182 MESSRS. RANSOME AND VERNON ON THE INFLUENCE 



An apparent exception to the rule which we have 

 hitherto noted now takes place. From May ^th the 

 disease-curve begins on the whole to rise, while the degree 

 of humidity with great fluctuations seems to descend until 

 the middle of June (as in the preceding year the secondary 

 undulations corresponding with those of the disease). At 

 the same time, however, it must be noticed that the mean 

 temperature in the beginning of May is very low (46° or 

 6° below the average), and it does not rise materially until 

 the week ending June 5. 



For a fortnight after this date the temperature rises, 

 and remains very high [6^°), nearly 10° above the average, 

 while the number of cases diminishes during the same 

 time. 



From June 2.6th the humidity and disease curves on the 

 whole rise until October 23; but from July 10 to July 24 

 the degree of humidity falls as the disease curve rises ; 

 and here again we may perhaps trace the disturbing influ- 

 ence of temperature, the week ending July 10^^ having a 

 a mean temperature of ^S'^" (6° below the average). 



In the week ending August yth the disease-curve rises 

 very rapidly (sixty cases), while the degree of humidity 

 remains low; but the preceding week the mean tempera- 

 ture has been 2'^° below the average. 



During the four following weeks the variations in tem- 

 perature would seem to have the chief influence upon the 

 disease, the rise and fall of the fluctuations of temperature 

 and scarlatina supplementing one another very closely. 



In the week ending September 4, the barometer is very 

 low, and the following week the degree of humidity rises 

 considerably, while the temperature remains stationary, 

 but there is a rapid rise in the disease curve. 



The number of cases again falls greatly in the week 

 ending September 18, probably from the action of the 

 unusual heat, the temperature rising to 63*5° (6-^° above 



