THE STORY OF THE BACTERIA. 



sweep the particles of fluid bodily off from 

 their position would be efficient in spreading 

 the infection. The important point which this 

 statement emphasizes is that the breath of tu- 

 bercular persons is not infectious ; the air itself 

 passing over the moist surfaces of the respira- 

 tory passages and the mouth carries no germs, 

 The act of kissing, however, might lend itself 

 most efficiently to the transmission of the 

 infection. 



Now all these facts are extremely disagree- 

 able both to hear about and to tell, and they 

 can only be infinitely distressing to the victims 

 of tuberculosis and to their friends and associ- 

 ates ; but all the same they are facts, stubborn, 

 abiding, and significant. The sooner we rec- 

 ognize the truth that every consumptive person 

 may, if proper precautions are not taken, be an 

 actual and active source of infection, not only to 

 those who immediately come in contact with 

 him, but to those who, either where he is, or 

 where he has been, are forced to breathe dust- 

 laden air, the better will it be for all concerned. 



Now of course no intelligent person would 

 infer from this statement of facts regard- 



