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30
Bacteriological Diagnosis.
During the year 1903, 25 Bacteriological Examinations
were made in order to determine the existence of Diphtheria,
Phthisis and Enteric Fever in doubtful cases. In 18 cases
the suspected disease was Diphtheria, and in 8 instances the
bacteriological diagnosis pronounced against the disease. In
6 instances the suspected disease was Enteric Fever, and in 1
instance the bacteriological diagnosis supported the existence
of the disease. In one instance the suspected disease was
Consumption, and this proved to be the case on examination.
During the preceding year 10 such examinations were made.
Cancer.
In Cancer we have a terrible disease, furnishing a progressive
increase in mortality more especiallv among males.
No one can reasonably doubt the real nature of much of this
increase. It can be demonstrated as not due to any altered
age and sex distribution of the population of this country,
and the statistics of other countries (Germany, America.
France, Sweden. Holland, Switzerland. Russia, and several
of our Colonies) furnish records of an increase very similar to
our own. Local irritation or injury is a strong predisposing,
if not exciting, factor, especially among those with congenital
vulnerability to the disease; and when we add that in certain
districts Cancer is more rife than in others, we have almost
exhausted the stock of our present knowledge. This varying
prevalence over different areas is found in Germany to be
largely accounted for by variations in the average duration
of life in the different districts; but in England and Wales.
Dr. Tatham has shown in Supplement to 55th Annual Report,
that if the Cancer rates are corrected for differences in age