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19
heading Pneumonia; whereas, the reverse was the case in
the first month in 1890, for, while the mortality under
Bronchitis only rose 64 per cent. above the January average,
the mortality under Pneumonia rose 97 per cent. And
thirdly, while the ordinary rise of mortality in cold
seasons is mainly among the very aged, the increased
mortality in this fatal month was mainly among persons
between 20 and 60.''
"The excessive mortality, then, from Lung diseases in
the first month of 18 go, was due to the same cause as were
the deaths ascribed to Influenza. The excess in the last
month of the year, 011 the other hand, which, though not
so great as the earlier excess had been, was nevertheless
sufficiently formidable, inasmuch as the mortality from
Lung diseases was 44 per cent. above the average for the
ten previous Decembers, was doubtlessly in the main due
to the usual cause of such excess, namely, prolonged cold,
the mean temperature in the month having been 90. 3
Fahr. below the December average, and accompanied
moreover by a succession of dense fogs; and accordingly
the excess was no longer higher under Pneumonia than
under Bronchitis as had been the case in January, but in
almost equal proportions under the two headings ; the
death-rate from the former having been 48, and from the
latter 47 per cent. above the December average. Even in
this month, however, a comparison of the figures just
given with those in Table C., will show that Pneumonia
increased as compared with Bronchitis, in far more than
the usual winter or cold season proportion ; and this fact
suggests the suspicion that even in last December there
was some unhealthy influence at work beyond ordinary
cold weather."
" The effects then of the epidemic influence in January
1890, must not be measured simply by the number of
deaths ascribed to Influenza. The excess of mortality