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
Wandsworth 1908
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Wandsworth, Metropolitan Borough]
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202
Report of the Medical Officer of Health.
The following Table shows the number of samples taken in each sub-district of the Borough, together with the average per 1 ,000 of population, the number of adulterations detected, and the percentage of adulterations.
| Sub-District. | No. of Samples taken. | No. per 1 ,ooo of Population. | No. Adulterated. | Percentage Adulterated. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clapham | 203 | 2.9 | 17 | 8.3 |
| Putney | 103 | 3.3 | 10 | 9.7 |
| Streatham | 293 | 2.8 | 18 | 6.1 |
| looting | 126 | 4.0 | 16 | 12.7 |
| Wandsworth | 279 | 2.8 | 27 | 9.6 |
| Whole Borough | 1,004 | 3.0 | 88 | 8.76 |
19 samples of milk have been taken in course of delivery at
the various Public Institutions in the Borough, three of which
proved to be adulterated. The system of notifying to the various
public bodies the figures of analysis obtained with respect to
samples so taken is still continued.
Much might be done to prevent the sophistication of milk
supplied to Public Institutions by wholesale contractors were some
such system adopted as that which is in operation at an Institution
under the Metropolitan Asylums Board in this Borough. I am informed
that upon the arrival of every consignment of milk at this
particular Institution it is personally received by the Steward,
samples are taken from each churn, and arc analysed by means of
a small centrifugal machine whilst the carman waits. Should any
milk fall below the required standard it is not accepted, the carman
has to take it away, and in accordance with the terms of the
contract the Steward is empowered to purchase what he requires
elsewhere and charge the same to the contractor. This system