London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Clerkenwell 1887
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Clerkenwell, St. James and St. John]
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81
2 lots of meat and fish were destroyed.
4 dead bodies removed to mortuary.
15 cases of deficient water supply were remedied.
The Meteorology of the year was as follows:—
| 1887. | TEMPERATURE. AVERAGE. | DIFFERENCE FROM AVERAGE OF 45 YEARS. | HUMIDITY (SATURATION=100.) | HEIGHT OF BAROMETER. | RAIN IN INCHES. | DIFFERENCE FROM AVERAGE OF 72 YEARS. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 47.8 | —1.4 | 79 | 29.8 | 19.8 | —5.36 |
| First Quarter (Jan., Feb., March | 37.3 | —2.6 | 86 | 29.9 | 3 03 | —1.97 |
| Second Quarter (April, May, June) | 51.6 | —1.2 | 76 | 29.8 | 4.70 | —1.11 |
| Third Quarter (July, Aug., Sept.) | 61.0 | +0.8 | 70 | 29.8 | 5.85 | —1.44 |
| Fourth Quarter (Oct., Nov., Dec.) | 41.3 | —3.2 | 85 | 29.7 | 6.28 | —0.84 |
Hence the mean temperature of the year was below that of the
average, that of the two first and the last quarters being below the
average, while that of the third quarter was above. These relations
have an important influence upon the mortality of a Parish, for a
cold season increases the mortality from pulmonary diseases, while a
warmer one diminishes them; and a warm summer increases, while
a cold summer reduces, the deaths from diarrhœa.
I have the honour to remain, Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
J. W. GRIFFITH, M.D,
Member of the Royal College of Physicians.