138 MICROBES AND HEALTH. 



change does not take place, and it, too, remains an 

 irritating substance. These and many poisons from 

 the digestive tract are being continually poured into 

 the lungs, and thus the irritation and inflammation 

 are increased. 



The return circulation already mentioned carries the 

 septic blood to the right side of the heart and from 

 there every heart-beat sends it into the lungs where 

 it tries to pass through the. capillary net work of small 

 vessels. The result is engorgment or congestion, and 

 a low form of inflammation as stated. Now some 

 trivial occurrences as wet feet or exposure may result 

 in a bronchial catarrh, which ordinarily is easily re- 

 covered from, but with the lungs previously inflamed 

 and their vitality at such a low ebb, the case becomes 

 more chronic. 



Consumption is not "ketching" as claimed by some, 

 but depends upon a train of conditions as briefly de- 

 scribed. Months and years are required to develop the 

 disease. The low form of inflammation means too 

 much blood, and too much blood means an increased 

 growth of the part. All parts of the body are pre- 

 vaded by what is called connective tissue. This acts 

 as a frame work and supports the different organs and 

 the different parts of each organ, and all the tissues of 

 the body. It is strong and fibrous, and in the form of 

 tendon it joins muscle to bone. It also forms liga- 

 ments, uniting the ends of bones and forming joints, 

 it forms cartilage which covers the ends of bone, and 

 thus prevents friction in joints. It is attached to the 

 different organs holding them in position. It per- 



