The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1895-11-16

has been often responsible in conveyance
OF the disease. Undoubtedly the chief
method OF infection is by inhalation of
dried sputa, yet another method exists
in swallowing the infectious material.
Austin Flint even went so far as to say
that the expired breath of Those all icted
with the dlsease might carry the parasitic
germ. Absorption of the sputa germs
may even take place through little fiss-
ures and excavations of the skin. Vera
guth proved transmission OF tuberculosis
possible by inhalation of germs held in a
moist spray. Hence, considering all
these methods of cortsgion, we should
insist on law prohibiting tbs unli
movements of consumptives, and espe.
cially their use OF the telephone.
In many cases the disease LOCALITIES
itself IN the treches, and as the speaker
dwells in front of thJ mouthpifce, with
his lip near the rim perhaps, and with
in it very often, as his voice is husky an
involuntary cough may throw particle
of tracheal tuberculouS phlsgm into tho
transmitter. Although the bacillus dues
not thrive in such locality or such con-
dltons OF temperature, 1t does not lose its
vitality. If II adheres to another's lips
and IL swallowed the speaker may uncon-
sciously acquire the disease. In rarely
used tels phone the consumptive spit dries
and may then bs inhaled, hence even u
private telephone is not safe.
Among diseases transmitted more Ire
quently BY absorption from the telephone
than consumption are cancer and syph-
ills. The first public record of the direct
transmission oil caucer poison occurred
through tue late death OF lr. Burnett, a
former Bellevue hospital surs con, who,
while treating q female with a cancerOus
tongue, inoculated himself with the dis
ease. HIS physician found that the wo-
man had contracted the disease from the
speaking tn DO in the house of u ian who
had cancer. 1t is easily sesn how the
virus or poison of a cancer about the lip
may be deposited on the mouth piece
from which it may be absorbed by g
chapped lip or cold sore.
Syphilis 10 easily transmitted. Gases
are on record where syphilitio slime de-
posted over jointly used goblet caus'
Infection. and as the disease is moro dis
seminated than we think. there exists
greater dang r.
Facial skin diseases, like eczema,
BARRIERS it Jh and ring worm are frequent
ly transmitted likewise. The telephone.
therefore, is not only transmltter OF
sound, but OF disease; but how can we
overcome this danger?
in surgery We relv on the bactericidal
properties of certain drugs to oounteract
the pernioious influence of pathogs mic
as they are, do not prevent the transmit
grafton of micro-oreanisms through their
fabric Yet as the latter is so thoroughly
impregnated with antiseptic material,
the air as 1t passes through the meshes
becomes saturated with the antiseltlcs
used. These must necessarily be Of such
character and conce ntration as to exer-
else a powerful influences over the vitality
of germs. ! have constructed new gauze
of silk, impregnated so throuehly and
completely with antiseptics like carbolio
acid. salicylic acid. na"tnol, eucalyptus
and others, as to excel in germicidal
gauzes. Its meshes are glued together by
an nntisePtic glue. and as II GOES not
absorb moisture nor allow filtration OF
dust, which other gauzes do, 1t might be
used in their place with advantage. AS
the chemicals in IL are powerful enough
to kill or at least prevent the growth of
germs, such as cause diseases transmitted
by telephone 1t could be used as cover
ing for the mouth piece which would also
be mechanical barrier and prevent con-
tact between dirt in the mouth piece and
the Sneakers lips.
Quite discussion of::the topic followed.
for II embodied points and information
which DR.. Weschcke had devoted much
study TO.
DR.. J. T. Stewart read a paper on "Gall
Bladder Surgery" and Dr.. William Allan
discussed with great clearness the sub
iect Abdominal Pulsation Stimulating
Anuerism." Both topics were handled
In mastery name: ana an entertain
ing discussion followed.
| This County Medical association nov
has q mem bershlp of i25 and its mon tn ly
| meetings are both of pleasure and prof
to the profession.