The physician s section contains the cause of death and duration. Many times, as in the case of immigrant children, the duration of the disease will be a few hours. No mention of the physician actually treating the decedent. There is no way to tell if the undertaker was called first, the physician or what the circumstances were. They contain highly questionable information.
Most c ontain a diagnosis made by a physician, with adequate medical knowledge of the times.
However, no contact with the deceased prior to death. The cause was based on a description of the symptoms by the family. Another form of certificate is a Coroners Report Of Death. Found in cases of suspicious, accidental, or violent deaths. An investigation into the circumstances of the death or inquest was normally held.