View report page

8
On examining the table it is to be observed that whereas during the
decennium 1861-70 the number of deaths from diphtheria decreased annually,
during that of 1871-80 they increased annually, and in similar proportions.
Although when the increase of population is taken into account the increase
is not quite so great. Comparing the number of scholars on the roll of the
London School Board, the influence of elementary education appears to have
had some effect in producing this result. But, on tcanning the decennium
1881-90, it is to be observed that there are two suddenly pronounced and permanent
increases in the number of deaths, the first extending from near the
beginning of the decennium to 1887, and the second from that year to the end
and continuing into the next decennium.
These increases are seen more clearly on referring back to Diagram I. of
curves of mortality produced above and previously commented upon.

The hospital cases were therefore not the cause of the increase in the number
of deaths from diphtheria in London.
These peculiar increases led me to examine more closely the statistical
figures in relation to diphtheria, and to compare those relating to other diseases
attacking the palate, uvula, tonsils, pharynx, larynx, and trachea. It
was not possible to go further back than the beginning of the last decennium
as previous to 1881 the Registrar-General gave no details of deaths occurring
from these diseases in London. For the sake of brevity I have termed them
throat-diseases, and in the following table the deaths from these diseases
are set out:—

* This includes Tonsilitis, Pharyngitis, and Œsophagitis.