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the excessive use of alcohol are registered under less invidious
headings, and it is consequently impossible with any degree
of certainty to record the mortality due to this cause from
the death returns.
There is evidence, however, so far as Battersea is concerned,
pointing to a distinct improvement in the habits of the
people as regards the use of intoxicants.
Bacteriological Examination.
By arrangement with the Clinical Research Association,
medical practitioners practising in the Borough of Battersea
are afforded facilities for the bacteriological examination of
specimens from suspected cases of diphtheria, enteric fever
and phthisis. The cost of the examinations are borne by the
Council. Practitioners may also, by arrangement with the
Medical Officer of Health, submit to the Association specimens
from patients suspected to be suffering from diseases other
than the three mentioned above.
There can be no doubt that this procedure has been of
great assistance in the diagnosis of doubtful cases of these
dangerous infectious diseases. It has been largely availed of
by the medical men of the district during 1907, the total
number of specimens examined being 508 as compared with
348 in 1906.
The following table gives particulars as to the examinations
made during the year 1907.