210 MICROBES AND HEALTH. 



retards decay and death; but with this influence im- 

 paired or removed by paralysis, the tissue-cells know no 

 higher law than their own inherent tendencies, and 

 with the abundance of blood and lymph furnished by 

 the engorged organ the diseased cells multiply and re- 

 produce their kind with the greatest luxuriance and 

 abandonment. The most immature and imperfect 

 formed cells those of the surface are constantly dy- 

 ing and breaking down, furnishing the phenomena of 

 ulceration and hemorrhage/' This corresponds exactly 

 with the condition which exists during dyspepsia; lack 

 of elimination, lack of nourishment, and the degenerat- 

 ing tendencies which always follow. 



Rheumatism. 



Eheumatism is not a disease but a symptom a symp- 

 tom of a disease generated in the system. 'The term 

 muscular rheumatism is not correct. Strictly speaking 

 it is neuralgia and neuralgia is but nature's voice calling 

 attention to our errors. If the reader could examine 

 the affected muscle under the microscope, the fibers of 

 which the muscle is formed would be found in a natural 

 condition. There would be no inflammation or other 

 evidence of disease; demonstrating clearly that the 

 trouble was confined to the nerve-fibers and not in the 

 muscle. The pain may be increased by exposure, in- 

 sufficient food, improper clothing, etc. Hard work also 

 increases the irritation, hence those muscles doing the 

 most work are most affected, as those of the back, 

 shoulders, wrist or other joints. 



Rheumatism may be acute or chronic, may affect 



