Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1897-03-04

, though all tubercular lesionshad been first
removed. or the animal thus fed. ~ per
cent % out OF I'D of the pigs became u.
berculous; OF the guinea pigs 10 per cent
cent q out OF 49, t2 The experiments OF
DIR. Sims Woodhead who fed pigs. j
eats and ~ guinea pigs on tubercuions
matter, and all the pigs ana cats ana
gu or the guinea pigs became tuDercuIous.
Both Of these investigators found tha!
the milk Of tubercuous cows contained
bactlli only when the udder was also dis
eased. and was only then capable Of con,
upon the milk or inoculated with Il.
When the udder was diseased. the mix
possessed a most extraordinary virulencee.
They report that the udder may be al
fected in the early stage OF the disease,
and when diseased, the process spreads
with great rapidlty. At times the udder
| may also be diseased without presenting
any definite signs In the earlier stages.
thus making It very dangerous 10 use ,ie
milk Both DIR. Martin and DIR. Wood
head of London. Insist that no tubercu-
lowed TO remain IN a dairy: and they are
of the opinion that all diseased tubercu-
lous animals should be killed and the
meat condemned.
authorities who cited eases OF deaths
from tuberculosis. especially among chill
dren who had been fed on milk from cows
shown to be tuberculous when killed.
Ii Is claimed by many who have not
had the opportunity to study this subject.
that the danger from milk and meat and
water and air. has been exaggerated. for,
II true. few would escape.
Looking upon she last review of the
returned veterans in Washington AT the
close OF our war. when for many hours
our buoyant. stalwart soldiers swept past
the grand stand a man ignorant of war
might say: The danger in rifles and
swords and cannon has been exaggerated;
see these mighty thousands who have
been exposed to them without harm. But
tell him. in return. to remember that i0o.-
600 other as brave men lie in southern
graves. So at the close of this year mil
Hons and millions OF the inhabitants OF
the globe have escaped tuberculosis but
1t Is estimated that five millions have fal-
len its victims during the year.
The first duty of the physician. when
called to Il case of tuberculosis. is TO In
sputum. and instruct the attendants
and friends with whom the patient comes
in contact. how to protect themselves.
and the duty of them all 10 protect the
public.
The United States should prohibit all
tuberculous emigrants from landing or
cur shores. Our own State as has all
ready been done in some other states
should promptly enact such laws as will.
most effectua!ly restrict the disease. with
out undue hardship to the afflicted ones;
sidewalks and upon the floors of all pub
lie conveyances. all buildings of public
resort and especially of schoolrooms: re-
uuire all tubercnlous cases to be reported
to the boards of health. and require that
printed circulars oof instruction and in
formation be furnished them: require rig
id inspection of all cows whose milk is
offered for sale. and of their stables and
rigid inspection of slaughter houses and
animals to be slaughtered for the mar
ket Teach the people to boil all sus-
pected water for drinking purposes. to
sterilize all milk not known TO be pure.
especially before feeding to children and
TO thoroughly cook all meats
Another year is before us. II will be
the high function of our noble profession
to relieve pain. 10 restore manned limbs
10 carry cheer and hope and repose TO
many Il sufferer: but it will be our high
est function to have aided in protecting
healthy. happy homes from the frs en-
croachments of disease.