Folios 399-404. To: The General Board of Health. From: Charles Hyde, 33 Ely Place, Holborn,…

Description: Folios 399-404. To: The General Board of Health. From: Charles Hyde, 33 Ely Place, Holborn, London. Subject Matter: Letter enclosing the observations of Charles Fowler, the Architect of the London Fever Hospital, in reply to a report by Dr Arnott and Professor Graham to the General Board of Health dated 31 May 1849. Hyde submits that it must not be forgotten that the science of ventilation is in its infancy, and that various experiments have been made in several public buildings, 'with very doubtful success'. He explains that 'the Trustees having but a limited sum at their disposal for the erection of the new Hospital, obtained the best advice and assistance they could get on the subject of ventilation, and they have caused arrangements to be made in the building which will admit of the adoption of other means, should those provided prove unsuccessful'. Hyde further explains that in addition to the 'mechanical apparatus', ordinary means of ventilation have been provided 'to an unusual extent' and that the wards are 'very large and lofty'. He requests that the requisite certificate, enabling the Trustees to commence the removal of the patients from the old Hospital, is forwarded to him as soon as possible.

Date: 09/07/1849

Last import: September 11, 2017