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cases eagerly endeavoured to provide what is requisite upon the reason being
explained, and are glad to profit by the advice, acknowledging that "Prevention
is better than cure."
One hundred and ninety-seven babies were kept under observation during
the year—of these 159 were breast-fed, 15 partly hand and partly breast-fed,
23 being entirely hand-fed.
One hundred and twenty-eight of the 159 breast-fed babies were found to be
in a healthy condition at birth. Ten of the fifteen partly hand and partly
breast-fed infants were reported as healthy and thriving, while 17 of the
23 entirely hand-fed children were said to be in a satisfactory condition. The
ill-nourished condition of many of the babies was due possibly, in many cases,
to the lack of proper food for the mother during pregnancy.
It is gratifying to record the fact that in the City it is the exception, rather
than the rule, to find an "artificially" nourished infant being fed from a
"long tubed bottle," and also that the majority of mothers now provide
separate sleeping arrangements for their babies.
It was necessary in 15 cases to advise that the babies should be seen by
medical men, and also that the eyes of four of the babies required some
attention.
The number of births registered as occurring in the City was 262, and the
number of deaths under twelve months was 14. This is equivalent to an
infant mortality rate of 53.4 per 1,000, the lowest on record in the City. The
year 1910 was, from a climatic point of view, a favourable one for the rearing
of infants, and while this factor has undoubtedly had great weight, the results
of the instruction and advice given cannot be altogether ignored.
Deaths in City Institutions.
During 1910, 72 persons died in City Workhouses, Workhouse Infirmaries
or Lunatic Asylums, or no less than 34.6 per cent. of the whole City mortality,
the corresponding figure for the Metropolis being 43.3 per cent.
Percentage of Deaths occurring in Workhouses, Workhouse Infirmaries and
Lunatic Asylums to total Deaths in the City of London and the Metropolis
respectively, for 1910, compared with the previous five years:—
Year.
City of London.
Metropolis.
Per cent.
Per cent.
1905
29.4
22.4
1906
12.9
22.3
1907
37.6
24.8
1908
23.0
25.8
1909
38.0
42.0
Average of previous five years
28.1
27.4
1910
34.6
43.3