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effluvia from such refuse whilst it is near houses by keeping- it strictly
under cover, by improvements of drainage, and by the suppression of
all noxious trades.
In Kentish Town, between 18 and 19 have died to every thousand
living ; whilst in Somers Town and Tottenham Court districts nearly
21 have died. We may fairly conclude that this difference is in
great measure dependent on removable causes, and we are also certain
that even in Kentish Town there are many causes in operation to
raise the mortality above that which is inevitable.
I may mention, in illustration of the last remark, the open Fleet
Ditch in the Gospel Oak Fields, which is every day becoming more
polluted, and in the summer is a very fearful nuisance; the drainage
of Torriano Avenue, Gloucester Place, and other places; the undrained
brick fields, roads, and other open spaces, covered with
stagnant water and all kinds of refuse; the houses recently built
upon a clay soil with very imperfect foundations; and many other
things of equally pernicious character. If, however, the mortality of
all parts of the Parish had been no higher than that of Kentish
Town, during the year no fewer than 200 lives would have been
prolonged..
The health of London in general, as well as of St. Pancras in
particular, as measured by the mortality during the year 1856, was
unusually good.
During the first quarter of the year Typhus Fever was very
prevalent in the Parish, and especially in the Workhouse. During
the Summer quarter Diarrhoea was very fatal, especially to children.
With these two exceptions epidemic diseases have been much less
prevalent than they usually are. There have been, however, more
deaths from measles than in 1855. This will be seen in Table II.,
which gives the number of deaths from each of six epidemic diseases
in the several sub-districts, and compares the number in the Parish
with the number in the year 1855.
In Table III. is given the total number of cases of sickness, and
the numbers of the chief epidemic diseases, coming under the care of
the District Medical Officers. The total number is considerably less
than in 1854 and 1855.
I may remark, in passing, that a complete register of sickness which
is not fatal would be a much more valuable gauge of the public health
than the register of deaths only, which often gives incorrect impressions
on the subject. The Medical Officers of Health throughout London