fCo'CC. sJL CktiV'i'iitYti nr \M'i X Jlr& XK Ji d > 0 * DISEASE (IRELAND), .......i a-.-. ? Get. 6. doe . ^ 4 1 , 5 • 3 to • L ^ I d* ABSTRACTS of the most serious Representations made by the several Medical Superintendents of Public Institutions (Fever Hospitals, Infirmaries, Dispensaries, &c.) in the Provinces of Ulster, Munster, Leinster and Connaught. (I'll WENT El) /ST COMMAND OF II Ell. MA.JEXTY.) ( Extract.) Sir, Castle, Dublin, 7 March I8dfJ. The Commission having given, their deep and serious consideration to the last Reports from Medical Dispensaries, &e. in confirmation of the increase of Fever and Dysentery throughout the country, respectfully lay before his Excellency the accompanying Abstracts taken from those Statements, and solicit his Excellency's attention to this alarming exigency. The Commission do not venture to propose any distinct measure, but merely to urge the general necessity that his Excellency should have the means of directing medical inspection or attendance immediately as the localities require it, so as to avert the progress of disease, and adopt such other sanatory regulations as may secure the public health. I. have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient Servant, (signed) J. /\ Kennedy, Secretary. Richard Pcnnefather, Esq., Under Secretary, &c. &c. X • « • « • •••••• ’ # • • • • • I 20. :i'.;;ASSTR,ACTS * ,/v^ ,OrM 2 NOV 30 lw RETURNS FROM MEUIOAR (XlfFH-'ERH OF FEVER HOSPITALS, RC w* — - — ABSTRACTS of the most serious Representation* roach; by Jhe several. Mkdioa i, Surkrintkndentm of Pu bt,ic Institutions (Fever Hospitals, Infirmaries, Dispensaries, &c.), in the Provinces of Ulster, Munster, Leinster and Connaught. IT LSTE R. COUNTY, and DATE of REPORT. ANTRIM : February 1 8, 184G ARMAGH: February 14, I 84G February 1 6, 1 846 February 1 6, 1 84G CAVAN: February 23, 1 84G February 14, 184b February 18, 1846 February 1 7, 1 846 February 18, 1 84b February 16, 184G DON FOAL: February 1 7, 184G February 19, 1846 Randalstown - II. Veeson, Medical Officer. Verner’s Bridge Arthur Ardagh, Medical Officer. Poyntz Pass - Web. Moorhead, ,m. d. Markethill Josh. M. Lynn, m.d. Belturbet W. M. Wade, m. d. Arvagh - Win. Myles, Medical Officer. Ballyjamesduff Geo. Nixon, m.d. Mullngh F/dvvd. Kellett, m.d. Kirigscourt R. Malcomson, m o. and Surgeon. Shercock Jas. Adams, Medical Officer. Swanlinbar Winslow Finlay, Medical Officer. Donaghmore - R. M. Tagnrd, m.d. Moville - . „ # jJnj). Irvine, ’ *. • Siij'-M-eiV, v *x,*» •••* . • • • •• . . . . .. . . • . 1 .* a . » - - Jaundice and diarrhoea exist from unsoundness and insufficiency of food. Breaking out of disease apprehended where destitution exists. - - Diarrhoea to a considerable extent exists in district, produced irom constant use of diseased potatoes. If provisions keep high, fever and other diseases are feared to break out. - - Fever and influenza have increased in the proportion of four to one within last two months; but not entirely attributable to insufficiency and unsoundness of food. - - Fever, diarrhoea and dyspepsia have increased considerably, and are in many cases traceable to the use of unsound potatoes. It is very probable that fever will break out and spread, especially among the lower orders. Would be of the utmost importance for every dispen- sary to have a small fever hospital attached. District is six miles from the hospital of Union workhouse. - - Dyspepsia, diseases of alimentary canal, dysentery and diarrhoea are caused by unsound food. Cottiers are without even tainted potatoes for food. Many unemployed poor of district are in a starving condition. Breaking out of disease apprehended with certainty from destitution arising from scarcity of food ; “ it cannot be otherwise.” Suggests employment and the erection of a fever hospital to diminish the proba- bility of disease. District is seven Irish miles from Cavan Hospital. - - Apprehends breaking out of disease from destitution, arising from want of food. Bowel complaints, painful and violent griping, with other violent symptoms, continuing eight to twelve hours ; caused bv the use of unsound potatoes. Suggests employment of the poor, and formation of storehouses for oatmeal to be sold at reasonable prices. -- Apprehends fever in district; strongly recommends establishment of a fever hospital, and the placing of funds in the hands of the clergy and district medical officers for relief of the poor, who cannot obtain admission into the poor-house. - - Five hundred able-bodied men and an equal number of women, besides many small farmers, are seeking employment. Apprehends breaking out of disease where scarcity exists; the people being un- employed are unable to purchase food. Outbreak of fever frequent in summer months, and spreads rapidly for want of an hospital, the want; of which is keenly felt by labouring population. Suggests employment for the poor. - - Three thousand and sixty persons relieved at dispensary within five months past. Five or six thousand poor unemployed. Breaking out of disease apprehended in the spring and summer. Suggests the erection of a fever hospital in district where destitution is heavily felt, and is the only available means of preventing the spread of contagion. Medical dis- trict of officer embraces a diameter of twelve miles from his residence. - - Inflammation of stomach and diarrhoea are frequent, and attribu- table to the use of bad potatoes. Influenza now epidemic, but will not say it is so from insufficiency of food. Increase of fever expected in April, or sooner. Suggests that fever hospitals be erected on every three square miles of district. ' - Several cases of typhus lever have recently appeared ; insufficiency of food the cause in some instances. Fever will break out to a frightful extent in the event of scarcity of food. Suggests local fever hospitals to be established for the removal of cases as they occur. - - Influenza, scarlatina, small-pox, and, much above all, stomach and bowel disease exist, varying to fatal inflammation Diseased potatoes may be the existing cause. Apprehends the spread of disease, parti- cularly fever ; provisions being likely to ho dear and scarce, and the supply of fuel scanty. Suggests temporary hospital relief, and that non-contagious medical and surgical cases be admitted to workhouse hospital without the “ workhouse test.” -- lyphus fever prevails, but not as an epidemic. Apprehends the .breaking out of fever from destitution, arising from failure of potato • frbps. • 4 » •• • .0 » • • • • 1 • - • . 4 '.V'f.J. M in • ■ cx • • • GAOLS, DISPENSARIES AND INFIRM ARIES IN IRELAND. o • > M U N S T E R. COUNTY, and DATE of REPORT. CLARE : February 13, 184O February 14, 184b February 14, 1846 February 22, 184b February 14, 184b CORK : February 20, 184b February 20, 184b February 17, 184b February 19, 184b February 1 7, 184b DISPENSARY, &<•. Newmarket-on- Fergus Dis- pensary. J. P. Evans, Esq., m.d. Tulla Dispensary J. Fraser, m.d. Scarin' Dispensary - B. I). Egan, m.d. Kelkee Dispensary - John Griffin, m.d. Ennis Gaol and Fever I lospital. G. W. O’Brien. Boherboe Kanturk Ballinspittle February 1 5, 184b February 14, 184b February 15, 184b Crookhaven James M‘Cormick. I’ermoy l ever Hospital Charles Murphy, Bally liooly Dispensary J, P. Edgar, m d. Mitchelstown Fever Ho- spital and Dispensary. E. O’Neil. Glownton U. W. Purcell. WatCM-Rt-ass Hill David Barry. February 21, 1 84b Kinsale Fevei Hospital E. Bishop, m o. N A T U R E O F R E P O R T. 1 20 . - - A large proportion of poor attacked with colic, purging and vomiting, after eating bad potatoes ; the entire population of village living on unsound potatoes. - - Fever patients have increased nearly two-thirds, compared with last year. Many of the poor unemployed ; potatoes daily getting worse. -- Four-fifths of poor unemployed. r lhe disease of potato crop daily progressing. No potatoes in market for sale. --A peculiar form of low fever prevalent for the last three or four months, to be attributed, in some degree, to the use of unsound pota- toes. Fully three-fourths of the labourers unemployed for the last three months. An outbreak of disease apprehended, if measures to avert the threatened famine be not adopted. -- Diarrhoea has slightly appeared from the use of unsound potatoes. A great number of poor unemployed in district. No doubt but pesti- lence will manifest itself in the absence of prompt relief measures. - - Fever and diarrhoea doubled, and attributed to the use of unsound potatoes. Gastric: fever much increased. An outbreak of disease apprehended from scarcity of food. - - An increase of disease, attributed to the use of unsound potatoes. Fever and diarrhoea increased during the last month An increase of fever much dreaded, from its passing through the whole family, if once admitted, - - An immense number unemployed, without food, clothing or fuel. Typhus fever and dysentery will become extensive, if relief he not a Horded, --The increase of fever so alarming here, that a special meeting of the subscribers is to he called for its consideration, A great many unemployed, and the distress consequent is alarming. The spread of contagious fever apprehended. ~ - Patients at Dispensary increasing in number. Typhus fever and other diseases increased, in consequence of the use of bad potatoes. Daily application for relief at Dispensary, formerly eight or ten, has latterly increased to fifty or sixty, in consequence of the use of unsound food Visiting calls, eight or ten daily. An outbreak of fever appre- hended, in consequence of the unsoundness and scarcity of food. Sug- gests immediate employment, and the erection of a Fever Hospital at Ballyhooly. - - Typhus and other fevers prevalent, and relapses frequent. Bowel complaints more prevalent within the last month. Patients at Fever Hospital have increased one-third, compared with other years. Numbers unemployed. - - Dysentery latterly prevalent, from the use of unsound potatoes. The number of patients in district have increased forty per cent., attributed to the same cause. Fears in a lew months there will not be a sound potato in hull' the district. - - Gastric affections more prevalent than for the last ton years. Bilious affections alarmingly prevalent, from the use of unsound potatoes. Numbers unemployed. Cholera or low fever must be the result of the existing necessity of those dependent on unsound potatoes. - - l’ever has been prevalent for the last, eight months, from the unsound- ness and insufficiency of food Many in want of employment. An outbreak of disease generally apprehended. (on tin nuly RETURNS FROM MEDICAL OFFICERS OF FEVER HOSPITALS, COUNTY, and DATE of REPORT. C o r k — coni i.nued. February 19, 1846 February 19, 184ft KERRY : February 15, 184ft February 18, 184ft February 21, 184ft February 22, 184ft February 23, 184ft February 17, 1846 February 17, 1846 February 16, 1846 February 15, 184ft LIMERICK: February 24, 1 84ft February 22, 184ft February 28, 184G MENS T E R— continued. DISPENSARY, k c. N A T V It E O F R E P O R T. Macroom Dispensary Warren Crook, m. j>. Timoleague Francis Ffolliot. Tralee Infirmary Francis Crurnpe, Esq. M.D. Tralee Fever Hospital Jeremiah Segrue, Esq. M.D. Tarbert - . - W. W. Kennedy, Esq. Sneem - G* H. Doran, Esq. Ardfert - Thomas Mahony, Esq. Gunsboro’ Dispensary J. M* Crystal, m. d. Caherciveen Fever Hos- pital and Dispensary. James Barry, m.d. Castle Gregory J. W, Basteed, Esq. Dingle - Robert Hickson, m. d. George Williams. Tralee Gaol - Francis Crurnpe, m.d. Pallaskenny Dispensary Kilpeacon Dispensary Murroe Dispensary - - Disease has considerably increased during the last fortnight, lire number of patients in district greatly increases of late, fever certainly consequent on the use of unsound potatoes. A considerable number unemployed in the district. - - Bowel complaints much more prevalent than usual, attributable to the insufficiency and unsoundrress of food. The number of patients much increases from game cause. Air immense number of unemployed poor in district in the deepest poverty. If some decisive relief be not afforded, the amount of disease, consequent on the want of food, cannot be conjectured. - - Fever and dysentery becoming more prevalent ; also scarlatina, measles and hooping cough severely prevalent, but not attributed to unsoundness of food. A vast number unemployed in district, some poor in the country working for 4 d. a day, without diet. - - The number of patients have much increased. The admissions in January 1845, lft. In January 184ft, 141. The increase cannot he attributed to the quality of food. A considerable amount of poor unemployed. A great increase of fever apprehended as conse- quent on the use of unsound food. Disease apprehended as consequent on the destitution arising from the insufficiency of food. - - The number of patients have increased as ten to one, attributed to the quality of food. An extension of fever apprehended. Suggests the erection of a fever hospital as a means of preventing the extension of contagion. - - From the increased disease in potatoes, scarcity and its consequent evils will prevail, if other food be not substituted. - - Fever and small-pox have increased, though not attributed to the use of unsound food. - - Fever and diarrhoea more prevalent than usual, from the use of unsound potatoes. A very great number of unemployed poor in district; disease apprehended. - - A considerable number of labourers are unemployed. A great scarcity apprehended, and consequently a spread of typhus fever and dysentery. - - A great increase of fever and small-pox. The number of patients at dispensary increased one-third. A thousand labourers unemployed in district. Fever very rife. No fever hospital within thirty miles. Suggests the giving of employment and the establishment of a fever hospital ; the poor in district having generally but one bed, and therefore obliged to sleep together. - - Fever and dysentery increasing from the use of unsound potatoes. The number of patients at dispensary have increased. Great numbers unemployed in district. Fever and bowel complaint dreaded. - - States that bowel complaints have appeared, which lie attributes to unsoundness of food. A great number of unemployed poor in district. Believes the potato crop to be getting worse. - - States that fever and dysentery have appeared within the last month or six weeks. Increase of dysentery eases attributed to unsound pota- toes. A considerable number of unemployed poor in this district. Apprehends disease to a considerable extent. - - States that fever of a fatal character is more prevalent than usual, which he attributes to use of unwholesome food, extreme wetness ot the winter, together with bad night covering and confined air. Pota- toes not fit food for man or beast. Two-tenths of labourers unemployed; dreads the breaking out of disease. tJAOl.S, DISPENSARIES A N D INFIRMARIES • IN IRELAND. /> COUNTY, and DATE of REPORT. February 2 8, 184(5 February 21 , 1846 February 20, 184b February 18, 1 84b February 18, 184b TIPPERARY - WATERFORD: February 26,184b February 20, 1 84b February 21,1 84b February 19, 184b TIPPERARY : February 21, 1846 February 22, 1 846 February 20, 1 846 February 1 8, 1 84b WATERFORD : February 24, 184(5 February 18, 184b M IT N S T !-: K— continued. DISPENSARY, fcc. Kilfinnan Fever Hospital - Kilmallock Dispensary Clarina Dispensary - Patrick’s Well Dispensary Newcastle Fever Hospital Clonmel Dispensary - J.M‘Doutley, m.d., Surgeon. Bonmahon Dispensary George Walker. Lismore Fever Hospital ~ M. Quinland, Esq., m.d. Tram ore - G. Waters, Esq., m.d. Port Law - James Martin, Esq. Carrick-on -Suir Dispensary and Fever Hospital John Purcell, Esq. Thomastown Dispensary - John Ryan, m.d. Thurles Fever Hospital - M. J. Quinlan. Borrisoleigh Dispensary - E. W. Pincbin, Esq., Surgeon. Dungarvan Dispensary Arthur Quin. Dungarvan Fever Hospital Waterford Gaol Wm. Carroll, m. d., f, r.c.s. N A T If R E O F R E P O R T- - - States that fever has increased ; stomach complaints are very pre- valent, which he attributes to badness and insufficiency of food. A great many unemployed poor in district. Apprehends the breaking out of disease to some extent. - - States that fever and small-pox have lately appeared, which seem to have been generated by the use of diseased potatoes. A considerable number of persons unemployed. Apprehends the breaking out of disease. States that no effectual medical relief can be afforded from Dispensary unless it be supported out of Consolidated Fund, or by a rate on pro- perty. - •• States that a few cases of bowel affection have appeared, which has been attributed to the use of unsound potatoes. A considerable num- ber of unemployed poor in district. Apprehends a scarcity of food about the middle of May. - - States that there is more sickness this year than usual ; that unless public works are provided, the poor will be destitute. Apprehends the breaking out of disease consequent on scarcity of food. - - States that there are nearly double the number of fever cases in dis- trict. Apprehends disease consequent on scarcity of food. - - Typhus fever, the principal epidemic, is increasing, and attributed principally to the cold and moisture of the season. - - A great increase of fever in district. From 150 to 200 unemployed in the village of Bonmahon. A considerable increase of fever appre- h ended from the scarcity and high price of food. * - The disease in potato crop extending. The poor will be in a de- plorable state for want of food, or means of purchasing it, during the months of April, May, June and July. - - An increase of bowel complaint, attributed to the use of unsound food. A great number of poor unemployed ; fever apprehended as the concomitant of poverty. - - A great prevalence of gastric fever, with a tendency to relapses. An increase of fever dreaded as consequent on the daily increase of disease in the potato crop. - - Fever very much on the increase. Fever and dysentery prevalent in district, and attributed to the use of white potatoes, and uncleanly habits of the lower order of the population. Avery great number of unem- ployed in district. Fever certainly anticipated. - - Fever, dysentery and diarrhoea increased, and attributed to un- soundness of food. The number of patients considerably increased. Typhus fever apprehended as consequent on famine. - - Fever more prevalent in district for last few months than usual. Number of patients in district much increased from constant rain, in- sufficiency of food, and bad covering. Labouring classes wretchedly off for want of employment. Fever of a malignant type apprehended as consequent on the approaching famine. - - Diarrhoea appearing during last fortnight from the use of bad pota- toes, a great increase of fever apprehended. - - Bowel complaint very prevalent, from the use of unsound potatoes. Diarrhoea and dysentery prevalent, from the same causes. The num- ber of patients at dispensary have considerably increased. - - Fever more prevalent than usual, attributed to unsoundness of food. The number of patients in fever hospital have increased 20 per cent, from the use of unsound food. - - Fever more prevalent than usual for the last six months, but not from the quality of food. Fears the present epidemic of fever will be greatly aggravated by the scarcity of food. b 1 ‘JO. LEINSTER. 6 RETURNS FROM MEDICAL OFFICERS OF FEVER HOSPITALS, \ L E I N S T E R. COUNTY. CARLOW DUBLIN - KILDARE KILKENNY KING’S - LOUTH - MEATH - FEVER HOSPITAL, GAOL, &c. NATURE O F R E P O R T. - - - Nil. Saggart and Ratlicool Dis- pensary. M. T. O’Kelly, Surgeon. - - Number of stomach and bowel complaints nearly double that ol former years, caused by unsoundness of potatoes. Not many persons unemployed. Suggests the providing some seed potatoes, and refers to Dr. Corrigan’s work as suggesting best means of preventing spread of disease. Itathdown Fever Hospital. Win. Plant, m. d. Kilcock Dispensary Thos. Wade, m. d. Monasterevan Dispensary. Thos. Carroll, m. d, Freshford f ever Hospital. Freshford Dispensary. James Cullenan, m. p. - - An increasein number of fever patients, the average number being double that of previous years, owing to keeping patients in their own cabins. States this from positive knowledge. Suggests the immediate increase of accommodation for fever patients in the Ratlulown Hos- pital, District Half-barony of Ratlulown. (Same Return from Rath- down Dispensary.) - - Average number of patients double that of former years, attributable to unsoundness of food. District parishes of Cloncurry, Kilcock, and parts of Clane, Moyglan and Kilcloon parishes. - - That last season principal disease was influenza ; but since January last 117 patients have been treated for bowel complaints, being an increase from one to five, attributed by patients to use of diseased potatoes ; and that if sound food, even in small quantities, lie not supplied, disease must eventually spread. Suggests a commission store for sale of meal at moderate prices. - - Some few cases of diarrhoea have made their appearance within the last few weeks ; may be attributed to unsound food. If immediate measures be not taken to supply food at moderate prices, we shall have fever, Ac. Suggests the establishment of provision stores. Graigue Dispensary II. Whelan, m.d. --Bowel complaints have been frequent, and are attributable to unsoundness of food ; the healthy being unusually wet and unnutritious this season. Fears prevalence of disease in summer months, from scarcity and dearness of provisions; t he lumper potato being now nearly double its usual price. Suggests collecting stores ol Indian corn, and carrying out public works. Castlecomer Fever Hos- pital. C. E. Ross, M.D. - -That hospital hook shows a great increase of mortality this year. Food at all times bad. The hospital has been overcrowded for last three years. Apprehends breaking out of disease. Suggests neces- sity of putting Fever Hospital in efficient state, and under proper control; also to supply some food and employment. Tullamore Gaol Geo. Pierce, m.d. -- Potatoes fit for food will soon be run out. Has had to exclude use of potatoes from County Infirmary, from the impossibility of obtaining them sound. Clara Dispensary - R. E. Walsh, m.d. Rhode Dispensary - John Read, m.d. - - For the last five or six weeks a bowel disease, with bloody flux, has been on the increase, which very likely is produced by unsound food. Fears that disease will spread as provisions become scarce. Suggests giving of employment. - - Fears that disease may occur after a short period ; numbers being now very destitute. Carlingford R. S. Strong, m.d. -- Some cases of diarrhoea and dysentery have arisen, caused by eating of potatoes partly diseased. Fears very much breaking out ot levers, dysentery and diarrhoea in spring and summer, as food is now nearly exhausted, and people have no means ot procuring it. Slane Dispensary Thos. M‘Gusty. Skreen Dispensary - H. B. Webb. - - Fever and dysentery more prevalent ; may be attributed to use of unsound food. Average number of patients increased one-fourth. Suggests giving of employment. - - Number of patients nearly same as last year, but dysentery, with low typhus fever, has appeared, produced by unsoundness ot potato crop. Apprehends breaking out of disease. Present wages too low to support people. GAOLS, DISPENSARIES ANI) INFIRMARIES IN IRELAND. 7 LE I N STE R— -continued. COUNTY. JMbath — continued. W OXFORD QU KEN’S Navan Fever Hospital A. Hudson, m.i>. Castletown and Wilkins- town Dispensary. C. Ilamer ton. Fethard Dispensary R. Biggs, m.d. Oulart Fever Hospital It. Harvey, Surgeon. Clonroche Dispensary It. H. Courtenay, Surgeon. Mount Mellick Dispensary H. Croley, m.d., V . It.C.S. I. Mount Rath Dispensary - NATURE o F Tl E P O Tt T. --Diarrhoea and dysentery are more frequent than usual; maybe attributed to unsoundness or insufficiency of food ; average number of patients not increased. Suggests providing food, fuel, bedding, & c. District immediately around Navan. - - Dysentery affections and diarrhoea are more prevalent than in former years ; attributable to unwholesomeness and insufficiency of food. In January 1845, number of cases, 18; in January 1846,63. Suggests giving employment and wholesome food. District embraces five miles. - - Has serious fears that disease will break out with much severity, from scarceness of food. Suggests the building of a fever hospital, which is much required, he having three cases of fever lying in one bed. -- Irish cholera now prevalent; attributable to unsoundness of food. Fears further spread of disease, from bad state of potatoes. Suggests giving employment. - - Cutaneous disease increased by one hundred of that of last year ; attributable to insufficiency of food, and its bad quality. Fears epi- demic breaking out. Suggests proper attention to cleanliness. - - A bad fever now prevalent ; not attributable to nature of food. Much of bowel complaints now prevailing, owing to bad potatoes. Apprehends, very seriously, an extensive spread of fever. Suggests supplying people with wholesome food. - - In district in which potatoes are much diseased, diarrhoea, diseased stomachs and great prostration of strength prevail, hears further spread, if means be not taken to supply sound food and enforce cleanliness. Fever Hospital H. C. S mith, Surgeon. Clonaslee Dispensary G. H. Allowy. Mary boro’ County Infir- mary, Gaol of Maryboro’ Fever Hospital, Abbey- leix and Maryboro’ Durrow Dispensary. J. W. Swan, m.d. Castletown-Delvin Dis- pensary. J. W. Williams, m. d. Ilaheen Dispensary - J. N. Walsh. - - Typhus fever of a malignant character alarmingly prevalent; not altogether attributable to unsoundness of food ; owing, in some degree, to scarcity of food. Suggests providing good and sufficient food, and Strict attention to cleanliness. Considers present an unhealthy season. - - Fever attended with diarrhooa mere prevalent this year than usual ; attributed to use of diseased potatoes. - - Derangement of stomach and bowels attend each case of fever ; attributable to unsoundness of food. A good number unemployed. Unless employment and a supply of good food be secured, famine, with its attendant disease, is to be feared. - - Some cases of diarrhoea have lately appeared ; attributable to un- soundness of food. - - Disease has broken out already to a very considerable extent. Fears it will be dreadfully aggravated when actual scarcity arrives, unless wholsome food be provided, instead of what is now fast failing both in quantity and quality ; as also employment to enable it being purchased. WESTMEATH - Kilbeggan Dispensary S. Dingan. - - Average number of patients increased one-sixth since commence- ment of year; disease of stomach and intestines now prevalent; attri- butable in many instances to scarcity of food ; animals fed on potatoes alone will not fatten. High price of oatmeal has also led to disease. A number of unemployed persons in district. Suggests local employ- ment. I 20. County Infirmary, Mullingar; Gaol, Mullingar ; Fever Hospital, Mullingar; Dis- pensary of Kinnegad. J. I.ightburnc. - - Several cases of bowel complaints ; attributable to bad food. A great number of persons unemployed. Apprehends that typhus fever and bowel complaints will be very prevalent. Suggests that employ- ment be given to enable poor to procure food. c ( continued ) 8 RETURNS FROM MEDICAL OFFICERS OF FEVER HOSPITALS, LEINSTER — continued. COUNTY. FEVER HOSPITAL, GAOL, &c. NATURE OF REPORT. Westmeath — continued. Collinstown Dispensary - G. M. Davidge, m.d. - - Number of patients have increased one-sixth. Disease which has appeared is attributable to nature of diet now used by poor. Many persons now unemployed. Apprehends breaking out of disease. Suggests supplying sound food. WICKLOW Redcrossaad Dunganstown Dispensary. A. M. Sherwood. - - Fever now prevalent : considers diseases attributable to bad potatoes, being used by bakers in their bread ; suggests, to stay spread of diseases, adding beds for reception of fever patients to the Dispensary Districts, as fever hospitals at Arklow and Wicklow are not able to contain the cases occurring. Blessington Dispensary * G. Robinson, m. d. - - Apprehends that amongst small farmers there will be much destitu- tion, and consequently disease. They generally inhabit a district at foot of mountains where there is no employment. Suggests that in parishes of Blackditches and Hollywood a committee be formed to give relief by employment, or gratuitously. Annamore Dispensary E. H. Harding, m. d. - - A good deal of low fever prevalent. Latterly a species of dysentery becoming prevalent, in some instances caused by use of diseased potatoes. Diseases of skin and stomach are much more prevalent ; also attributable to kind of food used. Suggests giving such out-door relief as may be suggested by medical attendant. Wicklow Fever Hospital and Wicklow Gaol. A. Nolan, m. d. - - Fever latterly on the increase ; may be fairly attributed to unsound- ness of food. Many persons in district but casually supplied with employment. Much fears progress of disease. Suggests giving of em- ployment, and such measures as will keep down price of provisions. I CONNAUGHT. GAOLS, DISPENSARIES AND INFIRMARIES IN IRELAND. 9 CONNAUGHT. COUNTY. RETURN from MEDICAL OFFICER. GALWAY : February 23, 1846 Annadown Dispensary E. Donnellean, m. d. February 16, 1 846 Clifden Dispensary - W. H. Salfield,. Esq., m. d. February 19, 1846 Monevia Dispensary D. French, Esq. February 19, 1846 Donamore Dispensary C. Dwyer, Esq., m. d. February 18, 184G Ardahan Dispensary M. D. Nolan, Esq., m. d. February 20, 1846 Ballinasloe Dispensary T. Flarrison, m.d. February 17, 1846 Miltown Dispensary Jas. Blake, Esq. February 17, 1846 Loughrea Dispensary H. Clovan, m.d. February 17, 1846 Glenamadda and Williams- tovvn Dispensary. W. E. Donnellan, Esq. February 22, 184G Killian Dispensary - J. T. Butler, Esq. LEITRIM ; February 22, 184G Carrick- on-Shannon(Gaol) T. Backhouse, Esq. MAYO: February 25, 1 846 Castlebar Dispensary G. Acton, Esq., m.d. February 22, 1846 Ballagh Dispensary - A. Dillon, Esq. February 20, 184G Islandeady Dispensary P. Romayne, Esq., m.d. February 19, 184G Crossmoline Dispensary - Jas. McNeil, Esq. m.d. ROSCOMMON : February 22, 184G Loughlin Dispensary N. Tucker, Esq., m.d. SLIGO - Tubbercorry Dispensary - i J. F. Meeking, Esq., m.d. NATURE OF REPORT. - - States that diarrhoea and fever are on the increase, which he at- tributes to unsoundness of potatoes. Number of patients increased (about fifty a week); a great number of labourers unemployed. Fears that disease will increa se. -- States that when only partial want prevailed in 1 842, fever and dysentery were prevalent, and caused many deaths, and the evil was increased by the want of a fever hospital. - - States that Monevia Dispensary is the only one in the barony of Tiaquirn, and that he attends on the property of subscribers when called on, although nine miles from the institution. - - States that he has had a great many cases of diarrhoea latterly, which he attributes to the use of diseased potatoes. - - States that bowel complaints have for the last four months been very prevalent, and attributes it to unsoundness of potatoes. Appre- hends great scarcity in May next, followed by fever, which is at present on the increase. A fever hospital greatly wanted in district. - - States that fever has been more prevalent within last three months than in former years. Bowel complaints have lately appeared, which he attributes to the use of unsound potatoes. - - States that bowel complaints are more prevalent, which he cannot account for otherwise than from the unsoundness or insufficiency of food. All the population unemployed. - - States that between 1st January and 17th February 1846 there was an increase of 308 patients in the Dispensary, compared with corres- ponding period of 1 845, which he attributes to heavy rains, want of food, and bad clothing. Suggests the erection of a general hospital to be attached to the dispensary. - - States that dyspepsia complaints are far more numerous than usual, and attributes this increase to the bad food. Number of patients increased. Nearly all the labourers unemployed. Apprehends scarcity of food, followed bv fever. No fever hospital nearer to district than Galway, 28 miles distant. - - States that there is a slight increase of bowel complaints, which appear to be attributed to the use of unsound potatoes Many of the population unemployed. Apprehends the breaking out ot the disease as the food gets scarce, which is now commencing. - - States that fever has manifested itself rather in a greater rate than usual since November last, which he attributes to unsound and scanty supply of food. A great many labourers unemployed. Apprehends the breaking out of disease. - - States that typhus fever of a low character is beginning to manifest itself more generally than in former years. Apprehends serious conse- quences, and a vast increase of disease in summer and autumn, in consequence of unsoundness and insufficiency of food. - - States that dysentery and chronic diseases can only be attributed to unsound potatoes. Apprehends that dysenteric affections will prevail to a considerable extent. - - Suggests the formation of district fever hospitals in connexion with union workhouses. - - States that fever is much more general than in former years, but differs in its symptoms, mode of attack and termination, and attributes it to bad food. Anticipates a fearful increase of disease. Three- fourths of labourers unemployed. - - States that fever is beginning to prevail. Numbers unemployed. Apprehends the breaking out of fever in a short time from scarcity of food. Suggests the establishment of district hospitals, and the giving out of meal. - - Suggests the erection of a fever hospital to meet the emergency? when it arrives. No fever hospital nearer than Sligo, Boyle or ballina, which are each 21 miles distant. I DISEASE (IRELAND). ABSTRACTS of the most serious Representa- tions made by the several Medical Super- intendents of Public. Institutions (Fever Hospitals, Infirmaries, Dispensaries, & c.) in the Provinces of Ulster, Munster, Leinster and Connaught. ( Presented by Command of Her Majesty.) Ordeicd, by The IIou9e of Commons, to be Printed , 13 March 1846. 1 20 . Under 2 oz •