Fetid irrigation : observations on the numerical statements published in a pamphlet, entitled "Foul burn agitation," with a vindication of the numerical facts relating to the military at Piershill, as published in the papers of the Commissioners of Police.

Date:
1840
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Fetid irrigation : observations on the numerical statements published in a pamphlet, entitled "Foul burn agitation," with a vindication of the numerical facts relating to the military at Piershill, as published in the papers of the Commissioners of Police. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh. The original may be consulted at the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh.

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    missions 323. By calculating the ratio of the sickness on a thousand of strength, as has been done in all the other in- stances, and contrasting the result with Dr Simpson’s estimate, we find it to be as follows :— Strength. Admissions. Ratio W iOOO of Strength. Accordingto the pamphlet 300 323 1078 Dr Simpson, 307 316 1029 Thus, according to the “ actual numerical statements” for the five years, beginning April 1833, and ending March 1838, as contained in the pamphlet, the ratio of sickness is 49 per, 1000 offeree greater than what it is stated to be by Dr Simp- son, in his estimate for the seven years, comprehended in his research. In other words, according to Dr Simpson’s “ calcu- lation,” the sickness is five per cent, less than what it is shown to be by the “ actual numerical statements” of the pamphlet for the limited term. In future, those interested in the nui- sance in question, will be disposed to think that the marshes had better been left under the average imputation of Dr Simp- son than have been exposed by the “ actual numerical state- ments” of their friends. We must confess that we are now somewhat of the same opinion with the author of “ Foul Burn Agitation,” in being disposed to give a preference to “actual numerical statements,” over what he designates as “calculations of averages and general results.” “ The evidence now stated sets at rest any question about the salubrity of Peirshill Bar- racks, and demonstrates that the averages relied on by Dr Simpson are a mere fallacy,” in which, in all probability, the actual amount of sickness and mortality produced by the efflu- via for ever emanating from the “ Lernian Marsh,” and dif- fusing wide its lethal influence in the atmosphere, is under- estimated. We cannot institute a comparison of the numbers in the intermediate five years, according to Dr Simpson’s statement, as he has not published the returns for the individual years. This, in his case however, is of comparatively little moment,
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