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In 75 cases the deaths were "sudden in 33 the deceased were
"found dead in bed." In 102 instances the cause of death was
ascertained by a post mortem examination. Verdict of death from
"natural causes" was returned in 91 cases, i. e. death was due to
disease. In 22 of these cases the fatal disease was found in the
brain and nervous system; in 60 in the pulmonary and vascular
systems; and in 9 cases in various other organs. The violent
deaths (accidental) were 29 in number, viz.:—
Suffocation 8
Violent—Palls 7
,, Crushed 1
,, Scalds 5
„ Burns 3
„ Run over 2
„ Drowned 1
,, Poison 1
„ Injuries to head 1
Of the suffocation cases, one was returned as " asphyxia," one as
"strangulation;" one death was by coal gas and one from the
fumes of carbonic acid gas inhaled by the sufferer while sleeping
on a kiln.
Seven suicides occurred, viz., by hanging, 2; by wound of throat,
1; by pistol shot, 2; by a fall from window, 1; by crushing under
a locomotive engine, 1. One verdict of " manslaughter " was recorded;
one death from "want of proper nourishment." There
were five open verdicts of " found dead." The subjects of inquiry
were in 78 cases males and in 58 females.
METEOROLOGY.
The Registrar-General informs us that the mean temperature at
Greenwich in 1872 was 50°.7 Fahrenheit, viz., first quarter 43.6.
2nd quarter 52°'8; 3rd quarter 61°.l; 4th quarter 45°.3. The mean
temperature of the dew point was 45°.2. The dryness of the atmosphere,
i.e., the difference between the dew point temperature and air temperature
was 5° 5 a difference of .1 only from the averages of 33 years.
The fall of rain was 33 inches, as compared with 24.2, the averages of
33 years. Rain fell on 197 days. The means of the monthly readings
of the^barometer were 29 630: the mean degree of humidity (Saturation
=100) was 82.
VACCINATION.
For the return in the Appendix, (Table B), showing the state of
vaccination, I am indebted to Mr. Shattock, the Vaccination officer,
whose efficient services it is my pleasing duty to recognize therein.
The births registered during the period covered by the return numbered
4076, and the successful vaccinations 3452, leaving a deficiency
of 624. But of this number of apparently unvaccinated children,