The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1905-07-28

however, demonstrates the fallacy Of
this belief, and specialists do not
hesitate to say that nearly every
case can be successfully treated if
taken in time.
On the theory that an ounce of pre-
ventive is worth a pound of cure, the
MARYLAND State Board of Health is
now urging the public to take an
interest for the benefit of the next
generation. 1t is said that this dread
disease often originates by contact Of
pupils in the public schools and at a
recent meeting of the State Board of
Health, DIR. John S. Fulton, secre-
tary, made an address, which if
needed, is calculated to bring about
a changed condition of affairs in the
years to come.
A consistent fight was made two
years ago to obtain an appropria-
tionfrom the Maryland Legislaturein
order that hospital could be estab-
lislIed for the treatment of patients
suffering from tuberculosis, as well
as conduct a bureau of intelligence
that would disseminate information
among the general public. A small
sum was finally obtained and with
this meager amount, excellent work
has been done. Enlightened public
opinion will see that this approrrla-
ton is very much increased by the
next General Assembly, and the good
results to follow, may in the end
practically stamp out the dread dis
ease.
In his address before the State
Teachers Association, DR.. Fulton
said in part:
"The tuberculosis bacillus is one of
the weakest in the whole category of
disease producing germs. Hardly
any disease germ is less fit to live
outside the animal body. And yet
it has fastened itself on the animal
world and become the greatest
among the causes of untimely death.
By sheer force of numbers, the most
insignificant individual among mans
enemies has gained pre-eminence.
"The prevention of tuberculosis de-
ponds, above all things, on the en-
lightenment of the people concerning
the nature and causes of the disease
and the simple means by which it
may be prevented. A large volun-
tary association can bring about an
enlightened public opinion much
faster than any official agency, and
this is the reason for the existence of
the Maryland Association for the
Prevention and Relief of tuberculosis.
"The interest of teachers in the
problems of tuberculosis sno greater
than theinterest ofother professional
and business people, but your interest
in the subject is different, and its
difference makes the tuberculosis
problem one of definite and practical
concern TO you.
1.-THE seed is now sown for con-
symptoms harvest of death in the
next seven years. five move fast
enough and intelligently enough we
can save few of those now marked
for death in 1907 and 1908, a few
more Of those marked for death in
1909 and 1910 and a good many of
those who, if we stand idle, will sure
" die of tuberculosis in 1911 and
1912. The saving of these people is
no particular concern of yours, ex-
cept so far as this company will have
its share in that roll of untimely
death. The people who are going to
realize the first material profits of
this popular campaign against
tuberculosis are your wards at this
moment, and they will escape the
doom now impending in proportion
as you know and can oppose the
dangers now surrounding them, and
in proportion as you can inform
their minds and their wills to take
care of themselves after you are
through with them"
The instruction of each teacher in
the state, in the simple matters
necessary to the education of the
children of the estate is now being
arranged for by State Superintendent
NJ. Bates Stevens, and the county
superintendent. 1t isprobable that
at least one period at each county
institute in Maryland, this fall, will
be devoted to discussion of the sub
ject of tuberculosis.