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Hydrocephalus.— In certifying deaths thus caused, it would be advantageous
if those due to tuberculous affections were distinguished from those due to
meningitis or to other affections of the brain. " Congenital hydrocephalus "
should always be returned as such.
8. Convulsions.— It is hoped that this indefinite term will henceforth
be restricted to those cases in which the true cause of convulsions cannot be
ascertained. At present more than eleven per cent. of the total deaths of
infants under one year old are referred to "convulsions" simply.
9. Paralysis.— The classification of deaths would be much facilitated if
brain paralysis were always distinguished from paraplegia. In certifying
deaths from brain paralysis, the terms "hemiplegia" and "apoplexy," which
denote symptoms merely, might usefully be replaced by the names or such
definite lesions as " cerebral haemorrhage," &c., &c.
10. Pneumonia.— Three separate forms of Acute pneumonia have now
been added to the list, viz.:—Croupous or lobar pneumonia, Broncho or lobular
pneumonia, and Epidemic pneumonia ; the old term for undefined cases of
pneumonia being still retained. The term " typhoid pneumonia " should never
be employed, as it may mean either Enteric fever, with pulmonary complications,
on the one hand, or Pneumonia, with so-called typhoid symptoms, on
the other.
11. Croup.— It were greatly to be wished that the use of the term
"Croup" to designate non-diphtheritic affections of the larynx or trachea
should be abandoned. Diphtheritic croup or membranous croup should be
returned as such.
12. Childbirth.—Whenever parturition or miscarriage has occurred
within one month before the death of the patient, the fact should be certified,
even though childbirth may not have contributed to the fatal issue.
13. Violence.—In every case of death by Violence, or by suspected
Violence, the Medical Practitioner, in addition to stating the fact in his
certificate, should advise the friends of the deceased to inform the Coroner
forthwith.
14. When the cause of death has been verified by a post-mortem
examination, the letters P.M. should be added.