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26
From an examination of the foregoing Table it is
gratifying to find that the mortality which resulted from
these diseases was 22 per cent. less than the average of
the past 10 years, and that the proportion which it bore
to the deaths from all causes was 33 per cent. less than
such average. Of these diseases Diarrhoea was the most
generally prevalent, having been present, as usual, during
the whole year, but it was attended with less fatality to
the extent of more than one third of the average of the
preceding ten years. Whooping Cough prevailed epidemically
during the first six months, and Measles during the
first three months of the year. Both these diseases, considered
in relation to their limited extent and duration,
were very fatal. Both greatly exceeded the average, the
former by nearly one half. Fever was present during the
first six months also, and Scarlatina to a slight extent in
the summer months, but neither can be said to have prevailed
epidemically. It is very satisfactory to find that,
as in the previous year, no death resulted from Small Pox,
one isolated case only of that disease having come under
treatment amongst the parochial poor during the year.
Inasmuch as the fluctuation of the death-rate is found
to depend essentially on the greater or less prevalence of
diseases of this class (conclusive evidence of which is to be
found in the annual reports), any circumstances having a
tendency to admit of the fostering of these diseases, upon
which science has so long stamped the word "preventible"
deserve the serious consideration of all sanitary authorities.
As is well known to every Medical Officer of Health, the
propagation of infectious diseases is frequently promoted by
a too early return to school of children recovering from such
diseases. This very mischievous proceeding has increased
under the zealous supervision of the School Board Officials,
to an extent which has become observable also in reference
to diseases of a general nature, inducing relapses and often
risk to life. But as regards infection, there can be no
doubt as to the impropriety of allowing compulsory