New-York tribune., 1918-01-20

mucous membrane of the nose, which has
germ-killing property; the white blood cor
puscles, which in health are always active in
destroying the dangerous bacteria that may
nave entered the body, and the secretions of
the stomach, to which also must be ascribed
Dacteria-klillng properties.
The predisposition to tuberculosis NAV be
acquired through having had certain diseases
winch often leave the system in weakened
conoltion Among them are measles, whoop-
ing cough, typhus and typhoid fever, grip,
chronic bronchitis, pleurisy, pneumonia, and
all venereal diseases. Privation. want of food.
lack OF air and sunlight insufficient clothing
and the prolonged inhalation of irritating
substance, as well overfatigue and lack
or sleep, may also make the system sus-
cept'bie to tuberculosis. Excessive smoking,
especially of cigarettes when the smoke is in
haled, IS apt to lnjure the respiratory system
ana make 1t more susceptible to disease to
weaken the action of the heart, impair the
function of the nervous system and lessen
the general efficiency. One who has never
smoked would better not acquire the habit.
one Oh the greatest predisposing causes to
tuberculosis is the excessive use and abuse of
alcoholic drink. When the alcoholic contracts
tuberculosis, the outlook for cure is not
nearly so favorable as in man of temperate
haolts. PATIENTS recovering from the ABOVE
mentloned diseases should be particularly
careful to avoid prolonged contact with tn
berculous individuals
Inc soldier In the field can do much for
hl'nself TO guard against becoming predis-
posed 10 tuberculosis. Besides refraining from,
'he use OF llquor-strong alcoholic drinks
ana from all other excesses he sbou1d ..
ar as possible eat regularly keep his body
eiea ana rest when he can, so as to avoid
oVer1atlgue. He should keep his bowels in
good condition and drink plenty of good. pure
water. lie should also try to clean his teeth
ai'er al meals whenever this is feasible When
iii0 garments nave become wet from rain or
snow he should not lie down ard sleen j.,
them, if this can possibly be avoided ard ba
should be equally careful not to lie down q,
tne moist ground without sufficient protection
hut' OF course on the firing line and in
iehcnes and dugouts these precautions can
not oiten be carried out, and one must do the
best one can W. ''0
IL the air In the dugouts and trenches
seems 10 be vltlated, that is to saw foul and
'aIH'is oxygen whenever the circumstances
VIII permit the soldier should 90 whera tho
air IS pure and take some deep breatbine, ex-
erclses. The simplest one of all is to inbale
ueeply through the nose, raising the shoulders
uur;hg the act of inhalation movinc, then,
backward and remaining in that position. re-
tanning the air for about five or six seconds
~'u .Ne'i TO eNhaie trihe more quickly, while
III, moving 1he shoulders forward and downward
ms exercise may be taken from six to eight
''mes' and, If convenient, repeated after half
an hour an hour
II the dugouts and trenches can be ven
.iia'eo so as to admit fresh ar this should
oy al means be done. In tents and barracks
ana an other sleeping quarters the soldier
should' OF course. make it his business to see
that there is plenty of ventilation Frest air
oy day and by night is the best preventive as
well as curative agent of this disease