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INQUESTS. 41
Cirrhosis of the Liver.—Twenty deaths (10 of each sex) were certified to have been due to
the various forms of cirrhosis, as compared with 19 (males 9, females 10) in 1913 and a like
number (males 8, females 11) in 1912. The mortality was at the rate of 0.14 per 1,000, or 0.01
in excess of the average.
The principal form of cirrhosis of the liver is that due to alcohol, to which form 17 deaths
were ascribed last year, 9 of males and 8 of females. In 1913 there were 15 deaths (males 5,
females 10), and in 1912, 16 (males 8, females 8).
Suicides.—There were 24 deaths from suicide during the year (18 of males and 6 of females),
giving a mortality rate of 0.16 per 1,000, or 0.05 in excess of the average. The highest rate
(0.49) was observed in Lancaster Gate, East, Ward.
INQUESTS.
Two hundred and fifty (250) inquests were held locally during the past year, as compared
with 244 in 1913 and 215 in 1912. Among the 250 deaths inquired into there were 64 of
non-residents. Outside the Borough 26 deaths of residents formed the subjects of inquests, 14
within the Metropolis and 12 in other parts of England and Wales. The corrected total of
inquests on deaths of residents was 212 (120 on males and 92 on females), as compared with
194 (males 122, females 72) in 1913, and 152 (males 86, females 66) in 1912. The 212 deaths
were equal to 112 per cent, of all deaths of residents. In 1913 the percentage was 9.8, and
in 1912, 86. An analysis of the "findings of the juries" will be found in Table 29. The
principal increases recorded were under the headings "Accident" and "Suicide" in the case
of males, and under " Accident " in the case of females.
A summary of the principal forms of violence, &c., brought to light by the inquiries is
appended. Traffic accidents (not found by the juries as due to "accidental causes" in every
case) caused 20 deaths, motor traffic (of all forms; accounting for 12, horse traffic 2, tramways
and railways 1 each, and falls from vehicles 4. Three deaths were ascribed to suffocation of
infants in bed with the parents.
Deaths through Misadventure (12).
2 of the deaths entered as due to diseases ; 10 due to violence (poisoning, drug, &c., 4 ; coal
gas, 2 ; ptomaine, 2 ; surgical narcosis, 1; fall from horse 1).
Accidental Deaths (70).
Accidents, contributory only, 13 (deaths entered to primary diseases).
Want of attention and care at birth, 3.
Deaths due solely to accident, 54.
Agencies:—
Traffic, 20 (15 males, 5 females); overlaid in bed (infants), 3; asphyxia (through
defective geyser), 1; falls, 20 (12 males, 8 females); burns and scalds, 6 (2 males,
4 females); firearms, 1 (male); occupational poisoning, 1 (male); suffocation, 2
(males).
"Open " (14) (2 of infants).
Deaths entered as due to diseases, 5.
Drowning, 5 ; fall, 1.
Various forms of injury, 3.
Murder (2).
Infants (one newly-born).
Suicide (24).
By poison, 5 (veronal, cyanide of potassium, salts of lemon, chlorcdyne, and coal-gas 1 each).
By firearms, 6; by hanging, 6; by cut throat, 3; by jumping from window, drowning,
railway train and van, 1 each.
Neglect (12).
With the exception of the death of an infant by choking, all deaths were entered to
diseases. Alcohol was returned as the primary cause in 6 instances.
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