32 HUMAN BIOLOGY 



other people. When the bacteria get into the lungs of a per- 

 son who happens to be a little "run down," as we say, 

 straightway the bacteria begin to multiply, feeding meanwhile 

 on the lung tissues ; for this reason the disease is called con- 

 sumption, and if it is not arrested, the lungs may be almost 

 destroyed, and death, of course, results. During the progress 

 of the disease, httle masses or tubercles of lung tissue 

 (whence the name tuberculosis) are thrown off by the patient 

 in coughing, and these, as we have already stated, are swarm- 

 ing with living bacteria. 



27. The prevention of tuberculosis. — It is of the ut- 

 most importance, therefore, that these living germs be kept 

 out of the bodies of people who come in contact with con- 

 sumptives. Responsibility in this matter rests very largely 

 upon the patients themselves, and if they exercise the neces- 

 sary care, they need not become a menace to healthy people 

 in the home or in the community. It is of course essential 

 that every effort be made to stop altogether the dirty and dan- 

 gerous habit of spitting. Many people have the disease long 

 before they are aware of it, and a general pubUc sentiment 

 should be developed that will actively assist boards of health 

 in enforcing their rules against the "spitting nuisance." 

 Every consumptive should provide himself with paper cups 

 or cloths that may be burned, together with their contents. 



Tuberculous patients should exercise care not to cough 

 or sneeze without covering the mouth or nose with a hand- 

 kerchief, for it has been proved that living germs are widely 

 distributed by carelessness in this regard. Separate Imives, 

 forks, spoons, and drinking vessels, which ought to be cleaned 

 in boiling water, should be set apart for consumptives. Kiss- 

 ing the lips of consumptives should never be permitted. 



28. The cure of tuberculosis. — In former years the 

 decision by doctors that a patient had tuberculosis was be- 



