The Sun.
London, England, 1831-11-25 00:00:00

CHOLERA MORBUS.

TO THE BOARD OF HEALTH, DARLINGTON.
GENTLEMEN,—We, the medical gentlemen deputed by
you to visit Sunderland, in order to investigate the cha-
racter of the disease at present existing in that town, have
the honour of laying before you our report.
Having seen some severe cases which occurred yesterday,
and others in a state of convalescence, and having bad in-
terviews with Dr. Daun, with Mr. Kell, surgeon of the
82d Regiment, and many of the principal physicians and
general practitioners of Sunderland, we have been enabled
toarrive at the following conclusions :

1. That the disease is of a highly malignant nature, having all
the symptoms, and presenting a❑ the post marten: appearances,
of the Asiatic spasmodic cholera. To show that cases precisely
similar have occurred here previous to the existence of the pre-
sent epidemic, would only prove that the cholera of this country
and that of the East are one and the same. In Sunderland, mild
cases of cholera also occur, differing in no respect from those
commonly seen here.
it. Although we have not been able to trace the origin of the
disease to any foreign source, yet the very imperfect manner in
which the quarantine laws have been enforced, render such an
introduction by no means improbable, no Government vessel
having been stationed off that coast until the last few days.
3. The malignant cholera has occurred chiefly in the worst
parts of the town, amongst those who are ill fed, badly clothed,
who occupy crowded, filthy, ill-ventilated apartments, and many
of whose constitutions have been impaired by dissolute habits.
4. Amongst the medical men with whom we conversed, the
idea of the non-contagious nature of the disease had the un-
doubted ascendancy, and we ourselves are of opinion that the
evidence against contagion decidedly preponderates. Notwith-
standing which, circumstances came to our knowledgesufficiently
opposed to the received opinion, to impregs us with the propriety
of urging the active exertions of your Board in adopting the most
approved precautionary measures.
5. Whether the disease be contagious or not, whether its origin
be British or foreign, we find a general opinion that its range
will extend. We should not, therefore, fulfil our duty without
impressing upon your Board the absolute necessity (should cases
occur) of patients being placed under medical care with the least
possible delay, as upon early, prompt, and persevering treatment,
their safety materially depends.
6. To accomplish this desirable object would be impossible,
without a house of reception for the destitute, provided with
every comfort, convenience, and necessary apparatus. 1)r. I)aun
and Mr. Kell strongly urged the necessity of such measure being
generally adopted. The removal of patients whose houses are
comfortable is by no means contemplated.
7. Deeply impressed with the dangers likely to arise from the
publication of reputed specifics and injudicious popular directions
for the treatment of this disease, we particularly recommend that
none such should be circulated in this town, without having first
received the approbation of the medical department of your Board.
We cannot conclude our report without expressing our
gratitude to the medical gentlemen of Sunderland, for their
;literal, kind, and ready assistance in the prosecution of our
inquiries. We remain, gentlemen, your's, &c.
ARTHUR STROTHER,
JOHN FOTHERGILL,
R. W. SPURRIER.

Darlington, Nov. 11.

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