ORIGIN OF DISEASES. 523 



as in the case of the mummy wheat above mentioned, unless the acces- 

 sory causes needed to produce germination are present. What are those 

 causes ? 



In regard to seeds we know the accessories needed to produce germi- 

 nation. Any gardener, any agriculturist can tell you the accessories 

 needed to produce germination in any particular seed. 



It is probable, only probable, for we are treading on the unknown, 

 that the germs of specific diseases, like the seeds of the fruits of the 

 earth, exist some almost everywhere some only in particular countries 

 some only in restricted areas. But the germ of each disease needs 

 certain special accessories to cause it to germinate. Germs of disease 

 partake of the nature of fungi, and as a general rule require warmth, 

 moisture, and a close confined atmosphere to ensure germination. 



1048. Of Foreign and Home Germs of Specific Diseases. 



Germs of a specific disease, like seeds, can only grow in a climate and 

 soil suitable for their reproduction at least only to a certain extent. 

 Some English seeds, for instance, will germinate and produce a crop for 

 one or two seasons in a tropical climate. But the climate does not suit 

 them, they dwindle and die out. Similarly some foreign germs of disease 

 may reproduce themselves for a year or two in this climate, e. g. cholera, 

 but they soon die out. Others cannot germinate at all in this climate, 

 e. g. yellow fever. 



1049. Of Home Germs of Specific Disease. 



Some people talk of " stamping out " diseases. Doubtless it may be 

 done as regards foreign diseases, both in man and beast, e. y. cholera 

 among men, rinderpest among cattle. 



But as regards those diseases, the germs of which have their habitat 

 established in this country, e. g. smallpox among men, glanders, farcy, 

 etc., among the animal creation, it is not probable that it can ever be 

 done. 



You may keep a garden clean, you may pull up all the weeds ; but if 

 the garden is neglected only for a short time, the weeds natural to the 

 soil, i. e. those whose germs or seeds are in the soil, will soon reappear 

 and grow again. 



Similarly, germs of disease indigenous to, and thoroughly suited to 

 germinate in this climate, will never die out. They will reproduce 

 themselves, whenever and wherever the accessories needed for their re- 

 production are present. 



1019a. Contagious Disease. 



At the present time (1901) some of our great scientists are confident, 

 that by care, cleanliness, and early segregation, Contagious diseases can 

 be eliminated. But the Author doubts any very early arrival of Utopia. 



