Introductory report, suggesting the outline of a scheme for extramural interment : submitted to the Improvement-Committee of the Hon. the Commissioners of Sewers of the City of London / by the Medical Officer of Health.

  • Simon, Sir John, 1816-1904.
Date:
1853
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Introductory report, suggesting the outline of a scheme for extramural interment : submitted to the Improvement-Committee of the Hon. the Commissioners of Sewers of the City of London / by the Medical Officer of Health. 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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    myself, in its construction, I have thought it indis- pensable to pursue the subject into minuter ramifi- cations, to consider a vast number of circumstances here scarcely mentioned, to make myself acquainted with the burial-customs of other countries, to review a great variety of opinions and arguments which have been advanced on the several matters alluded to, and to consult with persons practically versed in them. But to have brought all this material before you, would have prolonged my report to an incon- venient extent with no proportionate utility. Further, as regards these details of the subject, there are many parts on which I cannot address you with the confidence that belongs to personal know- ledge. The general principles which I have set before you, do indeed lie within range of my official and professional observation. But the next stage of your inquiry relates to matters of special pursuit with which I am only indirectly conversant: and whatever information I may have compiled for my- self from other sources, you will probably best obtain at first hand. Practical experience in the construction and working of Cemeteries has now for many years been the growing knowledge of persons connected with their administration by ties of business, or by official appointment. In many instances it has been dearly purchased, and notori- ous failures have arisen from its absence. Regard being had to the magnitude of your undertaking— hitherto unprecedented in the country, and to the