London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Shoreditch 1859

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Shoreditch, Parish of St. Leonard]

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26
It would appear from this that the impurity of the Church pump
is less than in 1856. Although the organic and mineral admixture ranges
from four to five times more than is found in the Companies' waters,
it is still a matter for congratulation that the impurity of the spring
waters is so small in amount. If this impurity were not liable to fluctuation
both in quantity and quality, and to exceed the proportions found
on this occasion, I might not be disposed to condemn the use of these
spring-waters for drinking purposes. It is the absence of all security
against their contamination, more especially from fcecal excrement, that
renders it unsafe to resort to them habitually. Although it was not the
case with the particular specimens last examined, I have hardly ever
exposed a sample of town spring-water to the heat of a summer-day for
some hours, without observing it to become putrid. There are also facts
connected with shallow-well waters which it is impossible for a medical
man not to regard without serious apprehension.
There are various diseases which there is much reason to conclude
may be directly propagated by swallowing matter which has been evacuated
from the intestines of human or other animal beings. These matters
are easily conveyed in water; and some at least are not likely to be
decomposed or destroyed by filtration through gravel or other soil. The
evidence that cholera may be propagated in this manner is very strong.
A very able physician, Dr. William Budd of Bristol, has recently adduced
arguments and facts to prove that Typhoid Fever is so propagated; and
that Tape-worm and other parasites that infest the human intestines are
so propagated, is now proved beyond doubt amongst naturalists and
physicians.
Having given the subject the best consideration, I am unable to arrive
at any other conclusion than that the shallow spring-waters of the district
are unsafe to drink. I have therefore no hesitation in recommending
that the proposition of the Association for establishing Free Drinking
Fountains to be supplied from the mains of the water companies be agreed
to. The annual cost of the water would be small compared with the
great benefits that would result.