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in tanks and butts, and exposure to contaminating influences, and I do not believe that the
water from the ordinary wells can be safely used for drinking without previous filtration
through charcoal or boiling. The soil is sodden with foecal matter—the soakage of cesspools
; and more or less contamination from this and other sources, must necessarily reach
the wells.
I conclude this lengthy preliminary report with a brief outline of the arrangements
made or contemplated, with a view to keeping the Vestry and myself constantly informed
upon all points connected with the sanitary condition of the parish.
I acknowledge, with pleasure, the liberal promise of aid from the Medical Officers of
the Parish. I confidently expect similar assistance from the medical oificers of the various
dispensaries, whose charitable operations extend into this parish. Through these gentlemen
I shall learn, from week to week, what fresh cases of fever occur, and be enabled to turn
especial attention to the worst localities. It is my intention to inspect these places myself.
I have also devised, with Mr. Edwards, a form of entering the cases of sickness admitted
into the workhouse, by which, the abodes of the patients, that is, the spots where their
diseases are contracted, will be registered. This information, not hitherto taken, will, I
believe, prove of value in other respects.
In order to discover and remove causes injurious to health in other localities, it will
be necessary to institute a systematic inspection of the more crowded spots by the aid of the
Inspectors of Nuisances. I shall be happy to co-operate with the Sanitary Committee of the
Vestry.
I trust tbe Vestry will excuse the presentation of a report necessarily imperfect. The
apology I have to offer, is my yet brief tenure of office; that the office itself is new, and
that much time must necessarily be occupied in organising a system of operations, and
making the preliminary arrangements.
I have the honour to be,
Gentlemen,
Your faithful servant,
ROBERT BARNES, M.D.
10th April, 1856.
ALABASTER AND PASSMORE, PRINTERS, WILSON STREET, FINSBURY.