61 



similar effects: the analogy of action appearing to exist with sub- 

 stances of isornorphous relations to each other. 



The next subject for the attention of the committee is 



HYGIENE. 



22. Their remarks upon this topic must be restricted to a few 

 general observations. No disease, at the present time, is more worthy 

 of our serious consideration than the fatal fever which, under differ- 

 ent names, ravages so dreadfully the poor in Europe. A disease 

 which, following the tide of emigration so steadily flowing towards 

 our shores, has, latterly, become familiar to us here, spreading itself 

 by its reproductive power, it will doubtless still further familiarize 

 us to its presence. Against this fever the rules of hygiene are to 

 be invoked as alone capable of enchaining its fearful and fatal pro- 

 gress. 



Dr. Corrigan* has shown that a close connection exists between 

 deficiency of nourishment and the occurrence and severity of fever, 

 citing the history of epidemics in Ireland for a period of ninety-eight 

 years — from 1728 to 1826. During this time there were eighteen 

 years of epidemic, with every variety of weather and temperature, 

 and resembling each other only in one particular — bad harvests and 

 high price of provisions. He concludes from his facts, that epidemics 

 of fever in Ireland depend, not on climate or season — as it has raged 

 through wet and drought — heat and cold — nor upon cleanliness, ven- 

 tilation, &c, nor upon contagion alone; but that as famine is the 

 only invariable predecessor and companion of fever, we are justified 

 in making out this condition as its great cause. 



How far Dr. Corrigan's opinion is correct, the committee will not 

 inquire. There is ample proof, however, that the emigrants are 

 insufficiently supplied with food and water. It is equally certain that 

 their quarters on ship-board are deficient in ventilation and cleanli- 

 ness. Now these are matters so easily regulated by law, that it 

 seems incumbent on us, who are, in some measure, the guardians of 

 the public health, to set ourselves to the task of furnishing all requi- 

 site information. But to this duty the committee cannot address 

 themselves. They will only mention, as sources of information, the 



* Fever and Famine, as Cause and Effect, 1S45. 



