Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Report on the public health of 1903
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indirectly by alcoholism. During 1903 there were, as already
pointed out, 30 deaths so caused. Nineteen of these deaths
were of female children, and 70 per cent of the 30 cases of death
due to this cause occurred between Saturday and Monday. Cirrhosis
of the liver, a condition due, as a rule, to alcoholic excess,
caused the death of 29 persons, 16 of whom were women. Hence
it may be said that at least 81 deaths were probably due to
alcoholic excess.
The figures are as follows:—
Years. | Alcoholism. | Cirrhosis of Liver. | Children laid upon. | Total. | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1901 | 11 | 22 | 20 | 53 | |
1902 | 27 | 21 | 30 | 78 | |
1903 | 22 | 29 | 30 | 81 |
Of the 22 deaths due directly to alcoholism, 21 occurred
between the ages of 30 and 60, none occurred under 30, and one
occurred over 60. There can be no doubt that a large number
of other deaths during the year were caused indirectly, or
accelerated, by alcoholic excesses.
It may be of interest to place on record the number of public
houses and beer shops in the Borough in 1903 according to
returns furnished by the London County Council. In 99 houses
notices of dilution, under the Food and Drugs Acts, are exhibited,
with the view of protecting the vendor in case of prosecution for
selling adulterated spirits. The return is as follows:—