§ MR. DENMANasked the Vice President of the Council, Whether his attention has been called to a letter signed by Dr. Edmunds, and published in a newspaper that morning, stating that he had been called in to attend a typical case of Asiatic Cholera?
§ MR. W. E. FORSTERI am informed, Sir, by the medical officers of the Privy Council that immediately on seeing this letter Dr. M'Adam was sent from the office to examine the case, and make a report. I am very glad to say, from that report, that there is reason to believe it was not a case of Asiatic cholera, although there were symptoms at first that might have excited suspicion that such was the case. The patient seems to be a respectable artizan, employed in some works, and also a school teacher, and was taken ill last night on returning from a school treat. Certainly when Dr. Edmunds was called in this morning the patient had a bad attack of cholera, and was in a state that might naturally have excited suspicion that the attack was Asiatic in its character, though there is now reason to suppose that it was not so; at any 1656 rate, the patient is now much better. I rather regret that Dr. Edmunds did not wait a few hours before writing to The Times, because if he had so waited I do not think he would have thought it necessary to write a letter causing needless alarm. But whether he was right or not in doing this, there is one matter to which I should wish to call the attention of medical gentlemen throughout the Metropolis and the kingdom generally. Dr. Edmunds appears to have contented himself with sending this letter to The Times instead of communicating with the sanitary authorities of Marylebone, which, undoubtedly, it was his clear duty to do. If medical gentlemen entertain any suspicion of such cases in their own neighbourhoods they should immediately send to the sanitary authorities, whose duty it is to take all proper measures for disinfection.
§ MR. W. H. SMITHasked whether any general instructions had been issued, or would be issued, by the Medical Department of the Privy Council on the subject of the cholera, in case it should appear in this country; and whether instructions would be sent to the sanitary authorities of the different parishes of the Metropolis, with a view of enabling communications to be opened with them in case of need?
§ MR. W. E. FORSTERA few days ago the officers of the Medical Department brought me a long paper of advice with regard to the cholera, which, I believe, speaking from memory, thoroughly answered the description of my hon. Friend. It appeared to be drawn up with very great care, and to be intelligible, not only to medical men, but to the local authorities and the public generally. I believe that these have been actually issued; but if not, I will take care that they are sent out in such a way as to bring them to the public attention.