The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1904-10-06

bottom, are never washed and which
accumulate filth month after month,
are very Objectionable.
The danger from tubercdlous meat il
slight because the germs are killed IN
cooking, but 1t is much greater from
milk which is taken raw, and which,
besides, is more liable to Infection
Milk from q COW with diseased udder
should never be used. Cities and
towns ought to require of every dairy
man selling milk to their people
license granted only upon the observa-
ton OF the proper sanitary rules, in
GLIDING the tuberculin test, and revoca'
BILE upon violation Of these rules.
Every municipality should adopt
and enforce an ordinance against spit
ting on the sidewalks and on the floors
OF public places.
Compulsory notification would be
very helpful, especially in the case OF
the very poor.
1t is the plain duty of every con-
sumptlye, to his loved ones and the
public, once in possession of the facts
above set forth, to observe all the pre-
cautions laid down, and of those lntl-
mately associated with him to see that
he does it.
1t lie likewise the duty of every ply
sician to see that these facts are i'm
pressed upon his consumptiye patients
aud their families. The interested CO.
operation of the attending physician Is
by far the most important element in
the solution of this difficult and dread
tul problem. Without it comparative
ly little can be done, with it wonders
can be accomplished.
1t should b. borne in mind that
consumptive taking the precautions
above set forth in the management of
bis sputun. is not at all a source of
danger to others, and need not be
avoided. 1t would be unnecessary
cruelty to treat him like leper. But
his friends should see that he does
take the precautions.
OFFICES AND SHOPS.
In business Offices, shops, factories,
or any other places where a number of
persons are shut indoors together, the
danger of infection is increased. The
managers of such offices or factories,
for their own protection as we'll as that
of their employees, should see that the
proper precautions are observed. Free
ventilation should be had and rigid
anticipating rule should be enforced.
Spittoons containing water under all
circumstances, and a disinfectant If
there be present a known case of con-
sumption, should be provided and their
invariable use insisted upon. Book
keepers should never moisten the fin
ger to turn page. The Michigan
Board of Health reports twenty sue
cesslve cases Of consumption in one
Office in Detroit as originating from
ore case who had this habit. The
germs were found on the leaves OF the
books. His successors picked them up
and put them into their own mouths,
or scattered them in the air as dust In
turning the leaves and inhaled them.
No individual having a cough ought
to use the common drinking cup, but
use his own exclusively.
Provision ehould be made in all hos
pitfalls for the insane and in prisons for
the separation Of the tuberculous from
the otherwise healthy. The utter help
lessness of the inmates makes this an
imperitive demand of humanity.
WORD AS TO TREATMENT.
Tuberculosis, if taken in time, is one
of the most durable OF chronic diseases.
In the first stage, before the lungs be-
gin to break down, there is no expecto-
ration, no pus or matter containing
germs is thrown of, and it Is not con.
tagious. In this stage 1t can be cured
by proper care in the majority of cases.
1t Is therefore all-important to the pa
tient and the public, his Immediate
family in particular, that the diagnosis
be made as early as possible. To this
end, any person suffering from a gen.
eral decline in health, especially II
marked by a gradual loss of flesh, loss
OF appetite, a slight morning cough,
feverishness, and perhaps husklness OF
voice towards evening, should seek
medical advice without delay. There
seems to be tendency on the part of
both the patient and his friends to re-
sent the suggestion that he has con-
sumption, to deny it, and perhaps to dis
charge his true and candid physician
and lose the golden opportunity of |
cure. He should accept and act upon |
1t at once-with hope.
The modern treatment of tuhercnlo.
Sis, which has been SD successful. con-
0iStS not In the n>o ~ l.,,o. =.