Board of, a commission appointed by the English government in 1848 with the view of promoting the public health in England and Wales, which, in that and the preceding year had suffered seriously from the invasion of cholera. As first constituted, the Board of Health comprised the First Commissioner of Woods and Forests as president, and two other persons nominated by the Crown. The board continued on its original footing for only five years. Under the supervision of this general board, local boards, appointed on different conditions, in various places, were empowered to enforce the Public Health Act. In 1854 the constitution of the board was remodelled. Its duration was made annual, and along with the president (who was appointed by the Crown with a salary of L2000) were associated the principal secretaries of state, and the president and vice-president of the Board of Trade. The president, however, has power to act alone, and is in fact a minister responsible for the department under his charge.