The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1869-01-15
Consumptlon.
From the Philadelphia Ledger

From the Philadelphia Ledger
There is no nlalady which causes 80
large mortality as consumption. Stats
ties show that, throughout the civilized
world, an average of one death IN SIX, ev-
cry sixth in the list of mortality, may be
attributed to its agency. Though our own
city shows smaller average from the
scourge, yet it is computed that even here
1t is the cause of one death in every seven
or eight. 1t was formerly considered an
incurable disease, and was often left hope
less to run its fatal course unchecked ; but
modern investigation and science have
proved that the tubercular deposit, to
which all its dread results may be traced,
will frequently diminish under suitable
treatment. This is further proved by post
morton examinations, where death has oc-
CURED from other causes, In which the
lungs, SCARED and puckered, al ested the
healthy closing OF two and even farce large
tubercular cavities. Few are aware how
much the presentation and even cure OF
this dread disease depends upon their own
efforts. An eminent American physician
has recently declared that with proper pre-
cautions, by any one in health, consump-
ton will be well nigh an impossibility,
even though hereditary influence may pres
dispose him to it, and that even those who
are already under its grasp may have hope
of arresting its ravages. The plain and
simple principle which in this case is the
essence OF all-wlSe treatment, is to raise the
physical system to the highest possible
vicor. In company with this, one of the
best curatives and preventiyes is to expand
and strengthen the lungs themselves by
deep Inspirations or breathing In of pure
air. These Inspirations should be made as
slowly as possible through small tube, or
with the mouth nearly closed, and with the
shoulders thrown back or downwards.
When the lungs or chest are filled, the air
should be as slowly and gradually breathed
out. BY continual practice it will be found
easy. to take long inspirations, and the
chest itself will become permanently ex-
panied, so as to give the lungs full play.
Where strength has begun to decline, of
course the efforts must be proportionably
milder. As the air at first enters the lower
part of the lungs it only fills the apex after
long and sustained effort, and hence the
necessity of making the inspiration as Slow
ly as possible. Six times a day is not too
much for the exercise Indeed, the great
advantage of mild or dry climates to con-
sumptives is the possibility of passing so
much Of the time out of doors. Much is
justly said of the pure and bracing air of
Minnesota, but those who go there for lung
diseases should remember that only as they
breathe the pure outside air habitually can
it prove beneficial A lady with tubercu-
lar deposits and severe cough went there
some time since and month spent in the
ordinary way brought her no Improvement.
She then joined camping party of ladies
and gentlemen, who started in an open
wagon, and slept in tents at night. After
three days exposure to this open air she
manifestly improved, and, though fire.
quently exposed in the evening, took no
cold. The continuance of this mode of life
restored her health and so strengthened
her constitution that in two months she
could sleep with IMMUNITY while the air
was blowing freely across her, Many sims
liar, and even more remarkable instances
took place among the young men of our
own army in the late war, many of whom
enlisted against the advice OF their friends,
and returned with greatly improved ply
steal constitutions. The exercise thus in
duced is most essential to the desired end
Abundance Of nutritious and Wholesome
food, including fatty articles, is essential In
who have such tendencies reject fat meat,
pul ltS place may De suppneu win butter,
milk or cream. Restriction in diet in these
cases is highly injurious. The dress is also
matter bearing strongly on the health Of
the lungs. Wooden fabrics worn next the
skin, and warm covering for the extreml
ties are all important. So also is the shape
of the garment, which should allow full
play to the muscles Relief from care and
anxiety, as far as it can be secured, is i'm
portant.