434 



knowing where the real danger lies they are overcareful along some lines 

 and not sufficiently so in others. Some must fonsider the dust factor in 

 order to survive. 



Dust victims and observant people generally' often have a stock of 

 unformulated knowledge (obtained tlunugli bitter experience) that is of 

 more value to them than the advice and medicine of the young physician 

 who in college is taught about diseases but little or nothing about the 

 common ills of the common people. The physician like everybody else 

 learns much in the school of practical experience, and he often learns 

 from old chronics, if he gains their confidence. Related data may be 

 formulated by comparing the experiences of many. Often all sorts of 

 apparently isolated facts are explainable by a tlieory. 



Individuals who are designated as "old chronics" often have "tried 

 everything" and being still uncured have lost faitii in drugs and in the 

 science (or should I smv nrtV) of Medicine. A pliysi< ian may induce some 

 to look uixjn their ill health in a new liglit. Some readily take up with 

 the idea or tbeoi-y of Coniosis — to them it may become a working theory, 

 a guide that enables them to reduce symptoms to a minimum. Coniosis 

 moreover is a subject that can be studied by any one, no medical education 

 is necessary although desirable. It is moreover a study that should be 

 tiiught in a practical manner in the schools, not as mere book learning. 



Like all theories relating to complex biological prol)lems the theory 

 of Coniosis sliould not be applitnl too rigidly, for the case under considera- 

 tion may lie wholly exceiitional. Tlie practitioner of medicine must con- 

 stantly bear in mind that he is dealing with fellow-creatures who have 

 wants and needs; he must consider all sorts of causes and factors. 



There are any number of jiroblems regardintr dust influences that still 

 seek .solution. The dust victim wlio will study himself and keep a record 

 of himself and his varying surroundings can greatly assist his physician, 

 and if he perchance has a physician who is not a student he may deem it 

 advisable to make a change; he may even conclude to go to a community 

 where people expect more from physicians tlian merely handing out medi- 

 cine. 



The question. What makes dust dangerous, what is the noxious mat- 

 ter? is a problem that is beyond the scope of the ordinary physician. It 

 requires laboratory facilities and unbounded time. The need for a special 

 institution for studying details is imperative. 



