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55
per cent., but the resulting deaths were one-third greater
than the average, forming nearly 6 per cent. of all cases of
sickness, The amount of epidemic disease was about 9
per cent. above the average, but its resulting fatality was
two-thirds greater than the average. The number of
epidemic diseases formed 13 per cent. of all cases of disease
which came under treatment; and the number of deaths
from epidemic diseases formed 32 per cent. of the total
deaths which occurred amongst the poor.
Violent deaths.—Inquests.— Uncertified deaths.—During
the year there were 25 Inquests held, with the following
results, viz. :—
Deaths from natural causes, 14.
Deaths from violence
Accident, 7
Suicide, 2
Execution, 1
Cause unknown, 1
In 6 instances the cause of death was not certified by
medical testimony, in reference to which it is almost
unnecessary to repeat what has been so frequently urged
in these reports, that for security of life, and other interests
of society, the intervention of a medical enquiry is an
absolute necessity in every case of death the cause of which
has not been duly attested by a registered medical
practitioner.
Sanitary proceedings.—A summary of the principal
sanitary proceedings which were carried out during the
year will be found as usual embodied in Table 6, Appendix.
With two excetpions they were all conducted without the
necessity of an appeal to the law. In addition to these
all the cow-houses and slaughter-houses were examined
and reported on, their greatly improved condition, and the
excellent regulations put into practice by the Metropolitan
Board of Works obviating the necessity of any opposition to
the reneAval of their oAvners' licenses. The purification of
infected houses was systematically employed when required,
and often Avith marked success; and it is satisfactory to see