Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-10-04

DR. Robert Koch. the eminent German
scientist minimizing the danger of human
infection from bovine tuberculOuS bacilli.
when the tuberculosis congress. just be-
fore final adjournment, placed itself
squarely on record in opposition to th'
views of the German savanf.
The controversy over this momentous
issue. which has been the subject Of much
spirited debate during the entire proceed
ings of the congress. reached its climax
Yesterday when that body by unanimous
vote adopted a resolution recognizing the
possibility" of human infection from
the bovine tuberculous bacilli. The text
of the resolution, which was one of a
series of official declarations, is as fol-
lows:
Resolved, That the utmost efforts
should be continued in the struggle
against tuberculosis to prevent the con-
veyance from man to man of tuberculosis
Infection as the most important sources
of the disease.
That preventive measures be continued
against bovine tuberculosis. and that the
possibility of the propagation of this to
man be recognized.
Cheers Greet Resolution.
This official expression, which was one
sons of the congress. was greeted with
prolonged cheers. Whether or not DR..
Koch has receded from his position as to
the unity of human and bovine tubercle
tenaciously by silently acquiescing in the
adoption of the resolution is not known.
He sat throughout the proceedings with
out even so much as q nod OF dlSapproval.
II is not believed. however. that the Ger
man scientist has modified his view on
this question, but that rather than pro-
woke anew the controversy he declined to
openly commit himself. The action of the
congress on this noteworthy issue, 1t is
thought, will for the time being put a
quietUS to further agitation. at least
until the next meeting OF the congress in
Rome. in 1911. This scientific battle has
been waged with great vigor ever since
Or. Koch advanced his doctrine at the
London congress on tuberculosis in 1901.
Results of the Sessions.
Among the results of the labors of the
gathering was the adoption of a resolu-
ion recommending the obligatory noti-
ic;.tion and registration of all cases of
tuberculosis; indorsing we'll considered
.egislation for the regulation OF factories
and workshops. the abolition OF prema-
:ure and injurious labor of women and
children and the securing of sanitary
dwellings as TO increase the resisting
power of the community to tuberculosis
and other diseases.
Other resolutions ndorsed instruction in
personal and school hygiene in all schools
,or training teachers. the establishment in
colleges and universities of courses in
nygiene and sanitation, the establishment
,f playgI oundS as an important means of
preventing tuberculosis. the establish
nent of hospitals for treating advanced
cases, sanatoria for curing cases and the
establishment of diSpensaries and day
and night camps for ambulant cases,
which cannot enter hospitals and sana-
:oria.
Lecture by Prof. Bang.
Prof. Bernard Bang of Copenhagen,
Denmark discoverer OF u method for i'm
nuniZing cattle. delivered an address
last night on Studies in Tuberculosis in
Domestic Animals and What We May
Learn Regarding Human tuberculosis
before the delegates to the congress.
Prof. Bang Is one of the strongest op-
yonents of the Koch theory. as Is shown
by his lecture. Denmark has rigid laws
concerning tuberculous cows, each animal
,ound TO be dangerous being slaughtered
~ the government and the owner in
1emnified. Prof. Bang said:
Besides man. cattle are the most i'm
oortant carriers Of tuberculosis and even
lose who share Robert KOchs opinion
hat infection from cattle is OF no prac-
heal consequence as far as mankind is
concerned Will not deny that bovine and
human tuberculosis are two diseases so
.ongTu that human pathology can
earn much from experience gathered
rom bovine tuberculosis.
so far cattle are concerned" DR.
Bang said, Ill be proved that the
disease ~ introduced and spread BY in
.ection and infection alone" He eX-
pressed the opinion that the theory that
he tubercle bacillus is ubiquitous and
hat the occurrence OF the disease depends
wholly on the susceptibility OF the indi-
5idual is wrong and harmful. hindering
.he main work in combating the disease
wedding infection. "A few bacilH will
hardly infect. Il large number will surely
infect. he continued 1T is possible to
aise perfectly healthy animals on the
tame farm as sick ones by placing them
other stables.
Restoring Herd to Health.
Formerly when tuberculin tests show
ID large numbers of infected cows the
.armer despaired. He was afraid OF
.aising calves bOQ of tuberculous ami
mails. 1t soon appeared that the ma ajority
If reacting animals suffered only from
IN insignificant form of tuberculosis and
was this knowledge that led me in 1S92
o attempt gradually To change a tubercu-
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