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(20)
26. Since 1878, the proportion of uncertified deaths
to certified has steadily decreased for England and
Wales, and it is a matter for regret, if not for
appprehension, that in so large a population as
Willesden's, virtually an integral part of the
Metropolis, no fewer than 26 people should die in
one year, and be unattended by a medical man, and
the cause of death remain uncertified. It is ground
for apprehension since the occurrence of such a
large number of cases cannot but open the door
to crime, which shall remain undetected. That
Hornsey and Croydon for the same period have
no uncertified deaths to set against Willesden's 26
cases is a contrast very unfavourable to us, and it is a
question whether an inquiry should not be held by a
duly qualified and appointed medical man into all
deaths not properly certified by a medical practitioner
where it is thought unnecessary to hold a coroner's
inquest. Of these 26 deaths, 14 died under the age
of one year, 8 between one and sixty, and 4 over sixty.
The ascribed causes of death were:—Premature
Birth 4, Convulsions 5, Syncope 8, Marasmus 1,
Measles 2, Diarrhoea 2, Smallpox 1, Debility from
birth 1, Apoplexy 1, Influenza 1. It is disquieting