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43
I sought information from all the medical practitioners
in the district (a) with respect to the prevalence of Diarrhoea in
their practices, and (b) as to whether they could offer any
explanation as to the cause. All very kindly replied, and the
replies with one exception were to the effect, that more cases of
Diarrhoea had occurred than was usual for the time of year,
and the general opinion was, that the complaint was an
anomalous form of Influenza. I enquired also as to the relative
incidence of Diarrhoea in the areas supplied by the two water
companies. It was made clear that the illness was not limited
to the area supplied by the South-West Suburban Water
Company, and I should say that in proportion to the population
supplied, the distribution of cases was approximately equal. My
conclusion was, that the water supply could not be held to be
responsible.
On November 21st, the Superintendent of the Marylebone
Schools, informed the Sanitary Inspector that the County
Analyst had certified a sample of water taken from the Main
at the Schools to be unfit for drinking purposes. I at once
submitted a sample to the Public Analyst, who reported as
follows:—
Laboratories,
3 and 4, New Court,
Lincoln's Inn, London, W.C.
December 4th, 1906.
Certificate of Analysis of a Sample of Drinking Water.
Received: November 21st, 1906.
From: Mr. H. T. Baxter.
Marked: "From Main of the S.W. Suburban Water Co.,
November 21st, 1906. 19. Portland Road, Southall."
H. T. Baxter,
Appearance : Clear.
Colour: Dark Brown.
Smell: None. Parts per
100,000.
Total Solids dried at 100° C. 37.10
Total Solids ignited 31.30
Chlorine 2.20
Nitric Acid 1.00
Nitrous Acid Absent.
Oxygen absorbed .146
Free Ammonia .004
Albuminoid Ammonia .021
From a consideration of these results, I am of opinion that the
water has been imperfectly purified.
Edward Bevan.