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were registered in the two parishes. This disease, according to
the Registrar-General's report, appears to have been more fatal
last year in London than in any previous year on record, with the
single exception of the year 1864. The great mortality of this
disease is due to pulmonary complications, and the want of
proper isolation, personal cleanliness, and inadequate ventilation
amongst the poorer classes, tend to increase the spread of the
disease.
The question of including Measles among the notifiable
diseases has been fully discussed, but the general opinion is, so
far as London is concerned, that it is a question of expense; it
would necessitate a considerable increase in Hospital accommodation,
and increase also in the Sanitary Staff.
Whooping Cough was the cause of 78 deaths, as against
45 and 78 in the the two preceding years; this excess was
general throughout London.
Influenza. The deaths referred to Influenza in the course
of 1896 amounted to 12, a number which is considerably
smaller than in any year since 1890, the first year of the epidemic
in London. For the year 1895 no less than 71 deaths were
registered from this disease.
Diarrhœa. During the year 90 deaths were registered, as
against 67 and 50 for the two previous years.
Respiratory Diseases. Under this heading are included
Bronchitis, Pneumonia, and Pleurisy; 410 deaths were referred
to these diseases, as against 453 for the year previous; 339
occurred in the district and 71 in outlying institutions.