A major factor was the discovery of germs. Doctors could then act intelligently with regard to the spread of disease. Mark Haller Peter Ferentzy wrote: > Greetings everyone, > > I'm interested in the overall effects of -- and motives for -- public > health measures when the Temperance movement was blooming. I heard, > for example, that in 19th century London one out of three children > died before the age of five. I also heard that it was much worse in > the 18th century. Does anyone know if that's correct? > > Thanks > > > Peter