10 THE MILK QUESTION 



In this regard the milk problem does not diflfer from 

 other problems in preventive medicine. We know that 

 tuberculosis, for example, will not be conquered in a genera- 

 tion, although we now have the key to unlock the door. 

 The modern message in tuberculosis is that it is preventable 

 and curable, but the fact that it is preventable does not 

 mean that it will be eliminated next week or next year. We 

 know that sanitoria, special hospitals, out-door camps, 

 education, prevention of spitting, good food, fresh air, and 

 all the rest are slowly making progress against the disease, 

 but statistics do not show and will not show for a long time 

 a very notable decrease in the amount of consumption. The 

 reason for this is that knowledge alone is not sufficient. 

 Science may point the way, but it remains for society to 

 apply the teachings of science. Tuberculosis has become 

 a social and economic problem. The disease is now a 

 class disease; that is, the rich man can purchase health and 

 immimity. He can afford to buy good food, pure milk, 

 fresh air, sunshine, rest and recreation. He can select his 

 employment and govern his surroundings to a large extent. 

 He can employ help and take measures which keep him out 

 of the danger zone. The poor man must accept conditions 

 much as he finds them. Education is a good thing, but it is 

 my observation that it is not necessary to teach people to eat 

 good food, to breathe fresh air, to take plenty of rest, and 

 to improve their surroundings. People do not as a rule re- 

 main in tenements huddled together in filthy, ill-ventilated 

 rooms from choice. It is a matter of common observation 

 that almost as soon as such people can afford it they pur- 

 chase better housing conditions, take trips to the country 

 and shore, and the second generation soon outstrips the 

 old folks in cleanliness, comfort, play, and self-indulgence. 

 Hence the sanitarian regards the man who increases wages 

 or who shares his profits equably with his employees as a 

 practical philanthropist of the best type. 



The sanitarian can see the possibilities so clearly that he 



