London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Clerkenwell 1863
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Clerkenwell, St James & St John]
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urinal constructed; and numerous other improvements effected,
such as the removal of filth, animals, &c, which it is not worth
while to specify.
The following Table expresses the meteorology of the year.
| 1863. | Temperature, mean. | Difference from mean of 92 years. | Dew Point. | Humidity. (Saturation = 100.) | Height of Barometer. | Rain, in Inches. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 50.3 | + 1.9 | 44.3 | 80 | 29.81 | 20.0 |
| Winter Quarter (Jan.,Feb., March) | 42.6 | + 4.2 | 37.7 | 83 | 29.82 | 3.9 |
| Spring Quarter (April,May, June) | 53.0 | + 0.9 | 46.0 | 77 | 29.79 | 5.6 |
| Summer Quarter (July, Aug, Sept.) | 58.8 | -0.7 | 50.7 | 74 | 29.79 | 5.9 |
| Autumn Quarter (Oct, Nov, Dec.) | 468 | + 3.2 | 42.9 | 86 | 29.81 | 4.6 |
Hence the weather was warmer during the year, than on
the average; the summer being, however, colder. The amount of
rain which fell during the year was less than the average. These
conditions are important as regards mortality, for a warm year
diminishes the number of deaths from pulmonary diseases, and a
cool summer diminishes those arising from diarrhoea. A small
amount of rain also prevents the proper washing away of the
organic matter from the streets and the sewers, and from the air;
and renders the gullies and traps ineffective.
I have the honor to remain,
Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
J. W. GRIFFITH, M.D.