Board of Plealth, 1796. 49 



The discussion reminds one of that regarding a small- 

 pox hospital in Hampstead lately, and leads to quote, from 

 the same small volume spoken of, Dr. Currie's remark in 

 his letter from Liverpool, ' If a building is to be erected for 

 the express purpose, every one will agree that it is better 

 it should be wholly detached from every other.' 



The struggle ended, but not until it brought out 

 opinions also from Mr. David Dale of the Lanark Mills, 

 Dr. Ferriar, Dr. Carmichael Smyth,, Mr. Thomas Henry, 

 and Dr. Garnett, giving the essence of what was known 

 on the air, disinfection and contagion. 



Copy of Dr. PercivaVs remarks, January 7, 1796. 



' The objects of the Board of Health are threefold : 



' i. To obviate the generation of diseases. 



' 2. To prevent the spreading of them by contagion. 



' 3. To shorten the duration of existing diseases, and to 

 mitigate their evils, by affording the necessary aids and 

 comforts to those who labour under them. 



' Under the first head are comprehended : the inspection 

 and improvement of the general accommodations of the 

 poor ; the prohibition of such habitations as are so close, 

 noisome, or damp, as to be incapable of being rendered 

 tolerably salubrious ; the removal of privies placed in 

 improper situations ; provision for white-washing and 

 cleansing the houses of the poor twice every year ; atten- 

 tion to their ventilation, by windows with open casements, 

 &c. ; the inspection of cotton mills or other factories at 

 stated seasons, with regular returns of the condition, as to 

 health, clothing, appearance, and behaviour of the persons 

 employed in them ; of the time allowed for their refresh - 



E 



