SAFEGUARDS OF THE BODY AGAINST DISEASE 497 



diet, lack of proper exercise or rest, the body cannot use its natu- 

 ral protective agencies to the fullest extent, and invading bacteria 

 gain a foothold in the body, multiply, and bring about a condition 

 of disorder known as disease. 



As long as the skin is unbroken it forms an effective barrier 

 against the entrance of germs. There is, however, some doubt 

 whether a bacterium or a protozoan can gain an entrance only 

 through broken skin. A few parasites such as hookworms ar.^ 

 known to penetrate unbroken skin and may cause a disease which 

 undermines the vitality, and results in great lethargy and conse- 

 quent inefficiency. Just as soon as skin is abraded or broken all 

 kinds of parasites may enter. Broken skin should always be 

 treated with antiseptics to inhibit the growth of any germs that 

 attempt to enter. Some antiseptics have an additional value 

 of promoting healing. 



The tears which constantly wash the eye will remove any 

 bacteria and drain them into the nose, from which they may be 

 removed. (If bacilli prodigiosus, bacteria that are pigmented red, 

 be dropped in the eye, they will shortly disappear from the 

 eye and appear in the nose.) The tears are slightly antiseptic 

 in action so that they exert a chemical as well as a physical 

 protection. 



The mucous membrane in the nose, mouth, and throat catch 

 the germs on its sticky surface and prevent them from traveling 

 further into the body. This mucus is slightly antiseptic in action 

 and is responsible for the destruction of some germs. When the 

 membrane has caught germs in its secretion, an irritation is set 

 up which stimulates sneezing, coughing, or blowing of the nose. 

 Phagocytes probably destroy some of these bacteria. There are 

 usually some bacteria found in the nose, throat, and mouth. 

 As long as the resistance of the body is high and there is no 

 break in the membrane, these germs do not attack the body. 

 The body in good condition seems to acquire a certain immunity 



