Bedford inquirer. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1857-1884, 1868-05-15
CAUSE OF CONSUMPTION.

Henry McCOrmae, NJ D., of Belfast Ire
land, has put forth a new theory of the
cause OF consumption. This theory is set
forth in series of papers, read before vari
Gus foreign Medical Societies, at different
times since 1855, and accompanied by A long
and elegant introduction. The following
formula contains his idea:
Wherever the air habitually respired.
has been respired in whole, or 10 part, be-
fore, these tubercular deposits are found;
whenever the air habitualy respired, has
not been respired, in whole or in part, be-
fore, there tubercular deposits are impos-
sible, and consumption and scrofula are un-
known.
He further claims that, for the first time
in the history of disease the proximate
source of tubercal is capable of exact de-
mOnstratiOD Tuberculous and scrofulous
deposits, whether in the offspring of scro-
fulous and consumptive parents, or others,
are the invariabe results of insufficient.
imperfect respiratory functions and re-
breathed air Hence the carbon is retained
unoxidized; in other words, is not discharg-
ed from the blood, and is deposited, main
" as hydro carbon, in the lungs or other
organs, as tubercal. -
This theory he supports by an analysis
of the composition of tuberce showing a
large percentage of carbon; by the preva-
lence of consumption and Scrofula in con
nection with bad ventilation of sleeping
apartments; by their special prevalence in
classes whose occupations subject them to
the influence of re-breathed air, by day as
wCl as by night; and by the cures he has ef
fected solely by the constant supply of un-
breathed air
He also refers to the production of tuber-
cal in the animals in menageries, and In
rabbits confined in boxes for the purpose OF
experiment.
Whether his theory is fully demonstrated
by the facts he presents, must be left to
those more competent to analyze them.
The authors position, as well as the impor-
tance of the subject, command attention to
his views, and it is his wish to submit them
to the criticism Of the profession in Boston.
If this theory is sound, consumption may
always be prevented, often cured. The vic
tim of an inherited turbercular diathesis
need no longer sit, with folded arms, await
ing his doom. The annual defamation Of
infants may be reduced one-half, aud the
general morality one-fourth by the ami
hilation Of this great scourge OF the human
race
Opposed to his theory, is the non-coex-
isteuce ofeonsumption with certain cases oi
imperfect oxygenatiou of the blood; as in
maformations and obstructive diseases Of
the heart, pressure of abdominal tumors,
and of the gravid uterus, etc.
The extensive researches of DR.. Bow1itcL
in the same field, show an important con
nection between consumption and the cold
and dampneSs of certain localities. 1t il
/ hard, also, to discounect from this question
/ those other great causes of perverted nutri
ton, insufficient food and want of exercise
I Bad hygienic conditions are sure to be asso
I ciated, and sanitary reforms being directed
against them all, 1t is hard to tell the exact
I influence Of each, or to determine the spe-
ciic influence of either Of them. The NOR
/ tality in English prisons, has, indeed, been
greatly reduced, but not wholly by improved
ventilation, as improvements In diet, heat
ing, bathing and exercise have generally ac
eompanied it.
The ventilation of hospitals and public
/ building receives due attention with US, bu
IN the workshops and dwellings of the peo
{ pie it is neglected. The majority do no
enjoy more than half minimum allowance 0
fresh air IN their sleeping rooms, and thl
small cube is often unchanged till morning
The aim in our climate is, to keep out tn
! cold, by stoves, double windows, listing AM
/ weather strips, which effectually proven
/ all, save accidental ventilation. Many work
! shops, factories and most day rooms are NJ
better. What specific effects this state O
/ things will, in the end, produce, Is a ques
/ ton worth considering.