The Inspector General: Sir Jeremiah Fitzpatrick and Social Reform, 1783-1802 [Paperback]

Sir Jeremiah Fitzpatrick (c.1740-1810) was the first inspector general of prisons and lunacy inspector in Ireland and the first and only inspector of health to HM land forces in Great Britain. He also inspected convict vessels bound for New South Wales and the East India Companys troop ships, inquired into the Irish Charter Schools and attempted to alleviate the miseries of soldiers dependents. His further ambitions ranged from a poor law for Ireland to a reorganisation of Dublins police, to the regulation of noxious trades, from slave trade inspectorates to hospital management. He was therefore in many ways a precursor of the titans of early and mid-Victorian government. Originally published in 1981, much of the interest of the book lies in its revelation of late eighteenth century anticipations of mid-nineteenth century government. It also explores the differences between the two forms of administration and the reasons for the divergences and discontinuities.

1.In Search of Sir Jeremiah 2. Prison Reform in Ireland, 1763-1783 3. A Prologue and an Act, 18784-1786 4. Sir Jeremiah and the Charter Schools, 1785-1788 5. The Greasy Pole, 1786-1788 6. Progress and Penitentiaries, 1788-1793 7. The Translation, 1793-1794 8. The Layman with the Lamp, 1794-1795 9. Waterloo, 1795 10. The Aftermath, 1795 11. A Sort of Tableland, 1796-1802 12. Service and Servitude, 1796-1802 13. Meanings.

Originally published in 1981, much of the interest of the book lies in its revelation of late eighteenth century anticipations of mid-nineteenth century government. It also explores the differences between the two forms of administration and the reasons for the divergences and discontinuities.

Original Review of The Inspector General:

&anyone interested in such topics as education, prison reform, treatment of lunacy, infectious disease&will find much new information and plC7