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33
there is reason to hope that that average may not be
exceeded in the year 1872.
As is usually the case when an epidemic of one particular
Zymotic disease prevails, the other deadly disorders
of the same class have been less malignant: thus Scarlatina
was the cause of death in 55 instances in 1871,
against 23.9 in 1870; Measles in 17 against 25; Whoophing
Cough in 19 against 21; Fever, of different kinds,
34 against 39; Childbirth, 2 against 11; and Diarrhœa,
the only disease, except Small Pox, which showed an increase,
73 against 62.
It has been found impracticable to obtain an exact return
of the number of Battersea parishioners who died in
the several Small Pox and Fever Hospitals during the
year 1871.
Ordinary Diseases and resulting Mortality.—Tubercular
diseases are always at the head of the death-producing
causes of the non-zymotic class, and although affected by
general sanitary measures to a less extent than the
epidemic forms of disease, yet the universal result of
thorough and efficient drainage in all localities, has been
to reduce the number of deaths from Phthisis. Dr.
Buchanan, a Medical Inspector of the Privy Council, has
found that the death rate from Consumption has been
reduced by one-third, or even by one half in many
localities.
These diseases contributed to the mortality in 1871,
263 deaths against 224 in 1870.
Diseases of the Brain and Nerves caused 178 deaths
against 198 in 1870, being fewer by 20; Heart disease 59
to 51. Of the Respiratory Organs, including Bronchitis,
211 against 218. The other diseases exhibit features
somewhat like those of last year.
C