RESPIRATION 99 



in pulmonary tuberculosis is without foundation in fact. 

 On the other hand, alcoholism is a recognized cause of con- 

 sumption. Some authorities claim that this disease is more 

 frequent in heavy drinkers than in those of temperate 

 habits, in the proportion of about three to one, and that 

 possibly half of the cases of tuberculosis are traceable to 

 alcoholism. 1 



The Outdoor Cure for Lung Diseases. Among the many remedies 

 proposed for consumption and kindred diseases, none have proved more 

 beneficial, according to reports, than the so-called " outdoor " cure. 

 The person having consumption is fed plentifully upon the most nour- 

 ishing food, and is made to spend practically his entire time, including 

 the sleeping hours, out of doors. Not only is this done during the 

 pleasant months of summer, but also during the winter when the tem- 

 perature is below freezing. Severe exposure is prevented by overhead 

 protection at night and by sufficient clothing to keep the body warm. 

 The abundant supply of pure, cold air toughens the lungs and invigo- 

 rates the entire body, thereby enabling it to throw off the disease. 



The success attending this method of treating consumptives suggests 

 the proper mode of strengthening lungs that are not diseased, but sim- 

 ply weak. The person having weak lungs should spend as much time 

 as he conveniently can out of doors. He should provide the most am- 

 ple ventilation at night and have a sleeping room to himself. He 

 should practice deep breathing exercises and partake of a nourishing 

 diet. While avoiding prolonged chilling and other conditions liable 

 to induce colds, he should take advantage of every opportunity of ex- 

 posing himself fully and freely to the outside atmosphere. 



Summary. The purpose of respiration is to bring 

 about an exchange of gases between the body and the 

 atmosphere. The organs employed for this purpose, 

 called the respiratory organs, are adapted to handling 

 materials in the gaseous state, and are operated in accord- 

 ance with principles governing the movements of the 

 atmosphere. By alternately increasing and diminishing 



1 Huber, Consumption and Civilization. 



