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The annual death rates show a marked decline in the mortality from phthisis in London. To
what extent these figures would require correction if allowance could be made for more exact
diagnosis during later years it is impossible to say. In this connection it is well to remember that since
Koch's discovery of the tubercle bacillus in the decennium 1881-90, the microscope has been
increasingly used for the diagnosis of tubercular phthisis. There is, however, much reason for
thinking that there has been substantial decline in the mortality from this disease. Accepting the
figures obtained from registration of deaths, the following observations may be made. The London
death-rate from phthisis at all ages has with but slight exception been greater than that of England
and Wales, but at ages from 15-35 years among females, and ages 15-25 among males, with the
exception of the decennium 1891-1900, has been less in London than England and Wales, and as
will be seen from the following tables, has declined less both in males and in females in London
than in England and Wales at each age shown. In both England and Wales and London the decline
has been much greater among females than males but this has been specially marked in England and
Wales where in 1851-60 and in 1861-70 the female mortality at "all ages" was greater than the
male, and in 1891-1900 was lower, whereas throughout the whole period under review the male
mortality in London has been higher than the female mortality.
England and Wales.
Phthisis. Death rates per 1,000 living at certain age periods.