PATHOGENESIS 287 



overlook entirely the incipient, i.e., the really sensitising 

 stages of the in-feeding diathesis. We have seen that the 

 ingestion of highly albuminous (animal) substances, if not 

 biologically adequate, i.e., not symbiogenetically derived, 

 must lead to trouble. 



We must likewise remember that frequently the partaking 

 of a meal consisting largely of such albuminous food leads to 

 (so-called dietetic) albuminuria, i.e., presence of albumin in 

 the urine, i.e., the function of the kidneys and of the general 

 metabolism is already markedly disturbed when these 

 symptoms arise. The same must be said of arterio-sclerosis. 

 Thus the Lancet (27/6/14), speaking of a book by Dr. F. L. 

 Bishop on this subject, says: 



We have long recognised that prolonged intoxication, probably of 

 alimentary origin, is one cause of arterio-sclerosis, and Dr. Bishop 

 elaborates this view by ascribing all varieties of arterio-sclerosis to 

 protein products of digestion or indigestion, which can become active 

 only when the body has become sensitive to them through some peculiar 

 change, an explanation of which leads him to have recourse to the hypo- 

 thetical realm of anaphylaxie. On this view he bases his treatment, 

 the essence of which is a protein-free diet. 



The same number of the Lancet also contains a significant 

 note anent the value of Tuberculin : 



The results obtained by the tuberculin treatment of phthisis at 

 King Edward VII. 's Sanatorium during eighteen months have been 

 made the subject of a preliminary report by Dr. Bardswell. His statis- 

 tical results are subjected to a careful examination by Professor Pearson, 

 who points out the manifold difficulties in their proper appreciation, 

 and draws the conclusion that this treatment is still on trial and has 

 not yet made good. Dr. Bardswell says quite frankly that his own 

 experience, up to October, 1913, shows that the administration of 

 tuberculin is quite unsuitable as a routine method of treatment for all 

 cases of pulmonary tuberculosis, and that its indiscriminate and careless 

 use on a large scale can only end in harm. He believes that many of 

 those who use tuberculin do not at present realise the importance of 

 avoiding all tuberculin reactions. His report is well worth reading. 



All of which points to the conclusion that I am 

 emphasising, viz., that Nature abhors in-feeding (the pre- 

 disposing cause of disease) or its equivalents, as we shall 

 presently see more fully. 



