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1 mark, 1,357 cases with 85 deaths, or 6.2 per cent.
2 marks, 1,971 „ 115 „ 5.8 „
3 ,, 1, 997 ,, 75 ,, 3.7 ,,
4 ,, 1,514 ,, 34 ,, 2.2 ,,
Dr. Gayton, in his evidence, stated that, in the analyses
which he gave of the cases at the Homerton hospital, when he
found one good mark and some imperfect marks, he ignored the
imperfect marks and only recorded the good one. As the basis
of his calculations was not precisely the same as that adopted in
the other cases, it may be well to see how the figures would stand
if Dr. Gayton's cases be eliminated. We should then have 4,754
cases, distributed as follows:—
1 mark, 828 cases, with 63 deaths, or 7.6 per cent.
2 marks, 1,322 „ 93 „ 7.0 „
3 ,, 1.479 ,, 63 ,, 4.2 ,,
4 ,, 1,125 „ 28 „ 2.4 „
We think it is of importance to ascertain the effect of combining
in this way the information obtained from different
observers. The greater the number of cases in which the comparison
can be made, the less opportunity is there for the undue
influence of any accidental circumstance, and consequently the
higher is the value of the result.
Upon the whole, then, the evidence appears to point to the
conclusion that the greater the number of marks the greater is
the protection in relation to Small-Pox enjoyed by the vaccinated
person. This further indication also seems to be afforded, that
whilst the distinction in this respect between those with one and
those with two marks is not very great, there is a very marked
contrast between those with four or even with three marks as
Compared with those with either one or two.
The subject of re-vaccination, to which we have already
alluded, is obviously one of great importance. If vaccination