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20
of the malady. Where such measures have not
been duly employed, it is right that notice should
be taken of the slightest sign of the approach of the
disease, and the warning turned to account. The
Board of Health has therefore done well to urge the
importance of this matter on public attention, and
to point out the means whereby the force of the
coming evil may be abated. To all I would say,
that 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 that gives the malady a
footing. If I were to write an essay on the subject
I could tell you no more. One thing, however,
I would urge upon the attention of the parish
authorities: it is that they should be ready for the
appointment of a house to house visitation, under
the direction of their district medical officers,
directly the first signs of the disease are with us,
for experience has shown that the diarrhœa which
precedes an attack of cholera is mostly susceptible
of cure.
I have the honour,
Gentlemen,
To remain your obedient Servant,
HENRY LETHEBY, M.B.
Guildhall,
October 21th, 1857.