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94
Of the 31 deaths, 15, or one half, took place in the months
of August, September, and October, i.e., between the declaration
of war and the reduction in the hours of the sale
of drink.
89. The death-rate from alcoholism and cirrhosis of the
liver was 0.24 in the Borough, and in 1912, 016 in
London.
SYPHILIS.
90. There were 9 deaths from syphilis, compared with 10,
7, 6, 3, and 9, in the five preceding years. All but one of
these occurred in public institutions. Five were infants
under two years. There were, in addition, 23 deaths from
general paralysis, tabes dorsalis (locomotor-ataxy), and
aneurism, diseases which are considered to be due to syphilis,
compared with 25, 30, and 29, in the three preceding years.
These figures are far from representing the total mortality
caused by venereal disease. Many of the deaths from
epilepsy, congenital debility, and other diseases of the brain,
heart, blood vessels, and other organs, are doubtless due to
this cause.
The question of instructing patients and the public generally
as to the prevention of venereal disease has been under the
consideration of the Public Health Committee, and by their
orders a card of instruction has been issued to the local
medical men for distribution to their patients. The instructions
are similar to those used in the Army, and by Dr.
Mott, Pathologist to the London County Council Asylums.
Arrangements have also been made with the Pathological
Department of the Seamen's Hospital to make bacteriological
examination at the public expense for the diagnosis of
syphilis.