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importance which attaches to them at times when any diarrhœal
infection is likely to be introduced, has now for so many years been
before the public, that the improved systems of refuse-removal and
water-supply by which those dangers are permanently obviated for
large populations, and also the minor structural improvements by
which separate households are secured against them, ought long ago
to have come into universal use.
So far, however, as this wiser course has not been adopted in any
Sanitary District, security must, as far as practicable, be sought in
measures of a temporary and palliative kind.
(a.) Immediate and searching examination of sources and conduits
of water supply should be made in all cases where drinking water is
in any degree open to the suspicion of impurity; and the water both
from private and public sources should be examined. Where
pollution is discovered, everything practicable should be done to
prevent the pollution from continuing, or, if this object cannot be
obtained, to prevent the water from being drunk. Cisterns should
be cleaned, and any connexions of waste pipes with drains should
be severed.
(b.) Simultaneously, there should be immediate thorough removal
of every sort of house-refuse and other filth which has accumulated in
neglected places; future accumulations of the same sort should
be prevented ; attention should be given to all defects of housedrains
and sinks through which offensive smells can reach houses;
thorough washing and lime washing of uncleanly premises, especially
of such as are densely occupied, should be practised again and again.
7. It may fairly be believed that, in considerable parts of the
country, conditions favourable to the spread of cholera are now less
abundant than in former times ; and in this connexion, the gratifying
fact deserves to be recorded that during recent years enteric fever,
the disease which in its methods of extension bears the nearest
resemblance to cholera, has continuously and notably declined in
England. But it is certain that in many places such conditions are
present as would, if cholera were introduced, assist in the spread of
that disease. It is to be hoped that in all these cases, the local
sanitary authorities will at once do everything that can be done to
put their districts into a wholesome state. Measures of cleanliness,
taken beforehand, are of far more importance for the protection of a
district against cholera than removal or disinfection of filth after the
disease has actually made its appearance.
8. It is important for the public very distinctly to remember that
pains taken and costs incurred for the purposes to which this
memorandum refers cannot in any event be regarded as wasted.
The local conditions which would enable cholera, if imported, to
spread its infection in this country, are conditions which day by day,
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