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deaths of each sex at different periods of life; and the
total number of births, during 1855 and 1856.
An inspection of these tables will make us acquainted
with some remarkable facts. The mortality from
Small-pox, fell from 53 in 1855, to 13 in l856; and it
is gratifying to find that this decrease is still progressive,
since only two deaths were registered from this disease,
in the first quarter of the present year. Whether this
be altogether attributed to the extension of Vaccination,
is to me a matter of doubt. Some share at least must
be assigned to a temporary lull in the variolous epidemic
force. Judging from the apathy and want of correct
information upon this subject that still prevail among
certain classes, and other facts, it is certain that there
must be a large store of unprotected persons, ready to
take the variolous poison whensoever the necessary conditions
of epidemic influence and exposure to contagion
shall present themselves. The present Vaccination-Act,
does not work efficiently; it chafes unnecessarily against
the prejudices of the poor; it is not adapted to engage
the active co-operation of the entire body of the medical
profession; it is obvious that without this latter condition
it is impossible to bring the entire body of the
population within the sphere of medical assistance.
Mr. Edwards has favoured me with the following return
of successful vaccinations, as registered during the two
years ending on the 29th September, 1855 and 1856.
These periods do not quite correspond with the statistical
years I have adopted, but they exhibit with sufficient
accuracy the proportion of registered vaccinations.