VITALITY OF JEWS.

Evening Star, Issue 3735, 11 February 1875, Page 3

VITALITY OF JEWS.

A writer in the ‘ Philadelphia Reporter’ communicates, says the ‘ Medical Press and 1 Circular,’ several facts, which are worthy of consideration. He addressed letters of inquiry to all the prominent Jews in the United States, asking the question, “Do the Jews ever have consumption ?” From every quarter he received one reply—“ The disease is very rare among them,” The writer states that in extensive practice he never saw a single case of consumption among the Jews. Why this conipaiative immunity from this disease? Answer to this is made by quoting (1) tables of vital statistics made up from observations in the great centres of civilisation—England, Germany, France, &c. These tables revealed the following remarkable facts In the first five years of life, of 100 Jewish children, 12 die j of 100 Christian children, 21 die. Among 100 Christians, 28 attained to 50 years. Among 100 Jews, 5-1 attained to 50 years. Thirteen Christians in 100 attain 70 years, while out of 100 Jews, 27 attained 70 years. One quarter of all Christians attain only 6 years and 11 mouths. One quarter of all Jews attain 28 years and 3 months. (2.) In explanation of these facts, Dr Neufville gives the following facts ; There are no proletaries among the Jews, while one-tenth of the Christians live on charity. The difference between the Christian and Jewish merchants is strikingly pointed out by the tables before quoted. These show that among 100 merchants, ouchalf of tho Christians die before 67, while one-half of the Jews live until 67. Why this greater relative longevity, this greater immunity from disease, and tenacity of life among the Jews than among the Christians? Is it from their rigid adherence to articles of faith and the hygienic, sanitary, and dietetic regulations of their religion 1 The 1 Pacific Medical Journal’ remarks that a careful scientific inquiry into the cause of the above facts would be of incalculable benefit. If it should be thut obfcdteutte to physical aaU

other laws was the cause of the physical strength, &c., then we should learn how to rejuvenate consumptive and other regenerate classes.