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42
has to deal with, and given to the public in figures
so large as to tend to cause misconception, and perhaps
unnecessary alarm in the minds of those not
conversant with all the conditions of the case."*
I have been tempted to discuss this matter somewhat
fully by the desire to allay any feeling of
apprehension in the public mind as to the wholesome
quality of the water supplied to this Metropolis, and
I have endeavoured to shew that although the
phrases made use of by the Registrar-General on
the authority of Dr. Frankland are at first sight
undoubtedly alarming, yet when closely examined
they are found to be but mere figures of speech with
perhaps a rather bold touch of exaggeration. It is,
however, satisfactory to know that this kind of
phraseology is quite exceptional, and is not used or
even accepted, so far as I am aware, by any practical
sanitary authority.
The quantity of water supplied to the Metropolis
during the year is shewn in the following table:—
* Since this report was written, Dr. Bristowe, the Medical Officer
of Health for Camberwell, has also felt it necessary to report on this
subject, and to condemn the use of Dr. Fiankland's phrases of
"previous sewage contamination," and " living organisms."