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7
It is 110 argument in favor of the sanitary arrangements of this Institution
to say that Pyæmia exists in other Hospitals, for this only proves,
that these hospitals also are defective in theirsanitary arrangements, if such be
the cause of the disease, while it forcibly suggests that all institutions set
apart for the treatment of the sick and wounded, where Pyæmia is of
frequent occurrence, demand the strictest investigation into their general
sanitary condition. It has hitherto been a rule, in ventilating public
buildings, to let the architect have his own way, and the opinions of medical
men, who are most competent to advise upon this matter, are seldom asked,
and still more rarely acted upon. Hence the frequent mistakes that are
made in the ventilation of public buildings.
In my last Quarterly Report I brought under the notice of the Board
certain clauses in the Sanitary Act of 1866, which, in my opinion, demand
your attentive consideration, and particularly the 53rd clause, that relates
to the periodical removal of dung and refuse which are allowed to accumulate
in stables, cow-sheds, and other places, until decomposition has taken
place. The stirring up and carting away of this offensive matter is a
nuisance to the neighbourhood, and is injurious to the health of those
persons who are compelled to inhale the noxious effluvium. The ill effects
from these accumulations are increased in proportion to the length of time
they are retained upon the premises. Manure and other refuse should not
be allowed to remain on any premises situated within this populous District
for a longer period than two days.
As the period is nearly at hand when a new contract for cleansing the
District will be considered, I have again to urge upon your notice the
great advantage that will accrue to the public by contracting for the daily
cleansing of all the streets and bye places ; for unless the streets are daily
cleansed in this crowded District, where persons have been so long
accustomed to throw all sorts of refuse in the public thoroughfares, it will
be impossible to keep them clean if only swept three times a week. The
streets being clean will act as a stimulus upon the poorer inhabitants to
keep the interior of their dwellings in a cleaner state than most of them
are in at the present time.
I am,
Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
JOHN LIDDLE.
15, Gbeat Alie Street.