I would check newspapers for reports of death from cholera and typhoid
as indicators of poor sanitary conditions.  The medical journals of the
time should also have articles by physicians on the state of
sanitation.  Also, one should consider the considerable effects of
animal dung (from horses and pigs) on the streets.  When dry, it turned
to dust and blew everywhere. When wet, well, it wasn't nice! I would
also want to look at the water and sewer pipes. What were they made of?
Wood, Iron or clay?  Indoor plumbing? Fuggitabouttit! What was the
proximity of open sewers to water sources?

A short overview of the general situation can be found in William H.
McNeil's Plagues and Peoples, Doubleday, 1977 later reprinted in
paperback. The sources cited on cholera and the public health movement
should be helpful.


Tom Perrin

Edward Knoblauch wrote:
>
> Dear New York Historians:
>
> The query below came to New York History Net. Can anyone help her?
>
> Dear Ms. DiSalvo,
>
> Beyond Griscom's Report, I'm at a loss. I'll post your query to the New York
> History listserv.
>
> Edward Knoblauch, Webmaster
> New York History Net
> www.nyhistory.com
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Gloria DiSalvo
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Sent: Monday, November 06, 2000 12:28 AM
> Subject: Sanitary Conditions 1845
>
> Hello:
>
> I'm a graduate student at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.  I'm
> researching the sanitary conditions in New York City during the 1840's.  Any
> information would be appreciated.  I am reading John H. Griscom's "Report on
> the Sanitary Conditions in New York City, 1845"
>
> Thank you.
>
> Gloria DiSalvo
> email: [log in to unmask]