Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1908-11-12


it was thought that It was transmi''
ted directly from parent TO ch'id'
Not until 1882 was the real cause VI
the disease discovered. Scientists had
learned by that time that some as
eases are caused by minute piahts'
or germs, SO small that they nave 10
he maenified many hunderd times 10
he seen at all. In that year, R'oeI'
Koch. a German, found that In con-
sumption a special kind OF germ was
ALWAYS found, that 1t was never louiiu
in any other disease, and that II 'his
germ we're inoculated into Other am
mails they would develop consump'i'h.
This germ has since been proven
over and over again to be the cause
of consumption. 1t 1t called 'ne
germ of consumption" or the "bacli-
lus of tuberculosis.
A well person may breathe these
small germs into the lungs. where
they grow and multiply like any
other plant, IN suitable soil. AS 'hes
crow they make a poison that causes
the parts of the lungs about 'heM W
become hardened into little hoduies
or tubercles and then to soften anu
the patient presents the familiar PIC
ture of consumption.
The germs Of consumption can grow
in any part 0 fthe body: nip ois'ase
in children. hump back. scrofula, anu
white swelling, are some 81 the com
mon forms of tuberculosis. lnpel'
cu,osis CT the lungs is known as COLI
sumption. ,,.
Not every one that breathes in 'he
Germs develops the disc ase. Every
adult has probably at some time peeh
infected with them. Wien ones sss-
tom is in normal healthy condition.
tn. germs have, only slight chance
If living and multiplying; but wheh
tho system is weakened by eNcesses'
nv improper living. or by otEef dls'
case. they will probably 'hriFe WEI.
Even a we'll, strong person may Nv.
h. able to resist the germs II ihev are
taken into the lungs in large numbers,
or very frequently.
How the Disease Is Spread.
Whom the lungs are at ark d by
the germs Of consump'1oh' the 'o
Cd parts are coughed up. II one
amines the expectorat:on OF Cur
sumptive, one can often flnd mlii.on'
OF the minute germs OF tie dlaeaa.
II this sputum or spittle is scat'e.eu
about. it will rapidly dry and become
nowdered and the germs from 1t Will
float about in the air with the aus =.
when a consumptive coughs, .he
germs will be thrown off in the NE
drons of moisture from the lungs anu
will float for some time in the ait.
Anv one who breathes the air Win
tbese germs floating in it will Ie
liable To contract the disease.
A careless consumptive will alio"
the ,ius and hands to be smeared WIN
snutum and will infect anything NE
touches. Again, the mustache or
be.rd NAV become, -soiled with the
snittle The germs are SO small tha1
MARY If them may be sticking TO the
skin and may still be Invisible. ANY
one kissing the consumptire may
o. yet tho germs from tile lips or Dearu.
Houses in which careless consump
lives live or have lived, and which
are damp and poorly lighted may ne
come infected and remain 30 ~
months. the germs adherins 10 tns
furniturs and to carpets asa hoauHs
about with the particles OIL ouss
Hence, those living closest 10 tne car
less consumptive are most hapie ~
contract the disease from MIN.
careful consumptive Is not dah-
v.r,us tn those about him. A care.
iess consumptive is a danger 10 al
those with whom he comes IN coh'
tact .
IN. Prevention Of Consumption.
Tb. prevention Of consumption IS
not easy, hut Il Is possible to make
the disease disappear from the ea1an
in a generation. ,,
From what has already been sal"
II viii be seen that IL all the germs
~ CONSUMPTION could be killed as
thcv leave the patient, there wouio
no ro further spreed Of the disease:
The germs at large in the worio
would soon die on ana II no ~
ones we're added there would oe no..
to infect well persons. Tnerefl re-
tic whole work OF prevention W
pends on the destruction OF tne
germs as they leave the patent,
The FIRST asd most important pre-
cau,iou f. the prompt and emcien'
dcstruct,ca OF the germs In inc
snutum. since by far the larger par
Of tho germs leave the patient by wa!
Ct thesputum. The sputum snou,a =.
wars be deposited N some reeep'..
where it will be ht's safe un'ii ths
germs can be killed or bS o's'"
fectants. .
In the home an ordinary mug VITO
cover NAV be used. This mug snonie
co,tain \ small, amount Of fairi!
strong carSolic acid or fye the eo ~,
sumnsive should be taught to spit al
rcctiy into this without selling IN,
outside. several times day TN
contents Of the mug should he emp
tied into the fire and the Ess snoa.
be thorosehfy bri'ed hefore " Is Use.
apain. Nothing from the inside Of 'h'