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pure as the chalk water. The deaths from diarrhœa were 132, being
the lowest for that quarter during 9 years (1871-79.) In the third
quarter of 1873, the river water was only 2½ times as impure as
that of the Kent Company. The deaths from diarrhœa were 3170,
being the highest number in that quarter during the same 9 years.
Impure water is unquestionably a cause of diarrhœa and many other
diseases, but these are due to the presence of decomposing animal
matter or of sewer gas, and not to the minute quantities of vegetable
and mineral substances from which no natural water is ever found to
be absolutely free. The water of the Thames at Hampton, when
efficiently filtered and properly stored, is—in a practical, if not in a
chemical sense —a pure and wholesome water.
October 24th, 1880.
During the fortnight that ended on the 25th day of
September, 12S births and 72 deaths were registered in the parish.
The former were equal to an annual birth rate of 33·2, and the
latter to an annual rate of mortality of 18·7 per 1000 of the estimated
population. The death rate in London was 20·5.
The principal diseases of the zymotic class caused 13 deaths,
viz:—scarlet, fever 1, typhus 1, enteric fever 1, and diarrhœa 10.
From tubercular diseases there were 16 deaths, of which 8
were referred to phthisis, 4 to meningitis, and 4 to tabes.
Diseases of the organs of respiration become more frequent at
this season of the year. There were 11 deaths from bronchitis, and
3 from croup.
Under one year of age there were 17 deaths, and above sixty
years of age 10 deaths.
Three Inquests were held. In each case the deaths were
attributed to natural causes.
One death not certified was registered as "tubercular
peritonitis." I presume this case was attended by an unqualified
medical practitioner.
The number of deaths in Bermondsey was the same as the
corrected decennial average and in the Metropolis slightly in excess
of it.