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the mortality from tuberculosis diminished more slowly during
that period than while real wages were rising.
(3) During the first three years of war, prices rose far
faster than wages, so that in 1917 the average wage earner
was no better off than in 1870. During that period the mortality
from tuberculosis at first tended to rise, and then
actually rose. The actual amount of Poor Relief distributed
and dinners supplied to school children docs not support this.
(4) From 1917 to 1920, nominal wages rose faster than
prices, until in mid 1920, real wages had risen nearly to the
level of 1900. They were then, in fact, nearly as high, when
measured in terms of commodities, as they had been in the
years 1896-7-8. And, as we know, tuberculosis mortality is
falling once more. If the phthisis mortality was predated
two or three years, the association would be improved, as
bad conditions of life would take some time to have an effect.
A further interesting observation relative to the rise during
the war was made, and in so far as it seems to be generally
applicable, it may have some significance. An undue proportion
of deaths during that period occurred in institutions.
It has been suggested that the rationing schemes were more
rigidly carried out, and the sense of hunger more scientifically
appeased in institutions than in the population generally—nonnutritious
fats, and small quantities even of that, replaced the
more wholesome articles. The point is suggestive and would
tend to support the view that food in its relation to real wages
may have been a factor in the fall that has occurred.
That a more suitable diet should enable some to acquire an
immunity, and in others prolong the period between the infection
and death, is easily understandable. As to whethtr that is the sole
factor is doubtful, as the rate was falling previous to 1850, and