The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-02-20
Experiments al Newark Have
Met With Som, Success.
SURE REMEDY HOPED FOR,
Investigator on Theory That Other Gsrms
Than Tubsrcls BaclIll Assist In the
Rivsgss Of Consumption.

Newark, N. J., Feb. 2O.-Through an
original course of research. on the basis
that many kinds OF toxic germs, entering
a system already weakened by tubercu-
losis. are largely responsible for the IA
taiity OF that disease, an anu-toxih mas
been evolved which, IL Is claimed, mas
brought remarkable benefits 10 the sur
ferers from consumption treated with H.
This has been made public In report
to the board OF health OF Newark. the
discover modestly disclaims having found
cure all for the disease. but asserts
that a moderate amount of success mas
so far apparently attended his efforts to
and an anti-toxin for the septic conditions
attending tuberculosis, ana he makes II
public that further research by himself
and others may prove or disprove its
value.
BASIS OF INVESTIGATION
The investigation was based on statis-
tics showing that the chronic and the
more numerous class o. cases OF tubercu-
losis run a course extending over months
and even years. and, while showing
tendency 10 recover become easily IN
fected. on account or lowered resisting
power with various other kinds OF germs.
These lodge In the tissues already de-
vitalized by the tubercular Infection. and
cause destructive changes. The toxic
products OF decomposition are 10 some
extent absorbed and lower the vitality
OF the already weakened victim
with the vast variety OF germs which
thus become associated with the tubercle
baciiIi. IL would be by the merest chance
that two persons could be found who
had the same combination. Therefore
the remedy for one sufferer would
scarcely be suitable for another, and In
this was seen the probable reason for the
far ria
The attempt, therefore. was 10 produce
an anti-toxin directed principally against
the septic conditions that accompany con-
sumption. and the effort. the report says,
has met with what seems at the present
time some very gratifying success"
METHOD OF PREPARING ToXINE.
9Th. method we employed" the report
says. lis as follows: About three
months ago 1 selected two patients in
private practice, each having different
type of pulmonary consumption, one con-
siderabiy advanced In the third stage of
the disease, the other not so far; each
having abundant tubercle bacilli in his
sxpectoration.
.sThe character of the tubercle bacilli In
both cases showed that the disease was
actively progressive, and one OF the pa
dents showed all OF the clinical symptoms
Of pronounced septic infection-fever,
night swsats, loss of appetite. etc.
"At the time mentioned two horses
were selected by DIR. Werner Runge, who
submitted them TO the same tests as In
the selection of horses used In the pro-
duction OF diphtheric anti-toxin. and kept
them under the same close observation.
At this time also DIR. r. N. Connolly.
bacteyiologist of the board OF health, pre-
pared toxins for immunizing the horses.
These toxins were prepared by
adding selected portions of the
cxpectoration OF the patient 10 beef tea.
He used sufficient amount of the puru-
lsnt material to insure getting most, IL
not all, of the various kinds OF bacteria
the patient was infected with Tests
made on guinea pigs showed that the I'LL
trate possessed only feeble toxin power.
"Dr. Runge then began injecting the
horses, using the toxin product prepared
from the sputum OF the patient ON the
horse selected for that particular pa
tfent's use. BY the time the horses had
become immunized 10 the first batch OF
toxin, a new product prepared from the
pfevious weeks sputum of each patient
was ready and the injections continued
This was kept up for several weeks,
kAeping the horses as nearly as possible
in concert with the condition OF the pa
TENTS. until finally the horses were able
TO take doses OF 1S0 C. c. OF toxin without
showing any constitutional disturbance.
During this time tuberculin was also i'm
jected. beginning with small doses. which
were gradually increased in size. When
the horses were able 10 Withstand large
doses OF the combined toxic products.
Some OF their blood was drawn and the
serum obtained with the usual precau-
tions
'-rhis serum was tested on a large series
Of guinea pigs 10 provc that IL contained
no deleterious material and. after II was
rfovcd harmless the injection OF tho pa
AT Bcor .astlNi n.f,tfr ,st
OF the serum were injected simultaneously
into the patient for whom the horse had
been prepared and tho injections were
repeated each day for, I'm one case seven
the other ten days.
REMARKABLE EFFECT
1T was extremely gratifying to find that
Improvement followed from the FIRST in
lection. The temperature remained low
ighad previously been high: night swca q
disappeared; cough became more bearabl,
and permitted the patient TO sleep durinl
the night, which had previously been i'm
possible. Appetite improved. and. in fact
the desire for food increased TO such an
extent as to surprise even the member.
Of the patients family: and altogether &
very noticeable and gratifying improve
mcnt took place In both patients.
Both patients suffered from an attacl
of anti-toxln urtioaria and some Join
pains during the course OF the treatment
but this discomfort was conterbalance,
by the improved general condition. ans
tie paueuts expressed themselves as onl,
anxious Tor the urticaria 20 disappear
in order 20 again begin the injections.
This shows the possibilities OF investi
eating along the line. because II u car
be proved the chronic tuberculosis cai
be benefited by these measures. other die
eases. az pneumonia. typhoid fever. etc.
which frequently are decidedly influence,
by associated bacteria. may also be foun,
20 respond 90 anti-toxin prepared by tn
same means.
Another question. and one OF consider
able practicable value 90 be determined
is-wi1i one animal permit of being mad
immune for several patients. by mixln
the toxic products OF several patients
sputum and injecting into one horse
thus getting one animal TO serve ia
more than one case"