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Water! Water! Everywhere; and not a Drop to Drink, 1849
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Water! Water! Everywhere; and not a Drop to Drink, 1849
Water! Water! Everywhere; and not a Drop to Drink, 1849. Comment on the London water supply during the reappearance of cholera in 1848 and 1849. Cholera first appeared in Britain in 1831, and its relationship with poor public hygiene and contaminated water supply was not understood until this was established by John Snow (1813-1858). Snows work led to legislation paving the way for dramatic improvements in all aspects of public health provision. Cartoon from Punch, London, 1849, with a mis-quote from Coleridges Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner
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Media ID 14863989
© Oxford Science Archive / Heritage-Images
Cholera Coleridge Contaminated Contamination Disease Epidemic Hygiene Oxford Science Archive Pollution Public Health Samuel Taylor Samuel Taylor Coleridge Water Supply Wood Engraving
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This print from 1849, titled "Water! Water! Everywhere; and not a Drop to Drink" captures the dire situation of London's water supply during the reappearance of cholera in 1848 and 1849. The cartoon, originally published in Punch magazine, cleverly references Samuel Taylor Coleridge's famous poem "The Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner" with its misquote. During this time, cholera was ravaging Britain, but it wasn't until John Snow's groundbreaking work that the link between poor public hygiene and contaminated water supply was established. Snow's research paved the way for significant improvements in public health provision. In this satirical image, we see people desperately searching for clean water amidst a polluted landscape. It serves as a stark reminder of how vital access to safe drinking water is for human survival. The wood engraving technique adds depth to the scene while maintaining an overall monochrome aesthetic. This print not only highlights the devastating effects of cholera but also symbolizes a turning point in public health awareness. By shedding light on London's contaminated water supply, it contributed to legislation that would bring about dramatic improvements in sanitation practices across England. As we observe this historical artifact today, we are reminded of both the hardships faced by Victorian society and the progress made towards better living conditions through scientific discoveries like those made by John Snow.
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