The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-07-29
BEWARE THE CHARLATAN WHO
 9ETc arr. 0E THE TOESIL

GFTS AEL OF THE TONS1L
 In fine talk about ''Too Much Ton: sillotomy" the other day explained fhat tonsillotomy means cutting the tonsil or chipping" it, as in renoV. ina the bulk of tonsils which are either enlarged or infected, TonSll. lectomy means removing the entlre tonsil, every bit of 1t, leaving nO trace of tonsil tissue in the tnroat.
 To hear some operators talk anous it. one might think tonsillectomy 2 marvellouSly thorough and efIlclent niece of surgery. But not If one knows ones onions.
 It is conceivable, and in case ot Q grave suspicion of, say. cancer m the tonsil, it might be justifiable 70 attempt to remove every bit Of ton- sil tissue, leaving no such tissue m the throat. But in my studied opl,l' ion there is no good reason TOT sup" iecting the patient to more pros ionged anethesia Oocal or general Or more extensive trauma or injury Or dissection in the attempt to "gee all of the tonsil tissue" in cases or simple tonsil hypertrophy or en. largement or in cases of infected tonsils, especially when a septic io- GUS in a tonsil is held responsipie for some systemic trouble such as chronic arthritis.
 That complex is based on a ialse premise in the first place, NO one has ever shown that tonsil tissue IS in itself harmful in any way. NO matter how large tonsils and aoe- holds (third or pharyngeal tonsill may be, they do no harm to child or adult except through the mechani. cal accident of obstruction - thaS is. the enlarged tonsil or adenoio calls for no treatment unless iC nap pens to CD obstruct the Eustachian canal or tube (air way between up- per throat and ear cavityl ana oull the bearing or t2l obstruct the rear nose and throat airpassage and in" terfere with natural breathing.
 Tn the treatment of infected ton" sils. especially if there is reason to believe the tonsil harbor a septic focus or indus or area of infection which is responsible for some sys- temic trouble such as arthritis. the object of treatment is to eradicate, disinfect, clear up, destroy. remove pasteurize, drain or otherwise eltin- mate the source of the trouble. Tn my Judgment that object is best achieved by diathermy extirpation of the septic focus-extirpation by elctro-coagulation, or perhaps ster- ilization or pasteurization of the in- fected area of tonsil tissue. At any rate. that is the treatment I'd want if suffered from any such focal in- lection.
 Hike The old Gov
 Curiosity kills the cat but satts" faction of curiosity is what brings her back. Please tell us whether chewing gum helps one to concen" trate? Also, I have habit of chew Ing on the soft end of a blade of grass or a weed while at work-is this dangerous or harmful?
 (R. H)
 Answer - Watch the old COW chewing her cud. Boy. does she concentrateI Chewing gum, grass or ordinary weeds is harmless if you like doing t. Try carrying some plain wheat in your pocket or pock- etb00k end chewing some when you feel like chewing. Fine for the teeth, gives you calcium. phosphor' us, yitamins and stuff you need to supplement your defined diet.
 AeiAlty En The Head
 Could you advise whether taking your iodine ration would cause aci- dity in the system2
 lMrs. M. s. O
 Answer-"Acidity In the system" is imaginary. On request. fl you pros vide stamped self addressed ellyel- ope, I'll send you Instructions for Taking an T9dip Ration.
 lCOpyFigist iD4l, John ?. Dilie Col