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103
are that our Water Companies derive their water now
from a much purer source than they formerly did, from a
source infinitely less liable to contain the germs of cholera;
and that our sewage, into which the cholera poison of our
cholera patients is chiefly thrown, is now carried for the
most part to a distance from London, and in a far less degree
than formerly is allowed to stagnate in our cesspools
and to percolate into our wells. I cannot however doubt
that the close attention which was paid in our own Parish
and elsewhere in London to all the cases of cholera
which came to our knowledge, which enabled us to disinfect
evacuations, and to disinfect or destroy articles impregnated
with them, and to advise with those who were
chiefly exposed to danger, had a very important influence
in preventing the spread of the disease.
In conclusion, I should fail I think in my duty if I
(who perhaps more than any one else have been in the
position to judge of the matter) were not to bear testimony,
first, to the admirable way in which the members of the
ward-committees performed the important and laborious
duties which they had undertaken; second, to the uniform
zeal and efficiency displayed by your Inspectors of
Nuisances (both the old Inspectors and those more
recently appointed) during the whole period of the
prevalence of cholera; and lastly, to the valuable assistance
so kindly given by the medical practitioners named
in the body of this report.
I remain, Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
JOHN S. BRISTOWE, M.D.
January, 1867.