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23
Alcoholism.
In 4 cases death was certified to be due to Alcoholism, and 12
persons died from Cirrhosis of the Liver, a disease usually attributed
to the consumption of alcohol. The total number of deaths
recorded as due to alcohol was, therefore, 16, as compared with 17
in 1907, but this is certainly an under-statement of the total mortality
that may be directly attributed to this drug. Deaths due to
alcoholism, especially those occurring in the higher social ranks,
are often certified to be due to some less invidious condition. If
death certificates, instead of being handed to the patient's relatives,
were sent by the certifying practitioner direct to the Registrar,
there is little doubt that the recorded mortality from alcoholism and
certain other diseases would soon show a marked increase.
Diseases of the Circulatory System.
These accounted for 133 deaths, as compared with 138 in 1907.
Diseases of the Respiratory System.
The total mortality from these diseases was 123, as compared
with 138 in 1907. 20 deaths occurred in children under five years
of age, and 69 in persons from 65 years upwards.
Of the total deaths 55 were due to Pneumonia, 58 to Bronchitis,
3 to Pleurisy, and 7 to other diseases of the respiratory organs.
Accident.
14 deaths were classified under this heading, as compared
with 18 in 1907, 6 were due to falls, 2 to suffocation, both infants
overlaid in bed, 1 to burns, 4 to street accidents, and 1 to another
accident.
Suicide.
Ten persons committed suicide as against 12 in 1907. In 5
cases the cause of death was poisoning, 2 deaths were due to shooting,
1 to hanging, and 2 to cuts or stabs.
The following Table was suggested by the Medical Officer of
Health to the County of London in order to secure uniformity of
tabulation in the annual reports of the Medical Officers of Health
of the Metropolitan Boroughs.