HEREDITY IN PHYSIOLOGY, IN MEDICINE, ETC. 359 



Upon this point the means should be indicated for 

 checking and diminishing as much as possible that per- 

 sistent morbid heredity which is so formidable an impedi- 

 ment to improvement. The preventive or prophylactic 

 measures that may properly be used in staying the evolu- 

 tion of the germs of disease must, of course, depend on 

 the nature of those germs. A mother suffering from 

 phthisis, or predisposed to tubercles, should not suckle 

 her child, but trust it to a good nurse. To persons born 

 of consumptive parents, a highly-animalized regime is 

 unsuitable ; white meats and food without fat are better 

 adapted for them. As regards a pursuit, such persons must 

 carefully avoid those that would expose them to inhaling 

 dust, to sudden changes of heat and cold, or to the con- 

 stant exercise of the voice. Residence at places on the 

 southern seaboard, and in regions where phthisis is uncom- 

 mon, is the best preventive of that formidable disease. 

 The essential things for persons predisposed to scrofula 

 are pure air, substantial tonic nourishment, and the mari- 

 time atmosphere of the northwest of Europe. Those who 

 are threatened with gout or gravel must restrict them- 

 selves to rigid temperance, and take much exercise. Reg- 

 ularity and uniformity of living are the rule for those with 

 a tendency to cancer. Persons who count epileptics among 

 their ancestors require the most watchful attention. Quiet 

 in all their ways of life must be assured them, all excess be 

 forbidden, all fatigue shunned, all emotions kept at a dis- 

 tance ; in a word, every thing that can excite must be put 

 out of their way. Those who are disposed to insanity 

 should be treated in a similar way, that is, with great 

 gentleness. Their passions must be lulled to sleep. The 

 existence most suitable for them is one requiring them to 

 put forth no strong mental action, and free from exciting 

 hopes of fortune or fame. To check or to destroy the 

 development of morbid germs in the constitution of such 



