Description

A Special Mortality among Infants at Loughton, in the Epping Rural Sanitary District is a detailed public health report authored by William H. Power and published in 1889. The book investigates an alarming increase in infant mortality in the village of Loughton, located within the Epping Rural Sanitary District in Essex, England. Drawing on meticulous data collection, Power examines the patterns and causes of infant deaths over a specific period, comparing them to mortality rates in neighboring districts and national averages. The report delves into the living conditions, sanitation practices, water supply, housing, and feeding habits of the local population, seeking to identify environmental and social factors contributing to the high mortality rate. Power’s investigation includes interviews with local residents, medical practitioners, and officials, as well as on-site inspections of homes and communal facilities. He presents statistical tables and case studies to illustrate the prevalence and nature of the infant deaths, highlighting the role of infectious diseases, inadequate nutrition, and poor hygiene. The book also discusses the impact of poverty, overcrowding, and insufficient public health infrastructure on the well-being of infants in Loughton. Throughout the report, Power emphasizes the importance of preventive measures, such as improved sanitation, better access to clean water, and public health education, to reduce infant mortality. His findings and recommendations contributed to the broader movement for sanitary reform in Victorian England, reflecting contemporary concerns about public health, social responsibility, and the welfare of vulnerable populations. A Special Mortality among Infants at Loughton, in the Epping Rural Sanitary District stands as a significant historical document, offering insight into the challenges of rural health care and the early development of epidemiological methods.