The Crimean War : the British Army and Miss Nightingale / by Charles Shrimpton.

  • Shrimpton, Charles, 1815-
Date:
1864
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The Crimean War : the British Army and Miss Nightingale / by Charles Shrimpton. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The Royal College of Surgeons of England. The original may be consulted at The Royal College of Surgeons of England.

    64/72 (page 56)
    “ On examining the magnificent plans and excellent arrangements of this line building, guaranteed by the greatest authorities(Gueneau de Mussy, Messieurs Louis, Rayer, J. Cloquet), we find that the principle by which these gentlemen were guided was that of ventilation in as simple and as perfect a manner as possible. This na- tural ventilation is now replaced by very ingenious and expensive systems of artificial ventilation. “ I have just received a letter, dated London, April 12th, from Miss Nightingale, a very great authority for me. Miss Nightingale says, ‘With regard to the very high mortality of the Lariboisiere, it is perfectly well known here. Four years ago, the compte-rendu showed it to be one of the most unhealthy of Hospitals. The causes were fully discussed then and by persons intimately acquainted with it. The result was, that the unexpected mortality was due neither to site nor to construction, nor to overcrowding, but to very bad ventilation. “ ‘Hot air is altogether objectionable for human beings. It keeps the body in a continually relaxed state. The tonic of fresh air is denied to the sick, wrho are, as it were, in a constant state of being cooked in a cool oven.’('l) “ Why not have courage, and introduce open fire- places, and air the wards from without at the natural temperature? “ Try it on one pavilion. The want of ventilation in the Lariboisiere is the worst I ever met with. “ Ventilation with warm air is one great mistake. “ Radiated heat, and regulated admission of fresh air, with shafts for removing foul air, would cure the Lariboi- siere. Nothing else w ill. (1) The taller part of this letter was not transmitted to the Aca demie.