City of Westminster in Greater London, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)

Dr. John Snow

National Chemical Landmark

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, October 12, 2017

1. Dr. John Snow Marker

Inscription. Dr John Snow (1813 - 1858) founding father of Epidemiology. In 1854 his research linked deaths to the water pump near this site and thus determined that cholera is a water borne disease.

Erected 2008 by Royal Society of Chemistry.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Science & Medicine. A significant historical year for this entry is 1854.

Location. 51° 30.798′ N, 0° 8.2′ W. Marker is in City of Westminster, England, in Greater London. Marker is on Broadwick Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 39 Broadwick Street, City of Westminster, England W1F 9QJ, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Broad Street Pump (here, next to this marker); Charles Bridgeman (a few steps from this marker); Joseph Haydn (within shouting distance of this marker); Canaletto (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); White Horse (about 120 meters away); Don Arden and “Small Faces” (about 150 meters away); Percy Bysshe Shelley (about 150 meters away); Cardinal Wiseman (about 150 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in City of Westminster.

Also see . . . John Snow (1813 - 1858) (BBC). "At the time, it was assumed that cholera was airborne. However, Snow did not accept this 'miasma'

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(bad air) theory, arguing that in fact entered the body through the mouth. He published his ideas in an essay 'On the Mode of Communication of Cholera' in 1849. A few years later, Snow was able to prove his theory in dramatic circumstances. In August 1854, a cholera outbreak occurred in Soho. After careful investigation, including plotting cases of cholera on a map of the area, Snow was able to identify a water pump in Broad (now Broadwick) Street as the source of the disease. He had the handle of the pump removed, and cases of cholera immediately began to diminish. However, Snow's 'germ' theory of disease was not widely accepted until the 1860s." (Submitted on February 6, 2020.)

Dr. John Snow Marker - wide view image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, October 12, 2017

2. Dr. John Snow Marker - wide view

Credits. This page was last revised on January 27, 2022. It was originally submitted on February 6, 2020, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 131 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 6, 2020, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.