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rate is that of the organs of respiration—from 185 in 1862, to 242, in
1863. This is probably to be Mounted for from a cold summer, succeeded
by a mild winter, but with an atmosphere very heavily charged
with moisture. This state of the weather is always unfavourable to
these diseases, and, doubtless, has led to an enlarged mortality.
It is scarcely necessary to speak of the remainder of the fatal diseases,
with the exception of the 15th and last class, or those deaths
coming under the inquisition of the Coroner.
It will be remembered that the death of a child preceded by
three others, in Tomlin's Terrace, Limehouse to the inquest on the
former, on an opinion given by me that it had died from chronic arsenical
poisoning, the result of living in an atmosphere during the better
portion of 24 hours, this mineral having entered largely into the paper
on the walls of the room. The evidence given at the time was conclusive,
except that the poison was not discovered on analysis by Dr.
Letheby. But it is well understood in the scientific world, that in
poisoning in the chronic form, or small doses, after the lapse of 12 to
15 days, is uncertain of detection ; in fact, it becomes eliminated, or
passes away with the excretions. The non-detection of the poison was
not the scruple of the jury, however, in returning a verdict of "natural
death"—They had their reasons. The profession, the eminent, whose
opinions are worth notice, have, however, long nettled this question.
It has taken hold of public opinion ; the u-e of this arsenical green
paper has fallen into disrepute ; many manufacturers have already, and
others are ceasing, to make it.
There are 7 deaths from suffocation, or from being "overlaid." Of
these, 3 were on Sunday night, 2 on Tuesday, 1 on Monday, and 1 on
Wednesday night. There was one death of a child in her mother's
arms, from suffocation, on the memorable 10th of March; there was
also that of a woman, who subsequently died at Wapping, from being
trampled upon in the crowd on that occasion. The loss of the cabin
boy and four Lascars, on board the "Ganges," by drowning, in August,
1862, deserves mention. The ship was leaving the dock in ballast, or,
short of ballast, rather, when a sudden turn of the vessel from the tugsteamer
enabled the strong tide to tilt her over on her broadside, and
she immediately filled with water.
This, then, although it has been an unhealthy year, and one fatal