Primary Source Evaluation 2 (Artifacts 11)

Primary source:

Chadwick's Report on Sanitary Conditions

http://www.victorianweb.org/history/chadwick2.html

Origin:

1) Who created it?

Edwin Chadwick (1800-1890), who had taken an active part in the reform of the Poor Law and in factory legislation before he became secretary to a commission investigating sanitary conditions and means of improving them. The Commission's report, of which the summary is given below, is the third of the great reports of this epoch.

2) Who is the author?

Edwin Chadwick (1800-1890), and Dr. Thomas Southwood Smith (1788-1861) is the author of this primary source.

3) When was it created?

This is a commission, so therefore the poor law (independent body, not related to the government, they didn’t have actual power, and everybody disliked them) commission created it.

4) When was it published?

It was published in 1842.

5) Where was it published?

It was published in London, England.

6) Who is publishing it?

The Boards of Guardians in the poor law commission is who published it.

7) Is there anything we know about the author that is pertinent to our evaluation?

Chadwick published this report at his own expense and time, as a result of his strenuous efforts to achieve public health reform, he was eventually knighted in 1889 by Queen Victoria. His work was recognized for being good for the common people.

Purpose:

1) Why does this document exist?

It exist to investigated sanitary condition and obtaining the means to improve them amongst the urban poor throughout England.

2) Why did the author create this piece of work? What is the intent?

The author created this work as public service, to raise awareness of poor public hygiene.

3) Why did the author choose this particular format?

It’s a formal report to the commission to indicate evidence that will support the claim that public health was deficient in maintaining good health.

4) Who is the intended audience? Who was the author thinking would receive this?

The author is aiming for 3 groups; first, the government; second, health professionals; third, benfactors, someone who will give money to support clean up corporations; and ultimately law makers, who could provide money to assist poor.

5) What does the document say?

In the beginning it describes general conditions of poor urban health. It describes the general environment that leads to contagion. It provides mortality figure amongst the populace, and the most vulnerable portion of the populace. Then it describes inadequate public services and utilities that lead to poor public health. Most of the description centres on water being, the primary source of epidemics. Finally, this report argues for immediate remedy of the urban environment related to poor practices of sanitation, and unsanitary habits by the general population.

6) Can it tell you more than is on the surface?

In the last paragraph, you can tell that the author really sees good public health as a matter of “morality and refinement”. This means that the author is making a strong case for class distinction based on habits of hygiene. It is obvious that Chadwick felt a patronizing attitude towards the people directly affected by his report.

Value:

1) What can you tell about the author from the piece?

We can tell that Chadwick is an upperclass individual, who is public spirited and charitable.

2) What can we tell about the time period from the piece?

The poor public health conditions described in the report directly mirror the rural to urban exodus described in artifact ten. Therefore, it is 19th century England. Also, it is clearly illuminates the great class distinctions of this period.

3) Under what circumstances was the piece created and how does the piece reflect those

circumstances?

The piece was created at Chadwick’s own expense, and therefore reflects the author’s subjective viewpoint that good public health is directly related to having money and class.

4) What can we tell about any controversies from the piece?

There are three controversies; first, who should take care of the urban poor? Second, who should decide what should be done? And third, does scientific fact support Chadwick’s assertions?

5) Does the author represent a particular ‘side’ of a controversy or event?

Yes, the author represents the position that the poor are partly to blame for their own circumstances and that it is only through the well-meaning intervention of commissions such as his that any progress will be made toward alleviating the poor health circumstances.

6) What can we tell about the author’s perspectives from the piece?

Chadwick is a social reformer and he thought that if public health can be improved, it would actually save money in the long run. Chadwick advocated paid public health officers and focused primarily on the economic facets of public health concerns.

7) What was going on in history at the time the piece was created and how does this piece

accurately reflect it?

This is about the rural to urban exodus, and directly related to one of the primary drawbacks which was overcrowding and waterborn disease. This piece speaks about both elements directly.

Limitations:

1) What part of the story can we NOT tell from this document?

What was the follow up? Did Chadwick’s suggestions ever got adopted? Also, did public health improve amongst the urban poor in England?

2) How could we verify the content of the piece?

Chadwick did direct observations amongst the urban poor, he was trying to assist. However, the limited technology available to him at the time of the writing led him to more opinion and less scientific empiricism.

3) Does this piece inaccurately reflect anything about the time period?

This piece did not inaccurately reflect anything about the time period. On the other hand, it blames the poor in part for their negative circumstances. It does not clearly define the government’s willingness or inability to provide basic health services to urban populations. (Edwin is part of the government)

4) What does the author leave out and why does he/she leave it out (if you know)?

Who is to blame? – this is absolutely missing, the reason is the government will not provide financial support.

5) What is purposely not addressed?

Where does the money come from? – very very typical. No one wants to take any responsibility. Morality will not solve the problem, it can only be solved through the application of scientific reason.





Reflection questions:



Reflection questions:

1) a. What main topic does the artifact relates to? In what way?

ans: Human health, the advancement of medicine. Chadwick's report is about health of the urban poor, and about the improvements that can be made.

b. Which other main topic does it also relate to?

ans: I think it also relates to class consciousness, because it discusses about the poor's situation specifically.

2) Why did you choose this artifact, and how much time did you spend creating and /or processing it?

ans: I chose this primary source because itis not too long and I'm interested in the topic. It took me about an hour to create it.

3) What insights and understanding have you gained from the creation and/or processing of this artifact?

ans: how bad the situation is at the time, and that how lousy the government can be. Stereotypical, and political.

4) Does this artifact reflect your best work and/or ideas? Why, or why not?

ans: I think it does reflect my best work and ideas because I read other related articles on this topic and tried to understand the contect of when the report is written in order to give an evaluation.

5) Rate this artifact on a scale of -5 to 5 (0 is neutral) for the following four criterion.

a. Impact on the quality of your portfolio. 4

b. Impact on your level of enjoyment and happiness. 5

c. Impact on your learning. 3

d. Level of creativity and Originality. 4

ans: 4

6) Any additional comments.

ans: no comment.