The Indianapolis journal., 1904-01-08
DR.. ], A. COMINGOR ON
CAUSE OF PNEUMONIA
He Does Not Believe the Microbe
Is Responsible for the
Disease.
VIEWS ON THE SUBJECT

DR.. ]. a Comingor, a weli-known physi-
clan Of the city. said to a Journal reporter
yesterday:
In the Journals issue Of Jan. 1 came
across an interview with a local physician
on Pneumonia as an Infectious Disease
I was not favorably impressed with the
general spirit Of the article 1t is vague IN
both statement and conclusion, and is likely
20 exert a harmful influence. II seems to
me that such vague theoretic dashes are
calculated TO tax the patience of our intel
hgsnt people. Certainly in no general sense
can such efforts be considered profitable.
They do not teach the people how 70 avoid
the disease, nor how 10 cure 1t. Then, may
ask what the motive consists in? To say
that the cause OF pneumonia was not
known until recently IS not a truthful
statement OF the facts. The cause is not
definitely settled, nor IS it likely 20 be.
ITO say that the microbe is the cause is
going far beyond the jurisdiction Of the
facts" When asked what pneumonia
really was be said:
Pneumonia is an Inflammation Of the
two lungs which comprise the breathing
capacity and throws great strain upon the
this Is as We understand It. II We attempt
10 90 beyond this We are sure 70 get lost In
the fog
Much evidence can be summoned that
goes 70 show that the germ Is not the
cause, and that when found in pneumonia
cases can be traced TO the results, and are
que TO pathologic changes. destruction OF
blood and tissue. II this be true II is un-
philosophical and illogical 20 say that the
Inicrobe Is the cause for IL is evident that
the same agent cannot be both cause and
effect
Perhaps tho most indefinite and con-
fcsed statement IN the interview IS the
following. 1 quote; He compared the &C
uon or microbes TO birds upon carrlon He
said that when the lungs became sore and
ipilamcd 20 certain extent the microbes
settled upon this particular part and COM
menced their deadly work, and those, Of
course, increased the Inflammation and kept
the parts from healing If this has any
logical force II is clearly against his theory
OF cause The way ard why they settled
at this point Is natural and inevitable. 1t
II due TO destruction OF blood and tissues,
q product, effect.
.'The principle OF prevention is plain and
the process simple. All that Is required IS
that the working standard Of the system be
kept up to its physiOlOgic point OF action.
Every individual Is by nature invested with
q given standard Of physical force, which
is designed and used for the protection OF
his health. This he can keep and even in
crease It II he will This is his bulwark
OF safety. II he holds the fort health is
assured, and, barring accidents, life is pro-
longed; under existing conditions disease
viii not prevail.
ITO cure disease is a different PROPOSE
ton. The fort or health has been broken
down, the gateway opened. and the enemy
enters freely and takes possession. 1t is
hard TO rebuild as the foundation is not as
good as II originally was; the walls are
sprung, and the supports are weak The
principle upon which the cure is founded
and the practice drawn is as plain and sim
pie as that OF prevention, but IS more diff
cult OF execution. The fundamental
thought upon which 10 base the treatment
IS 70 work as to overcome the enemy.
ana then rebuild the fort. This is not in
III
plished az all 1t must be done through the
natural forces: food, water, heat, air. etc.
No other material can enter into recon-
struction- These are along the highways
OF cure Artificial means are classed with
the byways.
The high rate of mortality attributed 70
triasd with The death rate IS high
and VIII so continue until physicians
learn to depend on on n1at natures RE, recon
no time to waste in looking after side and
speculative interests. From the start life
is held in the balance, and whatever is done
at the very heart Of life. Air is an imme-
diate and constant necessity of life. The
lungs are the Official organs Of this neces-
sity and its distribution Man cannot live
q short minute without it.
The Infectious character Of pr eumonia is
Of no great moment In point Of fact 1t is
not sustained by the evidence. At any rate
IL IS too remote to call for consideration
That the sick chamber should be at all
times kept in the best OF sanitary condition,
free from all Objectionable features, is gen.
orally understood and practiced.
The microbe Is an Insignificant disturber
OF the peace and happiness OF our people
1t IS making fools OF the profession and
towards Of us all. Already the people are
afraid 70 step beyond the thresholds OF
their homes IN fear Of being attacked by
this arch enemy OF health.
III this craze long continues the great
American people, instead Of being the rug
ged. forceful and courageous people we
have been and are now, are destined to be-
come people OF lost energy, force and
courage"