82 THE STORY OF THE BACTERIA. 



But while we are thus led by the knowledge 

 which has been gained of the tubercle bacillus 

 to a more precise notion as to what should be 

 done to prevent the spread of the disease, 

 what has the accumulated lore to offer of hope 

 or comfort to those already stricken. In the 

 first place, the physician can now say positively 

 by finding the bacilli in the material discharged 

 from the lungs, in many cases even in very 

 early stages, that the lung is diseased : and we 

 now know that consumption is by no means a 

 hopeless disease, especially if it be detected in 

 its early stages. We know that the cells of the 

 body, if they are in a properly active and vig- 

 orous condition, have a tendency to destroy the 

 germs. And in a great many cases the wise 

 physician may, by recommending changes of 

 climate, improved conditions of hygiene, 

 proper exercise and food, as well as by the 

 giving of sustaining and strengthening medi- 

 cines, hold out to his patient a good hope of 

 ultimate recovery or of prolonged and com- 

 fortable life. 



We battle to-day at any rate with a known 

 and comprehensible foe, and no longer grope 



