tself. The
mortality from cancer in the state of New York, in 1912, amounted to
8,234; in England, the number of those who perished from the disease
in 1911 was nearly 36,000. By what figure must we multiply this
mortality in order to ascertain the number of persons living who have
been affected, or who now are suffering from cancer? Nobody knows.
What has been the success of surgery in securing immunity from a
recurrence of the disease? So far as the entire country is concerned,
we are entirely ignorant. Is it true that among the class of people
in such cities as Chicago, where cancerous animals are used for food,
cancer is especially prevalent year after year? If true, it should be
fully known. Such facts must be ascertained, if ever we are to
penetrate the secret of the dissease. Even the number of victims of
each sex is not given in the mortality reports of the state of New
York at the present day.

Let us suppose that the time comes, when with a realization of peril
pertaining to ignorance, public sentiment shall urge the attainment of
knowledge concerning cancer as it now affects the general population.
In what way is information of this character to be secured? Assuredly
not by any of the ordinary census methods, implying publicity. The
only practicable enumeration would be one conducted privately, by
members of the medical profession. Nor can it be done
parsimoniously. In the state of New York, there may be, to-day,
50,000 cases of malignant disease. To have every case, completely
reported, might cost the state half a million dollars. Perhaps even
the patient should be compensated. Certainly some method could be
adopted whereby the reports should be absolutely confidential, the
patient being known only by a number. But all this is of minor
consequence. When the necessity of the inquiry is everywhere
recognized, the details pertaining to accomplishment will be easily
arranged.

Assuming the willingness of patients and friends to assist in making a
State-wide inquiry concerning the prevalence of malignant disease, let
us see in what directions the investigation will be conducted.

FIRST. After securing the name, age, and place of birth of each
individual sufferer, and the particulars which would suggest
themselves to every physician or surgeon, inquiry should be made
concerning the parents; the names, nationality, religious faith, place
and date and cause of death. Especially should inquiry be m