The theocrat. [volume] (Zion City [i.e. Zion], Ill.) 1914-1949, 1919-10-25
THE GERM TREATMENT OF
DISEASE VS.. DRUGLESS METHODS
&C. B. w.

The following remarkable editorial en-
titled, Lets Get At The Truth" appeared
in the Chicago E7ening Post of October 21:
A few months ago Dr. John B. Fraser
of Toronto published an article describing
extensive experiments which he had made
to determine if germs cause disease or not,
his conclusion being that they do not He
ended by challenging the medical profession
to make similar experiments to test the
germ theory. The matter was taken up by
Dr. H. w. Hill of Minneapolis, who chal-
lenged DR.. Fraser to submit himself as the
subject of the experiments. DR.. Fraser be-
ing them on his vacation the challenge was
accepted by DR.. H. A. Zettel of ST. Paul.
who suggested that both he and Dr. Hill
should submit to inoculation with the germs
of typhoid, tuberculosis, diphtheria, mening-
it's, small pox and leprosy. DR.. Zettel was
to rely on diet and general hygiene for pro-
lection against these Diseases while Dr. Hill
would use antitoxins and vaccinations DR..
Hill, however, did not accept the challenge
and the "duel' still hangs fire. Legal ex-
perts say that if the plan were carried out
and one of the doctors should die, the other
would be legally guilty of murder.
While the circumstances of this germ
duel' are rather amusing, it brings up
subject of vital Importance, viz, the correct
ness of the germ theory, according to
physician. AS a result of the lack of sue
cess of the medical profession in trying to
prevent and cure disease by treatments
based on the germ theory, the number of
people who depend on drugless healing is
rapidly increasing. In an article in med
ical magazine, Ely G.. Jones, NJ d., of
Buffalo recently said: Gas physicians we
have failed in our duty to the sick; we have
failed to find definite treatment for the
diseases common to our country. AS re-
suit of this sad state of things there are
thirty-hve million people in the United
States that depend upon some form of drug
less healing when they are sick 1t is said
that the average mortality from disease in
this country would not be over per cent
without any medical treatment The NOR
tality under the treatment of some ply
sicians is II per cent. From this it will be
seen that the public would be better off
without them. If we as physicians are to
be of any real benefit to the public, the
mortality under Our treatment must be be-
low per cent"
1t might be mentioned in connection with
the above statement that the mortality from
the 'fu" during the epidemic was from
10 to 20 per cent when treated by the reg
ular medical methods, whereas it is claimed
drugless methods of treatment resulted in
mortality of less than per cent.
1t would seem that more conclusive proof
of the germ theory is required than has yet
been produced. For the benefit of humanity
as we'll as in the interest of science the
medical profession should perform expert
| ments similar to DR.. Fraser's and those
made by the government last winter, when
unsuccessful attempts were made to cause
the "fu" by incubation and voluntary ex-
posture to contagion. If the germ theory is
right, the results of such experiments will
prove it. And if it is wrong, the sooner
the world knows it the better
NJ RRIA GES