losis, notwithstanding a popular
idea to the contrary, is very rare, but there is no question that those
persons in whose family tuberculosis exists are much more prone to
contract the disease than others. In just what manner the germ of
consumption gains entrance to the human body, we are more or less
uncertain, but there are reasons for the belief that in many instances
they pass in by means of the inhaled air; there is no doubt that in a
small percentage of cases the bacillus gains entrance to the body through
an abrasion of the skin or of some mucous membrane; finally the bacteria
are often taken in with the foods that we eat, or by putting objects
upon which the germs are present into the mouth, or eating with hands
which have been contaminated and not washed. Of the foods that contain
the germs of consumption, milk is unquestionably the most common, as
there can be no question that fully 25 per cent. of our cows have this
disease, and under such circumstances their milk is usually infected with
the bacillus that produces the malady; meats, likewise, often contain
germs of this disease, but, as they are usually cooked, no harm, as a
rule, results.

Of quite as much importance as the introduction of the germ into the body
is the resisting power of the individual at the time when this occurs,
since the disease can make no progress unless the tissues have become
susceptible through lowered resistance. All things then that have the
effect of lowering the vitality of the body act as predisposing causes to
consumption; such, for example, as _WANT OF PROPER FOOD_, _LACK OF
SLEEP_, _IMPROPER CLOTHING IN COLD AND WET WEATHER_, _AND LIVING IN DAMP
AND IMPROPERLY VENTILATED HOUSES_; excesses, _PARTICULARLY THE TAKING OF
ALCOHOL_, conduce to the development of the disease--long-continued
inebriety being beyond doubt the cause that most frequently leads to
consumption. It is a common error that alcoholic stimulants tend to ward
off consumption, and it is absolutely certain that these substances not
only do not act in a curative way in those who have already contracted
the disease, but are positively detrimental. In order then to avoid
consumption--and this is particularly of importance for those in whose
family there is a predisposition to the disease--the individual should
live soberly, should try at all times to obtain a reasonable amount of
good food, should sleep a sufficient number of hours, and should be
clothed properly,