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53
CONCLUSION.
Although the year 1864 was one of unusual
sickness and mortality, I think I have succeeded in
shewing that it has not arisen from the actual
presence and progress of those causes of disease
which are under the direct control of sanitary
organisation. There remains undoubtedly much to
do, and the fact, that indirectly even the excess of
death of that year might have been limited by
sanitary knowledge and appliances, gives hope for the
future. Every year's experience shews more completely
that man, by the application of his knowledge
of the laws by which the Creator governs the world,
can control the causes of disease and death. As
these are the greatest disasters of our life, and the
great antagonists of increasing wealth, it is the
highest economy and the greatest practical wisdom
to endeavour to conserve those vital powers of the
community which are lost by death and disease.
I am,
Rev. Sir, My Lords, and Gentlemen,
Your most obedient humble Servant,
EDWIN LANKESTER.
Vestry Hall, Piccadilly,
June 1865.
C