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26
Edmonton mothers, numbered 1,765, therefore, the infantile deathrate,
based on these figures, is 84.42 per thousand births. Thirteen of
the 149 infantile deaths were those of illegitimate infants—that is 8.72
per cent. of the infantile deaths. Inquests were held on 4 of the 13.
Inquests were also held on 23 of the other infants, making a total of 27.
This is the lowest record but one infantile death-rate on record for
Edmonton. The record is 74.55 in 1910.
The Infantile Mortality Rate at Edmonton Workhouse and Infirmary
was 462.26 per 1,000 births there—a very high figure. A high general
death-rate is expected in Workhouse Infirmaries, because they are the
last resort of those without money and without hope of recovery; but the
same explanation cannot be accepted for a heavy death-rate amongst
children.
The Infantile Mortality Rate for the year in England and Wales was
95; in London, 96; in the 95 great towns (which include Edmonton), 101;
and in the 146 smaller towns, 99 per thousand births registered.

Table IV. was first issued by the Local Government Board in 1905.
It enables the deaths among infants under one year of age from certain
causes to be recorded in weeks and months of age. The information
collected by this means for the whole country will prove of great value
in indicating the true significance that should be attached to the mortality
in the various age groups.
This Table shows that over 37 per cent. of the infantile deaths
occurred within the first month of life, and that 38 per cent. were due
to what are termed "wasting diseases," viz., premature birth, atrophy,
debility, congenital defects, and marasmus. Last year the figures were
over 26 and under 24 per cent. Wasting diseases are conditions that for
the most part manifest themselves at the birth of the infant, and depend
on bad ante-natal circumstances associated with the health of the mother,
such as factory work, drink, venereal disease, and the use of abortifacients,
rather than on any external influence to which the child becomes subject
after birth, such as improper feeding, clothing, or exposure. Although
adverse external influences may begin to operate from the moment of birth