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7-2
DIARRHOEA.
During the year 1906 there were registered in the Borough
of Lambeth 272 deaths from Diarrhoea,* as compared with 178
and 260 during 1905 and 1904 respectively (vide p. 83, deaths
from Enteritis).
Taking the statistics of the old Parish of Lambeth for 10 years
(1891-1900), it will be seen that the annual average is 188.4, so
that the figures for 1900 for the Borough are 44.4 per cent. more.
Of these 272 deaths, 257 (i.e., 94 5 per cent.) were in children
under 5 years, and 217 (i.e., 79.8 per cent.) in infants under 1
year of age. July, August, September and October were the
most fatal months (see Table S). In this connection, it is again
interesting to note that the mean monthly air temperature
registered at the Westminster Meteorological Office was, in
June, 59.1 deg.; in July, 63.9 deg.; in August, 65.4 deg.; in
September, GOT deg. ; and in October, 54.7 deg. ; whilst
the 4 ft. earth thermometer registered 56 deg. F. on June 14th,
rising to a maximum 64.0 deg. F. on August 9th to 11th
and September 4th, and sinking to 56 deg. F. again on
October 20th. 56 deg. F. is the so-called "critical" earth
temperature for Diarrhoea, i.e., the temperature at which the
germs of this particular disease begin to multiply, and prove
themselves dangerous.t Hence its importance statistically, in
connection with this disease, which, though it kills chiefly young
children, attacks at times persons of all ages—a fact not
generally recognised.
* Including 4 deaths registered from Cholera-Nostras.
† The 4-ft. earth temperatures were taken in Regent's Park, and thanks
are due to Mr. Wm. Marriott, of the Royal Meteorological Society 70,
Victoria Street, S.W., for the information in connection therewith.