BY R. M. JOHNSTON, F.L.S. 13 



lowering the intensity of any attack. Of course altitude and 

 other local circumstances may powerfully counteract the 

 c:eneral influences in some places ; but, nevertheless, speakinis: 

 in a broad way, it is apparent that the attacks of Typhoid 

 diminish in intensity in cither hemisphere in passini»' from the 

 equatorial to polar latitudes ; and just the reverse of this 

 happens in other diseases, such as Bronchitis. 



Therefore, the hygiene or healthiness as a whole of any one 

 locality cannot be properly estimated in contrast with any 

 other by a restricted reference to the intensity or otherwise of 

 any one particular form of disease. In making contrasts of 

 this kind between place and place, conclusions based npon any 

 single form of disease would to a certainty be very misleading 

 and unsatisfactory : the general effect of all forms of preven- 

 tible diseases is alone satisfactory and conclusive. 



In the three preceding tabular comparisons, which con- 

 clusively establish the fact that the present health condition of 

 Hobart has never been so good, and that it is preeminently one 

 of the most healthy cities in the world, every care has been 

 taken to make a particular and thorough contrast of all the 

 principal causes of preventible disease, and the results shown 

 are so obvious that even the most ignorant or the most sceptical 

 who gives the matter any attention cannot fail to be convinced 

 by them ; and that figures logically, carefully, and consistently 

 arrayed are most eloquent agents in support of truth, are not 

 in any way affected by the vulgar platitude that " figures may 

 be made to prove anything." But even figures cannot make 

 the false appear true unless they are mishandled. 



In this connection a curious ethical consideration presents 

 itself. Why is it that people who are specially noted for the 

 readiness with whicli they accept palpably crude and foolish 

 statements and opinions, without the slightest effort exerted to 

 test their truth, should also be the people who are most ready 

 to express the greatest mistrust of figures, and to strain at or 

 resist carefully reasoned conclusions if distasteful, even though 

 supported by the very best authority ? I do not, however, 

 anticipate that it can possibly be distasteful to anyone to 

 accept the conclusions regarding the healthful condition of 

 Hobart established in the preceding statements and tabular 

 comparisons. 



The inhabitants of this beautiful city, instead of using un- 

 reasoning expressions of discontent with their present local 

 condition, should indeed be grateful to God that there are few, 

 if any, cities of the world that enjoy such highly favourable 

 health conditions, and so genial a climate. Those who praise- 

 worthily endeavour to increase and maintain the good health of 



