Cholera And The Work Of John Snow

Question 1

How many people died of cholera in 1831

Answer 1

Over 21000 people

Question 2

He did cholera get to Britain

Answer 2

Originated in India and spread via trade routes until it reached Britain in 1831

Question 3

What did people theorise was causing cholera

Answer 3

Miasma

Question 4

When did the cholera epidemics return

Answer 4

1848, 1853-4 and 1865-6

Question 5

Origin story of John snow

Answer 5

Doctor
Had a surgery in broad street, Ldn
Published book in 1849 arguing cholera was spread by dirty water rather than miasma
Medical opinion rejected his ideas

Question 6

John snow’s investigations

Answer 6

In 1854, 700 people died of cholera in local area around broad Street.
Created map of deaths, noticed all victims used same water pump.
Noticed men in nearby brewery who drank bet over water didn’t contract it.
Got permission to remove handle and epidemic ended.
Later it was discovered cess pit less than one metre from water pump was leaking into water supply.
Investigation helped find cause of cholera years before Pasteur’s germ theory.

Question 7

Agents of change

Answer 7

In 1854, letter to Times stated “we prefer to take our chances with cholera rather than be bullied into health.”
Epitomises great struggle government had over improving living conditions.
Main attitude was laissez- faire meaning let it be.
Not government’s job to interfere with everyday life, just to keep law and order and defend country against foreign powers.