[Sanitary and hygienic status of Gdansk in the first half of XIX century - means and forces of public health service].

Information about sanitary and hygienic status of Gdansk in the 1st half of XIX century as well as about forces and means of health service in that time has been gathered from various resources and literature. The city of Gdansk had about 60,000 inhibitants in those days, among them 5,000 men of military services. The sanitary and hygienic status of Gdansk was rather bad. It was caused mainly by unfiltered water from the Radunia river and moats surrounding the town. Other reasons were: lack of sewage system, contamination of the city and population density in the Old Town and Biskupia Gora area. Starting the first cholera epidemic in 1831 and its subsequent returns - the XIX century can be called the cholera epidemic century of Gdansk. There was a maternity ward and one town hospital, where mainly poor people were hospitalized. Most of the patients were cured at home, home treatment was dominating. Two field hospitals served for soldiers. 25 doctors and 15 surgeons have been working in Gdansk permanently. 10 doctors from abroad were employed periodically, especially during the cholera epidemic. In Gdansk were 10-15 pharmacies on duty. The situation has improved with the installation of sewage and drainage systems, establishment of new hospitals, as well as due to the progress in medical treatment.