236 



THE BIOLOGY OF DISEASE 



The cause of pulmonary tuberculosis is, then, the tuber- 

 cle bacillus, which is taken into the lungs in the air we 

 breathe, or through the food eaten, or by personal contact 

 with a consumptive patient. These germs cause certain 

 parts of the lungs to become diseased. 



178. Getting Well. — Consumption is not necessarily 

 fatal, especially if treated in its earliest stages. But many 



Figure 239. —Tuberculosis Cure, Summer. 



people who have the disease do not consult a regular 

 physician until it has made considerable progress, and 

 then it is too late to bring about a cure. 



Figures 239 and 240 show the present method used in 

 treating tuberculosis. The patients are given tissue-build- 

 ing food (protein) and are required to sit and sleep out- 

 of-doors as much as possible. Rest, good food, and fresh 

 air work wonders in arresting the progress of this disease. 



When the body gains the requisite amount of strength 



