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40
DISINFECTION.
Our methods of house disinfection are stated in my report for 1914
Disinfectants continue to be supplied without charge to callers, mostly
children, on the same lavish scale as heretofore. The saving of a few pounds
in printing this report, by condensation and omission of interesting facts,
does not compensate for the waste of several hundred pounds in mal odorous
compounds. Their unlimited use does not prevent outbreaks of infectious
disease as this report shows; it discourages cleanliness. In my own home,
during 15 years' residence in Edmonton, I have used none and yet kept it
clean and free from infectious disease.
BACTERIOLOGICAL LABORATORY

PUERPERAL FEVER.
Four residents were notified, including one from the London Hospital and
one from the Infirmary. There were 2 deaths. Our death-rate is therefore
1.62 per 1,000 births; it was nil last year. Moreover, two women, one of
Tottenham and one of Wood Green, were notified as inmates of the Infirmary.
During 1918 there were 233 midwives practising privately in Middlesex
and 556 not practising; besides, there were 22 engaged in poor-law infirmaries,
who are exempt from the provisions of the Act. In Edmonton there were
14 practising at the beginning of 1918 and also at the end of the year.
One midwife, reported to the Central Midwives Board in 1917, was struck
off the roll in 1918, and nine were cautioned verbally. During that year no
uncertified women were prosecuted by the County Council for acting as midwives,
but eleven were verbally cautioned by the Inspector of Midwives, Miss
Pollard, who now has an assistant.