The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1898-03-03
CONSUMPTION.
From DIR. Hunters Lectures on tho Pro-
gress of Medical Science In Lung Diseases


The medical profession of the civilized
world now comedies that Consumption Is
always a disease of the lungs and always
caused by the bacillus germ. For hundreds
of years il was supposed to be disease OF the
blood and general system, caused by inner.
tance, and on that false theory was treated
by medicines given through the stomach, and
with such inevitable fatality that it came to
be regarded as incurable.
The Germ Theory" first announced by
DR.. Martin in I7z7 was adopted by DR.. Bar.
ron in 1910, by DR.. Carmichael IN 1896, by
Prof Lama in IS4o, and by myself in 1851.
With these exceptions the whole profession
held to the old doctrine and continued to op-
pose and deny the "Germ Theory until after
1874 when DIR. Robert Koch of Berlin prov
ed its indisputable truth by showing the
actual germs that produce the disease IN the
lungs and expectorated matter OF consump-
tives. But even then the new doctrine was
not publicly accepted nor the old treatment
changed. In 1891 it was adopted and pub
licy acknowledged by all Medical Schools
as the only true theory of consumption. The
bacillus germ feeds upon and destroys the
substance OF the lungs as maggots devour
raw flesh.
From whence do these germs Gomez The
atmosphere is filled with countless millions OF
different kinds, each having its appointed
mission in the economy of nature. All living
things are consumed by them after death.
They are harmless to healthy bodies, but
assail and prey upon diseased tissues.
The germs in the air are the cause of many
different diseases, each named according to
its kind-Scald Head, Lepra Nulgaris, King
Worm and the Itch are common germ dis
eases.
Consumption is caused by the tubercle
bacillus, germ found in the air OF all eli
mates. In health the lungs are effectually
protected from the bacili by the Epithelium,
delicate membrane which lines the mucous
surfaces of the air passages-tubes and cells
Of the lungs, Just as the cuticle covers and
protects the external surface or skin OF the
body.
The Epthelium is the natural safeguard OF
the lungs Without its protection every hui
man being would get consumption and the
earth be depopulated, but while it remains
unbroken the lungs are safe and consumption
cannot possibly arise.
The chief diseases which endanger the
Epithelium and render US liable to consump'
ton are Catarrh, Bronchitis, Asthma and
Pneumonia You must first get chronic
inflammation of the lung surfaces severe
enough to break and destroy the Epithellum
before you can get consumption. You may
have chronic bronchitis long time before
the Epthelium is broken. These diseases
are the nursery from which consumption
springs, and therefore always dangerous.
Local nhammations of the air passages
and lungs are easily and quickly cured by
local treatment applied directly to the lungs
by inhalation, but never by stomach medica-
ton. After the Epithelium is broken and
the germs have formed lodgment in the
lungs no diet or nursing, stomach medica-
ton or change of air can arrest the lung
disease. Nothing short of the actual destruc-
ton of the germs and their expulsion from
the lungs will save the patients life. This is
effected only by specific germicides applied
directly to the germs and germ.infected parts
by inhalation. Everything else inevitably
fails.
10 be continued.)
(Signed) ROBERT HUNTER, M. d,
III West 45th ST.,
New York.