View report page

at the fag end of the great epidemic which raged with such seventy
in the closing months of 1918. The incidence of deaths so marked
on the adult population was maintained in 1920, for the majority
then took place in the age period 25 to 65, but there was no small
number in the group beyond this.
The deaths from erysipelas were slightly in excess of those
reported in past years, 7 having been certified. As is usual in
this disease, they all occurred in persons over 25.
There were 274 deaths from pulmonary tuberculosis, compared
with 294 in 1919. The reduction is not so great as it was from
1918 to 1919, but is still 20 to the good. The reduction showed
itself almost entirely among persons between 45 to 65. Other
forms of tubercle caused 79 deaths, contrasted with 83 in the
previous year. Those from meningitis dropped from 43 to 35, but
fatal manifestation of this disease in other organs increased from 40
to 44. In the whole of London, the decrease behaves, so far as
phthisis is concerned, in much the same manner; there is a
considerable drop from 1918 to 1919, and another but of less
magnitude from 1919 to 1920, the actual figures being 7,048, 5,332
and 4,791 respectively. The mortality from other forms of tuberculous
diseases follows the same trend, there being a diminution
tor the same period from 1,398 to 992, and in 1920 there were
954 deaths.
The deaths from cancer numbered 318 compared with 336, a
satisfactory figure so far as it goes, but it must not be inferred that
this lessening means much more than chance. It seems as if the
discovery of the cause or causes of this appalling disease were as far
oft as ever, and I can only again, with all possible emphasis, warn
all those to seek medical advice who should suffer from any sore or
swelling which shows no tendency to heal or diminish, but on the
contrary to extend or enlarge.
Rheumatic fever and the ordinary forms of meningitis remained
at about the same level as they occupied in the two preceding
years. From organic heart disease there were 10 fewer deaths
than in the previous year, and, as formerly, it showed a progressive
increase in numbers from adult life onwards.
Respiratory diseases showed a wider incidence so far as
pneumonia is concerned, being an increase of 66 in the past year,
the heaviest increased toll being exacted from the infant under
one year and also from those in adult and middle life.
There were 8 deaths from puerperal fever compared with 9 in
1919, and 6 from the diseases and accidents of parturition compared
with 12 in the previous year.
Cirrhosis of the liver was responsible for 5 deaths, alcoholism
for 1. against 15 and 1 for 1919.
76 persons died a violent death, and there were 20 cases of
suicide, against 100 and 20 respectively.