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The proportionate number of deaths at all ages from diarrhœa
corresponds in different months pretty closely with those of infants,
as I found that in three years only 39 per cent, of the deaths
from this disease were registered in weeks having a temperature
of 50°, and less; 11.9 per cent, in weeks having a temperature
between 55° and 60°; and as many as 84.2 per cent, in weeks
having a mean temperature above 60° Fahr.; and that in the
16 years 18.10.56 only 18.9 per cent, of all the deaths from
diarrhoea were registered in spring and winter, against 81.1 per
cent, in summer and autumn. In the 20 years 1860.79 there
were 7 years in which the summer temperature was in defect,
when the mortality at all ages from diarrhcea per 100,000 inhabitants
of London was 200; in 10 summers during which it was in
excess by less than 2°, the mortality was 317 per 100,000; and in
three years when the temperature was more than 2° in excess, the
mortality reached 339 per 100,000 inhabitants. These figures
show that great care should be taken in hot weather to prevent
diarrhœa, especially amongst young children, by frequent washing
with soap and water to ensure cleanliness of the skin, and by
wholesome food, good ventilation, especially of bed.rooms ; protection
from the sun, avoidance of excessive exercise, frequent
cleansing and disinfection of the drains, and by the removal of
all animal and vegetable matter in a state of decomposition from
the vicinity of dwelling.houses, especially when the mean air
temperature of the week is above 60.5°, and of the Thames
water more than Fahr.
In connection with the recommendation to use disinfectants
for the water.closets and drains in hot weather, I would point
out that there are so many substances sold under this name
which differ entirely in their action, that it may be useful if 1
make a few remarks on the subject. These articles may be
divided into destructive, preservative, and deodorising agents,
and I think the word . disinfectant . should be restricted to
heat and the first.named class; that is to say, to those chemical
compounds which destroy life. The preservatives, or anti.putre.