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99
less than 15 per cent.of available carbolic acid for deodorising
dust-bins.
10. Carbolic Acid Crystals, free from staining properties
and corrosive matter, for use in the underground conveniences.
II.— Constitutional Diseases
Caused 200 deaths.
This important class of diseases includes cancer,
phthisis, mesenteric disease, and other forms of
tuberculosis.
Of these diseases consumption next to bronchitis
caused the greatest fatality during the year.
Phthisis (tuberculosis of the lungs, consumption, or
decline) is an infectious disease due to the invasion of the
body by the bacillus tuberculosis, first discovered by Koch.
Many other diseases included amongst the tubercular group
are supposed to be caused by the same bacillus.
The subject of tuberculosis has been brought prominently
before the public by the issue of the Report of
the Royal Commission on "The Effect of Food derived from
Tuberculous Animal on Human Health."
An eminent authority gives as his opinion "that of
the total deaths under ten years of age, about a third are
due to tuberculosis, and that the usual seat of disease at
that age points to food as the medium of infection."
Amongst the most important precautions suggested for
the prevention of the continued propagation of tubercular
disease are:—
The clearing of insanitary areas and the provision of
clean, well-ventilated houses built on dry sites.