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9
invasion by a parasitic microorganism and was therefore of an
infective nature. The vogue of cancer houses and cancer areas
was propagated as a result of this theory. None of the experiments
inspired by this hypothesis has led to the production of a new growth
of more than a temporary character, and we are justified in stating
that disinfection of premises and clothing after a cancer death has
no effect in the prevention of the disease.
The theory of chronic irritation was propounded by Virchow,
and is based on the conception that chronic irritation was of great
causative importance in the production of cancer. The latter
theory is the only one which has positive results to record. The substances
which have given most results have been tar, paraffin and
arsenic, but it is unlikely that any single chemical constitutent is
solely responsible.
The trend of these researches emphasizes the importance
of the advice given by the local cancer committee to remove any
source of local irritation either to the tongue, breast, bowels or any
part of the body which may be liable to such irritation.
Deaths in Public Institutions.-216 of the deaths of residents
outside the district occurred in public institutions, and 40 deaths
of residents occurred in public institutions in the district. These
numbers do not include deaths which occurred in nursing homes.
256 out of a total of 715, or nearly 36 per cent. of the total deaths
occurred in public institutions.
Infectious Diseases.-On Table V. will be found the ageincidence
and Ward distribution of the compulsorily notifiable
infectious diseases.
Scarlet Fever. There was again a diminution in the number
of notified cases, but one death was allotted by the Registrar
General, though the circumstances were such that the death could
hardly be said to belong to this district.
The death was that of a child 14 months old, and occurred in
the Infirmary on July 9th, 1924. She was taken to the Infirmary
on September 14th, 1923; so that not only the death occurred, but
the illness was obviously contracted out of the district. As the
child had resided in, and was moved from Acton to the Infirmary,
the death was allotted to this district.
Diptheria.-There was also a diminution in the number of
notified cases of Diptheria, but the number of deaths is higher
than that of 1923. As an instance of an extremely virulent kind
of Diphtheria, in which an outbreak was probably cut short by
prompt measures, I may mention the cases which occurred in the
Acton Wells Infant Department in September. The circumstances