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124
shows a slight decrease in the number of deaths from this cause
registered during the year under report. Probably these do not
really represent the total number of deaths from this cause, many
deaths due to alcohol being, it is well known, registered under less
invidious headings, so that records of deaths from alcoholism
have to be accepted with this reservation. At the same time, it is
clear that, so far as Battersea is concerned, there is a distinct
improvement to be noted in recent years in the habits of the people
as regards the use of intoxicants.
Bacteriological Examinations.
In 1903 the Council provided, for the use of Medical Practitioners
practising in the Borough, facilities for the bacteriological
examination of specimens from suspected cases of Diphtheria,
Enteric Fever and Pulmonary Tuberculosis. The cost of these
examinations are borne by the Council. Practitioners may also,
by arrangement with the Medical Officer of Health, submit for
examination specimens from patients suffering from diseases other
than those mentioned.