ABSTRACT
The dependence of a large part of the total misery and destitution in the community on the fever which was endemic in crowded centres being realised, the means for diminishing a fever came more and more under consideration. Dr. Southwood Smith, and other physicians, among whom should be specially mentioned Drs. Arnott and Kaye, were employed by the Poor Law Board to investigate and advise on fever prevention. Surveys of the sanitary conditions in London and a number of provincial towns were carried out, and inquired into the incidence of fever in different localities. There were differences of opinion as to the nature of the virus causing fever or cholera when developed or created. As used in the early period of sanitary reform, fever included typhus fever, typhoid or enteric fever, the varieties of paratyphoid infection, and probably also relapsing or famine fever.
