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70 years old. How many of these were vaccinated the registers do not
shew. Occasionally you have the entry, "Small Pox—certified" (vaccinated
or unvaccinated, as the case may be); but this is the exception, not
the rule.
It is at all times difficult to obtain reliable information as to vaccination
in private practice. I trust, however, that this will be obviated in
the future, as the Yaccination Acts of 1860-71 are now in full operation,
and are being vigorously carried out by the Vaccination Officer appointed
by the Guardians of the Parish.
In hospitals, statistics are more readily attainable, as will be seen from
the following extracts from the Report of the Committee appointed on the
1st June, to collate and report upon the Returns obtained from the several
Hospitals, with regard to the cases of Small Pox treated therein:—
"It will be seen that 11,174 cases reported as vaccinated have been treated, of
which 6169 were males, and 5005 females; that 3634 unvaccinated cases
have been treated, of which 1884 were males, and 1750 females; and that
the rate of mortality in vaccinated cases has been 10.15 per cent., and in
unvaccinated cases 44.80; the percentage in both classes being higher in the
male than in the female cases.
"The mortality, which in unvaccinated cases was no less than 47.5 per cent., and
in badly vaccinated cases 25 per cent., varied in well vaccinated cases from
5.3 in those shewing one good mark, to l.l in those shewing four or more
good marks; and that of the total of 420 well vaccinated cases under 15
years of age, the death rate was only 0.47 per cent., giving a comparative
immunity from fatal results."
My experience shews me that, in this disease, there is more concealment
than in any other; for in Cholera, the people become so frightened,
that they will give early information, and hence the statistics of that
disease are more exact and reliable. But here the parents or friends do
not like to let it be known that this terrible scourge is amongst them ;
and, in many cases, whole families have been attacked, and would not
have any regular medical attendance, for fear some of them should be sent
to the hospital; and, in many instances, it was not until a death took
place, that the state of things became known. Tradesmen, if it existed
in their houses, would seldom let it be known, for fear of losing their
customers. Pew medical men sent in returns, lest they should offend