MICROBE OP THE GRIPPE 139 



The second is more catarrhal, and its victim is 

 more prostrated. The third is malignant. It 

 affects the nasal organs, the throat, lungs, the 

 whole system, and not unfrequently proves fatal. 



Many people suffering with the Grippe are apt 

 to spit where the sputum becomes dry before it is 

 taken care of, in the home, on the sidewalk, in the 

 car. This sputum is always filled with microbes. 

 When it dries, the microbes, clinging to particles 

 of dust, may rise into the air. Breathed by others, 

 the disease spreads. This is the most common way 

 of taking it. 



Hence the Grippe is exceedingly contagious and. 

 infectious, and usually becomes epidemic. Not un- 

 frequently it goes round the world in waves. Such 

 waves are recorded in all historic times. In recent 

 times are notable examples. The mention of one 

 is sufficient. 



Nov. 1st, 1898, the disease breaks out in Russia. 

 In three days, it prevails over the entire empire. 

 In three weeks more, it spreads over all Europe. 

 In five days more, it appears in New York. In 

 fifteen days more, 200,000 persons in that city have 

 the Grippe, and, at the same time, it is raging over 

 this whole country. Thousands upon thousands of 

 fatalities are the result. The infinitely small 

 germs float in the air. They are breathed. The 

 disease goes like a whirlwind. 



The common cold is like the steady storm. It 

 spends its force, and is gone. The influenza is 

 the blizzard that rages violently, but goes as 



