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BRISTOL GENERAL HOSPITAL.
92
by
THE Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh having, "hall-mark" which was put on the Members of the Irish the generosity of his Excellency Dr. Robert Halliday College of Physicians and on the Fellows of the Royal of Surgeons of Ireland after they had passed their College institute enabled to a Triennial Prize of Gunning, been honours examinations was as reliable evidence of the genuine£100 called " The Liston Victoria Jubilee Prize," open to ness of the article, as that afforded by the mark of the corall Fellows and Licentiates of the College for the greatest responding London Colleges. There could not possibly be benefit done to Practical Surgery by any of these during the a more severe test of the highest surgical attainments than triennial period, appointed a special committee for the ad- that to which all Fellows of the Irish Colleges were subHe would gladly submit the question with regard judication of the prize for the triennial period prior to June jected. to this to a jury of medical men selected in any way the 20th, 1890, and the same was awarded to Robert Lawson monopolists might choose. He had elicited the opinions of Tait, Birmingham, a Licentiate and Fellow of the College. some 200 medical men holding appointments on the honorary staffs of all hospitals with fifty beds and upwards in the twelve Western and West Midland Counties. An analysis of the THE Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh is to be replies showed a percentage of 78 in favour of the abolition represented at the Tenth International Medical Congress in of the monopoly now existing, the remaining 22 per cent. Berlin by Dr. Grainger Stewart, physician to Her Majesty being largely made up of replies from the holders of the Queen in Scotland, Professor of Practice of Physic and appointments in Bristol. It was a striking fact, however, that on his side were ranged the whole of the consulting of Clinical Medicine in the University, President of the staff of that hospital, and that these were supported by College; by Dr. Batty Tuke, Lecturer on Insanity in the such men as Professor Humphry, FRS, Sir Thomas Edinburgh Medical School, member of the General Medical Crawford, K C.B., Professor MacAlister, F.R S., and a Council; and by Dr. G. A. Gibson, Lecturer on the Practice host of other men occupying the highest positions in their of Medicine in the Edinburgh Medical School, secretary to profession. Mr. HERBERT THOMAS, J.P., as an old governor, seconded the College. the resolution, and said that even if the examinations for the diplomas were more advanced in London than in THE sixty-third meeting of German Naturalists and Phy- Edinburgh and Dublin-which seemed unlikely,-the sicians will be held at Bremen from Sept. 15th to the 20th. governors, who, like himself, were not members of the The last occasion when that learned body met there wa.s in medical profession, ought to hetitate before they determined to keep the door shut against men of the highest capacity, 1884, but since that year it has largely increased in number, because they had not obtained merely a particular diploma. and now as many as 1000 members have sent in their names Dr. SEERRITT opposed the changing of the rule. He said The organising that in the counties to which Mr. Stewart had sent his as intending to be present on Sept. 15th. committee, meanwhile, aided by the Municipality, are circular there was only one town with a medical school taking every step to make the meeting as successful as the besides the Bristol one. Only in Exeter and Birmingham were the hospitals as large as at Bristol, and small institubest of its predecessors. tions found it impossible to attain to the same degree of in work as an institution like the Bristol General THE Italian War Office has issued the sanitary returns oi accuracy The question Mr. Stewart ought to ask was Hospital. the army for 1888, according to which the proportion of men whether they considered the Irish and Scotch Fellowships on the sick list was 732 per 1000 of the force-that is to say, equal in value to the English. He (Dr. Skerritt) never had 28 per 1000 less than in 1887. The mean mortality was heard it asserted that either of these Colleges was equal in 8-7 per 1000, as in 1887. The loss to the effective force ori reputation to the English one. As to the degree of M.Cb.,. there was no special surgical examination for it at any account of sickness amounted to 14 per 1000-in other words, Scotch College beyond that for the M.B. It was simply 1-6 per 1000 less than in 1887. picked up by any M.B. who chose to pay the additional fee. He thought Mr. Stewart had overweighted his vessel by THE Italian Government has ordered that only medical taking on board the Scotch Colleges. Mr. HENRY NAISH said that with two exceptions the men shall henceforth be entitled to practise dentistry anc House Committee were agreed that there should be no bloodletting-an order which will interfere with the prac alteration in the present rule, which had been in force for tice of a large number of quacks, and which is therefor( four years, and the acting staff had not complained in any way of its not working well. looked upon with satisfaction in medical circles. Dr. H. MARSHALL said the qualification under which had been appointed to the staff was the Scotch which he would not exchange for any others in. the kingdom. In a document issued by the Committee it. BRISTOL GENERAL HOSPITAL. was stated that it was admitted in the medical profession that the reputation of the English Colleges stands higher MONOPOLY OF HOSPITAL APPOINTMENTS. than that of the Irish and Scotch. This statement was A SPECIAL general board of governors of the above hos- not correct. He gave the London College credit for impital was held on Wednesday last (Alderman Proctor provements they had recently effected, but it was not the College which bad made advances in accordance with Baker, J.P., in the chair), in accordance with an infiaentially only medical opinion. The Edinburgh College of Surgeons had signed requisition to consider proposals to alter the rules as its Fellowship for the last ten years only after granted regards qualification for admission to the hospital staff. a severe examination,—so severe that only three of the last There was a very large attendance. candidates passed. ,, twelve Mr. JAMES STEWART, F.R.C.P. Edin., as a governor The Rev. CHARLES GRIFFITHS said that as most of the hospital, moved the first resolution : "That the onicestheir students went in for London diplomas they ought of physician and physician-accoucheur should be opl’n to1to have as teachers in the medical school diplomates of Fellows or Members (by examination) of all three Royal. London Colleges. When the challenge of THE LANCET was Colleges of Physicians as well as graduates in medi- taken up, and the Edinburgh and Dublin Colleges proved cine of any University in Great Britain or Ireland ;; that their diplomas had a argnificance, as tests of superior that the offices of surgeon and ophthalmic surgeon shouldl attainments equal to the London Fellowship, it would be be open to Fellows(by examination) of the three Royaltime enough for the hospital to throw the appointments Colleges of Surgeons as well as to Masters of Surgery of aopen to their graduates. University in Great Britain or Ireland." He pointed outMr. G. H. WOLLASTON quoted from a letter he had received that the change suggested would put the various Colleges3 from Professor Humplny of Cambridge, in which that high on an equal footing as regards honorary appointments. He’ authority said that there was no reason why the posts on had been specially deputed by the Irish Colleges to) the hospital staff should not be open to the Fellows of the repudiate emphatically the insinuation that their higherr Scotch and Irish as well as to those of the London Colleges. Mr. R. W. CoE, F. R. C. S., said that this was a question diplomas were granted after examinations inferior to) those to which the London Colleges submitted candi- of injustice to a large body of men. As a London Fellow, dates, and challenged any proof to the contrary. The ,he said deliberately that the Fellowship examinations in -
higher
-
he
diplomas,
of
-
’
93 Scotland and Ireland were quite as stringent as those in England, and on this point he invited the opinion of those holding the highest positions in the surgical world. What better opinion on such a point could they have than that of Professor Humphry ? He had written in a letter he LOCAL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT. (the speaker) received from him lately that "such exclusiveness tends. to foster ill-feeling between members of the profession in different parts of the kingdom." General opinion REPORTS OF MEDICAL OFFICERS OF HEALTH. was opposed to such exclusiveness, which was a form of Surbiton Urban District -It is somewhat difficult to boycotting of the worst kind, with the result that the estimate the population of Surbiton, but on the assumption holders of qualifications equal to London ones, and with that it is 11,000, the general death-rate for 1889 would be intellects as capable, were much under-estimated. 9’09 per 1000, and the total amount of zymotic death is Dr. J. G. SwAYNE maintained that the Iiish Fellowship made up of one fatal case of measles and one of diphtheria. Examination was a superior test of surgical skill to the The sewage, as such, is now withdrawn from the Thames, corresponding English qualification. but after treatment the resulting fluid is as a Mr. W. Pethick, Sir George Edwards, J.P., and Mr. W. harmless effluent, which passes into the regarded The stream. M. Webb having spoken in favour of the alteration, the notification system has brought to the fore the need for a Board divided, and the resolution was lost by a large hospital, and it is now suggested that some arrangement should be made to secure admission of Surbiton cases into majority. the hospital, which some years ago the rural authority had the foresight to persist in erecting, and this notwithstanding THE NEW FRENCH HOSPITAL. opposition, some of which came from Surbiton itself. The suggestion is, however, a very proper one; indeed, united THIS hospital, which was opened by the French Ambassa- action should have taken place from the first. Dr. Coleman dor on the 3rd inst., is situated at the northern end of appends to his report a summary showing that systematic work is maintained. Shaftesbury-avenue, and will doubtless prove a great boon sanitary Brigg Rural District -Mr. J. B. Moxon records Glanford to many of the poor French inhabitants of this city. The a death-rate of16 per 1000 for this district, and almost for building occupies a piece of land extending from Shaftes- the first time he is able to say that both the general mortality and the infant mortality were lower in the ironbury-avenue to St. Martin’s-lane,the main entrance being stone villages than in the agricultural areas. This, lie conin the former and the out-patients’ entrance in the latter is a matter for satisfaction. In this we entirely agree tends, thoroughfare. The accommodation is for sixty patients, if it is the result of permanent sanitary improvements which and is intended for every class of case. It was not possi- have been effected in these ironstone villages. Sewerage ble on such a small plot of land to erect a model building, works are, however, sadly needed in some localities, notably but nevertheless great praise is due to the architect and at Barrow and New Holland. Phthisis is less frequent than committee for the ingenious manner in which so limited a formerly, this result having ensued on the completion of space has been turned to account. On the ground floor drainage works, and the drainage of other villages is in pro.are the offices, committee room, operating room, and a gress or contemplation. Malton Urban District.-The general death-rate during ward for casualties. On the first floor are wards for was 16 per 1000, and the zymotic rate was 1’9 per 1000. women, including a small children’s ward and a maternity ward. The second floor is for male patients. On The report is largely statistical, but amongst other matters the third floor are more wards, together with the referred to it is stated that skilled advice will be sought to house-surgeon’s quarters, and a small room which is to be remedy the present discoloured state of the public water used as a chapel for the ’’ sisters " in charge. There is a service. Dr. Wm. Young also refers to certain occurrences ismoking-room for the men, having a balcony overlooking of disease, and to his systematic work. Malton Rural District.--It is not quite clear in this rethe street, and a library is being formed for the use of the patients. The mortuary is placed at the very top of the port what the Malton rural district consists of, for though building, and the kitchens are in the basement. A lift goes the report deals professedly with that district, it proceeds from the bottom to the top of the building, and the heating to divide the area reported on into five districts, of which .arrangements appear to be excellent. There is an ample the " Malton rural district" is only one. But assuming supply of baths, and the various sanitary appliances seem that the so-called combined districts are merely registration to be of a good type. The wards are all of them quite districts, all within the Malton rural sanitary district, we small, containing on an average about four beds each. have a death-rate during 1889 of 12 per 1000, and a zymotic .Most of them are supplied with a small gas cooking-stove, rate of 1 3 per 1000. The details as to sanitary work given which cannot fail to afford great comfort and convenience. by Dr. W. Young, whilst of local value, present no features The committee have wisely placed this building in close of general interest. Crickhowell Rz6ral District.-Mr. Philip E. Hill, in reproximity to the French quarter of the town, and we do not - doubt that the new hospital will have a career of great and porting once again on the Crickhowell rural district, is able to refer to a diminished death-rate, and to assign it to beneficent utility. On Saturday last a grande fete Française took place at improvements effected in sanitary works, such as extended the French Exhibition, in aid of the funds of this hospital. drainage. The several causes of diseases in the district are The fête was opened at two o’clock by the French Ambas- dealt with in detail, and it is shown that the spread of the sador, M. Waddington, and some very special attractions infectious fevers was kept in check by such measures as school-closure in the case of measles. The Cwmbeth brook were provided for the occasion, chief amongst which was the visit to the Exhibition of the band of the Republican Guard, causes grave nuisance, and it is clear that the sanitary .consisting of eighty performers, who in the afternoon and authority will make serious default unless they deal with evening discoursed admirable music. Charity stalls were the matter by providing proper means of disposing of the doing a brisk trade for the benefit of the hospital, and sewage which now fouls the stream. Amongst other ladies did their utmost to tempt the visitors to expend matters to which attention is drawn is the serious nuisance something on behalf of this beneficent purpose. In the arising from the defecth e midden-privy system.
Public Health and Poor
Law.
____________
1889
the grounds were beautifully illuminated, and as the result of the fête the funds of the hospital must have
.evening
’been considerably augmented.
CATERHAM IMBECILE ASYLUM.—The annual visit of the managers of the Metropolitan Asylums Board to -this institution was made on Saturday last. This establishment, which is the largest of its kind, provides for over 2000 harmless pauper lunatics, the average cost of the maintenance of each inmate being less than 4s. a week. The asylum, which is under the care of Mr. Elliot, appears to be excellently managed.
VITAL STATISTICS. HEALTH OF ENGLISH TOWNS.
IN twenty-eight of the largest English towns 5553 births and 3236 deaths were registered during the week ending July 5th. The annual rate of mortality in these towns, which had been 17’9 and 16 -9 per 1000 in the preceding two weeks, rose again last week to 17 ’4. The rate was 17’5 in London and 17’3 in the twenty-seven provincial towns. During the thirteen weeks of the quarter ending
by
THE Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh having, "hall-mark" which was put on the Members of the Irish the generosity of his Excellency Dr. Robert Halliday College of Physicians and on the Fellows of the Royal of Surgeons of Ireland after they had passed their College institute enabled to a Triennial Prize of Gunning, been honours examinations was as reliable evidence of the genuine£100 called " The Liston Victoria Jubilee Prize," open to ness of the article, as that afforded by the mark of the corall Fellows and Licentiates of the College for the greatest responding London Colleges. There could not possibly be benefit done to Practical Surgery by any of these during the a more severe test of the highest surgical attainments than triennial period, appointed a special committee for the ad- that to which all Fellows of the Irish Colleges were subHe would gladly submit the question with regard judication of the prize for the triennial period prior to June jected. to this to a jury of medical men selected in any way the 20th, 1890, and the same was awarded to Robert Lawson monopolists might choose. He had elicited the opinions of Tait, Birmingham, a Licentiate and Fellow of the College. some 200 medical men holding appointments on the honorary staffs of all hospitals with fifty beds and upwards in the twelve Western and West Midland Counties. An analysis of the THE Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh is to be replies showed a percentage of 78 in favour of the abolition represented at the Tenth International Medical Congress in of the monopoly now existing, the remaining 22 per cent. Berlin by Dr. Grainger Stewart, physician to Her Majesty being largely made up of replies from the holders of the Queen in Scotland, Professor of Practice of Physic and appointments in Bristol. It was a striking fact, however, that on his side were ranged the whole of the consulting of Clinical Medicine in the University, President of the staff of that hospital, and that these were supported by College; by Dr. Batty Tuke, Lecturer on Insanity in the such men as Professor Humphry, FRS, Sir Thomas Edinburgh Medical School, member of the General Medical Crawford, K C.B., Professor MacAlister, F.R S., and a Council; and by Dr. G. A. Gibson, Lecturer on the Practice host of other men occupying the highest positions in their of Medicine in the Edinburgh Medical School, secretary to profession. Mr. HERBERT THOMAS, J.P., as an old governor, seconded the College. the resolution, and said that even if the examinations for the diplomas were more advanced in London than in THE sixty-third meeting of German Naturalists and Phy- Edinburgh and Dublin-which seemed unlikely,-the sicians will be held at Bremen from Sept. 15th to the 20th. governors, who, like himself, were not members of the The last occasion when that learned body met there wa.s in medical profession, ought to hetitate before they determined to keep the door shut against men of the highest capacity, 1884, but since that year it has largely increased in number, because they had not obtained merely a particular diploma. and now as many as 1000 members have sent in their names Dr. SEERRITT opposed the changing of the rule. He said The organising that in the counties to which Mr. Stewart had sent his as intending to be present on Sept. 15th. committee, meanwhile, aided by the Municipality, are circular there was only one town with a medical school taking every step to make the meeting as successful as the besides the Bristol one. Only in Exeter and Birmingham were the hospitals as large as at Bristol, and small institubest of its predecessors. tions found it impossible to attain to the same degree of in work as an institution like the Bristol General THE Italian War Office has issued the sanitary returns oi accuracy The question Mr. Stewart ought to ask was Hospital. the army for 1888, according to which the proportion of men whether they considered the Irish and Scotch Fellowships on the sick list was 732 per 1000 of the force-that is to say, equal in value to the English. He (Dr. Skerritt) never had 28 per 1000 less than in 1887. The mean mortality was heard it asserted that either of these Colleges was equal in 8-7 per 1000, as in 1887. The loss to the effective force ori reputation to the English one. As to the degree of M.Cb.,. there was no special surgical examination for it at any account of sickness amounted to 14 per 1000-in other words, Scotch College beyond that for the M.B. It was simply 1-6 per 1000 less than in 1887. picked up by any M.B. who chose to pay the additional fee. He thought Mr. Stewart had overweighted his vessel by THE Italian Government has ordered that only medical taking on board the Scotch Colleges. Mr. HENRY NAISH said that with two exceptions the men shall henceforth be entitled to practise dentistry anc House Committee were agreed that there should be no bloodletting-an order which will interfere with the prac alteration in the present rule, which had been in force for tice of a large number of quacks, and which is therefor( four years, and the acting staff had not complained in any way of its not working well. looked upon with satisfaction in medical circles. Dr. H. MARSHALL said the qualification under which had been appointed to the staff was the Scotch which he would not exchange for any others in. the kingdom. In a document issued by the Committee it. BRISTOL GENERAL HOSPITAL. was stated that it was admitted in the medical profession that the reputation of the English Colleges stands higher MONOPOLY OF HOSPITAL APPOINTMENTS. than that of the Irish and Scotch. This statement was A SPECIAL general board of governors of the above hos- not correct. He gave the London College credit for impital was held on Wednesday last (Alderman Proctor provements they had recently effected, but it was not the College which bad made advances in accordance with Baker, J.P., in the chair), in accordance with an infiaentially only medical opinion. The Edinburgh College of Surgeons had signed requisition to consider proposals to alter the rules as its Fellowship for the last ten years only after granted regards qualification for admission to the hospital staff. a severe examination,—so severe that only three of the last There was a very large attendance. candidates passed. ,, twelve Mr. JAMES STEWART, F.R.C.P. Edin., as a governor The Rev. CHARLES GRIFFITHS said that as most of the hospital, moved the first resolution : "That the onicestheir students went in for London diplomas they ought of physician and physician-accoucheur should be opl’n to1to have as teachers in the medical school diplomates of Fellows or Members (by examination) of all three Royal. London Colleges. When the challenge of THE LANCET was Colleges of Physicians as well as graduates in medi- taken up, and the Edinburgh and Dublin Colleges proved cine of any University in Great Britain or Ireland ;; that their diplomas had a argnificance, as tests of superior that the offices of surgeon and ophthalmic surgeon shouldl attainments equal to the London Fellowship, it would be be open to Fellows(by examination) of the three Royaltime enough for the hospital to throw the appointments Colleges of Surgeons as well as to Masters of Surgery of aopen to their graduates. University in Great Britain or Ireland." He pointed outMr. G. H. WOLLASTON quoted from a letter he had received that the change suggested would put the various Colleges3 from Professor Humplny of Cambridge, in which that high on an equal footing as regards honorary appointments. He’ authority said that there was no reason why the posts on had been specially deputed by the Irish Colleges to) the hospital staff should not be open to the Fellows of the repudiate emphatically the insinuation that their higherr Scotch and Irish as well as to those of the London Colleges. Mr. R. W. CoE, F. R. C. S., said that this was a question diplomas were granted after examinations inferior to) those to which the London Colleges submitted candi- of injustice to a large body of men. As a London Fellow, dates, and challenged any proof to the contrary. The ,he said deliberately that the Fellowship examinations in -
higher
-
he
diplomas,
of
-
’
93 Scotland and Ireland were quite as stringent as those in England, and on this point he invited the opinion of those holding the highest positions in the surgical world. What better opinion on such a point could they have than that of Professor Humphry ? He had written in a letter he LOCAL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT. (the speaker) received from him lately that "such exclusiveness tends. to foster ill-feeling between members of the profession in different parts of the kingdom." General opinion REPORTS OF MEDICAL OFFICERS OF HEALTH. was opposed to such exclusiveness, which was a form of Surbiton Urban District -It is somewhat difficult to boycotting of the worst kind, with the result that the estimate the population of Surbiton, but on the assumption holders of qualifications equal to London ones, and with that it is 11,000, the general death-rate for 1889 would be intellects as capable, were much under-estimated. 9’09 per 1000, and the total amount of zymotic death is Dr. J. G. SwAYNE maintained that the Iiish Fellowship made up of one fatal case of measles and one of diphtheria. Examination was a superior test of surgical skill to the The sewage, as such, is now withdrawn from the Thames, corresponding English qualification. but after treatment the resulting fluid is as a Mr. W. Pethick, Sir George Edwards, J.P., and Mr. W. harmless effluent, which passes into the regarded The stream. M. Webb having spoken in favour of the alteration, the notification system has brought to the fore the need for a Board divided, and the resolution was lost by a large hospital, and it is now suggested that some arrangement should be made to secure admission of Surbiton cases into majority. the hospital, which some years ago the rural authority had the foresight to persist in erecting, and this notwithstanding THE NEW FRENCH HOSPITAL. opposition, some of which came from Surbiton itself. The suggestion is, however, a very proper one; indeed, united THIS hospital, which was opened by the French Ambassa- action should have taken place from the first. Dr. Coleman dor on the 3rd inst., is situated at the northern end of appends to his report a summary showing that systematic work is maintained. Shaftesbury-avenue, and will doubtless prove a great boon sanitary Brigg Rural District -Mr. J. B. Moxon records Glanford to many of the poor French inhabitants of this city. The a death-rate of16 per 1000 for this district, and almost for building occupies a piece of land extending from Shaftes- the first time he is able to say that both the general mortality and the infant mortality were lower in the ironbury-avenue to St. Martin’s-lane,the main entrance being stone villages than in the agricultural areas. This, lie conin the former and the out-patients’ entrance in the latter is a matter for satisfaction. In this we entirely agree tends, thoroughfare. The accommodation is for sixty patients, if it is the result of permanent sanitary improvements which and is intended for every class of case. It was not possi- have been effected in these ironstone villages. Sewerage ble on such a small plot of land to erect a model building, works are, however, sadly needed in some localities, notably but nevertheless great praise is due to the architect and at Barrow and New Holland. Phthisis is less frequent than committee for the ingenious manner in which so limited a formerly, this result having ensued on the completion of space has been turned to account. On the ground floor drainage works, and the drainage of other villages is in pro.are the offices, committee room, operating room, and a gress or contemplation. Malton Urban District.-The general death-rate during ward for casualties. On the first floor are wards for was 16 per 1000, and the zymotic rate was 1’9 per 1000. women, including a small children’s ward and a maternity ward. The second floor is for male patients. On The report is largely statistical, but amongst other matters the third floor are more wards, together with the referred to it is stated that skilled advice will be sought to house-surgeon’s quarters, and a small room which is to be remedy the present discoloured state of the public water used as a chapel for the ’’ sisters " in charge. There is a service. Dr. Wm. Young also refers to certain occurrences ismoking-room for the men, having a balcony overlooking of disease, and to his systematic work. Malton Rural District.--It is not quite clear in this rethe street, and a library is being formed for the use of the patients. The mortuary is placed at the very top of the port what the Malton rural district consists of, for though building, and the kitchens are in the basement. A lift goes the report deals professedly with that district, it proceeds from the bottom to the top of the building, and the heating to divide the area reported on into five districts, of which .arrangements appear to be excellent. There is an ample the " Malton rural district" is only one. But assuming supply of baths, and the various sanitary appliances seem that the so-called combined districts are merely registration to be of a good type. The wards are all of them quite districts, all within the Malton rural sanitary district, we small, containing on an average about four beds each. have a death-rate during 1889 of 12 per 1000, and a zymotic .Most of them are supplied with a small gas cooking-stove, rate of 1 3 per 1000. The details as to sanitary work given which cannot fail to afford great comfort and convenience. by Dr. W. Young, whilst of local value, present no features The committee have wisely placed this building in close of general interest. Crickhowell Rz6ral District.-Mr. Philip E. Hill, in reproximity to the French quarter of the town, and we do not - doubt that the new hospital will have a career of great and porting once again on the Crickhowell rural district, is able to refer to a diminished death-rate, and to assign it to beneficent utility. On Saturday last a grande fete Française took place at improvements effected in sanitary works, such as extended the French Exhibition, in aid of the funds of this hospital. drainage. The several causes of diseases in the district are The fête was opened at two o’clock by the French Ambas- dealt with in detail, and it is shown that the spread of the sador, M. Waddington, and some very special attractions infectious fevers was kept in check by such measures as school-closure in the case of measles. The Cwmbeth brook were provided for the occasion, chief amongst which was the visit to the Exhibition of the band of the Republican Guard, causes grave nuisance, and it is clear that the sanitary .consisting of eighty performers, who in the afternoon and authority will make serious default unless they deal with evening discoursed admirable music. Charity stalls were the matter by providing proper means of disposing of the doing a brisk trade for the benefit of the hospital, and sewage which now fouls the stream. Amongst other ladies did their utmost to tempt the visitors to expend matters to which attention is drawn is the serious nuisance something on behalf of this beneficent purpose. In the arising from the defecth e midden-privy system.
Public Health and Poor
Law.
____________
1889
the grounds were beautifully illuminated, and as the result of the fête the funds of the hospital must have
.evening
’been considerably augmented.
CATERHAM IMBECILE ASYLUM.—The annual visit of the managers of the Metropolitan Asylums Board to -this institution was made on Saturday last. This establishment, which is the largest of its kind, provides for over 2000 harmless pauper lunatics, the average cost of the maintenance of each inmate being less than 4s. a week. The asylum, which is under the care of Mr. Elliot, appears to be excellently managed.
VITAL STATISTICS. HEALTH OF ENGLISH TOWNS.
IN twenty-eight of the largest English towns 5553 births and 3236 deaths were registered during the week ending July 5th. The annual rate of mortality in these towns, which had been 17’9 and 16 -9 per 1000 in the preceding two weeks, rose again last week to 17 ’4. The rate was 17’5 in London and 17’3 in the twenty-seven provincial towns. During the thirteen weeks of the quarter ending