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
Kensington 1890
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Kensington]
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213
PUBLIC MORTUARY.
The mortuary was opened in July, 1883. In the first year,
July, 1883, to March, 1884, 24 bodies were deposited; in the
second year 67; in the third year 100; in the fourth year 97; in
the fifth year 100; in the sixth year 128, in the seventh year 135;
and in the eighth year 207.
The bodies removed to the mortuary in the twelve months, ended March 25th, 1891, were admitted, upon application, as follows: —
| 1. At the request of relatives of the deceased | 6 | ||
| 2. At the request of undertakers | 67 | ||
| 3. At the request of the Coroner (inquest cases)— | |||
| Cases of sudden death | 89 | ||
| Cases of violent death | 17 | ||
| — | 106 | ||
| 4. Brought in by the Police | Found dead | 22 | |
| Accident cases | 5 | ||
| — | 27 | ||
| 5. On account of death due to infectious disease | 1 | ||
| 207 | |||
In 104 of the above cases post-mortem examinations were
made by authority, principally under the Coroner's warrant.
The mortuary comprises two chambers, for infectious and .
non-infectious bodies respectively, separated by "a place provided
for post-mortem examinations," which is highly convenient, and
much appreciated by medical practitioners. 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