6.—Form of General Queries addressed to Medical Practitioners and others for Information as to the Condition of the Labouring Classes in Scotland.
1. Have diseases of the various forms of continued fever, and other contagious febrile diseases, been prevalent in any, and what, parts of your parish or district, and do such diseases recur at regular intervals, or are they rare and occasioned only?
2. What are the seasons at which such diseases appear amidst any part of the population, and what their characteristics?
3. Did the cholera at the time of its general prevalence prevail to any, and what, extent within the district?
4. What is the external condition, in the following respects, of the residences of the population amidst which such diseases occur?
(a.) As to the contiguity of vegetable or animal substances in a state of decomposition, stagnant pools or undrained marshes, accumulations of refuse, either thrown from houses or otherwise?
(b.) As to the means adopted or the means available for the removal of such substances, or the prevention of the generation of malaria; whether there are sufficient drains or sewers, adequately well supplied with water to dilute, and sufficiently sloping to carry off all such refuse; whether such drains are sufficiently closed to confine noxious exhalations from them; whether there is any regularly appointed service of scavengers or otherwise for the removal of such substances; whether there is such ventilation around the residences of, as to dissipate the noxious vapours apparently irremovable?
5. Describe the internal structure and economy of the residences of the population amidst which contagious febrile diseases arise,—
(a.) State whether they, as well as the surrounding land, are drained or undrained?
(b.) Whether they are properly supplied with water for the purposes of cleanliness of the houses, persons, and clothing?