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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 of such body; the cost 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-mot tern
examinations when ordered by the Coroner." (Sanitary
Act, 1866, sec. 28*) The Coroner orders the removal of
bodies for this purpose in nearly all cases. Even now,
however, too little use is made of the mortuary, and
especially as a place of deposit for the bodies of those
who have died from infectious disease. Medical men
can effect the removal of the body, in such cases, by
Justice's Order, (Public Health (London) Act, 1891, sec. 89), if
persons live or sleep in the room where the body is retained,
or if the body is in such a state, from decomposition, as to
endanger the health of the inmates of the same house or room.
The Royal Commission on the Housing of the Working
Classes (1885) recommended the provision of additional
mortuaries in London. What, however, is even more required,
at present, is power to compel the removal of the dead to
existing mortuaries, when removal is necessary on sanitary
grounds. The Commissioners recognized this fact, by implication,
in the further recommendation that, "in the event of a
death from infectious disease, the body should forthwith be
removed to a mortuary, in cases where it would otherwise be
retained in a room used as a dwelling by others." They
thought it desirable, moreover, " that in any case where the
* This section is re-enacted, in slightly varied terms, in section 24 of the
Coroners Act, 1887.