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6
The proportions of zymotic cases in the five Wards have
varied from last year's statement, being greater in the North
and East Wards, and less in the West and Centre, that in the
South remaining nearly the same. The numbers will be
seen in Table III. In making the estimate I have, as
before, only taken six prominent diseases of the zymotic
class to represent the whole, several others, less common,
being now considered as possessing their peculiarities, and
classed with them.
It will be a useless occupation of space and time to comment
upon the whole of the causes of death, inasmuch as
they are completely exhibited in the Table (No. 5). I think
it will be sufficient to notice the most important of them.
The number of cases of fever,—that is, typhus and typhoid*
fever,—is nearly the same as in 1856 and 1857. The little
variation, besides showing a slight diminution in 1858, being
presumptive proof of the absence of epidemic character.
There is nothing, either, worthy of remark, with regard to
its localization. Two diseases appear in the Table which
did not have a place in it last year,—Diphtheria and Small
Pox. The former appears in its character and course to be
closely allied to Malignant Scarlatina, and the proportion of
cases, as well as deaths, I believe to have been particularly
small. It is a very fatal disease, and is developed and
intensified by the same causes which influence Scarlatina.
But, residing in a district in which there have been so few
cases, it may be satisfactory, in regard to the public health,
to state that my own experience with regard to the disease
has been very limited. It is, however, clear, that it is best
* These are two varieties of Fever. Typhus is caused principally by
over-crowding of individuals,—Typhoid Fever by effluvia from cesspools and
sewers, also by emanations from decomposing organic matter.