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47
of diphtheria,," of high interest and on the whole of a decidedly
satisfactory character. The experiment, if such it may be
called, was conducted on a large scale, no fewer than 2,182
cases having been treated by injection of serum. The results of
the treatment are grouped in tables (71 in number), showing
the results attained; firstly, at the several hospitals separately,
and then at all the hospitals combined. It is not possible to do
more than glance at the general conclusions arrived at. It is
stated that whilst of 3,042 patients of all ages treated without
antitoxin in 1894, 902 died, a mortality of 296 per cent.; of
3,529 cases treated during 1895, only 796 died, a mortality of
22 5 per cent.; the difference in percentage between the two
. rates being therefore 7.1, representing a saving of 250 lives
during the latter year. There was no change made in the
local treatment of the cases; no new factor in the
treatment other than the injection of antitoxin. The
serum, moreover, was administered to those cases only in
which the symptoms on admission were sufficiently pronounced to give rise to anxiety, the mild cases not getting
any; so that only 61.8 per cent. of total cases were treated
with antitoxin; no less than 46.4 per cent of the antitoxin
cases, moreover, being under five years of age. It is shown
that the percentage mortality varied widely according to
the day of disease on which the patient was admitted and the
treatment began. Diphtheria is exceedingly fatal to young
children; it is peculiarly satisfactory therefore to note that
the reduction in mortality was greatest in early life. The
difference in mortalities in 1894 and 1895, in cases under five
years of age, was 13.2 per cert, in favour of 1895; the difference at all ages being only 7.1 per cent. The table numbered
24 is interesting as "showing the percentage mortality in
relation to day of disease in which cases came under treatment." The percentage mortality of cases admitted on the
same day of disease was less in every instance in the year
1895; the difference being most marked in the case of those
patients who were admitted on the first and second day of