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107
THE RESULTS OF VOLUNTARY NOTIFICATION
OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES.
With the view of ascertaining the probable results of a
system of compulsory notification, I made an investigation of
the results of voluntary notification as practised in this parish.
Taking the statistics of mortality for twenty-four years, in
respect of the ''principal diseases of the zymotic class," I compared
the number of deaths in the first half-period (1859-70),
before I entered upon the duties of Medical Officer, with the
number in the second half-period (1871-82), during which we
have had the advantage of hospital accommodation. The results
of the investigation are set out in the following Tables.
First period of twelve years (1859-70); without notification
and without hospitals:—

Yearly Average 326
Second period of twelve years (1871-82); with voluntary
notification and with hospitals:—

Yearly Average 413
The average population in the first period of twelve years (1859-70), was 90,000,
and in the second period (1871-82), 147,300.
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