Continued.

40 to 50. 50 to 60. 60 to 70. 70 to 80. 80 to 90. 90 to 100 100 and Not Re

Over. ported.

M. F. M. F. M. F. M. F. M. F. M. F. M. F. M. F.

Males.

4132

335

5

22437

6

2.

3

22

22

2

82

594

222

184

2,384

1,247

3,392

529

594

222

119

8,368 7,813 16,181

MALARIAL FEVERS.

In this class we have placed congestive chill, catarrhal, congestive, intermittent, remittent and malarial fevers. The total number of deaths caused by these within the year is 257, the greatest number of which occurred in the months of August, September and October. The vital statistics collected during the five years' existence of this Board shows that the number of deaths from this class of febrile disturbances is gradually growing less. Undoubtedly the cause of this is due to the improved drainage and cultivation of our land and the improved sanitary condition of our towns and cities.

DIARRHEAL DISEASES.

In this group have been placed cholera infantum, cholera morbus, diarrhoea, dysentery and entero-colitis. The whole number of deaths caused by this class of enteric diseases is 1,304. The greatest number, 959, or 73.61 per cent. of the whole, died in the months of July, August and September. The disease attended with the greatest fatality was cholera infantum, which caused 758 deaths; 582, or 76.78 per cent., were under one year of age. Unsanitary conditions of homes, depressing influences of warm weather, improper clothing, want of cleanliness, crowd poison, drinking polluted water, and eating tainted and unwholesome food are the principal causes which develop this class of diseases. There is no doubt but that the prevalence and mortality of these diseases can be materially lessened by strict observance of sanitary and hygienic laws.

ACUTE LUNG DISEASES.

The mortality from these diseases is as follows: bronchitis, 326; congestion of lungs, 146; pleurisy, 19; pneumonitis, 1,290; pleuro-pneumonia, 13; typhoid-pneumonia, 63; bronchopneumonia, 9; influenza, 1. Total, 1,867. The greatest number of deaths occurred in the months of February, March and April, and the least number in the months of June, July and August. There were 438 more deaths reported from this class of diseases this year than during the previous one; however, when this number is compared with the total number of deaths

from all causes, it will not show that the mortality from this class is on the increase, as there were reported nearly 2,000 more deaths from all causes this year than last year. The large number of deaths from bronchitis and pneumonia was due, undoubtedly, to the fact that within the year measles prevailed in an epidemic form in nearly every county of the State, and as these acute lung affections frequently follow this disease after slight exposure, it is fair to presume that its extensive prevalence played an important part in their development.

DIPHTHERIA.

Within the year this disease caused 525 deaths, an increased mortality from this disease of 133 when compared with that of the preceding year. Three hundred and ten, or more than onehalf the deaths, occurred in the months of October, November, December and January. A large per cent. of the deceased were under ten years of age, showing it to be a fact that the young are particularly susceptible to the influence of the specific poison of this disease. The aged, however, are not exempt from it. It is both a contagious and infectious disease, with a material cause which has never been clearly defined. The result of recent investigations tend to prove that it is a specific disease caused by specific organisms (micrococci). Whether they are the true source of the disease remains to be demonstrated. Moisture aids its spread and increases its malignancy, prevailing more frequently and with greater fatality in neighborhoods that are damp and chilly, its dissemination being aided by filthy water and contaminated air. Local unsanitary conditions and surroundings, poor ventilation, crowd poison, defective sewerage, and the presence of decaying animal and vegetable matter contribute largely to its propagation. That each case is an infectious center, from which the disease may spread, should be recognized by all.

As the emanations from the body of a person who has died with the disease are poisonous and dangerous, the funeral, under all circumstances, should be strictly private, and a public one should never be tolerated. In regard to the prevention of the spread of diphtheria, we refer the reader to the preventable disease circular published in this report.

CROUP.

Last year the number of deaths reported from this disease was 327, 113 more than were registered the previous year. In examining the statistics of the State for the past five years, it will be seen that whenever there has been an increased number of deaths from diphtheria there has always been a corresponding increase in the death rate from croup. This is a circumstance which tends to prove the theory advanced by many that they are one and the same disease.

SCARLET FEVER.

The total number of deaths registered within the year, from this disease, was 178, a decrease of 91 when compared with the previous year. It is to be hoped that the people, and some individuals who are engaged in the practice of medicine, will learn that scarlet fever, scarlatina, scarlet and canker rash, are different names for the same disease, and the mildest case is capable of communicating the disease in its severest form. Scarlet fever is the only name that should be used, for so many names only tend to confusion.

It is pleasing to be able to say that the people understand that the spread of this disease can be prevented by the observance of proper precautions, such as isolation, proper care, and the judicious use of disinfectants.

TYPHOID FEVER.

Within the year there were 720 deaths reported from this disease, an increased number over the previous year of 121. This increase was to be expected from the fact that last summer was very warm and dry. The water in wells in various parts of the State became exhausted, and in others very low. The people in many localities were obliged to go miles for their water supply. Under such circumstances, it was almost impossible to secure pure water. Owing to this condition of things and the fact that polluted water is one of the prime factors in its development, it is a wonder that the increased mortality from this disease was not much larger. It is an infectious, specific, zymotic disease, with a specific poison contained in the discharges of the sick, which when introduced into the body of