IMAGE EVALUATION 
 TEST TARGET (MT-3) 
 
 k 
 
 /y 
 
 O 
 
 ,<° m. 
 
 e 
 
 
 
 %> 
 
 
 :/. 
 
 K 
 ^ 
 
 
 1.0 
 
 I.I 
 
 1.25 
 
 ilM 12.2 
 
 >^ MM lllll 
 
 40 
 
 2.0 
 
 14 1111.6 
 
 V 
 
 ^ 
 
 v). 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 Photographic 
 
 Sciences 
 Corporation 
 
 V 
 
 V 
 
 [v 
 
 &^ 
 
 
 :\ 
 
 \ 
 
 33 WIST MAIN STRUT 
 
 WIBSTIR.N.Y. 14S«0 
 
 (71ft) B72-4503 
 
 
 O^ 
 

 CIHM/ICMH 
 
 Microfiche 
 
 Series. 
 
 CIHM/ICMH 
 Collection de 
 microfiches. 
 
 Canadian Institute for Historical Microreproductions / Institut Canadian de microreproductions historiques 
 
Technical and Bibliographic Notes/Notes techniques et bibliographiques 
 
 The Institute has attempted to obtain the best 
 original copy available for filming. Features of this 
 copy which may be bibliographically unique, 
 which may alter any of the images in the 
 reproduction, or which may significantly change 
 the usual method of filming, are checked below. 
 
 el 
 
 Coloured covers/ 
 Couverture de couleur 
 
 I I Covers damaged/ 
 
 Couverture endommagde 
 
 □ Covers restored and/or laminated/ 
 Couverture restaurde et/ou pellicul6e 
 
 I I Cover title missing/ 
 
 
 
 D 
 
 n 
 
 Le titre de couverture manque 
 
 Coloured maps/ 
 
 Cartes g^ographiques en couleur 
 
 Coloured ink (i.e. other than blue or black)/ 
 Encre d<^ couleur (i.e. autre que bleue uu noire) 
 
 Coloured plates and/or illustrations/ 
 Planches et/ou illustrations en couleur 
 
 Bound with other material/ 
 ReliA avec d'autres documents 
 
 Tight binding may causa shadows or distortion 
 along interior margin/ 
 
 La re liure serr^e peut causer de I'ombre ou de la 
 distortion le long de la mar^a int^rieure 
 
 Blank leaves added during restoration may 
 appear within the text. Whenever possible, these 
 have been omitted from filming/ 
 II se peut que certaines pages blanches ajout6es 
 lors d'une restauration apparaissent dans le texte, 
 mais, lorsque cela Atait possible, ces pages n'ont 
 pas «t« film^es. 
 
 Additional comments:/ 
 Commentaires supplAmentaires; 
 
 L'Institut a microfi)m<§ le meilleur exemplaire 
 qu'il lui a 6t6 possible de se procurer. Les details 
 de cet exemplaire qui sont peut-dtre uniques du 
 point de vue bibliographique, qui peuvent modifier 
 une image reproduite, ou qui peuvent exiger une 
 modification dans la mdthode normale de filmage 
 sont indiquis ci-dessous. 
 
 I I Coloured pages/ 
 
 • 
 
 D 
 
 Pages de couleur 
 
 Pages damaged/ 
 Pages endommagdes 
 
 Pages restored and/oi 
 
 Pages restaurdes et/ou pelliculdes 
 
 Pages discoloured, stained or foxet 
 Pages d6color6es, tachet6es ou piqu^es 
 
 Pages detached/ 
 Pages d^tachdes 
 
 I — I Pages damaged/ 
 
 I — I Pages restored and/or laminated/ 
 
 I — I Pages discoloured, stained or foxed/ 
 
 I I Pages detached/ 
 
 r^ Showthrough/ 
 
 Transparence 
 
 Quality of print varies/ 
 Qualiti in^gale de I'impression 
 
 I I Includes supplementary material/ 
 
 Comprend du materiel supplimentaire 
 
 Only edition available/ 
 Seule Mition disponible 
 
 Pages wholly or partially obscured by errata 
 slips, tissues, etc.. have been ref limed to 
 ensure the best possible image/ 
 Les pages totalement ou partiellement 
 obscurcies par un feuillet d'errata, une pelure, 
 etc., ont At* fiimies k nouveau de f<:^7on h 
 obtenir la meilleure image possible. 
 
 This item is filmed at the reduction ratio checked below/ 
 
 Ce document est film* au taux de reduction indiqu* ci-dMSsous. 
 
 10X 
 
 
 
 
 14X 
 
 
 
 
 18X 
 
 
 
 
 22X 
 
 
 
 
 26X 
 
 
 
 
 30X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 V 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 12X 
 
 16X 
 
 20X 
 
 24X 
 
 28X 
 
 32X 
 
aire 
 details 
 ues du 
 t modifier 
 ger une 
 ) filmage 
 
 
 The copy filmed here has been reproduced thanks 
 to the generosity of: 
 
 IMetropolitan Toronto Library 
 Canadian History Department 
 
 The images appearing here are the best quality 
 possible considering the condition and legibility 
 of the original copy and in keeping with the 
 filming contract specifications. 
 
 L'exemplaire fiimd fut reproduit grdce d la 
 g6n6rositd de: 
 
 Metropolitan Toronto Library 
 Canadian History Department 
 
 Les images suivantes ont 6t6 reproduites avec le 
 plus grand soin, compte tenu de la condition at 
 de la nettetA de l'exemplaire filmd, et en 
 conformity avec les conditions du contrat de 
 filmage. 
 
 jdes 
 
 
 Original copies in printed paper covers are filmed 
 beginning with the front cover and ending on 
 the last page with a printed or illustrated impres- 
 sion, or the back cover when appropriate. All 
 other original copies are filmed beginning on the 
 first page with a printed or illustrated impres- 
 sion, and ending on the last page with a printed 
 or illustrated impression. 
 
 The last recorded frame on each microfiche 
 shall contain the symbol — »> (meaning "CON- 
 TINUED "), or the symbol V (meaning "END"), 
 whichever applies. 
 
 Les exemplaires originaux dont la couverture en 
 papier est imprimis sont fiimds en commenpant 
 par le premier plat et en terminant soit par la 
 derniAre page qui comporte une empreinte 
 d'impression ou d'illustration, soit par le second 
 plat, salon le cas. Tous les autres exemplaires 
 originaux sont filmis en commenpant par la 
 premiere page qui comporte une empreinte 
 d'impression ou d'illustration et en terminant par 
 la dernlAre page qui comporte une telle 
 empreinte. 
 
 Un des symboles suivants apparattra sur la 
 derniftre image de cheque microfiche, selon le 
 cas: le symbols — ^ signifie "A SUIVRE", le 
 symbols V signifie "FIN". 
 
 lire 
 
 Maps, plates, charts, etc., may be filmed at 
 different reduction ratios. Those too large to be 
 entirely included in one exposure are filmed 
 beginning in the upper left hand corner, left to 
 right and top to bottom, as many frames as 
 required. The following diagrams illustrate the 
 method; 
 
 Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent dtra 
 fiimis A des taux de reduction diffirents. 
 Lorsque le document est trop grand pour Atre 
 reproduit en un seul clich6, il est filmi A partir 
 de Tangle supirieur gauche, de gauche d droite, 
 et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre 
 d'images nAcessaire. Les diagrammes suivants 
 illustrent la m6thode. 
 
 3y errata 
 ed to 
 
 mt 
 
 me pelure, 
 
 pon h 
 
 J3 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 a2x 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 5 
 
 6 
 
^§^v?<K^r~'- 
 
 
 MEDICAL SUPERINTENDENT 
 
 OF 
 
 PROVINCIAL LUNATIC ASYLUM. 
 
 TESTIMOOTALS 
 
 IN KAVUK OK 
 
 J. HUNTER ROBERTSOI, M. 
 
 Al moil OF 
 
 "the S-ASITOUV COXDITION OF ItlUKKNHKAl) AND TllANMERE," " eAMTORV 
 ClIAUT OK BIUKENHKAIJ ASI) TP.ANMEUE," "TUEATl!*r. ON DAVELl.INCi;! 1011 
 THE I.AllOlltlXG CLAS-iES, AND EVILS OK THE WINDOW TAX," itC. 
 
 Montvtnh 
 
 riiiN'rKD PY JOHN lovell, st. Nicholas stuekt. 
 
 1854. 
 
 >^^^<i-^- 
 
 
PKOVI 
 
 J. Eum 
 
 'THR eANtrORT C< 
 CHART or BlKf 
 TBI LABOUHINq 
 
 PRINTED 
 
MEDICAL SUPERINTENDEMT 
 
 or 
 
 PROVINCIAL LUNATIC ASYLUM. 
 
 TESTIMONIALS 
 
 IN FAVOR OF 
 
 J. HUNTER ROBERTSON. M. D.. 
 
 AUTHUB or 
 
 " TBB eAMITORT CONDITION OF BIRKENHEAD AND TRANMEaE," " BANITORY 
 CHART or BIRKENHEAD AND TRANMERE," " TREATIBE ON DWELLINGS FUR 
 TUB LABOURING CLASSIC8, AND EVILS UF THE WINDOW TAX," i&C. 
 
 PRINTED BY JOHN LOVELL, ST. NICHOLAS STRKET 
 
TI 
 
 Jf'rom Jaues Tub 
 Infirmary and . 
 
 /n^ 
 
 My Dear Sii 
 26th Nov., info] 
 ment of Medici 
 place, and I m< 
 you with a test; 
 fitness for such 
 
 During the 
 ©Importunities o 
 opinion of your 
 moved from a] 
 patients, I regrc 
 
 I consider th 
 ment you are 
 and heart, anc 
 tended course 
 attendance upJ 
 city, by your el 
 ticularly in yc 
 Birl^enhead, ai 
 practice, and ill 
 
 I cone jive, i 
 the inmates oiQ 
 of one so emir 
 
 To Dr. J. HuJ 
 
''X. 
 
 TESTIMONIALS. 
 
 i 
 
 From Jaues Turnbull, Esq., M. D., Physician to th* Liverpool Royal 
 Infirmary and Lunatic Asylum. 
 
 Liverpool, IMh December, 1853. 
 
 My Dear Sir, — I received yesterday your letter, dated Torontoi 
 26th Nov., informing me of your intention to apply for the appoint- 
 ment of Medical Superintendent of the Lunatic Asylum of that 
 place, and I most willingly comply with your request, to furnish 
 you with a testimonial expressing my opinion of your ability and 
 fitness for such an appointment. 
 
 During the period you practised at Birkenhead, I had many 
 o^)portunities of meeting you in consultation, and of forming an 
 opinion of your qualifications as a medical man, and when you re' 
 moved from a practice where you were much esteemed by your 
 patients, I regretted the loss which was so general^; "i-t. 
 
 I consider that you are qualified in a high degree fo: the appoint- 
 ment you are now seeking, by your uniform kindness of manner 
 and heart, and unwearied attention to your patients. By the ex- 
 tended course of education you received in Edinburgh, embracing 
 attendance upon the large Asylum in the neighbourhood of that 
 city, by your energy of character and habits, displayed more par* 
 ticularly in your published work, on the Sanitory Condition of 
 Birkenhead, and by the experience you have acquired in general 
 practice, and in the public appointment you then held, 
 
 I cone jive, therefore, that it will be a fortunate circumstance for 
 the inmates of the Asylum, if the services should be secured to them 
 of one so eminently quaHfied for such a situation. 
 I remain, my dear Sir, 
 
 Yours very truly, 
 
 JAMES TURNBULL, M. D., 
 Physcisian to the Liverpool Royal Infirmary 
 and Lunatic Asylum, 
 To Dr, J. Hunter Robertson. 
 
 I: I 
 
 B; 
 
From. Oeoboe Robinson, Eiq,, M. D,, Member of tlie Royal College of 
 Physicians of London, Fellow of the Royal Medical and Chirurgieal 8oc., 
 and Consulting Physician to the Bensham and Dunston Lunatic Asylum. 
 
 26 Eldon Square, Newcastle upon Tyne, 29th Dec., 1853. 
 
 My Dear Sir, — Having taken an active part in the Sanitory 
 movement in England, and thus enjoyed an opportunity of personally 
 observing the extent of your professional acquirements, the respect- 
 able and influential nature of your position at Birkenhead, and the 
 ability, zeal, and humanity which you then directed to philanthro- 
 pic objects, I cannot but regard you as eminently qualified for 
 the office of Medical Superintendent of an Hospital for the Insane. 
 
 Your attendance at Momingside and frequent visitation of other 
 Asylums must have familiarized you with the recent improve- 
 ments m the practical details of treatment : and from some ex- 
 perience on the subject, I can truly aver that the possession of high 
 mental and moral qualities is even of more importance than a 
 knowledge of hospital routine. 
 
 Wishing you all success in your application for the Canadian 
 Asylum, I remain, 
 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 Yours very truly, 
 
 GEORGE ROBINSON, M. D., 
 Member of the Royal College of Physicians of London, Fellow of 
 
 the Royal Medical and Chirurgieal Society, and Consulting 
 
 Physician to the Bensham and Dunston Lunatic Asylum. 
 
 From Edward Watbrs, Esq., M. D., Fellow of the Royal College Physicians, 
 Edinburgh, formerly Senior President of the Royal Medical Society, 
 Edinburgh, and President of the Parisian Medical Society, Sfc, IfC. 
 
 Nicholas Street, Chester, 22d December, 1863. 
 
 I have known Dr. J. Hunter Robertson for many years, and 
 have personal knowledge of the unwearied assiduity with which he 
 prosecuted his Medical studies in the university of Edinburgh. He 
 not only distinguished himself by zeal in the general study of his 
 profession, but he specially devoted himself to midwifery and men- 
 tal derangement. His manners were uniformly kind and consi- 
 derate, his conduct in all the relations of life imezccptionable ; and it. 
 
is my firm belief that his appointment as Medical Superintendent 
 
 of the Provincial Lunatic Asylum, Toronto, will be beneficial to 
 
 the establishment and the patients. 
 
 EDWARD WATERS, M. D., 
 
 Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, formerly 
 Senior President of the Royal Medical Society of Edinburgh^ 
 and President of the Parisian Medical Society, d:c., &c. 
 
 From Charles Hats Hiooins, Esq., M. D., Fellow of the Royal College 
 of Surgeons, England, Member of the Apothecaries Society, Lpndon ; 
 for many years Surgeon to the Somerset County Hospital, and member of 
 the Obstetrical Society of Edinburgh ; Member of the Liverpool Micros- 
 copic Society, dec, die. 
 
 Birkenhead, Chksbirk, 18th December, 1853. 
 
 I had the pleasure of personally knowing Dr. J. Hunter Ro- 
 bertson, and have much satisfaction in testifying to his private cha- 
 racter, gentlemanly demeanor, andProfessional merits. He was edu- 
 cated, and graduated in Edinburgh, was a prize man in his year, 
 and for some time, paid much attention to mental disorders at one 
 of the finest Asylums in the Kingdom, viz., the Royal Edinburgh, 
 at Momingside, I consider him therefore very fit for the situation he is 
 desirous of fillii;g m Canada. 
 
 CHARLES HAYS HIGGmS, M. D., 
 
 Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of England ; Member of 
 the Apothecaries Society, London ; for many years Surgeon 
 to the Somerset County Hospital, and member of the Obstetrical 
 Society of Edinhurgh ; Member of the Liverpool Microscopic 
 Society, dkc, <&c. 
 
 f . 
 I:' 
 
 i' 
 
 From W. H. Dunoak, Esq., M. D., Medical Cfficer of Health for the 
 Borough of Liverpool, late Physician to the Livetpool Ii\fimiary, and Lu- 
 natic Asylum. 
 
 Liverpool, dOth December, 1863. 
 
 Having been acquainted with Dr. Hcnter Robertson for seve- 
 ral yeaia when he resided at Birkenhead, I have much pleaaure in. 
 
 i..-r 
 If- 
 
 MK 
 
stating, that from what I know of his character and professional 
 standing, and from the opportunities he has enjoyed of becoming 
 practically acquainted with the various forms of insanity, and the 
 modes of treatment best adapted for them, I believe that his 
 appointment to the medical charge of the Provincial Lunatic 
 Asylum at Toronto, could not fail to give satisfaction to all inte- 
 rested in the management of that Institution. 
 
 W.H. DUNCAN, M.D., 
 Medical Officer of Health to the Borough of Liverpool, 
 late Physician to the Infirmary, dc. 
 
 From'R. Bicrebsteth,^s9., M. R. C. S. E., F. R. 0. 8., late Senior Sur- 
 geon to the Liverpool Royal Infirmary and Lunatic Asylum. 
 
 2 Rodney St., Liverpool, 29<A December, 1863. 
 
 This is to certify that I have known Dr. Hunter Robertson 
 several years, and have frequently met him in consultations, 
 during his residence at Birkenhead. I believe him to be in every 
 way qualified for the situation of Medical Superintendent of the 
 Provincial Lunatic Asylum near Toronto, having made this de- 
 partment of the profession his peculiar study. 
 
 R. BICKERSTETH, 
 M. E. a S. B, 
 
 From Jambs VosE, Esq., M. D., Physician to the Liverpool L\ftrmary and 
 Lunatic Asylum. 
 
 Liverpool, 29th December, 1853. 
 
 Mr Dear Sir, — ^You have applied to me as one of the Physi- 
 cians to the Royal Infirmary here, for a testimonial of your quali- 
 fications, to fill the ofiSce of Medical Superintendent in the Pro- 
 vincial Lunatic Asylum near Toronto. 
 
 It gives me much pleasure to comply with your request, your 
 general professional attainments, your experience in practice, and 
 
 Dr. J. Hunter 
 
 msane, or, ind 
 
nal 
 
 ite- 
 
 your prolonged acquaintance with thd management of the insane, 
 render you in every way a most competent person to perform the 
 duties of the Superintendent, for which you are a candidate. 
 
 Believe me, my dear Sir, 
 Yours very truly, 
 
 JAMES VOSE, M. D., 
 
 Physician to the Liverpool Infirmary. 
 Dr. J. Hunter Robertson. 
 
 From James Mackie, Esq., M. D., Edinburgh, L, JR. C. S. E., Phytician 
 Private Asylum for the Insane Hillend, Greenock. 
 
 Greenock, 15th December, 1853. 
 
 Dr. J. n. Robertson was known to me as a diligent and distin- 
 guished student while studying at the University of Edinburgh. 
 
 During his residence there, ho attended for a considerable period, 
 the public Asylum for Lunatics atMoriiingside, in the neighbour- 
 hood of that city, where he had ample opportunities of acquiring 
 experience in the treatment, medical and moral, of its inmates. 
 
 From the experience thus acquired, as well as from that acquir- 
 ed while in general practice at Birkinhead, 1 have no hesitation 
 in expressing it as my opinion, that he is particularly well qualified 
 to undertake the Medical Superintendanco of an Asylum for the 
 insane, or, indeed, that of any medical institution whatever. 
 
 JAMES MACKIE, M. D., 
 Z. B. C. S. E., Physician Private Asyhm 
 for the Insane Hillend, Greenock. 
 
 From Thomas S. MacCall, Etq., M. D., Fellow of the Royal College of 
 Phyiiciana of Edinburgh, and Aitiilant Bur eon Edinburghshire Regi- 
 ment of Militia. 
 
 Greenock, 14//i December, 1853. 
 
 I have much pleasure in stating that I have known Dr. J. II. 
 Robertson for upwards of twelve years. When at the University 
 of Edinburgh, Dr. Robertson was a most diligent and attentive Stu- 
 
 ''' 
 
 1 r 
 
8 
 
 dent, and earned the esteem of all his teachers. I have had many 
 opportunities of learning Dr. R's. success as a practitioner while 
 at Birkenhead. 
 
 From the experience Dr. Robertson attained while attending the 
 Lunatic Asylum at Morningside, and afterwards at Birkenhead, 
 Dr. R. has had many and excellent opportimities of acquiring 
 knowledge in that department. I have no hesitation, therefore, in 
 declaring it to be my opinion, that Dr. R. is well qualified for 
 taking charge of the Provincial Lunatic Asylum in Toronto, or 
 any oth'^r. 
 
 THOMAS S. MACCALL, M. D., 
 Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, and 
 Assistant Surgeon Edinburghshire Regiment of Militia. 
 
 From C .0. Batlib, Esq^ M. D., M. R. 0. 8. E., L. A. C, Birkenhead. 
 
 Hamilton Square, 16th December, 1853. 
 
 My Dear Sib, — Understanding that you are a Candidate for 
 the important oflSce of Superintendent to the Lunatic Asylum at 
 Toronto, I beg to render you my best wishes for your success. 
 During the time I have had the pleasure of your acquaintance in 
 this town, I have always experienced the greatest kindness and 
 urbanity of disposition from you, have admired your great energy 
 and industry, and the great attention and care you have bestowed 
 on those who have entrusted their cases to your Medical skill, and 
 I feel certain, that if you obtain the honor of this appointment, that 
 the authorities of the Asylum will find you a most efficient officer 
 for its management. 
 
 I am, dear Sir, 
 
 Very truly yours, 
 
 C. 0. BAYMS, M. n., 
 
 M. R. a S. £., L. A. C. 
 J. Hunter Robertson, Esq., M. D. 
 
 J. H. Robertso 
 
9 
 
 F'om Datid Patekson, E»q., L. R. C, 8. E. 
 
 Liverpool, \bth December, 1853. 
 
 Mr Dear Sir, — Your letter of the 26th November, 1863, iu 
 which you ask me for a testimonial as to your qualification for the 
 situation as Medical Superintendent of a Lunatic Asylum, came 
 to hand in due time. In the first place, you pursued your studies 
 with much care in Edinburgh, thereby grounding yourself well in 
 the general theory of your profession. You attended with diligence 
 •the largo and well regulated Asylum in the neighbourhood of that 
 city, an excellent field for the observation and study of mental 
 diseases in all their complications and forms, of which opportunity 
 you fully availed yourself. In Birkenhead, where you held for 
 some time an appointment under the Poor Law Commissioners, 
 you had great opportunities for studying insanity, and at the 
 same time arriving at a just and true knowledge of what that 
 unfortunate class stand in need of. In the last place, from your 
 energy of character, your kindness of disposition, and the great 
 attention you bestowed upon your profession and patients, which 
 caused your departure from Birkenhead to be much regretted, 
 I think, should you obtain such an appointment, it will be 
 fortunate for the inmates of any such institution; and with 
 every wish for your happiness and success. 
 
 I remain, ray dear Sir, 
 Very truly yours, 
 
 DAVID PATERSON, 
 L, R. C, S. E, 
 J. H. Robertson, Esq., M. D. 
 
 i 
 
 From Davip P. Thomson, E»q. M. D., Edinburgh, hite Hon. Sro. Lit. nnd 
 Phi/o8o/,h. Soc. of Liverpool, author of " Introduction to Meteorology,' 
 4c, 4!!. 
 
 Liverpool, Qth January, 1854. 
 
 Dr. J. Hunter Robertson and I first became acquainted some 
 years ago, in the Edinburgh University, and the distinguished 
 Professor of Midwifery there, will I doubt not testify to his zeal 
 and ability as an Obstetrician. As a general Practioner his pa- 
 tients might testify if ajipoaled to. He was much esteemed by 
 
 % 
 
 
10 
 
 them, and carried the respect of the profession. To diseases of the 
 mind he paid no small attention, and as his present application 
 bears relation to that most important department, I may be per- 
 mitted to refer especially to it. I should not hesitate to entrust 
 to him the treatment of the Insane, and consider that he 
 would prove eflScient in the superintendance of a Lunatic Asylum- 
 
 DAVID P. THOMSON, M. D,, 
 Late Hon. Sec. Lit. and Philosoph. Soc. of Liverpool, 
 Author of " Introduction to Meteorology, <&c., <S:c. 
 
 From George Walker, Esq., M. D., M. R. C. S. L., late Honorary 
 Surgeon to Birkenhead Hospital. 
 
 Birkenhead, 16th December, 1853. 
 
 I had the pleasure of knowing Dr. James Hunter Robertson, 
 while practising here, a period of nearly eight years. He had an 
 extensive practice, was noted for his kind and zealous attention 
 to his patients, and favorably known for his advocacy of Sanitory 
 measures connected with the Township. 
 
 GEORGE WALKER, M. D., 
 M. B. C. S. L., late Honorary Surgeon to Birkenhead Hospital. 
 
 From S. Edgar Esq., M. R. C. S. E. 
 
 Birkenhead, 15th December, 1853. 
 Dear Sir, — As I have very frequently met yor in Medical 
 consultations while you practised in Birkenhead, it gives me 
 much pleasure to state that I have formed a good opinion of your 
 abilities as a Physician, from the great attention you at all times 
 showed to your patients, and the indefatigable services you per- 
 formed for the Commissioners of Birkenhead when applied to 
 by them with regard to the sanitory improvement of the Town- 
 ship, I feel sure that you are well qualified for the situation of 
 Medical Superintendant of a Lunatic Asylum. 
 
 I am, dear Sir, 
 
 Yours very truly, 
 
 8. EDGAR, 
 
 M. R. C. S. E. 
 Dr. J. Hunter Robertson. 
 
 M. R. a & 
 
11 
 
 FVom Mattmbw Jknette, Esq., M. R. 0., &. L. S, A. D. , Surgeon to 
 Birkenhead Infirmarg, Police Force, Sfc. 
 
 Birkenhead, England, I5th December, 1853. 
 
 Having known Dr. J. H. Robertson for the seven years that he 
 practised his profession here, it gives me great pleasure to testify 
 to the respectable position he held as a Medical man with both 
 rich and poor, — to the latter he devoted a large portion of his 
 time, and with all he was energetic, considerate and attentive. 
 
 I sincerely wish he may obtain the appointment he desires in 
 the Toronto Iiunatic Asylum, as I am sure he is well calculated 
 to perform the duties of the office efficiently. 
 
 MATTHEW JENETTE, 
 M. R. C, S. L. S. A. £>., Surgeon to Birkenhead 
 Injirmari/f Police Force, <S:c. 
 
 
 From Charles RicinBTTS, Esq., M. R. C. 8, E, Surgeon to the Birkenhead 
 Lying-in Hospital. 
 
 Birkenhead, 16 Price St., \%th December, 1853. 
 Having been acquainted with Dr. J. Hunter Robertson for 
 nearly eight years, whilst practising at Birkenhead, I had frequent 
 opportunities of forming an opinion of his professional abilities, 
 and likewise enabled to testify to his zeal and assiduity in attend- 
 ing to the duties of an extensive practice, and to his uniform 
 kindness and attention to the patients under his charge. 
 
 CHARLES RICKETTS, 
 M. B. C, S. K, Surgeon to the Birkenhead Lying-in Hospital. 
 
 From David Skab, Esq., M.D., F.R. . S., Lecturer on Anatomy and Sur- 
 geon to the Eye Dinpensary of Edinburgh, now resident Physician at the 
 Edinburgh Lunatic Asylum. 
 
 Edinuurgh, Argylk Square, I5th September, 1846. 
 
 I have had the pleasure of Dr. J. H. Robertson's acquaintance 
 
 for several years, and gladly bear testimony to his abilities and 
 
 professional attainments. 
 
 ., 
 
 iii 
 
13 
 
 Dr. Robertson studied Medicine mih great zeal and assiduity ; 
 he enjoyed very favourable and extended opportunities of becoming 
 practically acquainted with his profession ; and of these he avail- 
 ed himself with such ardour and perseverance, as to gain the esteem 
 and confidence of all who knew him. 
 
 Dr. Robertson devoted himself during his studies in a particular 
 manner to the subjects of Midwifery, and the diseases of Women 
 and Children, with which I know him to be intimately conversant. 
 I feel confident that Dr. Robertson, from his excellent education, 
 his experience, his devotion to the profession, his steadiness and 
 many aimable qualities, will meet with the confidence of all his 
 patients, and that success which he eminently merits. 
 
 DAVID SKAE, M.D., F.R.C.S., 
 Lecturer on Anatomy, Surgeon to the Eye Dispensary 
 and Lock Hospital of Edinburgh.^'' 
 
 From J. Y. Simpson Esq., M. D., Professor of Midwifery in the University 
 of Edinburgh, Jsc, ^c. 
 
 Edinburgh, 52, Queen Street, 2(itk November, 1845. 
 Db. Robertson devoted himself to the study of Medicine at this 
 University with great assiduity and talent. From my personal 
 knowledge of Dr. Robertson, and from having seen his modes of 
 practice at the bedside, I can strongly testify to his thorough 
 practical knowledge of his profession. He has studied in a prin- 
 cipal and special manner the department of Midwifery, and the dis- 
 eases of Females and Children, and is most intimately acquainted 
 with this branch of Medicine. 
 
 J. Y. SIMPSON, M. D., 
 Professor of Midwifery in the University of Edinburgh. 
 
 To Dr. J. H. 
 
 From Albx. D. Campbell, Esq., M. B. of St. John's College, Oxford, F. 
 R.C.8.E., Lecturer on Legal Medicine, dec. ike. 
 
 Edinburgh, 4, Pioardy PtACiS, \5th September, 1845. 
 
 Mr Dear Sir, — I have much pleasure in complying with your 
 request to express my opinion of your Medical qualifications. I do 
 so with the more confidence because I speak not of what I heard, 
 but of what I personally witnessed. During the summer and au- 
 tumn of 1844. you assisted rae in attending the poor of one of the 
 
18 
 
 districts belonging to the New Town Dispensary here. I had every 
 reason to be pleased with the professional knowledge and judgment 
 you showed in the treatment of these cases, as well as with the as- 
 siduous attention which you displayed, and the affable and conci- 
 liatory manner in which you conducted yourself towards the poor 
 entrusted to your care. Such, indeed, was my confijcuoe in vour 
 diligence and skill, that on my leaving town for some time, I com- 
 mitted the charge of my district solely to your care. I know that 
 you have had extensive opportunities of engaging in Midwifery 
 practice, and that you were most industiiously employed in prose- 
 cuting that branch of Medical study for some time. In short, I 
 am confident, that with your j arsevering industry and professional 
 knowledge, you cannot fail to gain that reputation and patronage 
 which merit such as yours has a right to expect. 
 
 With my best wishes for your success, believe me. 
 
 Yours very truly, 
 
 ALEX. D. CAMPBELL, 
 M. B. St. John's Coll. Oxford, F. R. C. S. E., 
 
 Lecturer on Legal Medicine, <&c., do. 
 To Dr. J. H. Robertson." 
 
 From Wm. Walkke Esq., M.R.O.S.E., Surgeon to the Bye Dispensary of 
 Edinburgh. 
 
 47, Northumberland Street, Edinburgh, 22nd Sept., 1845. 
 
 I have been acquainted with Dr. J. 11. Robertson for some time, 
 and it affords me great pleasure to bear testimony to his profession- 
 al attainments. From his habits of study, his perfect acquain- 
 tance with the practical duties of his profession, and his high mor- 
 al character, I feel convinced, that Dr. Robertson is well qualified 
 to discharge the office of a Physician, with credit to himself, and 
 with benefit to the patients who are under his care. Dr. Robertson 
 has devoted a great part of his time, — and with success, — to the 
 study of Midwifery, and the Diseases of Women and Children. 
 
 WM. WALKER, 
 Surgeon to the Eye Dispenary of Edinburgh. 
 
 ll 
 
14 
 
 Prom Wm. M. Mackenzie, Esq., L.R.C.S.E., M.R.M.C.S.E., ffc. 
 
 Edinburgh, 40, Dublin Street, I6th September, 1845. 
 
 My Dear Sir, — It gives me great pleasure to comply with your 
 request, to express my opinion of your quulificatioa as a practition- 
 er of Medicine. And this is most easily done, as I have only to 
 say, that I know of no other man so highly qualified in all respects 
 as you are for pursuing the peculiar and arduous duties of a medi- 
 cal man. Your extensive practical experience in Midwifery in par- 
 ticular, cannot fail to procure you the esteem and confidence of 
 any community among whom you may settle, as well as the res- 
 pect of Brother Practitioners with whom you may be brought into 
 contact. In a word your acquirements and skill are calcalated to 
 make you as prosperous and successful in Medicine, as your ster- 
 ling good sense, affable manners, and knowledge of the world, will 
 make you useful in society generally. 
 
 Wishing you all the success and comfort you so well merit. 
 Believe me to be, with much respect. 
 Yours sincerely, 
 
 WILLIAM M. MACKENZIE, 
 L.E.aS.L\ M.R.M.aS.E., &c. 
 Jas. H. Robertson, Esq., M. D., &c.. 
 
 From Halliday Douglas, Esq., M.D., M.R.C.8.E., Physician to the 
 Royal Infirmary. 
 
 Edinburgh, 15 <A September, 1845. 
 
 Dr. Jas. Hunter Robertson was well known to me during 
 his residence at Edinburgh ; and I have been led to form a high 
 opinion of his abilities. He was zealous and successful in the study 
 of his profession, and his general deportment was always gentle- 
 manlike and correct. 
 
 A. HALLIDAY DOUGLAS, M. D., 
 Physician to the Royal Infirmary. 
 
 From Thomas G. Weir, Esq., M. J)., Edinburgh, Accoucheur to the Edin- 
 burgh New Toum Dispensary. 
 
 Edinburgh, 2Srd Sept., 1846. 
 
 I have much pleasure in stating that I have been associated with 
 Dr. James H. Robertson in the Edinburgh New Town Dispensary 
 for the last two years during which time he had ample opportu- 
 
is 
 
 nities of studying Midwifery, and the diseases of Females and Chil- 
 dren. The proficiency to which he has attained in this branch of 
 the profession proves how assiduously these opportunities were em- 
 braced, and should entitle him to perfect confidence from all those 
 who may place themselves under his charge. 
 
 THOMAS G. WEIR, M.D., 
 Accoucheur to tUe Edinburgh New Town Dispensary. 
 
 From Alex. Moneo, Esq., M.D., Professor of Anatomy in the University, 
 Edinburgh. 
 
 Edinburgh, 1th August, 1845. 
 
 Dear Sir, — I most readily accede to your request in granting you 
 my certificate of your respectability, and the zeal, assiduity, and 
 success with which you have studied the different branches of Me- 
 dicine ; of which you gave the most distinct evidence before the 
 Medical Faculty. And I indulge the hope, that your success in life 
 may prove commensurate to your merit, 
 
 I remain, dear Sir, 
 
 Most truly yours, 
 
 ALEX. MONRO, M. D. 
 Professor of Anatomy in the University, Edinburgh. 
 To Dr. J. Hunter Robertson, &c. &c. &c. 
 
 Birkenhead, llth April, 184'7. 
 
 Dear Sir, — I am directed by the Health Committee to tender 
 you their thanks, for the attention you have paid to their wishes 
 in assisting to furnish them with a report on the present state of 
 fever in the township, &o. 
 
 I beg to annex a copy of their resolution on the subject. 
 I am, dear Sir, 
 
 Yours truly, 
 
 WM. GREGORY, 
 
 Secretary. 
 Dr. J. Hunter Robertson. 
 
 Commissioners Rooms, 
 Brombro, IQth February, 1848. 
 Dear Sir, — I am requested by the Wirrall Board of Guardians 
 to convey to you a note of thanks, unanimously passed, for the 
 
16 
 
 very kind and valuable assistAnce afforded them in the late inves- 
 tigation into the condition and management of the Fever Hospital 
 established in Birkenhead, as well as for the veiy satisfactory an(^ 
 able report with which they were favored on that occasion, and 
 permit me individually to express to you the great pleasure / ex- 
 perience in being made the medium of communicating this reso- 
 lution to you. 
 
 Believe mo, dear Sir, 
 
 Yours very faithfully, 
 
 JAMES MAINWARING, 
 
 Chairman. 
 To J. H. Robertson, Esq., M. D. 
 
 OPK 
 
 Db. eober 
 
 From the Overssbrs of the Township of Birkenhead. 
 
 Dated at Birkenhead, this \5th June, 1847. 
 
 We the undersigned, the Overseers of the Township, or Chapelry 
 of Birkenhead, do nereby cert'fy that Dr. J. Hunter Robertson 
 has during his residence here devoted much time and attention to 
 the Sanatory Reform of this Township, (wnich contains twenty-five 
 thousand inhabitants,) and that he is author of the work entitled 
 " BiRKENHi: iD, ITS Present Sanatory CONDITION," which has 
 been compiled with great care and much accuracy, and has met 
 the approbation of many of the Clergy and principal Inhabitants 
 of Birkenhead. And we further certify to the respectability of 
 character and the general reputation of the professional abilities 
 of Dr. J. Hunter Robertson. 
 
 ROBERT HUGHES. 
 
 W. WILLIAMS MORTIMER. 
 
 From the Rev. J. Bavlee, B.A., Incumbent of Holy Trini Church, 
 Birkenhead, 
 
 Clifton Park, Birkenhead, 19 <At7«7M?, 1847. 
 
 Dr. J. Hunter Robertson has been a member of my congrega- 
 tion for the last eighteen months, and I have much pleasure in 
 bearing testimony to his and his family's coiisistencies as such. 
 
 As a medical practitioner he is favourably known here, confirm- 
 ing the creditable testimonials which he brought with him from 
 Edinburgh. 
 
 His work on the sanatory condition of Birkenhead has received 
 the approbation of competent judges, and added to the previous 
 good opinion of his intelligence and skill. 
 
 While I should rejoice at any appointment advatageous to him, 
 T would regret his removal from Birkenhead as a valued member 
 of my Congregation. 
 
 JOSEPH BAYLEE, B. A. 
 
 LIVEI 
 
 Birkenhead : iti 
 
 This is a neat 
 cannot fail deepl 
 great question o1 
 affords, in our o] 
 tion. We are a 
 enlightenment, ] 
 fellow subjects a 
 able. The apat 
 The present vo 
 question, and 
 humanity. Fe\ 
 regard to sanat< 
 has so much bd 
 ment of a peopl 
 names the rise 
 connected. Y< 
 of tbe inhabita 
 may gradually 
 greater extent t 
 in Birkenhead, 
 arisen enormou 
 show that the 
 that amount, 
 lent — the deat 
 while in Tram 
 parish of Liver 
 to the fact, thi 
 Birkenhead, tl 
 
I 
 
 opmojfs or the peess 
 
 '3 
 
 ON 
 
 Db. ROBERTSON'S RECENT PUBLICATIONS. 
 
 LIVERPOOL JOURNAL, 20th March, 1847. 
 
 Birkenhead: its present Sanatory Condition, By J. Hunteb. 
 
 Robertson, M. D. 
 
 This is a neat volume, carefully compiled, on a subject which 
 cannot fail deeply to interest. The sanatory is, very properly, the 
 great question oi the day, and the extent to which it is. entertained 
 aflfords, in our opinion, the best index of the progress of civiliza- 
 tion. We are a moral people ; we are prone, too, to boast of our 
 enlightenment, yet it is a melancholy fact, that thousands of our 
 fellow subjects are allowed to perish from causes which are remov- 
 able. The apathy which exists can arise only from ignorar.ee. 
 The present volume is replete with valuable facts on this vital 
 question, and hence we consider it as a welcome offering to 
 humanity. Few towns in modern times have been built with such 
 regard to sanatory regulations as Birkenhead ; and in no instance 
 has so much been accomplished for the health, comfort and enjoy- 
 ment of a people, as by those energetic individuals with whose 
 names the rise and progress of Birkenhead are'' so intimately 
 connected. Yet without watchfulness and intelligence on the part 
 of the inhabitants, the evils which so seriously affect other towns 
 may gradually creep in ; and such we find to be the case to a 
 greater extent than we had apprehended. In 1841, the mortality 
 in Birkenhead, was but one in 45 ; but latterly the average has 
 arisen enormously, and in 1846 it was one in 28. The tables given 
 show that the present mortality in Tranmere is considerably below 
 that amount. In Birkenhead, tever appears to be extremely preva- 
 lent — the deaths from this cause annually being one in 313 ; 
 while in Tranmere the average is only one in 774 ; and in the 
 parish of Liverpool, one in 407. Our author calls the attention 
 to the fact, that although there is an infirraary'and dispensary in 
 Birkenhead, there is no ward in it, nor any other place, for the 
 
 i:. 
 
16 
 
 reception of individuala attacked \rith fever. This vrant should be 
 at once supplied. It also appears that, although Birkenhead is 
 admirably sewered, better indeed than any other town in the 
 kingdom, there has been considerable neglect in providing drains 
 in connexion with the sewers. Dr. Robertson's work is replete 
 with valuable facts on the sanatory question, and as it contains many 
 practical suggestions of great local value, we commend it to the 
 deep attention of our Oieshire friends. 
 
 LIVERPOOL MERCURY, 19th March, 1847. 
 
 Banatory Condition of Birkenhead by J. Hunter Robertson, 
 
 M.D. 
 
 A work, highly interesting to the residents of both sides of the 
 Jdersey, but more particularly to our friends in Cheshire, has this 
 week issued from the press. It is entitled, " The present Sanatory 
 Condition of Birkenhead, by J. Hunter Robertson, M.D," The 
 statements it contains, authenticated by facts and figures, will 
 somewhat startle the good people of Birkenhead, who have hitherto 
 been consoling themselves with the idea, that that rising township 
 was one of the most salubrious and healthy places in the kingdom. 
 The author states, that " the mortality in Birkenhead during the 
 past year has not only far exceeded the usual ratio, but has been 
 equal to, if not greater than, that of any other town in England, 
 with the sole exception of Liverpool." From the tables given, it 
 appears that whilst the deaths in Birkenhead were, in 1841, 1 in 
 45, in 1845, 1 in 36-35, in 1846 they were 1 in 28 i, the mor- 
 tality in Liverpool in 1846 being in 26-25. The author adds, 
 that although this shows a slight difference in favour of Birkenhead, 
 " infantile mortality, and that most dreaded of all diseases — fever, 
 exceeds that of Liverpool, according to the latest returns made of 
 that town." In the course of his work he proceeds to point out 
 the causes of this state of things, and amongst them he dwells 
 upon the abscenpe of a fever hospital in Birkenhead, the ill ventila- 
 tion of the houses of the lower classes, the absence of house drains, 
 the existence of 2405 cesspools in the township, a want of care in 
 the selection of sites for the foundations of new buildings, the imper- 
 fect construction of middens, the over-crowding of lodging-houses 
 and places of sepulture, the too early occupation of newly-built 
 houses, and the want of water. He calculates that there are 330 
 houses and 5? courts without water, the number of inhabitants in 
 them being 2437. Amongst the subjects which he notices, is the 
 erection of baths and wash-houses, the position of the slaughter- 
 houses, the practice of giving opiates to children ; and, as a con- 
 plusion, he suggests the introduction of musical performances at 
 
 f lie present Sn\ 
 
19 
 
 the Park during the summer months. The work is highly inter- 
 esting ; its statistics are important ; and it cannot fail, we should 
 think, to have a beneficial effect on the future condition of tho 
 rapidly increasing population of Birkenhead. 
 
 LIVERPOOL STANDARD, 13th April, 1847. 
 
 Birkenliead, its Present Sanatory Condition. Brj J. HunteiI 
 
 Robertson, M. D. 
 
 Tt must be an unpleasant reflection to an inhabitant of Birken- 
 head that, with all the enterprize whicn has been bestowed upon 
 the improvement of the locality, of which the proceedings of last 
 week afforded signal proof, little indeed has been efi"ected to render it 
 a healthy place of residence for its rapidly increasing population* 
 A fatal influence seems to be have been at work to counteract every 
 effort of the authorities to do their work effectually, and to over- 
 come the undoubted disadvantages of soil and position, under 
 ■^hich Birkenhead labours. 
 
 Whilst the Commissioners have been laying out spacious streets 
 and squares, forming extensive sewers, providing parks for tho re 
 creation of the public, and making provision for the proper sur- 
 face cleansing of the entire town, the jerry-builder and the cot- 
 tage-owner have been rearing the sources of future fever, and 
 expenditure of money, health, and life itself. 
 
 The present condition of the locality, and the means to be 
 adopted for the removal of existing evils, are ably pointed out in a 
 work recently published by J. Hunter Robertson, Esq., M. D., of 
 Birkenhead, the perusal of which we would strongly recommend 
 to all interested in Sanatory matters, containing as it does some 
 most important statistical facts and remarks, particularly that part 
 relating to infantile mortality, and which ought to be perused by 
 every parent. 
 
 t • 
 
 LIVERPOOL ALBION. 
 
 Tlve present Sanatory condition of Birkenhead. By J. Hcnteb 
 
 Robertson, M. D. 
 
 We believe this is the first volume ever printed and published la 
 Birkenhead, and as such it may hereafter be deemed a curiosity. 
 It is creditable to the young town in every respect, but particularly 
 BO as regards the object to which it is devoted. Dr. Robertson 
 
 ■:.i 
 
 vH 
 
20 
 
 baa dedicated his work to Lord Morpeth. The learned doctor has 
 kft no branch of the subject untouched, and his remarks erinco 
 sound judgment, learning and close observation. This book 
 abounds in valuable matter. Dr. Robertson states the startling 
 fact, that " the mortality in Birkenhead during the past year has 
 not only far exceeded the usual ratio, but has been equal to if not 
 greater than, that of any other town in England, with tbo sole 
 exception of Liverpool." Birkenhead is now in that stato ',\li n 
 those who have charge of its fate can take advantage of all the im- 
 provements of modern times ; can bestow on the inhabitants the 
 blessings every day brought to view by the wisdom and light now 
 extending over the length and breadth of England ; and, m short, 
 plan, form, drain, water, light, and ventilate their town, from the 
 beginning, on the most approved principles, so as to secure the 
 utmost degree of health and convenience to the inhabitants. Dr. 
 Robertson has furnished the local legislature of Birkenhead with 
 abundance of evidence, advice, statistical information, and book 
 lore of the highest value in a convenient compass, and we hope 
 his facts and arguments will have the effect of inducing the in- 
 habitants and iLeir representatives at the Commissioners' Board, 
 to turn their most ardent attention to a subject which, though not 
 one which will yield an immediate pecuniary return, is second in 
 importance to none of the multifarious weighty matters which 
 daily come under their consideration. 
 
 LIVERPOOL CHRONICLE, 21 th March, 1847. 
 
 The Present Sanatory Condi ion of Birlcmkead ; by J. Hunter 
 
 ROBERTSOK l\{, V-. 
 
 This useful and well-written pamphlet is devoted to an inquiry 
 into the Sanatory Condition of the " City of the future " on the 
 opposite banks of the Mersey. The mortality, according to the 
 author's tables, which appear to have been collected with care, 
 exceeds that of any place in the kingdom except Liverpool, and 
 ihe deductions from which, as far as we had an opportunity of 
 testing then are truthful and conclusive. The author proves that 
 Birkenaead is one of the best sewered towns in the kingdom, but 
 what seems still more strange, is wretchedly drained — ^in fact, not 
 drained at all! The facts contained in this brochure are startling, 
 and the auth<»* has put them into a shape which cannot fail to 
 command attention. The work is dedicated, by permission, to 
 Lord Morpeth, and with this pamphlet before him, it sounds strange 
 that his lordship should have gone out of his way last Monday to 
 dilate upon the superior sanatory condition of Birkenhead. But 
 the able men whose capital and talent have given existence to thai 
 
 rising commu; 
 medical gentl( 
 attention to th( 
 and private ex< 
 ihlay, to obvia 
 forward. 
 
 Birkenhead, ii 
 
 Works on si 
 long built, the; 
 The exposition 
 Every inhabita 
 read it— every 
 family. He e 
 kenhead ; he < 
 or neglected t 
 gives importat 
 
 Ho is not 
 logical mind ; 
 inhabitants of 
 mation the do 
 
 This is a W( 
 in Birkenhead 
 
 The publis 
 executod thei 
 printed, on ex 
 publisher. 
 
 THE 
 
 An interest 
 Birkenhead," 
 bv Dr. J. 
 whtch Dr. R( 
 roferwice for 
 i^nnation 
 \»ve long d( 
 
 C 
 
 Birkenhea 
 
 In this pi 
 interest. Dr. 
 serve to sb 
 
21 
 
 has 
 
 ling 
 lina 
 not 
 sole 
 
 rTion 
 im- 
 the 
 
 but 
 
 I 
 
 rising community have erred unintentionally, and now that a 
 medical gentleman of no ordinary capacity hafl directed their 
 attention to the subject in this striking form, all that public spirit 
 aad private exertion can do, will, we are certain, bo done without 
 <Iolay, to obviate the evils thus prominently and timely brought 
 forward. 
 
 I 
 
 WEEKLY NEWS, 25th March, 1847. 
 
 Birkenhead, its present Sanatory Condition; by J. Hunter 
 
 Robertson, M. D. 
 
 Works on such topics are much required. To towns, however 
 long built, they are serviceable-to those in their infancy, invaluable. 
 The expositions in this volume, we must confess, have startled us. 
 Every inhabitant of Birkenhead, who loves his fellow-man, should 
 read it — every father or master, who regards his offspring or his 
 family. He convinces us of the awful average mortality of Bir- 
 kenhead ; he does more, he traces out its cause, — foul air, deficient 
 or neglected sewerage, contaminated water, grave pits, «fec., and 
 gives important information to mothers and nurses. 
 
 He is not only a gentleman of deep research, bnt of sound 
 logical mind ; his style is clear, his object noble ; and \s o trust the 
 inhabitants of Birkenhead will take advantage of the useful infor- 
 mation the doctor gives them. 
 
 This is a work that should be in the hands of every householder 
 in Birkenhead. 
 
 The publishers, Law and Pinkney, Waterloo-buildings, have 
 executfd their part of the task very ably. The volume is well 
 printed, on excellent paper, and would be creditable to any London 
 publisher. 
 
 THE STRANGERS' GUIDE IN BIRKENHEAD. 
 
 An interesting volume on " The present Sanatorv Condition of 
 Birkenhead," very ably written, 1ms just issued from the press, 
 bv Dr. J. Hunter Robertson. The searching investigation 
 which Dr. Robertson has given the subject will make it a book of 
 roterence for some years to come, and will supply the public with 
 i'Wbrmation on the true state of Birkenhead which many must 
 \tve long desired. 
 
 CHESTER COURANT, 2ith March, 1847. 
 
 Birkenhead, its pretent Sanatory Condition ; by J. Hunter 
 
 Robertson, M. D. 
 
 In this publication upon a subject of great local and national 
 interest, Dr. Robertson has collected many important facts, which 
 serve to show the necessity of unceasing vigilance in enforcing 
 
22 
 
 such regulations as are requisite for securing the health and comfort 
 of the people. Many of his practical suggestions are judicious 
 and valuable ; but there are other incidental deductions in which 
 we do not quite concur. The main tendency of the book, 
 however, is to a good purpose : and as we believe it will be found 
 that some of the worst districts to which Dr. Robertson has directed 
 public attention are the property of parties who hold seats at the 
 Board of Birkenhead Commissioners, we trust that those in 
 authority will forthwith show themselves superior to all mercenary 
 considerations, and commence the " sanatory reforms" so earnestly 
 recommended by ou. author. We shall take an opportunity at 
 a future period of submitting to our readers a digest of Dr. 
 Robertson's manual. 
 
 GREENOCK ADVERTISER, 26th March, 1847. 
 
 The Present Sanatory Condition of Birkenhead. By J. Hunter 
 Robertson, M. D. Dedicated, by permission, to the Right Hon, 
 Viscount Morpeth, M. P., Chief Commissioner of Woods and 
 Forests, &c. 
 
 During last year, the rate of mortality at Birkenhead not only 
 far exceeded its usual ratio, but equalled, and perhaps was greater 
 than in any other town in England, Liverpool alone excepted. 
 This has naturally attracted the notice of the author of the volume 
 before us, in which he has given in an unpretending form, a vast 
 amount of facta, arguments, and advices, which, if judiciously 
 taken advantage of, cannot fail to be of material use to the future 
 physical and moral well-being of that thriving and promising 
 town. The authorities have it in their power to do now at com- 
 paratively little cost, in the way of draming, waterings and ventil- 
 ating their town, what in a few years they will be unable to 
 accomplish at ton times the price. Of the value of now adopting 
 proper measures, as well as of their necessity, Dr. Robertson brings 
 forward abundant evidence, the result of much careful reading 
 and anxious thought and reflection. The sanatory condition of 
 the people is one of great national importance, and is now attract- 
 ing the attention of philanthropists as well as of the government ; 
 and every contribution to the general stock of information on the 
 subject ought to be hailed with pleasure. The volume before us 
 furnishes a large amount of matter truly valuable. 
 
 It may be something to tell in after-times, that the first book 
 printed and published in Birkenhead, was on a subject of much 
 importance, and was the production of one of Greenock's talented 
 sons. 
 
 DWELLIN 
 
23 
 
 rt 
 
 US 
 
 k, 
 id 
 ed 
 le 
 in 
 
 LIVERPOOL MAIL. 
 
 Sanitary Chart of Birkenhead, — We have been favored 
 with a xjopy of a Chart, just published by Dr. J. Hunter Robertson, 
 of Hamilton Square. The Doctor it is well known has, for some 
 time past, devoted scientific research into that important subject 
 " The Health of Towns." His chart, in a tabular form, exhibits at 
 one view the Sanitary state of Birkenhead and Tranmere, for 
 J 848. It shows considerable improvement since the Doctor's last 
 publication in 1846, but, with its Author, we have still to regret 
 that what he justly calls the " monster nuisance," what once was 
 Tranmere Pool, its many and huge uncovered drains, poisoning 
 the whole surrounding atmosphere with pestiferous effusion. A 
 very " Dead Sea " of tilth and corruption, remains wholly unabated. 
 From the tables, which appear to have been collected with great 
 care, considerable usjful information may be gleaned. One of the 
 tables points out the important fact, that deaths from infectious 
 diseases have been most numerous, where house drainage is most 
 defective. It is also shewn that the deaths in Birkenhead and 
 Tranmere, during 1848, were d1 above the average rate of Eng- 
 land and Wales, and calculations are entered into to show, that if 
 sanitary regulations had been carried out, so as to lower the mor- 
 tality to the regular standard, there would have been an actual 
 saving of £3559 153. to the inhabitants. Under our improved 
 sanitary system, it is calculated that at least one-third of the dura- 
 tion of sickness, and one-third, also, of its attendant expense, would 
 be saved to the Township. 
 
 As the chart exhibits which are the healthy, and which the un- 
 healthy streets and districts, all those interested in Birkenhead and 
 Tranmere, as well as parties daily changing their residences to the 
 Cheshire side, will do well to possess themselves of a copy. 
 
 DWELLINGS FOR THE LABOURING CLASSES, AND 
 EVILS OF THE WINDOW TAX. 
 
 Frotn the Liverpool Albion, 
 
 The Siui of Monday, in a leading article, copied from the Jour- 
 nal of l^ublic Health, an imj.ortant letter, written by Dr. J. 
 Hunter Robertson, of Birkenhead, entitled, " Remarks on Dwell- 
 ings for the Labouring Classes," in which ho calls attention to the 
 excellent accommodation for poor families, the superior comforts 
 and couvcnicncies, and the advantages in point of salubrity of the 
 dwellings recently erected at 13irkenhead, W the Dock Company 
 of that place. Dr. Robertson combines, with his observations on 
 (he dwellings, some remarks on the evil effecta of the window tax. 
 
24 
 
 which acts not only as an oppressive tax on such tenements, but as 
 an antagonist to their utility. If society would but take the 
 trouble, says Dr. Robertson, to enquire now largely the Poor 
 Houses, the Hospital, and even^the Lunatic Asylum are tenanted 
 by* those, who, but for the pestilential and pestiferous dwellings, 
 might perhaps have been healthy and actively working members 
 of the community, they would find that in addition to all that the 
 poor really suffer, the middle and'^upper classes pay enormously 
 for the defective system, in the shape of increased rates, and in 
 increased voluntary contributions. 
 
 The buildings alluded to were built to accommodate 350 families, 
 at a cost to the Dock Company of £50,000, the window tax upon 
 which alone, amounts to £600 per annum, and as a matter of 
 course, this tax falls upon the tenant in the shape of rent. 
 
 We shall be glad if the letter of Dr. Robertson be the means of 
 calling the attention of legislators to this matter, and take the oppor- 
 tunity of cordially recommending to the attention of onr readers 
 the " Journal of Public Health and Monthly Record of Sanitary 
 Improvement."