"The Medical Officers Office at Liverpool, 1850" Illustrated London News.
At mid-century, Liverpool was the principal emigrant port for the British Isles. Its business was so great that, in 1849, it was estimated there were about 400 runners or man-catchers in the port - men who received commissions for bringing emigrants to ship brokers, provision merchants, and hostel keepers. They were a rough lot who were not above forcing emigrants to come with them by seizing baggage or grabbing hold of clothing. The innocent emigrant was subject to sharp practices from all quarters; and while the government tried to protect him, it did not provide enough officials to do an effective job. There were two or three government medical inspectors with an office by the dockside who were required to examine all emigrants before they boarded ship. They might see one hundred or more in an hour, and had time only to look at tongues and check pulses.
