TUBERCULAR DISEASE. 213 



On the other hand, all those who, though not them- 

 selves tubercular, are members of " delicate families," 

 families in which tubercular disease has appeared, 

 should, before entering the marriage state, lay their 

 case honestly before their medical adviser, and take 

 his advice. Much can be done for the children of 

 delicate parents by judicious treatment, but to be as 

 effectual as possible, it should be begun with the life 

 of the child, if not earlier. The child can be as 

 effectually treated before birth through the system of 

 the mother, as it can be after birth, and such preven- 

 tive treatment cannot be begun too soon or carried 

 out too rigidly. 



