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that in 1857, it will appear that the mortality from these causes was greater during
the latter than the former period. This difference is principally caused by the
epidemic of diarrhoea, which occurred during the summer and autumn of 1857, which
raised the mortality from this disease to 139 against 81 for the previous year.
Typhus fever was not nearly so fatal, the deaths being for 1856, 188, and for 1857,
117. In small pox, there was a marked difference in favour of 1857, 31 against 3.
In scarlet fever, there was a diminution of 2, whereas in measles, and hooping cough,
there was an increase oi 48 in the former, and 25 in the latter.
On comparing the mortality of epidemic diseases during the last quarter with
that of the corresponding quarter of last year, it will be seen that there is an increase
of 17, 98, including 4 deaths from cholera, being the number for 1857, and 81 for
1856; but it must be remembered, that the former period comprises 14 weeks,
whereas the latter, 13 only.
The total mortality of the workhouses during 1857, contrasts very favourably
with the mortality in these institutions during the preceding year. The number of
deaths in the two workhouses for 1857, was 272, and for 1856, 353. The deaths
from fever and other zymotic diseases in the workhouses, were 46.
The total number of out-door cases of sickness attended by the medical officers
of the Union for the last quarter, was 2966, and the total number for the year, was
10,714, giving an average of 202 per week. The total number for 1856, was 9897,
or an average of 190 per week. The number of cases of fever for the year 1857,
was 1441, while for 1856, the number was 2239. The cases of fever occurring in
the practice of the Medical Officers of the Union, were less in number than in any
year since 1847, when they were 1157 only.
On referring to Table 21, showing the localities where cases of fever came under
the cognizance of the Medical Officers of the Union, and where deaths from zymotic
diseases occurred, it will be seen that the greatest number of such cases and deaths,
in proportion to the number of houses, were in the undermentioned places, viz:—
Booth Street, Spitalfields, where, in 37 houses, 22 cases of fever, and 3 deaths from
zymotic diseases occurred ; Grey Eagle Street, containing 68 houses, there were 26
cases of fever, and 10 deaths from zymotic diseases ; George Court, having only 4
houses, 5 cases of fever are recorded. 26 cases of fever, and 5 deaths from zymotic
diseases occurred in the 67 houses in Princes Street, Mile End New Town; and in
Dunk Street, out of 42 houses there were 44 cases of fever and 2 deaths from zymotic
diseases. Little Love Court, Whitechapel, is shown to be even more unhealthy
than the localities above-mentioned, for 14 cases of fever and 1 death occurred
among the inhabitants of the 5 houses comprising the entire Court. I may also
class among the most unhealthy localities, Queen Ann Street, Elizabeth Place, John
Street, Crown Court, Moss Buildings, and Princes Street, Whiteehapel, in which
places, out of 157 houses, 75 cases of fever and 14 deaths occurred.
In a former report, I pointed out the unhealthy condition of Grey Eagle Street
and George Court, Spitalfields, and strongly recommended that a sewer should be
constructed in each of these localities, and I would now respectfully urge every