1800-1890. English social reformer, author of
the Poor Law Report of 1834. He played a
prominent part in the campaign which resulted
in the Public Health Act 1848. He was
commissioner of the first Board of Health
1848-54. Self-educated protege of Jeremy
Bentham and advocate of utilitarianism, he
used his influence to implement measures to
eradicate cholera, improve sanitation in
urban areas, and clear slums in British
cities.