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frequently the assigned cause of death of children "found dead
in bed." In the absence of other apparent cause of death, the
pre-existence of spasm of the glottis may have been inferred;
but it is quite possible, to say the least of it, that in some of the
cases the children had been "overlaid," i.e., suffocated—a
remark equally applicable to deaths attributed to convulsions,
in the case of children found dead in bed. The cause of death
in such cases—whether spasm of the glottis or convulsions be
returned—can be only guessed — at when the child has not been
seen to die; for examination after death cannot prove the
occurrence of spasm during life, and there is no pathological
condition which would enable one to say positively that a child
had suffered, still less that it had died, from convulsions.
2. The second Order comprises the Diseases of the
Organs of Special Sense (e.g., of Ear, Eye, Nose). Two
deaths were registered from these causes.
3. Circulatory System.— The deaths due to diseases of
the organs of circulation, heart and blood vessels, were 196
against 170, 163, and 200 in 1885-6-7: 146 were registered in the
Town sub-district, and 50 in Brompton. The quarterly numbers
were 63, 39, 48, and 46. To specified forms of disease 33 deaths
were assigned, viz., Pericarditis, 1; Valvular Diseases of Heart,
24; Aneurism, 2; Embolism and Thrombosis, 6. Other Diseases of
Heart caused 159 deaths, and Other Diseases of Blood Vessels, 4
deaths.
4. Respiratory System.— The deaths from the diseases
of the chest, phthisis being excluded, were 622; 27 fewer
than in 1887, and 22.0 per cent, of total deaths. Of this number
517 were registered in the Town sub-district and 105 in
Brompton. The quarterly numbers were 224 and 164 in the
first and fourth, or colder quarters, and 160 and 74 in the second
and third, or warmer quarters. The deaths under five years of
age were 264=42.4 per cent, (against 41.6, 35.4, and 42.7 in