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 1893
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Clerkenwell, St. James and St. John]
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128
18 choked sink wastes and gullies unstopped.
5 dilapidated floorings repaired.
8 smoke nuisances abated.
14 dirty workshops limewhited and cleansed.
The Meteorology of the year was as follows:—
| 1893. | temperature. aveRage. | difference from average of 122 years. | humidity saturation=100.) | height of barometer. | rain in inches. | difference from average of 78 years. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 51.1 | + 2.5 | 76 | 29.8 | 20.1 | —4.2 |
| Winter Quarter | 40.9 | + 21 | 84 | 29.7 | 4.6 | —0.35 |
| (Jan., Feb., March) | ||||||
| Spring Quarter | 57.0 | +4.7 | 65 | 29.9 | 1.4 | —4.31 |
| (April, May, June) | ||||||
| Summer Quarter | 61.9 | + 2.2 | 71 | 29.7 | 5.8 | —1.44 |
| (July, Aug., Sept.) | ||||||
| Autumn Quarter | 44.5 | + 1.6 | 84 | 29.7 | 8.1 | + 1.12 |
| (Oct., Nov., Dec.) |
The meteorological conditions have an important influence upon
the public health, for, while an increase of summer temperature
increases the deaths from diarrhoea, a lower temperature diminishes
them; and, while a cold winter inoreases the pulmonary deaths, a
mild winter diminishes them. The amount of rainfall is also
important, as this washes and purifies the streets and drains.
I have the honor to remain,
Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
J. W. GRIFFITH, M.D,
Member of the College of Physicians