View report page

21
garden space at the back of a house compatible with adequate ventilation
cannot be taken at less than the area of the elevation.
In the next rank are classed Lung Diseases, comprising mostly
chronic affections distinct from inflammations. Under this head are
ranged 79 deaths. Scarlatina was fatal to 71 persons. In 1860 the
deaths from this cause were 73; and in 1859, 185. Measles was fatal
to 56 persons, as compared with 90 in 1860, and with 39 in 1859. The
causative connection between scarlatina and measles, and sewage-poison
in an aerial form, is a subject concerning which, I have been gradually
led to form an increasingly confident opinion. It is very satisfactory
to observe that notwithstanding the growing concentration of the
population these diseases do not increase in fatality.
68 deaths were the result of premature birth; and 11 more of malformations
incompatible with life.
62 deaths were traced to violence in various forms, exclusive of 3
cases of poisoning; and of 10 of drowning. Most of these cases were
the subjects of Coroners' inquests.
135 persons died from the effects of various local disorders of the
stomach, liver, kidneys, or other organs.
7 deaths are attributed to alcoholic poisoning; but these are very
far indeed from representing the disease and mortality which the
medical practitioner would trace to the habit of indulgence in spirituous
and fermented liquors. Very many of the diseases of the brain, lungs,
liver, and kidneys take their origin from this source.
The cases of death from Small-Pox were 12. In 1859, the number
was 87; in 1860, 23. We are now in a period of decline of this disease.
It appears to have its periods of rise and fall. During the intervals of
remission, there is a gradual accumulation of subjects susceptible to the
disease, who will take it the moment they are exposed to the contagion.
Accordingly when a certain amount of fuel for the contagion has been
collected, the disease spreads until the fuel is exhausted. I do not
regard the low number of the deaths from small-pox during last year as
affording particular cause for congratulation. There are no grounds for
concluding that any great advance has been made of late years in extending
the protection of Vaccination. The returns relating to this subject,