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20
Parish of St. George the Martyr, Southwark.
live in one house; so many of a family in one room; so many pass in and out as visitors,
that from one solitary case the disease might be carried far and wide. The chances of
recovery of a solitary case, may not be put in comparison with the mischances entailed.
General Hospitals were formerly, and are by many now considered as preferable for the
treatment of fever, the cases being scattered up and down the various wards. In a report
published of the patients treated in Guy's Hospital during 1863, it is there stated, that
there was no instance during the year of the fever extending to other patients, or
attendants, and that the patients had a better chance of recovery owing to the dilution of
the fever emanations. But in the Charing Cross Hospital just the reverse happened ; the
fever spread to the neighbouring patients, carried off one of tho sisters, and in fact caused
such consternation that the whole floor of wards was closed, and thoroughly cleansed.
Wherever and however fever may be treated, one thing is essential—full and free ventilation.
In the Irish famine fever of 1846—7, the rate of mortality in Hospitals and Poor
Housos was far greater than amongst those who lay where strickon down, in the open air,
along the hedge side, exposed to all the influences of the weather. There are plenty of the
like instances on record.

From epidemics, which happen only at intervals, I would call your attention to lung diseases,
the mortality from which, although far greater, yet do not excite attention, because
of their permanence and regularity. Phthisis has proved fatal in 202 cases ; tho greatest
mortality experienced in 5 years, except that of 1863—4 ; 95 of tho 202 were between 20
and 40 years of age ; and 64 between 40 and 60. Bronchitis, which smites chiefly the
aged, has caused 132 deaths; and pneumonia, which destroys tho other extreme of life,
119. Of the former 59 were 60 years and upwards; and 92 of tho latter were under 5
years of age.
Forty one deaths have been caused by violence, privation, &c. Eight infants wero found
suffocated in bed, their ages ranging from 3 weeks to 4 months. An infant was found dead
in Bland Street, and another in the grounds of Bethlem Hospital; the cause of death was
not known. An infant was found murdered; and a female, aged 38, died from tho effects
of a kick upon the stomach, against the perpetrator of which, a verdict of wilful murder
was returned. A male, aged 60, fell down in the street and injured his brain. A female,
73, fractured her skull by falling down stairs, as also did a male child, aged 2 years. A
female, 49, died from an injury which she received on the back of her head. Another,
aged 28, fell out of bed, and died from congestion ; also, another of the same ago fractured
her spine, by falling against a stove whilst in a fit. A female, 35, was suffocated by falling
upon the floor whilst in a fit. A male, 59, dislocated the upper part of his spinte, whilst
driving beneath the archway of the Fever Hospital. A female, aged 5, was burnt from her