Report of the Health of London Association on the sanitary condition of the metropolis; : being a digest of the information contained in the replies returned to three thousand lists of queries, which were circulated amongst clergymen, medical men, solicitors, surveyors, architects, engineers, parochial officers, and the public.

  • Health of Towns Association (London, England)
Date:
1847
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Report of the Health of London Association on the sanitary condition of the metropolis; : being a digest of the information contained in the replies returned to three thousand lists of queries, which were circulated amongst clergymen, medical men, solicitors, surveyors, architects, engineers, parochial officers, and the public. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    In France—by an imperial decree in 1810—the various works are judiciously distributed into three classes, and the formalities indicated which are indispensable for the erection of new manufactories in towns and villages. The first class consists of such manufactories as ought not to be carried on near private houses. The second class contains such as are not absolutely to be prohibited near human habitations, but ought not to be erected except after hearing all sides, and leave granted. The third class comprehends those works which may be near habitations, but should be under sur¬ veillance. This distribution is highly deserving of imitation, and would greatly add to the health of the Metropolis. It is to be regretted that while in their first report the Health of Towns’ Commission admit that manufactories which emit offensive and noxious effluvia may be diminished or pre¬ vented, and that the subject still requires investigation, yet, in their second report, they recommend no very decided steps for their suppression by a public officer, when it is known and acknowledged that private individuals have not the power to do it. [6,] Would it be advantageous to the public that an Inspector of Nuisances and a public Officer of Health should be appointed ? One person only has replied to this question decidedly in the negative, and two only have given answers of a partly negative character; while the number who have replied to this question is greater than to any other. The opinions are expressed with great firmness and decision, that such ap¬ pointments would not only be highly advantageous, but that they are absolutely necessary. Many state that they would be of incalculable benefit to the community. The mode of appointment, the powers to be given, the duties to be im¬ posed and the qualifications for the offices, however, are subjects of anxious inquiry, and form very important points for consideration. The Inspector of Nuisances, it is generally thought, should be appointed by the Local Board, and be approved of by the Central Board, and his powers should be accu¬ rately defined. It is stated that such an officer is essentially necessary, because some persons cannot, dare not, complain of most offensive nuisances, and that without such an officer, multitudes of nuisances, most prejudicial to the health and