No. 4.] TUBERCULOSIS. 339 



TUBERCULOSIS AND THE MILK SUPPLY. 



BY GEORGE M. WHITAKER, M.A., ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE OFFICER, MAS- 

 SACHUSETTS DAIRY BUREAU. 



During the past few years many statements have been 

 made about possible danger from the use of milk on account 

 of the chance of its containing disease germs. These asser- 

 tions comins: from good scientific authorities, have been fie- 

 quently repeated in the newspapers, which are always on the 

 alert for what is novel or startling, and the claims have lost 

 nothing at the hands of the sensational press. Sometimes a 

 scientific man has stated the case in rather startling language. 

 All this has created considerable agitation and tended to cur- 

 tail the consumption of milk. At times these statements 

 have been coupled with suggestions for removing the danger 

 and for milk and dairy inspection, but by methods somewhat 

 radical and arbitrary. A natural reaction from these asser- 

 tions and recommendations has led, in not a few instances, 

 to a denial of the statements of the scientific experts. Much 

 personal animosity and bitter feeling have also been involved, 

 and it has been difficult to treat the question calmly and can- 

 didly. The times hitherto have not seemed ripe for a judi- 

 cial discussion of this topic. Possibly it can now be done in 

 a way that will not only convey facts to the public, but also 

 present the facts in their proper relation to other facts, and 

 give their true bearing upon the general milk and food situ- 

 ation. This will furnish the public needed information, will 

 help producers, stimulate the consumption of milk, and place 

 the scientific bearing of the case on a solid footing and in line 

 with good judgment. 



By way of introduction, it should be stated that danger 

 besets us on every hand during every day of our existence. 

 The very act of living is full of possible dangers, — in the air 

 we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, and all the 



