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23
On reference to the Table it is seen that Class 3,
comprising Diseases of the Brain and Nervous System,
presents by far the largest share in the causation of
mortality, forming over 27 per cent of the whole. But, as
might be anticipated from the remarks already made concerning
the death-rate, this class is unduly augmented by
the deaths in the Surrey County Lunatic Asylum, which
during the past year contributed about three-fourths of its
total amount. Of other Diseases, Class 1., the Zymotic
(Epidemic-Endemic-Contagious) took precedence as usual,
forming considerably upwards of 17 per cent, of all deaths.
Next in order of fatality was Class 2, the Tubercular,
which includes Scrofula and Consumption, contributing 14
per cent, (nearly). Diseases of the Organs of Respiration,
Class 5, furnished 12g per cent., or upwards of half as much
again as the average, Class 4 (Diseases of the Heart).
Class 11, (Premature Birth, Low Vitality, &c.,) and Class
14,(Violence, &c.,) considerably exceeded the usual amount.
Consumption was, as usual, the most fatal single disease,
forming nearly 8½ per cent, of all deaths, but Bronchitis
was attended with little short of the same fatality. The
other classes present no variation from the average of
sufficient importance to require notice.
Age at Death.—Upwards of 22 per cent, of all deaths
occurred to infants under the first year of age; more than
33½ per cent, were of children under 5 years of age; and
upwards of 41 per cent, of persons under 20 years of age.
These numbers are each somewhat higher than those of
the preceding year. 16 deaths are recorded as the result
of old age unconnected with disease, but no less than 58,
or nearly one-eighth part of all deaths, occurred above the
age of 70: viz., from 70-75, twenty-six; 75-80, twentytwo
; 80-85, five; three at 88 ; one at 89 ; and one at 95.
Social Position. — 73½ per cent. of all deaths, and upwards
of 78 per cent, of deaths from Zymotic diseases, took
place amongst the labouring classes; the latter amount
closely corresponding with the average.