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have been 263 against 304 for the previous year; and the deaths in the
London Hospital 616 against 557.
The population of this District at the taking of the last census was 76,332,
which is 2638 less than when the census was taken in 1861. The rate of
mortality has been, during the year, 25.8 per 1000, or 1 in 36.7 of all living.
The rate of mortality during the last year, was 32.2 per 1000. In making a
comparison, however, of the rate of mortality of this District with that of
others, the deaths in the London Hospital must be eliminated, which this
year amount to 616. Deducting, therefore, the deaths in this institution from
the total deaths, the rate of mortality is 19.1 per 1000, or 1 in 52.3 of all
living. The same deduction being made from the total number of deaths for
1871, the rate of mortality was for that year 25.5 per 1000. The rate of
mortality in this District for the year 1872, is however, lower than it has ever
been since the formation of the Board. Whether the excessive rain-fall which
has occurred during the year, together with the increase of temperature, has
contributed to the result, is a matter of conjecture. Although the excessive
rain-fall during the last three months has occasioned great discomfort, and
greatly interfered with farming operations, it may have so purified the air
as to cause a groat diminution in the rate of mortality, and especially in
lessening the number of deaths from epidemic diseases. The deaths from
epidemic diseases have this year been, not only 277 against 437 for the
previous year, but they have been considerably less than in any year since
1857; a similar remark applies to the cases of epidemic diseases which have
been attended by the Medical Officers of the Union. Thus, in 1872, the total
cases of epidemic diseases which were recorded in the books of the Medical
Officers of the Union, were 551 against 1730 in 1871. The tables Nos. 8 and
9 in the Appendix show the return of death and sickness from epidemic diseases
since 1858.
Pauper Illness in the District.
The number of out-door sick paupers who have been attended by the
Medical Officers of the Union has been 4,864. During the previous year the
number was 10,194. On referring to the notes in Table VI. in the Appendix
it will be seen that in the year 1856 the pauper cases of illness amounted to
9,897; they annually increased up to 1868, when they reached the large number
of 17,417, notwithstanding the decrease in the population. In the following
year the sick cases were 14,031; in 1870 there was a slight increase, the
number being 14,148; while in 1871, when a new system of medical attendance
was adopted and an increase of the number of Medical Officers and of
Relieving Officers was made, the cases of illness among the paupers were
reduced to 10,194, and in this year to 4864.
Small Pox.
The total number of deaths from small-pox in the Whitechapel District,
for the year 1872, has been 19, to which however there must be added the 7
deaths which have occurred in the Small-pox Hospital, making a total of 26.
The total deaths from epidemic diseases during the year were 277, the