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instances was the patient provided with separate sleeping accommodation.
It will be at once apparent, therefore, that it is only
by the provision of adequate sanatorium accommodation that
the most satisfactory progress will be made in stamping out the
disease.
Cancer.
The number of deaths from cancer registered of persons belonging
to Battersea during the year 1909 was 180 (males 67,
females 113), as compared with 156 in 1908 and 153 in 1907.
Taking the average annual number of deaths for the ten
years 1899-1908, viz., 146.8, as compared with 180 deaths during
1909, there would appear to be an increase in the mortality from
this disease. This may be due, to some extent at least, to improved
methods of diagnosis and certification.
Alcoholism.
During 1909, in the Borough of Battersea, three deaths were
registered from acute and chronic alcoholism (males 0, females 3).
In addition to these, 22 deaths were registered from cirrhosis of
the liver (males 12, females 10), a disease mainly due to alcohol.
The total number of deaths, therefore, to be ascribed to
alcohol is 25, as compared with 25 in 1908 and 27 in 1907.
Bacteriological Examinations.
Since 1903 the Council have 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 is borne by the Council. Practitioners
may also, bv arrangement with the Medical Officer of Health, submit
for examination specimens from patients suffering from
diseases other than those mentioned.
During the year 1909, 825 examinations have been made at
the Clinical Research Association Laboratories, as set out in the
following table, at a cost of £134 3s. 4d.