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nature enables us to predict, disappear out of the land. But it is
obvious that the precautions which are necessary and sufficient in
the case of Typhus, however completely they were carried into
effect, would leave Typhoid free to diffuse itself unchecked.
It is unnecessary to enter into the many details which are
subsidiary to the thorough enforcement of the principles thus laid
down. ' One thing is perfectly clear, that no amount of general
knowledge, or of vague notions about cleanliness, can replace the
particular knowledge which begins with accurate discrimination of
the existing sources of danger, and which includes special
information about the natural history and the mode of propagation
of the malady which is to be prevented, or is to he suffered to die
out.
During the past year the water in the Thames was exceedingly
turbid, and the district suffered considerably from tidal floods.
The impurity of the River, considered in conjunction with the
overflowing of its banks, has naturally acted injuriously upon health
generally, but particularly upon those who were compelled to reside
in the immediate vicinity. It is not improbable that, in a few
years, such occurrences will be rendered impossible, by an extended
embankment, and the construction of sewers in those towns and
districts which now contaminate the water, such as shall make
drainage into the River both difficult and unprofitable.
The quality of the Thames water was considerably deteriorated
in the year 1875 ; and, as the organic matter discharged into it by
the towns on its upper portion may generate Zymotic and other
diseases, it is not surprising that, with the existence of the nuisance,
sickness should prevail and the death rate be proportionately high.
It is not in the power of District Boards entirely to abate these
enormous evils, but they may, to some extent, be counteracted by
the vigilant action of local bodies, such as insisting upon improved
filtration, a continuous supply of water, and an extended use of
hydrants. The adoption of these means for the preservation of
health would doubtless diminish the danger to which the poor are
at present especially exposed.
The Legislature has, at last became fully alive to the importance
of carrying forward sanitary measures likely to improve the health