[Factors and conditions of mortality between 1800 and 1930: hygiene, health, and environment. The situation in Italy].

The author reviews the literature and examines medical, hygienic, and nutritional factors affecting mortality in Italy before and after the initiation of the modern decline in mortality. He also discusses trends toward lower mortality in the period following the uniting of the country in 1860, the continuation of geographic differences, and possible interpretive hypotheses.