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Diphtheria rate in this district since 1890, and it places us
eighteenth on the list of the London districts as regards Diphtheria.

This satisfactory result has probably been due in part to the
general decline in Diphtheria throughout the London area, and in
part to the arrangements which were made and carried out by the
late Dr. Glaister:—
1. Doubtful and mild cases of Diphtheritic sore throat — which
were quite as infectious as severe Diphtheria—were
examined bacteriologically by the Jenner Institute of
Preventive Medicine at Chelsea. By this means mild
cases were detected and isolated. Thus, one of the most
subtle means of spreading the disease was averted.
2. Steam disinfection of the bedding, clothing, etc., in every
case of notifiable disease (except Erysipelas) was for the first
time established in this district. Whilst our own steam
disinfector was in course of construction, arrangements
were made with the Parish of St. Luke to do the necessary
work.
3. Recognizing that Clerkenwell was peculiar in having a
large number of houses ill-adapted for home nursing of
Diphtheria, special efforts were made to have cases
removed for treatment. The number of cases treated at
home in unsuitable houses was thus considerably
diminished.
In 1897 Dr. Glaister wrote: "It may be confidently anticipated
that their [these arrangements] effect will be evident in future
years." The effect is now apparent in the lowest Diphtheria deathrate
since 1890. We can only trust it will continue. As is now
generally recognised Diphtheria is spread most largely by
personal contact particularly among children. It is one of the
most difficult diseases to control, as it is caused by a germ, the life
history of which we do not fully know. The germ exists of course