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Dr. Smith further publishes the weekly deaths in Berlin, and says that there is no diminution
of the deaths during the holidays. I can draw no conclusion from these mortality figures, the question
should be tested by cases in groups of ages.
Without attaching any great importance to "all ages" figures in small communities, it is
interesting to observe that the "all ages" notifications in the large population of Berlin distinctly
suggest that there is decrease of diphtheria in Berlin in the holidays. The following table is based
upon figures kindly sent me by Dr. Pistor—

The experience of Berlin in this respect appears to be the same as that of London. Dr. Smith
then uses the Berlin deaths for the construction of a diagram representing the proportion of deaths at
each age in 1,000 deaths at "all ages." Similar diagrams are exhibited relating to England and
London. He thus writes concerning them—
The close similarity between the diagrams for Berlin and London is at once apparent. Whereas,
however, in London the compulsory school age commences at five years, that in Berlin does not commence
until six. Had, therefore, the mere fact of attendance at elementary schools any great influence on the
age incidence of diphtheria, one would naturally have expected to find a considerable divergence in the
above diagrams.
I cannot emphasize too greatly the importance of these facts, and the bearings which they have on
the questions upon which I am engaged.