GETTING WELL 
491 
this way is especially frequent in children. In many cases 
milk from the tuberculous cows is the source of the germs. 
The cause of pulmonary tuberculosis is, then, the tubercle 
bacillus, which is taken into the lungs in the air we breathe, 
or through the food eaten, or by personal contact with a 
consumptive patient. These germs cause certain parts of 
the lungs to become diseased. 
376. Getting Well. — Consumption is not necessarily 
fatal, especially if treated in its earliest stages. But many 
Figure 425. — Tuberculosis Cure, Winter. 
people who have the disease do not consult a regular phy¬ 
sician until it has made considerable progress, and then it 
is too late to bring about a cure. 
Figures 424 and 425 show the present method used in 
treating tuberculosis. The patients are given tissue-build¬ 
ing food (protein) and are required to sit and sleep out- 
of-doors as much as possible. Rest, good food, and fresh 
air work wonders in arresting the progress of this disease. 
