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7
have always advocated the theory that Asiatic
or epidemic Cholera is a communicable disease, and
that it spreads in no other way than by the passing
of the poison from one human body to another.
Acting on this theory, I felt assured that this
dangerous disease had gained access to our shores,
and only needed to be left to itself, to spread desolation
throughout the land. It had visited us too
late in the season to lead me to suppose that it
would spread extensively before the following season;
but, I felt that active measures should be taken
during the ensuing winter season, and at the request
of the Vestry, I drew up the following Report:—
"I have been requested by the Vestry to point
"out any course of action which I think ought to
"be taken, in order to prevent the introduction and
"spread of Cholera, should it unhappily prevail in
"the Metropolis.
"As one of the great barriers to all plans of
"action for the prevention and arrest of the progress
"of contagious diseases, is the ignorance of the
"people, I should recommend that the Vestry draw
"up some plain directions to be circulated throughout
"the Parish, with regard to the nature, and means
"of propagation of the disease called Cholera.
"In the next place I would recommend that every
"precaution be taken to prevent the introduction
"into, and spread of Cholera in the Parish. It is
"of the utmost importance that the first cases of
"Cholera be reported, and that any and every