Chadwick, Edwin, 1800-1890

John Hill Burton, Historiographist Royal for Scotland, and author of the 'The Book hunter' was born in Aberdeen in 1809 and died in Edinburgh in 1881. He was an Advocate by profession, and as a young man compiled various legal works and was associated with various movements, not only law reform but also political economy and public health. Later his aptitude led him along literary and historical lines. Edinburgh at this period was the centre of intellectual activity and Burton Hill became an intimate friend of many of the notabilities of the day. Burton kept the greater part of the correspondence addressed to him, many of these letters are from people of much eminence. At his death in 1881 all this correspondence and his other papers were placed in a box together for custody. In 1903 his two sons having died, these documents were handed over to the eldest grandson. In 1840 Burton Hill was engaged in correspondence with Edwin Chadwick on matters connected with public health, the early letters refer such nuisances as town refuse entering streams, the employment of children in factories and the general betterment of the working classes. Edwin Chadwick was in touch with Hill Burton because he was anxious to introduce reforms as far as possible in Scotland almost concurrently in England. Many of the reforms to be introduced were beset with legal difficulties and consequently it was essential that a lawyer should have a hand in compiling the proposed legislation to remedy the defects. This explains the association of John Hill Burton with Sir Edwin Chadwick and the movement for the improvement of the health of the people.

From the guide to the Letters to John Hill Burton from Sir Edwin Chadwick, 1840-1851 and 1954, (London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine)