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 régime is 
unsuitable; white meats and food without fat are better 
adapted forthem. 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 
