Insanitary City: Henry Littlejohn and the Condition of Edinburgh

Henry Littlejohn's groundbreaking 1865 report on Edinburgh's sanitary conditions marked the first comprehensive analysis of urban health challenges, spanning from densely packed slums to more spacious suburbs. His meticulous work, compiled amidst multiple professional roles and a growing family, revealed critical insights into the city's public health landscape. The report, totaling over 190 pages, laid foundational knowledge for urban sanitation policies, addressing issues across Edinburgh's diverse neighborhoods, including Old Town, New Town, Canongate, Tron, Morningside, and Grange. Littlejohn's dual role as Medical Officer of Health and Police Surgeon, combined with his academic and advisory positions, underscored the urgency and complexity of tackling sanitary issues in a rapidly growing city.

Crook, T. (2014). Insanitary City: Henry Littlejohn and the Condition of Edinburgh. Reviews in History. https://doi.org/10.14296/rih/2014/1654