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thorough cooking. The benefits to be hoped for from the
adoption of such preventive measures, may be fitly summed
up in Sir William Broadbent's words:—
"If we could ensure the destruction of all the sputa
of the sufferers from phthisis, and secure a supply of milk
and meat absolutely free from tubercle bacilli, all the
diseases due to tuberculosis, which now cause one-seventh
or one-eighth of the total number of deaths, would cease
from the land."
The association (which has been incorporated) has
already done much to forward the movement, of which it is
the chief exponent, through the agency of branches in
different parts of the country. The movement, moreover,
is certain to extend, seeing that the medical profession
is at one in opinion as to the preventability of tuberculosis,
and, within limits, as to the curability of consumption.
The medical Press, since the Marlborough-house
gathering, has teemed with reports of proceedings at public
meetings, and at meetings of Guardiaus of the Poor, called
to consider the subject: hospitals are being erected by philanthropic
persons, and it is hoped that Boards of Guardians
will combine to secure the isolation from other sick persons of
poor consumptives committed to their charge, whether for the
cure or relief of the less severely afflicted, or for the prevention
of the spread of disease by the incurables. The association
desires to enlist the assistance of doctors, clergymen, nurses,
district visitors, &c., in the spread of information on the nature
of tuberculosis, and the means for preventing its spread; but,
above all, it appeals to sanitary authorities to take their part
in the matter. And a very important part it is, for it rests
with these bodies, not merely to spread information and give
good advice, but also to do things which they alone can
effectually carry out; as disinfection of rooms, supervision of