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namely, uncleanliness and ill-ventilation, using the latter term to
signify "stuffiness," owing to neglect to open windows. If house
infection plays a large part in the propagation of Phthisis—and
there appears to be indisputable evidence that this is so—then it
must be said that our experience in Finsbury goes to show that
such house infection is due to want of cleanliness and want of fresh
air, both of which desiderata are available if the occupants wish
to have them. It seems to be clear that education of the patient
and the public is one of the chief things necessary, either by
leaflets, or better still, by personal instruction, preferably by the
medical practitioner; or if that is not possible, then by special
medical men or health visitors.
Other Forms of Tuberculosis—In addition to 249
deaths from Phthisis (Tuberculosis of the Lungs) there were also
during the year 21 deaths from Tuberculosis of the meninges of
the brain, and 23 deaths from other forms of Tuberculosis.
Amongst these latter, 19 were certified as due to TabesMesenterica
(Tuberculosis of the mesenteric glands, &c.).
During 1901 there were 9 deaths certified as due to TabesMesenterica,
giving a total for the two years of 28. Each of
these cases has been investigated as far as possible, and we have
obtained some facts in relation to 16 out of the 28 as follows :—
j. F., 15 months old; 3, B. Court (died 1902); came from Bell's Yard,
Uxbridge, three or four days before death. No history of phthisis
in the family. A death from phthisis took place at this house
in 1900.
2. F., 3 months old; 12, C. Street (died 1902). Father has phthisis;
grandfather and grandmother, and two uncles all died during
last year from phthisis. Child brought up on Nestles milk.
Another child of this family died in 1902 from tubercular
meningitis.
3. F., 13 months; 2, H. Street (died 1901). Fed on human milk for
the first six weeks, then Nestle's. Father delicate and had a
chronic cough. No direct history of phthisis.
4. M., 8 months; 57, M. Street (died 1902). Father has phthisis.
Child fed on human milk for first three months, then cows' milk
and Nestle's.