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but at night they are necessarily shut—for it would be highly imprudent to keep
them open at that time, as the rush of cold air into such a heated room would have
a tendency to produce inflammatory affections in those who slept near them. The
want of light in the centre cabins is a great defect in the sanitary arrangement of the
building, and the fact of those who sleep in the upper tier respiring the air which
has already been breathed by those who sleep below is a very serious evil. I can
bear testimony in my own person, when visiting a patient at night, of the oppressive
state of the air in the dormitory.
As I had not an opportunity of consulting the plans of the building, I am not
aware of the capacity and course of the flues; but, from the survey of the premises
which I made, it appeared to me, that a flue ran up one side of each dormitory; and
if such be the case, an improved state of ventilation might easily and cheaply be
effected by making an opening from the upper part of each apartment into the flue.
Air bricks and perforated zinc plates might be introduced at each extremity of the
dormitory for the admission of fresh air.
Sailors' Asylum. There are no means of ventilation provided in the dormitory
of this institution, except from open windows. From the dimensions given me
about 2½ years ago by Me. Partridge, the Superintendent, it appears that the
cubic contents of the dormitory are about 17,000 feet, into which space, during the
winter months, upwards of 60 men have been frequently admitted.
The oppression felt on entering this crowded room has been described to me as
very great indeed.
The ventilation of this room might also be easily and cheaply improved.
I have the honor to be,
Gf.ntlemem,
Your most obedient Servant,
JOHN LIDDLE.
15, Great Alie Street,
June 29th, 1857.