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There were in addition two deaths from the disease at the deceased s
homes, and two occurred in Outlying Institutions.
17 residents therefore died from Appendicitis during the year.
A few years ago the origin of Appendicitis was frequently attributed to
the influence of foreign bodies, the seeds of various fruits being most frequently
described. Now, however, it is generally recognised that in the
majority of cases, Appendicitis is not associated with the presence of foreign
bodies or concretions.
The vermiform appendix is found only in man, the higher apes and the
wombat, although in certain rodents a somewhat similar arrangement exists.
It may at one time have some important function to perform, but at present it
appears to be useless.
It is admitted that those structures which remain to us as functionless
vestiges of parts once useful in our prehistoric ancestors, are possessed of low
vitality, and but feeble resistant powers. This doubtless partly explains the
special susceptibility of the appendix to inflammation. In addition, its
dependant position, its communication by an orifice—often more or less
narrowed—with that portion of the bowels in which inspissation of the
contents of the bowels first occurs, whilst at the same time it is removed from
the direct currents in the bowels, all appear to be conditions favourable to
inflammatory attacks.