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cause and effect. It cannot be too strongly stated that conclusive
evidence in support of such opinion, so far as I am aware, cannot
be produced. Of course the inhalation of sewer air may reduce
the vital energies of a person, and so render him more susceptible
to be the victim of diphtheria, as well as many other diseases.
Influenza was prevalent during the earlier part of the year.
It was a primary cause of death in 61 cases, and in 9 others it was
certified as a secondary cause.
Of these 70 cases of Influenza, 49 took place in January; 11 in
Febuary; 4 in March; 5 in April; and 1 in May. At the Whitechapel
Infirmary and Workhouse, 58 of the total deaths from the
disease occurred, thus supporting the experience of the previous
year. Thirty-three men died to thirty-seven women. The age
mortality was as follows:—
1 died from Influenza between 10 and 20 years of age.
9 „ „ 20 and 40 „ „
25 „ „ 40 and 60 „ „
24 „ „ 60 and 80 „ „
11 „ „ at over 80 years of age.
The Sub-Registration Districts wherein the patients had
previously resided, and the number belonging to each I also
append:—
In the Spitalfields Sub-Registration District, 27.
„ Mile End New Town „ 11.
„ Whitechapel Church „ 23.
„ Goodman's Fields „ 9.
In concluding this part of my Report I wish to mention that one
death from Typhus Fever was registered during the year. I have
sufficient reason however to state that most probably there was an
error in diagnosis in this case. It occurred in a model dwelling.
The patient was an elderly man living by himself in one room. He
was looked after by his daughter and her husband, who occupied
an adjoining room. The man had not been from home for some
weeks, and a medical gentleman who saw the case in consultation
with the doctor who certified, was of opinion that Typhus was not
B