38i 
the  interrupted  the  ages  of  those  admitted  with  hepatic  ascites.  It 
will  be  seen  on  comparison  that  this  disease  is  most  common  after 
twenty-five,  and  that  the  onset  of  ascites  is  generally  postponed  for 
five  or  more  years.  The  irregularity  of  the  fall  in  the  latter  group  is 
probably  due  to  the  difficulty  in  estimating  the  age,  as  native  patients 
are  quite  ignorant  on  this  point. 
Chart  Showing  Age  Incidence 
Age—  5  10  15  20  25  30  35  40  45  50  55  60— Age. 
Sex.  According  to  the  above  return  the  disease  is  equally 
prevalent  in  either  sex.  The  special  census  of  hospital  patients 
showed  a  decided  predominance  in  the  male  sections,  but  this  may 
be  explained  by  the  small  numbers  of  young  female  adults  admitted 
of  the  age  at  which  the  disease  is  most  common.  A  family  history 
was  rarely  obtainable,  but  little  reliance  can  be  placed  on  such 
statements,  which  only  special  village  investigation  can  establish  or 
disprove. 
Symptoms 
Although  in  its  later  stages  this  disease  presents  a  characteristic 
picture,  its  onset  is  unattended  by  any  constant  symptom  e.xcept  a 
slow  painless  enlargement  of  the  spleen.  Upon  examination  this 
