|
The Great Filth: Disease, Death and the Victorian City by Stephen Halliday |
The huge unplanned growth of the Victorian city led to an explosion of disease, illness and early death against which enlightened doctors, scientists, midwives, public servants and engineers fought a desperate battle. However the battle was also fought against politicians and businessmen who were determined that the state be kept out of society and trade. As nothing changes hard-held beliefs like personal inconvenience, it took the Great Stink of 1858 to finally change their minds.
(Clive Yelf - bwl 102 Autumn 2021 ) |
|
|
|
