CHAPTER LXXX 

 DEFENSE BY THE BODY CELLS 



THE gray cortex of the brain is composed of 

 many millions of cells. They do the thinking. 

 The other portions of the brain contain millions 

 more cells. All, together, do the whole work of 

 the brain. 



All the other organs of the body, heart, lungs, 

 liver, kidneys, and the rest, contain each a cor- 

 responding number of cells. All the cells of each 

 organ, as so many individuals, act together as a 

 single community, to do the work required for the 

 well-being of that organ. All the single communi- 

 ties also combine together in one grand union to 

 do the general work required for the well-being of 

 the whole body. 



Especially, in times of danger, each organ con- 

 tributes its own share of help, all uniting in one 

 community to protect the body; just as, when the 

 nation is threatened by foreign foes, each state 

 in the Union contributes its own quota of soldiers 

 to make up the grand army of protection. 



The body is attacked by a contagious and infec- 

 tious disease. Having gained entrance, the germs 

 grow, multiply, generate the poison which does the 

 mischief. The poison taints the circulation. The 

 danger is sensed by the whole system. 



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