View report page

7
it is fairly conclusive that this disease is conveyed by
the milk only when the tuberculous disease affects
the udder.
The tubercle-bacillus iscontained in the discharges
from parts of the body affected with tuberculosis. In
lung disease it is discharged by the expectoration ;
in consumption of the bowels, known as tabes
mesenterica, by the intestinal excreta. Hence the
importance of disinfecting these discharges, which
when they become dry are a source of danger. The
expectoration deposited in a pocket handkerchief, or
spat on the floor of the sick room, is so long as it
remains moist perfectly innocuous, but when dry
becomes dangerous; dust is produced, and when
disturbed on the floor or elsewhere, the noxious
matter is inhaled, and should a suitable soil be found
the disease is propagated.
It is a matter of importance that all expectoration
should be received into a vessel containing a solution
of carbolic acid. Rags should be used instead of
pocket handkerchiefs, and at once burnt, or if a handkerchief
is used it should be boiled before the matter
upon it has had time to become dry or powdery.
Should these rules be rigidly carried out there is little
or no risk in living with consumptive patients.
I find that in Brighton, Bournemouth, and
Glasgow, every death which is registered from any
form of tubercular disease is fully and carefully investigated
by the Sanitary Inspector, who fills up a
printed form which gives full details of the illness,
the condition of the house, &c., &c.
At the time that this information is obtained a