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9
one can reasonably doubt that the abolition of 1540† cesspools has been mainly instrumental
in bringing it about. If we are compelled to make a choice between the
certain deleterious effects of cesspools, when situated in close proximity to inhabited
houses, and the effects of the exhalations of the Thames upon the public health, we
cannot for a moment hesitate to say which of the two evils is the most injurious. It is a
singular fact, that while the Thames was so offensive, the public health was comparatively
good, but this fortunate coincidence by no means justifies us in converting the
river into a common sewer; until, however, a different system of main drainage is
effected, there is no help for it. My duty, as the local Officer of Health, is to endeavour
to purify the atmosphere surrounding the habitations of the people, by removing
every thing which has a tendency to contaminate it; and it is not my province to
discuss the question relating either to the purification of the Thames, or the main
drainage of London. I am thoroughly convinced, by the result of experience, that
the existence of cesspools and overcrowding are the chief causes of ill health; I must
therefore use my earnest exertions to remove those evils.
The beneficial effects produced upon the public health, by the substitution of
water-closets for the old privy and cesspool, have not been confined to the metropolis,
but have been co-extensive with such substitution in all large towns, and so deeply do
I feel the importance of this exchange, that were I, in any known instance where
practicable to effect such a substitution, and not to urge its adoption, I should fail in
my duty as your Medical Officer of Health. If the sullage, which is now not only
wasted, but permitted to contaminate the river, can be turned to account, I shall
rejoice, but in the mean time, I must use my best endeavours to cause to be carried
away, by the agency of water, all cesspool filth from every inhabited house.
In my first Quarterly Report, I stated that all complaints of nuisances were
without delay inquired into by yonr inspectors, and the localities where fever prevailed
were promptly visited, and a notice to remove any nuisance was served upon the
owner of the premises where such nuisance existed ; and if the nuisance were not
removed within a given time, the sanction of your Board was requested to allow
further proceedings to be taken.
This plan has hitherto worked extremely well, if the number of nuisances,
(12,870) which have been removed, and the diminution of fever cases, (from 43
to 10 weekly) be criterions of its efficiency; I therefore hope that the Board
will allow the same system to be continued; for if persons be willing to remove
nuisances, simply by a notice from your inspectors, the delay which will
necessarily be occasioned in bringing each case before you will be avoided, and your
*To this number most be added those cesspools which have been abolished by the several
parties who had been anxious to avail themselves of the benefits of the sewers in the immediate
vicinity of their property, by obtaining the permission of the Surveyor to connect their
drains with the main sewer; but as the Surveyor has not kept a separate account of those
who have made a communication with the sewer, upon a notice served by the Inspectors, and
those who have voluntarily done so, I cannot give the exact number. The Surveyor has kindly
promised for the future, to keep the cases distinct.