TUBEECULOSIS. 467 



As to more recent researches, I merely allude to the modern 

 views, which decidedly favor the parasitic origin of tuberculosis. 

 This, it is said, is a contagious, an infectious disease, depending 

 on the presence of a certain inoculable parasite. One claims 

 that a certain disposition is required for the reception of the 

 parasite j another says that every one of us is tuberculous, only 

 in some there is no manifestation of the disease, etc. Tuber- 

 culosis seems a regular witches 7 caldron for the brewing of 

 absurd theories. 



A simple wound is sufficient to render a rabbit, a guinea- 

 pig, a dog, etc., tuberculous, if these animals are kept in cellars, 

 in cages, and poorly fed. Even a lion will die of tuberculosis 

 under these circumstances. On the contrary, none of these 

 animals will ever become tuberculous if left in freedom, and 

 simply allowed to enjoy fresh air, proper food, and to live in a 

 climate suitable for their organizations. 



