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mortality returns, our loss from Small Pox will be raised to the same proportion as
that of all London. The great disproportion in Measles, is difficult to explain.
The Mortality Returns and the reports of the Poor Law Medical Officers taken
together seem to shew that Measles has been less prevalent in this than in other
districts. But I doubt whether this would account for the Avhole difference. I am
inclined to conjecture that something is due to differences in the mode of
drawing up the individual certificates of the cause of death. Measles perhaps more
often proves fatal through its sequela3, that is, from other diseases, such as Bronchitis,
Pneumonia, Dropsy, which are its consequences, than in its primary and
essential stage. It may be that the consecutive disease, that which immediately
preceded death, is often the only one recorded. It is exceedingly important to
preserve a history of each epidemic of Autumnal Cholera or Diarrhcea for the purpose
of future comparison. I will therefore trace this as far as my information will permit.
As evidenced in the Mortality Returns, Diarrhoea shewed indications of its rise in June,
it increased in July, attained its acme in August, and declined in September, but has
not yet disappeared in the beginning of October. The course of the mortality in Shoreditch
may be conveniently expressed as follows, for the thirteen Weeks of the Quarter :
July.
2, 2, 6, 3
August.
6, 8, 14, 15, 14
September.
6, 5, 7, 4
The Sickness Returns of the Poor Law Medical Officers do not ennmerat
the cases of Diarrhcea previous to the 2nd August. From that date they exhibit tli
following course:—
Mr. Coward. Mr. Greenwood Dr. Burchell.
9 August 28 46 43
16 „ 32 41 47
23 „ 36 24 43
30 „ 19 15 29
6 Sept. 20 11 32
13 „ 23 12 29
20 „ 7 14 11
27 „ 0 8 5
165 171 239