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74
the value of vaccination, for I make bold to assert had
they in their infancy been vaccinated there is every
probability they would not have died from that disease.
The following facts will, I think, clearly show to
an unprejudiced mind the wonderful protective powers
of vaccination against small-pox.
In a communication addressed to me by Mr.
Herbert Goude, the Resident Surgeon of the Smallpox
and Vaccination Hospital, Higligate, he says :—
" During the past 50 years, of which alone I have the
records, no permanent official of the Hospital has ever
taken small-pox, even in a modified form. They are
re-vaccinated on entering upon their duties, unless
they bear unmistakable evidence of having had
small-pox. The only official who has contracted
small-pox in these 50 years Avas a temporary gardener
engaged in 1881; this man refused to be re-vaccinated,
took the disease and died."
How anybody in the face of such strong testimony
can ignore the blessings of vaccination, I am at a loss
to understand.
Measles. — There were 8 deaths from this disease,
against 27 of the previous year.
Scarlet Fever.—Only 1 death was due to this
complaint; the lowest number of the last seven years.
DIPHTHERIA.—From this malady 4 deaths were
recorded, 3 of which occurred in the Charing Cross
Hospital, and were those of non-parishioners.