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Dear Sir,
"It has been reported to me that several cases have
arisen in which the primary symptoms are Colic, sometimes
accompanied with Jaundice and a blue line on the gums
which appears to be lead poisoning. I shall be glad, if you
have any cases of this description, if you will let me have
particulars, and whether you have arrived at any conclusion
as to the possible origin. I shall be glad of any information
by return of post if possible."
Yours faithfully,
(Signed) Elwin H. T. Nash,
Medical Officer of Health.
One doctor reported as follows:—
"Two of my cases recently have been definite cases of
lead poisoning (chronic) with typical Colic, Icteric Conjunctivae
and blue lines on the gums, a third has had some Colic but
more of the intestinal obstruction type.
A further case has had Colic and some yellowness of
Conjunctiva. My opinion is that he is of the lead poisoning
type, but I shall have further information about him to-morrow.
All these cases are situated in a small area, and a number
of them (including cases of similar type under other doctors)
are personal friends. There seems to be an impression that
those of them who frequent Isleworth Brewery Public Houses
are most ill, but the different men drink different kinds of
beer, and I have been unable yet to trace a very definite
connection, though in my own mind this seems to promise
to be the most fertile source of investigation, bearing in mind
that the rest of the families of the patients are, so far,
immune, and also the fact that they are all working men in
the habit of taking their "glass of ale."
Other doctors in the district reported on cases at first, one
of whom had been a painter. Others bad seen none.
Another doctor reported four cases, the details being as
follows:—