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difference is mostly to be attributed to the presence of Zymotic, or preventable
diseases. The deaths in Bermondsey from all causes are classified in table 1
(appendix) after the mode adopted by the Registrar General, also for twelve
periods of life. First and most important is the class of
ZYMOTIC DISEASES,
most of which are infectious, and are all, more or less, under the control of sanatory
measures. Table No. 2 (appendix), classifies seven of these diseases which are
usually selected as tending to indicate the health of the people. With the exception
of Diptheria they have severally increaaed out of all proportion to the
increase of population, or to the number of deaths from all causes when compared
with the three previous years. As they have also increased in the Metropolis, a
similar table, Table No. 3 (appendix) was framed for the sake of comparison
with all London. By reference to'this table we perceive that Small Pox has
greatly increased in London, but in Bermondsey to a much less extent ', Measles
to a greater degree in Bermondsey. Scarlatina has much increased in London,
and even in a greater proportion in Bermondsey. Whooping Cough though
stationary in the Metropolis has more than doubled its number of victims in
Bermondsey. We have likewise suffered from an increase in Fever and Diarrhoea
whilst Diptheria has decreased. Typhus, so very prevalent in other parts of
London in 1862, invaded Bermondsey and South London generally in 1863. Ihe
other Zymotic diseases which arise 'from various causes, _ some from privation,
others from vice, need not here be alluded to, neither is it necessary to recapitulate
the other causes of death which are to be found in the first mentioned
table. 146 deaths from Consumption among the middle aged; 144 from
Bronchitis, mostly among the very young and those advanced in years; and 94
from Pneumonia, will probably attract attention.
Tables Nos. 4 and 5 (appendix) present a weekly statement of the mortality
of each sub-district for the year 1862 and 1863. The former was found in the
report book, and appears to have been prepared by the vestry's late medical
officer, Dr. Challice.
THE INQUESTS
held in the Parish of Bermondsey in 1863, amounted to 41. The verdicts were
as follows Apoplexy and other fits 10 ; Convulsions in infants 4 ; Disease of
the Heart 3: Spasm of the Glottis 3; found in the Thames drowned by
accident 2: accidental Scalds and Burns 4; Asphyxia in bed 4; Natural Decay 2;
Wilful Murder by exposure of infants 2; Found Dead, Newly Born 3; buicide in a
water butt 1; Debility 1; Thrush 1; Suddenly 1; Intemperance 1.
The number of those interred without medical certificate was no less then 94
or nearly 6 per cent, of the entire deaths. They were registered as follows:-
Convulsions 19, mostly infants; Bronchitis 4 ; Pneumonia 5; _ Consumption 9;
Inflammation of Chest 2, Disease of Lungs 1, of Heart I; Menmgites 3 ; Whooping
Cough 4 ; Scarlatina 5 ; Measles 3 ; Small Pox 2; Diarrhoea 6; Premature
Birth 7: Atrophy and Marasmus 7; Old Age and Decay 4 ; Paralysis, Syphilis,
Nephritis. Laryngismus Stridulus, Tracheitis, Synocha, Inflammation of the
Bowels, Hcemoptisis, and Intemperance, of each 1. Twelve of the above died
without any medical attendant whatever. If we apply these figures to the
Metropolis we see an amount of trifling with human life fearful to contemplate.
The books of the poor law medical officers have been open to me by tie
favour of the Board of Guardians, and from them I have from time to time
"leaned useful information. The total number of cases of illness under treatment
during the year was in the St. James's district 2,237, in the St. Mary Magdalene
234, exclusive of the "Workhouse, and in the Leather Market 1,691.