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87
Albuminoid Ammonia 0.120
Nitraies as Nitrogen 0.32
Nitrates, heavy trace. Oxygen consumed.
Brown tinge. Slightly turbid, and faint odour.
Dr. Rideal is of opinion that the water is a purified
sewage, suitable to discharge into a tributory of the Thames
not used for drinking purposes.
This analysis shows, in my opinion, that the amount of
contamination of the Ravensbourne is not sufficient to produce
diphtheria in those living near its banks; but i think
that the extreme sluggishness of the river, and the consequent
continual damp exhalations penetrating the houses on
its banks —although possibly not actually producing diphtheria—renders
those (and more especially children) who
inhabit these houses very prone to take the disease. I do
not at present see in what manner this condition can be
adequately dealt with; but as long as the river is in its present
condition and diphtheria continues to be as prevalent
all over London as it has been during the last few years, I
feel sure that this part of the District will give us trouble.
The cause of this prevalence of diphtheria in London does
not seem at present to be definitely known; but I think
that it is generally agreed that dampness very much predisposes
to the spread of the disease.
Diphtheria seems to appear at specified times in the
year. The Charts of the District appended show that
October and November have been the months, during the
last four years, in which diphtheria has been most prevalent,
except in the case of 1898.