296 SYMBIOGENESIS 



But surely prevention would be better than cure, and 

 common-sense would suggest the wisdom of not injecting the 

 serum in the first instance. 



" Animals sensitised by anaphylactising substances are, to 

 a certain extent, sensitised to all poisons, even crystalloids " 

 (Ch. Eichet, 1910). 



If anything were needed to confirm the view that 

 "sensitising" with "anaphylactising" substances generally 

 and per se amounts to a weakening of the resisting powers 

 and to a consequent loss of vitality, it is this passage. The case 

 is the same as that of excessive pruning and of other mutila- 

 tions which we have seen above to be injurious, but the ill- 

 effects are here seen in acuter form. 



The study of anaphylaxis thus, like that of so many other 

 diseases, in so far as it is not a study of nutrition is in reality 

 one of resistance. We should and could, were we scientific 

 and sensible enough know the health and strength of a body 

 in terms of resistance much the same as we measure the force 

 of electricity by resistance. 



The study of cancer has convinced some workers (e.g., 

 Macallum) that " the intolerance by the body of the disarrange- 

 ment of its tissues is quite as wonderful as the growth of 

 tumours and its study as illuminating." 



The same is true of anaphylaxis and, indeed, of all 

 disease, be the symptoms whatever they may. 



And what does this study of " the intolerance of the 

 body" so emphatically disclose? Simply the fact that from 

 beginning to end the body lives and thrives by symbiosis and 

 has in course of its evolution painfully established a vast web 

 of symbiotic safeguards and of indispensable external 

 symbiotic correspondences, which are as essential to its well- 

 being as the various resources of social life are necessary to the 

 life of an ordinary human being. To interfere seriously with 

 any important links is to throw the organism out of gear, 

 although it has learned to meet a great many contingencies 

 by new adjustments. Nay, it is more; it is to interfere with 



