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206
fifty bodies were deposited. In the second year the number
deposited was 79. The Mortuary comprises two chambers, one
for infectious, and the other for non-infectious, bodies, separated
by a "place provided for postmortem examinations." This
"place" is designed "for the reception of dead bodies for and
during the time required to conduct any post mortem examination
ordered by the Coroner," who "may order the removal of the body
for carrying out such post mortem examination and the re-removal
of such body, the costs of such removal and re-removal to be paid in
the same manner and out of the same fund as the costs and fees
for post mortem examinations when ordered by the Coroner."
(Sanitary Act, 1866, sec. 28.) The Coroner has ordered the
removal of several bodies and now appears to be desirous of
availing himself of the use of the Mortuary, which is highly convenient
to medical practitioners who have to make post mortem
examinations.
Few, comparatively, as have been the bodies admitted during
the first two years, many of the cases were of a nature to prove
the necessity, and to justify the provision, of the mortuary. In
course of time the advantages of the institution will be more appreciated
and greater use of it will be made. If medical men and
clergymen would inculcate the propriety of removal of the dead to
the mortuary, in suitable cases, there would be no cause of complaint
on the score of its disuse. Much might be done if medical
men would give the certificate necessary to secure the removal of
an infectious body, or of a body in an offensive condition from
decomposition, so as to enable a Justice to order the removal of
such body to the mortuary, under Section 27 of the Sanitary Act,
1866.* Medical men appreciate the facilities offered by the
mortuary when they have to make post mortem examinations;
and well they may, for the inconvenience of making such
examinations in private houses is well known and the objections
to the practice in the homes of the poor are very serious.
* For the views of the Royal Commission with respect to the provision and
use of Mortuaries, see page 196 ante, written after the above section was in
type.