Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1915-02-03

THE TueERcuLosls QUESTION
Dr.. johnson Quotes Or. p. N. Hall.
Editor Willmar Tribune:
DR.. p. M. Hall Of the Minneapolis
Tribune has the following remarks on
tuberculosis in the Jan. ~ issue of
that newspaper. AS it corroborates
my position and emphasizes other w.t.
al points in the discussion, ask you
to publish it.
"LEsT We FORGET.
"There are some fundamental prin-
ciples regarding tuberculosis that will
bear frequent repetition. We know,
for instance, that the ttbercle bacil-
lus is always present in developed tu-
berculosis disease, yet we know but
little positively of the conditions fav-
oring implantation, nor the manner
of its entrance into the body.
I'VE know that many persons die
Of other diseases that show upon post
norton examination the healed les
ions Of former tuberculosis implan-
tation. Who shall say just what was
the method Of cure in the particular
case?
I'VE have reason to believe that
the tubercle bacillus is very widely
| disseminated throughout the inhab-
tied parts of the earth, yet who of US
knows when he is harboring the germ?
And yet there are certain facts that
we must recognize as being establish
| ed, even though they may not be cap
able as yet of scientific demonstra-
ton. We should not be bound down
by scientific fetiches.
1--WE shall admit that as yet the
why Of the benefits of open air treat.
ment, from a scientific standpoint
have not been demonstrated. We
know that oxygen is ever present in
our homes, that is, upon the inside Of
them, but just whether the known
beneficial results of the open air are
due to better oxygen, to the humid
ity, the movement, or to just what
property of the outside air, is as YET
not proven.
I'VE do know that the Indian, since
he has been taken from his open all
habits of life in the tepee, and housed
in frame shacks, has died In frightfu
numbers from the disease. We also
know that the inoculated rabbits thai
Trudeau turned loose to roam the for
ests lived out their allotted time, while
those that were housed up died yer,
promptly from the disease. We have
read that the early fathers of medi
cine, who were careful observers, ad
vised their consumptive patients
Quit your job-go to the mountains
rest and live on milk and honey
"These may not be scientific demon
: STATIONS, but they are we'll establish
ed facts.
"Just why an individual will rests
an invasion Of the tubercle bacillus e
one time, and not at another, is as We
: an unsolved problem. We do know
that the largest numbers Of the vic
Tins of the disease are the underfed
poorly clothed, miserably housed, dis
sipated mortals who have persistent
ly disregarded the teachings of i'm
, proved personal hygiene.
"Overwork, overstudy, too mucl
. worrying, debilitation from long last
ing sickness, are also factors in tn
causation of the disease. We do no
say that these are the causes of tn
disease, but that they permit of tn
rapid development of the germ afte
an implantation there can be no rea:
enable doubt And these all mea
lowered resistance. Is it not fail
then, to say that by improved habit
of living we are more apt to resist tn
: invasions Of the germ because our vi
al resistance is improved?
. 1--WE know that the seasonal rise ;
. pneumonia, an acute disease of tn
- lungs, corresponds with the season {
= closed windows and storm sash. Jus
because we do not know why this
so shall we ignore the facts?
"Despite lack of scientific proof
is still wise to teach and to practic
hygienic living. This is the best qua
: antee of prevention against diseas'
t We admit that the tubercle bacillu
is the cause of the disease, but "
d can't live in the germ-free glass cas-
: and make our living.
Therefore, the best advice is to liv
hygienic lives, confident in the belle
= that by so doing we are best prepare
to ward off and defeat any invasion {
the disease Get the open air habi
keep up the vital resistance, and 20
y need not fear tuberculosis. It is larg'
u ly personal matter. Will you d
your part?"
Respectfully submitted,
: DR.. CHRISTIAN JOHNSON