244 TEXT-BOOK OF BACTERIOLOGY. 



But Cornet's observations have pointed out a way by which we 

 may prevent (at least to a certain degree), and without great trou- 

 ble, the unlimited extension of the evil and with a decided chance of 

 success. Little as we should succeed, even by the strictest measures,, 

 in banishing- anthrax altogether (whose bacilli find opportunities 

 for their development outside the body and in a thousand uncon- 

 trollable spots), tuberculosis would, according to theory, be pre- 

 vented from the moment that all men and animals affected by this, 

 disease should be properly quarantined. 



We are far from the realization of this prospect, but much can 

 always be done toward accomplishing it. By merely preventing 1 

 the sputum of phthisical persons from drying up, we shall render 

 harmless by far the most important kind of infectious matter. 

 Admonish patients (as suggested by Cornet) to empty their dis- 

 charge into a vessel filled with water or into a closed spittoon (as- 

 proposed lay Dettweiler) even for use outside the house, in the 

 street, etc.; point out to patients the danger they may inflict on 

 their family and all around them; see to it that too intimate inter- 

 course between tubercular and healthy persons be restricted as 

 much as possible. Thus every one will find ample occasion in his 

 sphere to effectively aid in combating the pernicious evil. 



Do not object that there is, after all, no absolute protection 

 thereby afforded against the transmission of the disease, and that 

 the tubercular person continues to be a focus of infection. This is 

 certainly correct, and an isolation of the consumptive would un- 

 doubtedly be a better and surer means of prevention. But as long 1 

 as such a radical procedure is impossible owing to feelings of a 

 humane and social nature, do not let us relinquish the half because 

 the whole is impossible. 



Tuberculosis is a contagious disease caused by a specific bacil- 

 lus. We should ever remember this dictum as the Alpha and Omega 

 of our knowledge, while touching briefly two questions that cannot 

 be properly ignored in discussing this matter. A number of inves- 

 tigators believe that the appearance of tubercular infection always 

 depends on a previously -existing disposition of the body afflicted. 

 In considering this question we are vividly reminded of the famous 

 quotation, " wherever definitions are wanting, a word comes for- 

 ward at the proper time," and we are looking in vain for a concise 

 explanation. We will not, however, dispute the fact that a series. 

 of circumstances can certainly favor the transmission of tubercle 

 bacilli, and that a general debilitation of the organism, imperfect 

 respiration, catarrhal affections of the upper air-passages, etc., have 

 their influence. But no observation known to us, no theory free 



