1866. ] The Sanitary Act of 1866. 499 
upon the action of the local authorities; and in case of default on 
their part, then its operation will have to be promoted by private 
individuals and sanitary associations, which should be at once 
formed wherever they do not already exist. 
If we could be certain that Town Councils, Boards of Health, 
and other Local Authorities, would regard the Act as the herald of 
sanitary reform; would promptly, wisely, and unflinchingly give 
effect to its clauses, then nothing further need be said on the subject. 
But the experience of the past has taught us to expect different 
results ; in fact the clauses directed against defaulting Authorities 
sufficiently indicate the views of the Legislature in that respect. 
Much will therefore depend upon those watchful, self-denying 
men whose business it is to prescribe for the sick, whether in body 
or mind, upon medical men, ministers, and district visitors; and 
the first-named, especially, are now provided with a ready means of 
enforcing cleanly habits amongst their poorer patients. We advise 
all such persons to obtain a copy of the Act,* to peruse it carefully, 
and to do all that lies in their power to compel obedience to its 
provisions. Let them not be afraid of offending local authorities ; 
they will find the Home Secretary prompt in responding to com- 
plaints, where the authorities are neglectful of their duty. Let 
them urge their wealthy and better educated parishioners and 
patients to take up the cry of sanitary reform ; and let those also 
bring their means and energy to bear in the good cause. 
If local authorities are desirous to avail themselves of the Act, 
let them not be over-confident. It seldom happens that they 
have amongst them scientific men able to guide them, but there 
are in every town intelligent professional men, who, although they 
may be retirmg, and may have a distaste for municipal politics, 
will gladly give their advice and assistance to the Council of 
Health ; and thus will be obviated those pitiful exhibitions of igno- 
rance with which the world is sometimes astonished, and which 
have the effect of handing over the poorer classes to the mercy of 
quacks and pretenders ever watchful for their prey. 
In all large towns it will be absolutely necessary to build healthy 
houses for the poor, who will be turned out of their wretched habita- 
tions by this Act; and in such towns it generally happens that the 
charities are maintained, and the philanthropic undertakings fos- 
tered by a very small proportion of the inhabitants. May these 
lines be read by some of those whose thoughts have not yet travelled 
into the realms of sympathy for the poor, and may they too give 
their aid and counsel in the good cause ! 
There is no apology necessary for the large amount of space 
which has been devoted to this subject ; nor need we make excuses 
for the repulsive details which we have been compelled to notice. 
* <The Sanitary Act, 1866.’ 
