336 POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY. 



the geological construction of the region makes it very probable 

 that a disruption of the Austral tract took place before that of 

 the South American. 



Prof. Scott, in a review of the relationship of the southern 

 land masses (Science, February 28, 1896), thus states his position : 

 *' In conclusion, it may be observed that the facts of paleontology 

 may best be explained on the assumption that the antarctic land 

 mass has at one time or another been connected with Africa, 

 Australia, and South America, which formerly radiated from the 

 south pole as North America and Eurasia now do from the 

 north pole. While this seems a highly probable assumption, 

 much remains to be done before the history of the southern conti- 

 nents is as well known as that of the northern ones, and in par- 

 ticular many questions must remain open until the Tertiary mam- 

 mals of Africa and Australia shall have been recovered." 



This evidence from paleontology may thus be taken to strongly 

 supplement that which comes from the side of pure geology 

 evidence indicating a much further extension southward of the 

 South American continent, and of a former union between it and 

 a past and still partially existing Antarctica. 







CONSUMPTION AND CONSUMPTIVES. 



By WILLIAM L. EDSSELL, M. D. 



TEN or twelve years ago even the most advanced physicians 

 were not agreed that consumption belonged to the com- 

 municable diseases, and practically none took any steps to pre- 

 vent its spread from the sick to the well. In fact, there were 

 not a few who denied that it was ever contracted in this way. 

 Heredity, physical conformation, atmospheric and soil conditions 

 were regarded as the important factors, and all efforts were di- 

 rected to the study and control of these. To-day there is an entire 

 change of position. Communicability stands first in importance, 

 and there are few who deny that it is the essential factor in the 

 perpetuation of the disease. The most strenuous efforts now 

 being made against its ravages are based on the belief that the 

 greatest menace to the well is the presence of the sick. 



Tuberculosis of which, as will be explained more fully below, 

 consumption is a variety now appears at the head of the list of 

 contagious diseases published weekly by the New York Board of 

 Health, and means have been taken to have all cases in the city 

 reported and instructed. Circulars containing directions for pre- 

 venting contagion by disinfection of sputa have been placed in 

 the hands of physicians for distribution, and many, if not all. 



