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but that in the course of time much useful knowledge on the
means of spread will be discovered both by the chemist and the
bacteriologist.
Whilst such men as the late Sir William lenner and Dr. Wilkes
on the one side believe that the disease is in the main independent
of sanitary conditions or hygienic circumstances, and whilst Sir
George Johnson is diametrically opposed to their particular views,
it behoves us to look further afield for the cause. I am inclined
to think that our main drainage is faulty.
The main drainage system was laid in 1863, and the
engineer (the late Sir Joseph Bazalgette) made a statement at
the time of its completion that it would last for 25 years, and at
the end of that time (with the rapidly increasing population) it
would be necessary to inquire closely whether it could not be
capable of improvement.
ANTI-TOXIC SERUM TREATMENT FOR
DIPHTHERIA.
It is gratifying to know that the mortality from Diphtheria is
much lower since the use of the "Anti-toxic Serum." The deaths
from that disease have considerably diminished since its introduction
and subsequent application.
A very exhaustive report on the subject has been published
by the Medical Superintendents of the Metropolitan Asylums
Board's Hospitals, the summary of which I append:—
"The improved results in the Diphtheria cases treated during
the year 1896, which are indicated by the foregoing statistics and
clinical observations, are—
(i.) A great reduction in the mortality of cases brought