CHAPTER XV 



THE CAUSE AND PREVENTION OF TUBERCULOSIS 

 OR CONSUMPTION 



493. Consumption a Widespread and Deadly Disease. 



Of all diseases known to mankind, consumption, often called 

 the " great white plague," is without doubt the most wide- 

 spread and the most deadly. For short periods other diseases, 

 like " black death " and cholera, have caused more dread and 

 even wider destruction, but consumption has been the most 

 constant and the most deadly of all. 



Consumption is more common in certain climates and 

 among certain races, but it spares no nation, no age, no 

 occupation, and no class of people. It is said that of all people 

 who die every year, about one seventh die from this disease. 

 It is estimated that over 150,000 people die of consumption 

 every year in the United States, and that 1,000,000 lives are 

 annually lost by this disease in Europe. 



494. Consumption a very Old Disease. Consumption is 

 a very old disease. Evidences of tuberculosis have been dis- 

 covered even in the old Egyptian mummies. Famous writers 

 of ancient times, whose writings may still be read, give us 

 graphic pen pictures of this disease. It was then known, as 

 it is now, as the " great white plague." 



During what is known as the Dark Ages this dread disease 

 swept through Europe and destroyed people by thousands. 

 Consumptives were shunned and avoided as if they had 

 smallpox. They were confined in rooms with the doors and 



