Extracts from the opinions of the medical officers of health on the pump water & surface wells in the metropolis.

Date:
1859
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Extracts from the opinions of the medical officers of health on the pump water & surface wells in the metropolis. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The Royal College of Surgeons of England. The original may be consulted at The Royal College of Surgeons of England.

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    Henry N. Pink, Esq., Medical Officer of Health of Greenwich. “ Inasmuch as the greater part of, if not all, the wells of London, are sunk in the midst of privies and cesspools, it is impossible but that the water contained in them must become impregnated from such sources of pollution.” “ I am therefore of opinion that, in all cases where there is a sufficient supply of water from other sources, the pumps and wells should be done away with, as regards their application to domestic purposes, and as far as practicable, I have recommended that course to be adopted in this district.” Barnard Holt, Esq., Medical Officer of Health of Westminster. “ I think there is ample evidence to show they are fraught with evil, and ought to be done away with. Acting on your suggestion I will endeavour to get the number in these parishes, and if possible have them closed.” F. R. Godrich, Esq., Medical Officer of Health of Kensington. Without doubt our water supplied by any of the companies is vastly better than any superficial pump water. “ Whereas I consider every specimen of superficial pump water I have examined most dangerous, particularly at certain seasons of the year to drink. ls£. From its exceeding hardness; 2nd. From the immense quantity of organic matter present in it; and 3rd. This organic matter is of the very worst description, as is proved by the increased quantities of sul- phuric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, of chlorine of magnesia, showing that the water is contaminated with animal organic matter from cesspools, sewers, &c. “ Under these circumstances I give it as my firm opinion that all in- habitants in London should be restrained from using the water from a surface-pump as being highly prejudicial to their health.” C. J. B. Aldis, M.D., Medical Officer of Health of St. George's, Hanover Square. “ I think it would be most desirable to close surface-well pumps in London where the water supply is otherwise sufficient. “ About a week ago some persons in my district were drinking water taken from the Sloane Square pump. This water, as well as that in a stable near, was strongly impregnated with gas, and I immediately wrote to Dr. Barclay upon the subject, with a view to having the pump closed.” J. B. Sanderson, M.D., Medical Officer of Health of Paddington. “ On the matter of surface-wells my notion is, that wherever# the water of such wells is likely to be used for drinking purposes, they ought to be closed. ‘ Every surface-well is ipso facto polluted.’ ”