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58
Threequarters of the deaths due to phthisis took place between
25 and 65 years—the " working life'' period of men—when their
usefulness should be greatest, when their earnings are most needed
for the support of their families.
Sixty-three died in the Holborn Infirmary, Archway Road, of
which 49 were males, 14 females. It is generally found that the
death-rates amongst males exceeds the rate amongst females —
thus, for England and Wales in 1909 the death-rates from phthisis
were—for males, 1270, and for females, .903 per thousand.
At the end of 1910, there were 99 Finsbury Datients still under
treatment for phthisis in the Infirmary.

It is a great advantage to have cases of phthisis removed to an
institution,especially,in the later stages when the expectoration may
be very profuse. This measure removes a possible source of
infection to others. Unfortunately, however, it is difficult to secure
the removal of these poor law cases until they are helpless or sometimes
almost moribund. Under these circumstances the removal,
although still advisable, is not nearly as salutary as if it were done
earlier.