View report page

7
open air. The human body, too, after a little seasoning, acquires
the power of receiving many poisons with impunity, and of
breathing, without immediate injury, the noxious gases arising from
the decomposition of organic matter. In Styria and Tyrol
(Austria) persons gradually accustom themselves to take daily
considerable doses of arsenic, to improve the appetite and complexion,
opium, too, and other poisons, are often consumed for
years without much seeming evil effect to the consumer, yet it
would be absurd to say that opium and arsenic are not injurious to
the mass of mankind. I believe all decomposing organic matter to
emit effluvia which are more or less noxious to man, the guardians of
the body—the senses—shrink instinctively from the exhalations of
putridity, and nature is never wrong in her indications. I shall,
therefore, with the approbation of this Board, not desist from the
course I have hitherto pursued in trying to rid the Parish of these
nuisances.
On Wednesday, 4th July, application was made to the Magistrate,
Mr. Trail, for penalties in the case of Mr. Salmon, patent manure
maker. The proceedings were however overset on a technical
objection raised by the counsel for the defendant, and consequently
no penalties were inflicted. The locality in which the business is
carried on had been improperly described in the notices. On
Saturday, 7th July, about noon, I presented myself in company
with the Inspector, at the gate of Mr. Salmon's premises, and each
of us exhibited to the person in charge the sealed authority from
this Board. Admittance was however refused. On a previous
occasion we had been threatened with an action for trespass.
Proper vigilance is being exercised over the premises of the cat-gut
maker in Clark's Orchard.
Notices have been served in the other cases mentioned in the
Agenda Paper.
Thirty-four deaths were registered in June, the mortality having
been less than in April or May, and under the monthly average.
Three deaths occurred from small-pox. None of these persons had
been vaccinated. Indeed, in Rotherhithe, very few vaccinated persons
have been affected with the disease, and those few mildly. In
making this statement I have the concurrent testimony of
Mr. Nicholls, one of the Medical Officers of Rotherhithe Parish.
July, 1860.
Yours respectfully,
W. MURDOCH.