Report on the late outbreak of enteric fever in Archdeacon Johnson's School, Uppingham, Rutland, June- November, 1875.

  • Haviland, Alfred, -1903.
Date:
1876
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Report on the late outbreak of enteric fever in Archdeacon Johnson's School, Uppingham, Rutland, June- November, 1875. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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

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    condition; having done so, I was pleased to be able to give her a favourable opinion, and cheered her by assuring her that she had every prospect of getting through her troubles without danger. I am glad to think that I was not in error. At the time of my visit I did not know whose patient she was; hut had the impression that she was under Dr. Brown. On the occasion of my next visit, I simply asked for the “ sister,” hut she was gone. I was anxious to clear up a doubt as to the connection of the attack with the cases in the Hospital. On this occasion I simply asked her one or two questions as to her family, and, finding her better, congratulated her, and left her to investigate some of the matters complained of by herself and neighbours. As to the letter and questions enclosed, which Mr. Bell referred to, all I can say is that he threatened that he should send the questions to the Lancet for replies. Under these circumstances I certainly did not feel called upon to reply to them myself. He did send these questions to the Lancet, and got them well answered (Nov. 13th, 1875). Whilst on this subject, I will state a fact of which, perhaps, he is not aware, as he has not complained of it to the Local Government Board. During one of my visits to the Hospital I was appealed to by the matron, who stated that she was in great trouble in consequence of Mr. Bell having given sanction to the removal of one of the convalescent patients (just able to get up) back into the pestilential atmosphere of Mr. Hodgkinson’s, where he had contracted his disease, in order to make room for another boy who had been lately siezed there. In this case I certainly did interfere, much to the relief of the worthy matron. This lady informed me that Mr. Thring had humanely seconded her opposition to Mr. Bell’s orders. I regret that I was not in Uppingham when the poor boy Oldham was removed in a dying state from Mr. Hodgkinson’s house to the Hospital. It appears that he was suffering from Peritonitis at the time. He was admitted at 4 p.m. on the 22nd Oct., and died the next day at 7.30 p.m. This was the case that the convalescent boy above was ordered to make room for. In the first place, I have already explained my mode of procedure at the outset of the enquiry, in order to place myself in friendly relations with my professional brethren in the town, and I have stated the facts connected with the meeting held at Mr. Walford’s house. Mr. Bell withheld his support and assistance on that occasion, and never afterwards proffered me any information, either in reference to the scholars or his town patients. The other two medical men gave me free access to their patients, and I was glad to avail myself of their kindness. On Tuesday, the 4th January, whilst attending with Messrs. Field and Tarbotton a consultation at Mr. Bawlinson’s office, that gentleman handed to me the subjoined memorial and letter. I had received a few days before a letter from Mr. Thring breathing the same spirit: [ COPY.] “ Uppingham, 3rd January, 187G. “ To R. Rawlinson, Esq. “ Sir, “ On behalf of those who have signed the enclosed memorial to the Chairman of the Sanitary Board of Uppingham Union, I beg to enclose a copy of it, in the hope that your influence may be exerted to remove the grievance of which complaint is made. D
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