London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Mile End 1866

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Hamlet of Mile End Old Town]

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10
remain free from those diseases, and then after arriving
at adult life suddenly place the same individuals within
the influence of such causes, they would be just as
susceptible to the diseases as in childhood—of course
there are other causes which contribute to this excessive
infantile mortality, but I only allude to those
which come within the legitimate sphere of preventive
medicine.
When the diseases are not fatal they may leave behind
them such a condition of the system as will be most
damaging to the constitution of the future man probably
for generations to come. Therefore, to elucidate and
eradicate the causes of this class of infantile diseases is
to strike at the roots of the greatest and most insidious
enemies to health and life, and they are unquestionably
amenable to preventive measures.
Zymotic Diseases and Sanitary Measures.
i]y Table II. it will be seen that the number of deaths
during the year from preventible diseases was nearly
one fourth the total mortality of the Hamlet.
In all cases of zymotic diseases which have come
under my notice, I have, when necessary, directed
printed notices, under the provisions of the Public
Health Act, 18GG, to be sent, requiring the premises, or
part thereof, to be thoroughly cleansed and disinfected.
[See next page for copy of the order, ]
As will be seen by the Inspector's return, 107 such
orders have been issued during a period of about six
months. The Inspectors inform me that in nearly
every instance the orders have been well carried out,
and in only two or three instances have objections been
made or opposition raised and referred to me, and in
those cases a courteous explanation of the objects desired
has been sufficient to cause a ready acquiesence therein.