The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1882-05-19

The Remarks able Discovery Of a Ger
man Pm ysi clan.
From tho Chicago Tribune.l


From tho Chicago Tribune.l
That monster, consumption, which the poets
have described as horsed on the east winds and
shooting his fatal arrows broadcast, it would
now seem has at last been brought to bay by
science. The great discovery Of the splenetic
fever producing bacilli by the eminent French
physician, Pasteur. and his cure by incubation,
which produces a mild disease instead OF o
severe one, has been followed by discovery
that promises to be more important in its re-
suits by DR.. Koch, Of Berlin. DIR. Pasteur Is
saving the lives of sheep and cattle by inocula-
ton with the bacillus after it has been modified
in its character by cultivation in the bodies OF
bovines Dr. Koch may yet save the lives Of
human beings from the results OF diseases
hitherto considered incurable by very similar
process.
Prof Tyndal, who has carefully studied Dr.
Koch's experiments, and who, it will be remem-
bered, was the original discoverer OF the bacteria
and their insidous danger to man, has written
to the London Times his impressions Of Koch's
discovery. In the course Of bis examinations
ho found in every case that the tuberces con-
tanned parasite, the bacillus, and that it was
this minute organism that produced the tu-
bercle, and, transferring by incubation the
tuberculops matter from diseased to healthy
ANIMALS, lie never failed to produce the disease.
He developed several generations OF the bacilli
without the Intervention OF disease, and these
purified parasites in every case also generated
the disease.
These experiments were 80 many times re-
peated with different animals and in different
forms that there can remain no doubt that DIR.
Koch has discovered what bias never been
known before-the origin OF consumption and
of other diseases like pneumonia and phthisis.
This is great step gained The cause discov-
cred, IL now remains for science TO find the
remedy that will destroy these parasites and
prevent their occurrence by incubation or some
other form Of cure. Pasteur's remedy, in cases
of splenic fever, AZ we have already said, IL IN
oculation with the bacillus after it has been
modified in character by cultivation. DIR. Koch
has attempted similar modification with the
tubercle parasite, bit after repeated cultiva-
ton the vlrulence remains. Prof. Tyndall and
those competent TO pronounce an opinion, how
ever believe that the intensity Of vlr1lence will
be greatly diminished by future experiments III
cultivation.
Meanwhile ii is not q secret in the medical
world, OF at least among some OF the more emf
nent physicians, that Dir. Pasteur himself has
made experiments of highly interesting char
acter in the destruction OF these parasites 1t
is we'll known to all surgeons that carbohc acid
il very eficacious in destroying bacteria III gun
shot wounds, sword-cuts or other injuries OF
this kind and that the proper use or It's agency
has been hindered by its impurity. DIR. Pasteur
found IL upon analysis TO contain traces or
poison and foreign substances that were narm-
full enough TO prevent It's perfect operation,
and succeeded In removing them and produc-
ing perfectly pure acid, with which no has
been experimenting by hypodermic injections
with remarkable success III cases OF consump-
ton and its kindred diseases, as well as cancer.
Where the diseases were long-seated and the
patient too weak and too fa- gone to resist the
disease, he has prolonged life, and in the ln-
cipient stages he has cured In almost every
case.
Consumption is the ghastliest and most
deadly foe that confronts the human race. 1t
il almost universal. 1t is no respecter of per-
sons or of nations. DIR. Koch himself says
that "If the seriousness Of malady be meas
ured by the number of victims, then the most
dreaded pests which have hitherto ravaged the
world-pague and cholera incuded-must
stand far behind the one Consumption now
under consideration" and that one-seventh OF
the deaths OF the human race are due to tu-
bercular disease, while fully one-third OF those
who die in active middle age are carried off by
the same cause Important rs DR.. Koch's dis
covery is, the greater one remains-namely: the
remedy. Having gained one vantage III the
combat with the destroyer, 1t is to be hoped
science will press on until the victory is COM
vAla