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76
DIARRHŒA.
During the year 1908, there were registered in the
Borough of Lambeth, 150 deaths from Diarrhœa (including
one death from Cholera Nostras), as compared with 71, 272,
178 and 260 during 1907, 1906, 1905 and 1904 respectively
(vide p. 89, deaths from Enteritis.)
Taking the statistics of the old Parish of Lambeth for 10
years (1891-1900), it will be seen that the annual average for
Diarrhoea (and Cholera) is 198.9, so that the figures for 1908
for the Borough are 24.6 per cent. less.
Of these 150 deaths, 145 (i.e., 96.7 per cent.) were in children
under 5 years, and 118 (i.e., 78.7 per cent. in infants
under 1 year of age. August, September and October were the
most fatal months (see Table S). In this connection, it is
again interesting to note that the mean monthly air temperature
registered was, in June, 60.4 deg.; in July, 63.1
deg.; in August, 60.7 deg.; in September, 57.0 deg.; and in
October, 54.5 deg.; whilst the 4-ft. earth thermometer registered
56 deg. F. on June 4th, rising to a maximum 63.5 deg.
F. on August 6th and 8th, and sinking to 56 deg. F. again
on October 22nd. 56 deg. F. is the so-called "critical" earth
temperature for Diarrhcea, i.e., the temperature at which the
germs of this disease begin to multiply, and prove themselves
dangerous.* Hence its importance statistically, in connection
with this disease, which, though it kills chiefly young
children, attacks at times persons of all ages—a fact not
generally recognised.
*The 4-ft. earth temperatures were taken in Regent's Park,
and thanks are due to Mr. Wm. Marriott, of the Royal Meteorological
Society, 70 Victoria Street, S.W., for the information in
connection therewith.