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20
Pox may safely be said to arise from arrears of vaccination. Thus in
1859, there were 1156 deaths from Small Pox in the metropolis. In the
beginning of 1860, the Privy Council directed the special attention of
the Vestries and the Parochial Boards to the importance of further promoting
vaccination. The consequence was, that in 1860, the deaths
•were reduced to 877, and in 1861, they were only 215.
But in the case of the above mentioned diseases, there is no
equivalent to vaccination; all that can be done is, to avoid infection, and
to ensure a free supply of pure air in the dwelling rooms, to dilute or
destroy the morbid poisons, and this by insisting that no family shall
occupy a room in which each person has not at least 300 cubic feet
of air.
I would respectfully suggest to the Vestry, that sufficient attention
has not been paid to this point. At least it might well be insisted, when
an outbreak of infectious disease occurs, and spreads in an overcrowded
house, that the house should be inspected, and the occupants of the
several apartments should be limited to their proper number.
At the same time, it must also be taken into account, that the
year has been unfavourable in a trade point of view ; and that a large
number of the poorer class have been out of work. These circumstances
cause a reduction in the supply of food for the poorer families, and so
the health becomes lowered,, and the sufferers form an easier prey to
disease.
I have the honor to remain,
Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
J. W. GRIFFITH, M D.
October 9tk, 1862.
T. Goode, Printer, Clerkenwell Green.