Chicago was in 1880, when it caused 8.89 per cent. of total mortality. In October, 1895, there were 240 deaths from this disease. The epidemic increased to such an extent that the services of a corps of antitoxin specialists were secured and Dr. E. P. MURDOCK was placed in charge. The result was immediate. In November there were only 201 deaths from this disease, and in December, which as a rule furnishes the largest death rate, it had been reduced to 173. This work was continued through 1896, preventing the usual rise in mortality rate from this cause, there being but 116 in October as against 240 of the preceding year. TYPHOID FEVER. -The average number of deaths from typhoid to total mortality for 40 years is 3.46 per cent. For the last 10 years, 3.48; for the first half of last decade, 3.86; for the last half of last decade, 3.11. This is a decided improvement over 1891 when this disease constituted 7.20 per cent. of total mortality. That the DEPARTMENT has safeguarded the city against the most common source of this infection, namely, its water supply, is shown by the above figures. By faithfully following the system begun by COMMISSIONER REYNOLDS in 1893, of taking samples of water for analysis from each source of supply at short intervals and notifying the public when it was safe, usable or dangerous, the mortality rate from this disease has been reduced almost one-half. This is not alone true of typhoid fever, for all diarrheal diseases show a similar reduction. There has been no smallpox since October, 1895, owing to the wholesale vaccination begun by COMMISSIONER REYNOLDS in April, 1893. Since the regulation of midwives the mortality from puerperal fever has been materially reduced. In short, all diseases the virulence of which is increased. by unsanitary conditions have diminished during the past few years, as shown by the accompanying tables and diagrams prepared by Dr. C. ST. C. DRAKE, Assistant to the Registrar. 26 Chi mo dist ser Dr. wa: fro the WO in Oc tyl the for pro cer gu inf fig MI for an da: rec fe. the in mc In by fe pr |