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its early stages; that the conditions most favourable to the
spread of the disease are dampness, dirt, insufficiently ventilated
and overcrowded rooms and workplaces, intemperance, and the
existence of diseases which lower the general health; by soliciting
the co-operation of medical men and the friends of patients to
notify its existence; by the disinfection of rooms in which
persons have died of Phthisis or from which patients have been
removed while suffering from that disease.* Great good can also
be done by taking prompt measures to abate overcrowding, the
removal of insanitary conditions generally, especially by improving
the ventilation of work places, aud the admission of sunlight and
fresh air in and about dwelling-houses.
*Since writing the above your Vestry have, upon the recommendation of
the Public Health Committee, sanctioned the following circular being sent to
all medical men practising in the District :—
VESTRY OF ST. LUKE, MIDDLESEX.
Public Health Department.
Vestry Hall, City Road, E.C.
9
Dear Sir,
I have the satisfaction to inform you that the Vestry is now prepared,
upon application being made at this office, to disinfect, free of charge, Rooms,
Bedding, &c., of any Resident who has died from Phthisis, also Rooms which
have been occupied by patients who have been removed while suffering from
that disease, and the Vestry trust that in the interest of Public Health they
will have your support in their effort to check the spread of this distressing
disease.
I am, yours truly,
G. E. YARROW,
Medical Officer of Health.
Dr.