Report of the Edinburgh Board of Health : 16th November 1831.

  • Edinburgh Health Board.
Date:
1831
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Report of the Edinburgh Board of Health : 16th November 1831. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The University of Glasgow Library. The original may be consulted at The University of Glasgow Library.

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    REPORT OP THE EDINBURGH BOARD OF HEALTH. 16th November 1831. The Edinburgh Board of Health having maturely considered what steps should be taken for checking the Epide • MIC Cholera, if it should appear in this city, are of opinion that the proper time is now arrived for making public the fol- lowing directions for the guidance of the Inhabitants. I. The Board are satisfied, that the disease may arise sponta- neously from hidden causes ; and that it may also become conta- gious in circumstances not yet ascertained. But they are fully warranted in declaring, that, when it does become contagious, the risk of its spreading in that manner is very much diminished if due attention be paid to cleanliness and sobriety. And they therefore entreat the inhabitants of Edinburgh, in the event of the disease appearing here, not to be misled by exaggerated no- tions of its contagious nature,—the inevitable tendency of which would be to leave the sick helpless, and without that attendance from friends and others which is more pressingly required in this disease than in any other. II. Experience has shewn, that the most essential precaution lor escaping the disease is sobriety,—that intoxication during the prevalence of the epidemic is almost sure to be followed by an attack,—and that those addicted to drinking are the most sub- ject to take cholera, and the most likely to sink under it. In like manner, strict attention to personal cleanliness,—to cleanli- ness and ventilation of dwelling-houses,—to warm clothing,—- to regularity of hours for sleep,—to keeping as much as possible within doors at night,—and to taking food before going out in tire morning,—may be relied on as important means of security. III. The Board are providing, that, should the disease ap- pear, several Hospitals shall be opened over the city; also that stations shall be established, where, as well as at the hospitals, medicines and heating-appaiatus may be procured at all hour*