Public Health and Medicine

In 1932 the general death-rate and that for several important diseases reached new low points; unemployment, however, seems to have caused an increase in mental and nervous disturbances, The work of local health departments and the social hygiene movements suffered serious losses. Important reports were issued by the Committee on the Costs of Medical Care and the Commission on Medical Education. Hospitals experienced a decrease of business, and showed increasing interest in group insurance. Nurses had a difficult time meeting urgent needs with decreased facilities. Progress in biological and chemical research appearedto continue unabated.