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The mortality from Small-pox, for the quarter ending Christmas 1858, was 2, and the
cases attended by the medical officers of the union were 8. During the succeeding quarter, the
deaths were 8, and the cases 44. In the quarter terminating 2nd July, the mortality was 13,
and the cases 96. In the following quarter, the deaths were 16, and the cases 44; and during
the last quarter, the deaths were 23, and the cases 58.
The mortality from small-pox, as shown by the returns of the local Registrars, and the
number of cases attended by the medical officers of the union, do not indicate the full amount
of the ravages of this disease among your population, for many cases are attended by private
practitioners, by whom no public return is made; several cases are taken to the Small-pox
Hospital, and others are removed to the residences of their friends ; of the result of which cases
we have no record. Through the kindness of Dr. Munk, the physician to the Small-pox Hospital,
I have been favored with a return of the cases which have been received within its walls,
from this district. It appears that the total number received during the last six months, has
been 26, of whom, 4 died. During the quarter terminating July 2nd, there were 18 patients of
whom, 4 died. During the quarter terminating April 2nd, the number admitted was 9, none of
whom died. The total mortality therefore from small-pox in this district for the year 1859, of
which we have a record, is 68, which number, if multiplied by 8, the disease being fatal in about
1 in 8, will show that about 544 cases of small-pox have probably occurred in the district.
On looking over the account of the cases of small-pox admitted into the hospital from
this district during the last six months, I find that, in the four fatal cases, 2 of the patients had
not been vaccinated; and in the other 2, the cicatrices are described as "doubtful" and
"indifferent." In the other 22 cases, the patients had been previously vaccinated, but five of
them only, presented good cicatrices. It is recorded that one of the patients, a youth aged 18,
" was cut three times for the cow-pox without effect." From the same return it also appears,
that out of the 26 patients, there were six who were employed in one establishment in this
district. The first of these six cases was admitted on the 11th July, the second on the 30th of
the same month, the third on the 25th August, the fourth on the fifth of September, the fifth on
the 15th October, and the sixth on the 24th October. It appears that the interval between each
of these cases varied from 9 to 45 days; but as all the cases which occured in this establishment
were not removed to the Small-pox Hospital, but some were taken charge of elsewhere, the interval
between each case may have been of less duration. It is the generally received opinion that
the poison of small-pox does not take effect, unless from inoculation, before the 12th day from
exposure to its influence. This is an important fact to be borne in mind by those intrusted
with the care of public institutions; for, no person, except well protected by efficient vaecin-