TIIK CHARTS CHRONIC RHEUMATISM. 73 



rule will be specially noticed in their proper places. In regard to nativity, while no 

 very definite general rule can Ije laid down, in many cases the natives of wanner and 

 colder countries will be found to take position in the chart respectively on either side 

 of a mean, and the natives of English-speaking countries to occupy contiguous posi- 

 tions, or, as it were, range themselves side by side in the list ; the latter being notably 

 the case as regards disease considered as a whole, and illustrated by Chart XXIII. 



In the following comments on each chart or class of charts, it is intended to call 

 attention to the salient features — more particularly to departures from the general rules 

 already laid down — and not to propound or elaborate theories founded upon the results 

 obtained. It is hoped and believed that the valuable statistical matter of the tables will 

 be rendered easy of access and made interesting without great study by this plan ; and 

 that students of anthropology, even, may iind herein some missing links to the chain of 

 facts already in their possession, which will enable them to throw new light upon doubtful 

 or mooted questions. 



In the introductory remarks to the tables will be found explanations of a general 

 character touching the nomenclature, etc., which apply to the charts as well, and which, 

 together with the explanations just given, and the following comments, (which are given 

 as to classes and charts seriatim,) will enable thei-eader to draw his own conclusions. 



According to the order observed in the nomenclature of diseases adopted, (a some- 

 what critical view of which is given in the introduction to the tables,) chronic rheu- 

 matism was made the subject of the iirst chart ; not that it is the tirst disease on the list, 

 but because it is the first of such a character as to render its presentation or consideration 

 in the fomi of a chart desirable. Other diseases have been taken up in their order ; but 

 only those of importance, by reason of their frequent occurrence or general prevalence, 

 have been presented in this form. 



CHART I. 



CHRONIC RHEUMATISM. 



This chart illustrates the general rules, already laid down, in regard to social con- 

 dition, age, and height, but shows an exception, as regards complexion, which is the 

 only one to be found in the charts; although, in many diseases included in the tables, 

 such exceptions are by no means rare. The diseases, however, by which the men of 

 dark complexion were found to be affected, more than those of light, are in the main 

 those of an acute or inflammatory character, and of com]}aratively I'are occurrence. 



The very rapid increase of this disease with increase of age is especially noticeable, 

 and its regular iUj of increment is no less remarkable if we regard the decennial period 

 from twenty-five to thirty-five as a single step in advancement ; and this, it would 

 seem, is by no means an arbitrary apportionment, for such period may be said to cover 

 the highest flood and ebb, so to speak, in the tide of life — to be, in short, a period 

 during which man, in attaining the acme of his virility, most successfully resists the 

 attacks or inroads of disease. 



As to height, the constant increase of the disease witli increase of stature up to a 

 certain point is to be expected, as before explained, on account of an increase of height 

 10 



