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digestion of which is practically impossible. These foods when
so given will either cause the above diseases, or will pass through
the infant without being assimilated, and will also cause the child
great discomfort and pain.
Convulsions are more common in infancy than in adult age,
and more especially towards the time of teething.
It is quite possible that there are several deaths registered
as Convulsions that are really due to overlaying. The appearances
of the body after death are very much alike, and even
if a post-mortem examination be made it is very difficult to
distinguish between the two.
Out of the 22 deaths that I enquired into, 9 of the families
had moved, their present address being unknown. Seven were
brought up artificially, and 6 on the breast.
Marasmus and Rickets are to a great extent food diseases
Out of 37 deaths that I enquired into, 11 of the families had
gone away. Of the remaining 26, 10 were breast fed, and 16
were brought up by artificial means.
Thrush is due to neglect of cleanliness in feeding, or using
an imperfectly cleansed teat, or to the presence in the mouth of
sour milk. Of the four deaths that I enquired into only one was
brought up artificially.
Four inquests were held where the jury brought in verdicts
of Acute Inflammation of the Stomach due to improper feeding,
and one of Convulsions due to improper feeding.
For the remaining causes of death I must refer you to the
foregoing Table.
On September 28th, at the Board's request I attended the
Sanitary Congress in Birmingham, where I had the pleasure of
hearing of the work that was done by the Infant Life Protection
Society of Chesterfield. A lady was appointed by the Society
who had practical nursing experience, had passed the examination
and possessed the Certificate of the Sanitary Institute, and
had also been a Lecturer on Hygiene. Her method of work
was to pay a visit to each house where a birth had taken place,
and a Leaflet on "Infant Management" given. Information
was imparted on many points, and where necessary practical