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