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mercury, which are given off in the process of forming an amalgam by the combination of the
mercury with the tin-foil. The proprietor of this large establishment was Very anxious that
means should be devised, whereby the injurious effects of the mercury upon the workmen might
be prevented, and in order that I might be the better able to suggest a remedy, he kindly
showed me the whole of the process of silvering looking glasses. On observing the operation,
it appeared to me, that the mercury entered the system of the workmen in two ways,—the
one, by friction, the other, by inhalation. With the view, therefore, of protecting those employed
in the factory from the absorption of the mercury by the skin; the hands of the operators
should be covered with gloves of bladder, or of varnished silk, or leather. These gloves can
be easily washed and kept free from the quicksilver. A bath should be erected on the premises,
and the men should be required either to use it on leaving off work; or if it should be
inconvenient for them to use the bath, they should be required to wash their entire bodies
with soap and water. The men on leaving, should change their clothes, which should be well
brushed, so as to remove all the particles of quicksilver, before again wearing them. The
hands of the workman, if uncovered, should be washed in soap and water several times in the
course of day, and the mouth and nostrils should also be frequently cleansed with either warm or
cold water. In order to prevent the effects of inhaling the finely divided particles of the quicksilver,
it is most essential that a thorough ventilation be established in the factory, so that the
fine mercurial dust be carried out of the building, immediately it rises. If these precautions
be strictly attended to, it is very probable that the injurious effects of the quicksilver will be
prevented. I have sent a copy of these suggestions to the proprietor of the establishment
alluded to, with a request, that he will have them printed, and placed in conspicious parts of
the factory.
The sanitary work in the district is progressing in a very satisfactory manner. During
the last three months 459 houses have been inspected in a systematic manner, that is to say,
in the form of a house to house visitation, making a total of 5772. The Inspectors have also
visited 69 houses, where it was reported that fever existed, and in every instance, where sanitary
improvements were required, a notice was served upon the owner to carry them into
effect. These orders were in every instance complied with. In consequence of the frequent
occurrence of the offence of persons throwing filth into the public way, Mr. Cowakd
deemed it necessary to take out a summons against Hannah Jones for throwing fish offal
into the street. In this instance, a small penalty in addition to the costs, was inflicted, which
I hope will prove a warning to similar offenders.
Complaints are still occasionally made of the offensive smell arising from the premises
of the bone boilers, in Thomas-street, and Buck's-row. The alterations hitherto effected on the
several premises are upon too small a scale to materially abate the nuisance. It^'is therefore
necessary that further improvements be carried into effect, to relieve the neighbourhood from
the disgusting efHuvia which escape from the carrying on the business.
Mr. Oliver, one of the District Surveyors has, in conformity with the 103rd section of
the Metropolis Local Management Act, sent to the Board a list of all the underground rooms,
used as sleeping rooms, which are not in conformity with the requirements of the Building
Act. All these places have been visited, and in the worst cases, notices have been served upon
the landlords to prohibit the tenants from using such rooms as sleeping apartments.