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32
infectious diseases, when so directed by the Medical Officer
of Health.
In consequence of these restrictions we are only enabled
to inquire into conditions existing in homes where infant deaths
occur, to find out the cause of death.
The results of these investigations are generally interesting.
They frequently reveal almost pathetic ignorance on the
part of the mother in the elementary principles necessary for
the successful management of their children. But as a means
of preventing the existing mischief these visits are useless.
As a result of inquiry in 235 homes after death, amongst
other particulars the following facts were elicited:—
That 92 per cent. of the fatal cases of diarrhoeal diseases
occurred to artificially-fed children.
Of the total 235 infant deaths from all causes investigated,
47, or 20 per cent., were first children—22, or 9 per cent.,
illegitimate—61, or 26 per cent., children of working mothers
—37, or 16 per cent., children put out to nurse.
In regard to the method of feeding adopted 41, or 17 per
cent., were breast-fed, and the remainder, 83 per cent.
artificially fed.
Miss Jones reports, as a result of her investigations at the
homes where infant deaths occurred, that fatal cases of infantile
diarrhoea were not limited to the homes of the very poor classes.
The mothers appeared totally ignorant of the danger of allowing
diarrhoea to continue unchecked, and in many instances did not
seek medical aid until too late. Many mothers had an idea,
amounting almost to a superstition, that diarrhoea during the
teething period was natural, and if checked would lead to convulsions
or serious illness. In several instances the disease
commenced at the time of weaning. Mothers are still ignorant