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76
DIARRHŒA.
During the year 1905 there were registered in the Borough
of Lambeth 178 deaths from Diarrhoea,* as compared with 269
during 1904 (vide p. 86, deaths from Enteritis).
Taking the statistics of the old Parish of Lambeth for 10 years(1891-1900),
it will be seen that the annual average is 188.4, so
that the figures for 1905 (or the Borough are 5.5 per cent. less.
Of these 178 deaths, 172 (i.e., 96.1 per cent.) were in children
under 5 years, and 142 (i.e., 79.8 per cent.) in infants under 1
year of age. July, August and September were the most fatal
months (see Table S). In this connection, it is again interesting
to note that the mean monthly air temperature registered at
the Brixton Meteorological Office was, in June, 60.8 deg.; in
July, 67.0 deg.; in August, 61.7 deg.; in September, 56.8
deg.; and in October, 45.8 deg.; whilst the 4-ft. earth
thermometer registered 56 deg. F. on June 15th, rising to a
maximum 64.0 deg. F. on several days from July 24th to
July 29th, and sinking to 56 deg. F. again on October 3rd.
56 deg. F. is the so-called "critical" earth temperature for
Diarrhoea, i.e., the temperature at which the germs of this
particular disease begin to multiply, and prove themselves
dangerous.† Hence its importance statistically, in connection
with this disease, which, though it kills chiefly young children,.
attacks persons of all ages—a fact not generally recognised.
* Including 2 deaths registered from Cholera-Nostras.
† The 4ft. earth temperatures were taken in Regent's Park, and thanks
are due to Mr. Wm. Marriott, of the Royal Meteorological Society 70,.
Victoria Street, S.W., for the information in connection therewith.