On the physical causes of the high rate of mortality in Liverpool / [W.H. Duncan].

  • William Henry Duncan
Date:
1843
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: On the physical causes of the high rate of mortality in Liverpool / [W.H. Duncan]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    7 3 However sound and scientific Mr. Chadwick’s views may be, they will probably be thought inapplicable to the present circumstances of Liverpool. But, at all events, every ash-pit should be made to communicate with the sewer by a guarded drain, so as to carry off at once the fluid portion of its noxious contents: the poisonous efflu¬ via from the remainder would then act with diminished power. Additional advantage would be gained by causing every ash-pit to be effectually covered over. In connexion with sewerage, I would suggest, in addi¬ tion, that no cellar should be allowed to be inhabited unless situated in a street that is sewered, and where the sewer is below the level of the cellar floor; and every such cellar should have a properly constructed drain, communicating with the sewer. Lastly, I would suggest that the very inadequate supply of privies should be remedied by the establishment of public buildings, distributed over the town in numbers and situations regulated by the wants of each locality, i. e. by the number of houses in each district, found to be destitute of these necessary conveniences. I cannot conclude without expressing my regret, that, in this country, the public health should occupy such a very subordinate place in the estimation of the public autho¬ rities. In this respect, we are far behind our continental neighbours. In France and other countries on the Con¬ tinent, the promotion of the public health is a constant object of solicitude, both with the government and the municipal councils. Nor is any important matter bearing upon this point decided on without the sanction and concurrence of the best professional and scientific opinions, which are previously sought for by the Minister of Public Works. In Paris, there is a Council of Health, appointed by the Prefect of Police; and to this body, as well as to the Academy of Medicine, questions of medical police are constantly referred by the Central Government. In F
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