they are words of universal application), "To all I would
"say the most powerful means of repelling the disease are
"prudence and cleanliness. Avoid all those circumstances
"which lower the vital powers, and remove the putrid filth
"which gives the malady a footing. If I were to write an
"essay on the subject I could tell you no more."
These are the views I hold strongly on the means to be
adopted in effecting sanitary reforms, and in the attempt to carry
them out in Islington, I hope and believe I shall receive the
cordial support of your Vestry.
I have the honor,
Gentlemen,
To remain your obedient Servant,
C.MEYMOTT TIDY.
1st July, 1873.