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The popular belief that Consumption is hereditary is only partially
true. What is sometimes hereditary, is the "receptive condition,"
which enables the germ to grow; but this receptive condition, 01
"predisposition to consumption," is more frequently acquired or
brought on through intemperance, overcrowding, bad air, darkness,
dampness, dusty occupations, colds, sore throats, debility following
infectious diseases, or, in fact, any illness producing weakness of the
constitution.
Therefore, good health, regular habits, sunlight, and fresh air are
the best protection against the disease.
Consumption may be Prevented, and in many cases
Cured, by carrying out the following Rules :—
1. All sleeping and living rooms (including schools and
shops) should be well lighted and ventilated, and kept
free from dirt and continuous dampness.
2. During the day all windows should be kept as wide open as
possible and slightly so during the night. Chimneys
should not be blocked up.
3. Avoid overcrowding, either of persons in a room or of
families in a house. A bedroom 10 feet each way
contains scarcely air space enough for 3 persons over
10 years old, or 2 persons over 10 and 2 children under
10 years.
4. All rooms, passages and stairs should be kept clean. Use
wet dusters, and in sweeping floors use, if possible, damp
sawdust or tea leaves—then boil the dusters and burn
the sawdust or tea leaves.
5. Milk, if not " sterilized," should be boiled, and meat be well
cooked.
6. When a room has become disused, owing to the removal or
death of a comsumptive person, such room should be