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it is probable that the case has not been so clearly
put before the publication of this Memorandum.
Further evidence on the point is contained in Mr.
Murphy's Report for 1893, which may be briefly
summarised as follows:—
Curves of the weekly percentage variations from
the weekly mean number of notifications of diphtheria
in 1893 were constructed when the same depression
in that part of the curves relating to August
was observed, as was noted in the case of scarlet
fever. (See page 29 ante). In the case of the all
ages curve the depression was not so marked in
diphtheria as in scarlet fever, or rather the depression
in the former instance was a broken one, but
the fall greater. At ages 3-13 the fall took
place at exactly the same time (but was more
marked) as in the case of scarlet fever. In connection
with the facts disclosed by these curves, Mr.
Murphy remarks—
In the year 1893, the schools closed generally on the 27th of
July, i.e., near the end of the thirtieth week, and reopened on the
28th of August, i.e., at the beginning of the thirty-fifth week. If
comparison be made between the three periods, (1) 28th-31st
weeks, (2) 32nd-35th weeks, and (3) 36th-39th weeks, the following
results are obtained:—
Under
3 yeare.
3-13
years.
13 years
& above.
Increase or decrease per cent. of
number of cases in 2nd period,
in relation to that of the 1st
+8 —27 +1
Increase or decrease per cent. of
number of cases in 3rd period,
in relation to that of 2nd
+6 +81 +33