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12
A consideration of the known causes of the severer forms of epidemic
disease will show that few of them can be removed by measures of a
trifling nature or of a mere temporary application. Extended works of
a permanent character in the way of drainage, improved habitations for
the poor, a better water supply, and, above all, powers to compel the
abolition of cesspools, and the cleansing and ventilation of streets and
other places inhabited by the indigent, in a way to secure for them
more of the requisites of healthfulness and decency, are still desiderata.
When even these are obtained, and obtained to the fullest extent (as at
no distant day they doubtless will be) there will still remain the unceasing
social duty on the part of those whose avocations bring them in
daily contact with the poor of instructing the ignorant and the careless
amongst this class how to use and not to abuse these benefits.
To this end, apart from their more regular duties, your Officers of
Health have, from the first, perseveringly devoted themselves; and
they hold that there are but few things appertaining to their office of
more importance than these practical teachings, seeing that without
them the advantages to be derived from sanitary improvements have
been seldom properly appreciated, or held in such estimation as to
render them of permanent benefit to the localities to which they have
been applied.
I am, Gentlemen,
Most obediently yours,
R. HARLAND WHITEMAN.
Chairman of the Associated Medical Officers of Health of the
Wandsworth District.
Putney, January, 1858.