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58
DISEASES OF THE HEART AND
CIRCULATORY SYSTEM.
The number of deaths from these was 114, 86 being due to heart
affections. In 1907 the number of deaths from diseases of this system
was 205 (heart disease 123).
ALCOHOLISM.
In 1908 the number of deaths attributed directly to alcohol was
10, as compared with 20 in 1907. This is probably only part even
of the cases directly traceable to alcohol as a cause. The number
traceable to it as an indirect cause is probably much larger. Many
of the 28 deaths certified as due to overlaying, for example, were
probably due to alcoholism on the part of the parent. Cirrhosis of
the liver (21 deaths), in the majority of instances is due to alcohol
in excess; so also are a certain number of conditions affecting the
kidneys. Nephritis (inflammation of the kidney), and Bright's
Disease, accounted for 43 deaths.
If all the 21 cases of Cirrhosis of the Liver be placed to the credit
of alcoholism, the total deaths from this cause amount to 31. The
comparative figures for alcoholism and cirrhosis of the liver since
1901 are shown in the accompanying table:—
Years.
Alcoholism
and Delirium
Tremens.
Cirrhosis of
Liver.
Total.
1901 11 22 33
190 2 27 21 48
1903 22 29 51
1904 19 25 44
1905 8 22 30
1906 21 31 52
1907 20 26 46
1908 10 21 31
Totals (1901-1908) 138 197 335
So far as sex is concerned, it may be mentioned that 5 of the
persons dying of alcoholism were men and 5 women. Cirrhosis of
the liver caused the death of 14 women.