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76
Recent opinions on Antityphoid Inoculation expressed by Sir Wm.
Osier and Sir Lauder Brunton form a worthy summary of the situation
and appeal to soldiers in two final questions, which as the Lancet says
should have as wide a circulation as possible. The questions are—
(1) Will you believe the statements of misguided cranks who are
playing into the enemy's hands by purveying their misleading literature,
or will you hearken to men who have devoted their lives to the service
of humanity, and who have no wish in the matter other than your good ?
(2) Against a transient indisposition will you put in the balance the
chance of a protracted and costly illness, possibly an untimely death ?

Two hundred and twenty-five cases of Erysipelas have been notified
during 1914, as compared with 230 in 1913, 188 in 1912, and 177
in 1911. There were four deaths registered from the disease within
the borough and in outlying institutions. In each notified case the
premises have been visited and enquiries made, and, where necessary,
disinfection performed.

Five cases of puerperal fever were notified, compared with 1, 8 and
2, for the three years preceding.
The death rate was equal to 0.046 per 1,000, compared with 0.009,
0.027, and 0.009 for the three preceding years.
The case mortality was 40 per cent, compared with 100.0 per
cent. for 1913.
Should a case of Puerperal Fever be notified it is carefully enquired
into by the Medical Officer of Health and the Health Visitor. Disinfection
is carried out, and every effort made to prevent further
cases.
In addition to the above the following section of the rules of the
Central Midwives' Board was rigorously enforced:—
"Whenever a midwife has been in attendance upon a patient
suffering from puerperal fever or from any other illness supposed to
be infectious, she must disinfect herself and all her instruments and