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77
Most of the cases whose probable sources were located were
were cases of family infection. In one instance the grandfather
father and mother of the patient had all died of phthisis, and
now the patient-42 years of age, out of work-and his brother
were both consumptive.
In another the mother, sister, and husband of a consumptive
charwoman, 54 years of age, had died of the disease, and her
daughter now had consumption also.
The mother, father, and five brothers and sisters of another
consumptive had all died of phthisis.
In the case of a consumptive tailor, 41 years of age, two of his
brothers had died of consumption, his wife had contracted the
disease, and his niece, who lived with them, had tuberculous
disease of the hip..
Cases of this kind could be multiplied many times in Finsbury,
and show very vividly the ravages which consumption may
produce in the Borough.
In nineteen cases the probable predisposing cause was given as
excessive indulgence in alcohol.
In four patients there was reason to believe that the disease
had followed neglect and destitution.
No case was definitely associated with a milk supply: the poor
often have no fixed milkshop and are inclined either to use condensed
milk or buy from casual vendors.
OCCUPATIONS.
1. Food.—In 81 cases the occupation of the patient brought
him or her into close relationship with the preparation of food,
either for the household or for public consumption, or with the
distribution of food.
Thus, 41 were mothers of families and prepared food for their
husbands and children, 9 were potmen or barmen, 8 were hawkers