The evening times. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1906-1914, 1906-10-23

Ied1ls atlIloudOIe 10 the QOOkWOrn.
1t was remarkable paper. in that it
came as complete surprise to the
members of the society and because
1t was delivered by a young physi-
clan, who had before been little known
to the brothers in his profession.
In his graduate labratory research
in Washington city. Dr. Bagby came
across many citations and examples of
this disease. and the description SO
tailed with many cases that had come
under his own personal observation,
had been treated in vain for other dis
eases. that it attracted his notice.
Going back TO his home in Tidewater
Virginia. he noticed SO many cases
which corresponded exactly with what
he had learned concerning the hook
worm disease that he became cor
WINGED that it was the latter with
which he was confronted. He set him
self to work Immediately. and, follow
ing up the treatment which is pre-
scribed for the hookworm disease. eff
fected cures and also, by examina-
ton Of the cases which came before
him. proved. beyond peradventure of
doubt. that in reality the disease
was inflicted by the hookworm. He
carefully prepared paper on the
subject and read it at the convention
in Charlottesville. thereby proving to
the profession that physicians in Vir-
sinia. particularly in the Tidewater
section. had new-old disease with
which to contend.
The hoOkworm is species of earth
worm which finds it's habitat In damp
earth. where it grows and increases
its kind with unwonted vigor. The
1ldewater section of Virginia is more
peculiarly adapted to it than any other
portion Of this State. and here it is
remarked that the disease is prevalent
to any extent that is more than sur
prislng. The worm in several ways,
finds its way into the human intestinal
tract, which, by means of certain
proboscis-like formation resembling
hook at its head, it clings to the
mucous membrane and sucks the
blood which traverses along the many
tiny veins lining the intestinal walls.
The person so afflicted soon becomes
anemic: his growth, if he is young, is
stunted: the physical and mental fac
ultles are dulled. and the victim drags
out weary existence, which, if the
disease be not cured, soon ends In
death. Other signs by which it may be
diagnosed are intestinal irritation, oc-
caslonal diarrhea. and, finally, the
presence OF the worm itself in the
feces. The disease has often been mis-
taken for malaria, but has never sue
cessfully responded to the treatment
given for that disease When once
diagnosed properly. it is easily cured,
and may give little trouble.
Living Illustrations.
While reading his paper before the
medical society. DR.. Bagby also en-
hibited three patients afflicted with the
new disease. One, the father of the
other, showed the results of the afflic-
ton in its most advanced state and
worst form. He was exceedingly ane-
mic. had lest much vitality and was
incapable of exertion or effort. His
son, youth Of seventeen years, also
afflicted in the same manner, had been
stunted in his growth and presented
that pitiful appearance OF youth.
through affliction or disease. made old
before its time. The third patient ex-
hibfted the disease in its incipiency.
and did not show much marked loss O:
vitality.
The worm gains access to the intes-
final tract through the practice of eat
ing dirt. which is customary in some
countries. or by other means. One of
| the latter arises from the hand, which
has previously become covered with
the worms. going to the mouth. This
NAV be done by the barefoot boy, who.
AFTER having scratched a sore on his
loot, puts his hand to his mouth.
The disease is more prevalent among
those who live and work in the coun-
Try, among tunnel diggers and among
others connected with like occupa-
ton.
DR.. Bagby will hold a clinic in
Memorial hospital and demonstrate
with the three cases referred to,
Or. Bagby was hailed as 4 new star
in the armament of the medical pro-
iesslon after having read his paper on
,he subject, and the society of which
ne is member. deservetlly rewarded
MIN by electing him to the vice presi-
dency. He is a young man, comDara-
lively unknown before, but with the
promise of a bright and successful IN
ture before him.
Or. c: r. Robins of Richmond, Va,
who is intensely interested in the dis.
covery. has in his office two hook.
worms. male and female on exhibit
A FAILURE.
,l~.A<.