BY K. HIRSCHFELD, M.D. B 



Apart, however, from the injustice inflicted upon the con- 

 sumptive compulsary legislation would defeat its own object, 

 and I think considerable stress must be laid upon this point. 

 For the proper disposal of the expectoration, the chief carrier of 

 the infective agent, the turbercle bacillus, we must rely upon the 

 willing co-operation of the consumptive patient. No amount of 

 supervision could look after this as effectually as the properly 

 educated phthisical patient. If we harass him by unnecessary 

 restrictions, is it likely that he would take much trouble to pro- 

 tect the community against the danger emanating from him 

 when the community protects itself by persecuting the consump- 

 tive on account of his affliction. 



The Disposal of the Spt'tum. 



The consumptive patient himself is in nowise dangerous, 

 the real danger lies in the sputum which he expectorates, which 

 carries millions of tubercle bacilli. Researches published in the 

 last year have shown that the bacilhis does not thrive outside 

 the body ; even when cultivated on special nutrient soils it 

 loses its virulence to a certain extent. Still the dried sputum 

 retains its infectious qualities for a considerable time. The 

 dust of our streets is, however, hardly ever dangerous since 

 •exposure to direct sunlight kills the bacillus within very short time. 

 The best way of fighting against the spread of tuberculosis 

 is to render the expectoration innocuous as soon as it leaves the 

 patient. It should be deposited in a spittoon which can be 

 easily cleaned and contains some antiseptic solution, or into a 

 portable bottle, or lastly into the handkerchief. I should like 

 to suggest, that our authorities set a good example in public 

 hygiene by providing suitably appointed spittoons in all public 

 buildings. Even our splendid Treasury building would not be 

 ■disgraced by a liberal number of these vessels. Schools, 

 churches, theatres, waiting rooms, and all public rooms, 

 and conveyances should be similarly fitted up. I am sure 

 business people of their own accord Avould readily follow such a 

 good example for the benefit of their employees. The habit of 

 spitting upon the floor is not only disgusting but dangerous, and 

 should be put a stop to whether the man is suffering from 

 tuberculosis, or any other disease, or from none at all. I fancy 

 many an office will find it to its advantage to supply spittoons 

 for their employees as suggested, more particularly during an 

 influenza epidemic. 



