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Summary Background : Although dyspepsia has been described for thousands of years, few studies have analysed its incidence before the 19th century when peptic ulcer first became a major dyspepsia-producing disease. Methods : The incidence of alimentary disease around 1800 was examined in three private practices for the fee-paying middle class and in five public dispensaries for the poor in London, as well as in one dispensary in New York. Results : The proportions of attendances for alimentary disorders were identical, 16%, in each of the three groups. Diarrhoea and dysentery were twice as common in the London dispensary than in private practice, presumably because of poor sanitation. Dyspepsia showed a similar incidence in the London dispensary and private practice, but was only half as common in New York. Worms were three times more common in dispensary patients in New York than in London. The incidence of diarrhoea and dyspepsia indicated no significant time trends over 43 years. None of the alimentary causes of death showed peptic ulcer at necropsy, and both haematemesis and intestinal haemorrhage were rare. Conclusions : Around 1800, the infrequent deaths from alimentary conditions suggested that the ulcer epidemic had not yet started. Instead, it is probable that the dyspepsia was similar to the non-ulcer dyspepsia of today. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The characteristics of adult patients admitted for self-poisoning to an inner London district general hospital were examined during 1971/72 and 1983/84. The incidence of self-poisoning halved over the 12 years, from 326 to 178 per 100 000. Although no West Indians were admitted in the first period, they comprised 7% of such admissions 12 years later. The West Indian population in the catchment area remained constant at around 6%. Amongst all patients admitted for self-poisoning, there was a fall in the number of patients diagnosed as depressed, having a personality disorder or admitting to prior psychiatric care, but an increase in alcoholism. Paracetamol became more common as a drug used in self-poisoning and barbiturates were taken less often. Only one patient died in the series. These results should stimulate more soundly based epidemiological studies on ethnic variation in self-poisoning, and on self-injury in inner-city areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information on the decorative arts, which were installed at the London, England-based Hammersmith Hospital. 183 outside lamps, a mosaic pavement, a baronial dining hall, stained glass, porcelain baths, tiled dadoes and teapots were installed at the hospital by Hammersmith Board of Guardians to make it attractive. Local artists' paintings, paintings borrowed from artists, the Arts Council and the National Art Collections Fund were also installed at the hospital.