View report page

40
position, but should the human variety be controlled without
alteration of immunity, then the bovine variety might take its
place and cause just as much discomfort to us. It is for this
reason that food as a possible source of infection has not been
considered.
It would appear as if to prevent the spread of this disease
our attention should be centred on childhood. It must be mentioned
that certain serious risks might be incurred if this objective
were within the bounds of possibility.
We know that races inhabiting tropical climates are just as
susceptible to Tuberculosis as the inhabitants in the more temperate
zones, and yet many of these people remain free from
disease if they remain in their own country. It is suggested
that the intense sunlight and warmed atmosphere reduce the
vitality of the tubercle bacillus whilst outside the human body,
and hence they may escape infection. If, however, during adult
life they visit European countries the death-rate amongst them is
very large—much larger than the death-rate amongst Europeans
in tropical countries.
It is suggested that if childhood could be protected in this
country we might witness the spectacle in adult life, that was seen
amongst the labour battalions from tropical areas imported into
France during the war.
The problem, however, is not likely to arise, as there is no
possibility of any administrative methods being introduced
which will in any way approach the effect of climatic
conditions in tropical areas. This, of course, amounts to the
statement that the control of the spread of Tuberculosis amongst
children is not a practical proposition, and if it were, is not desirable.
This is so opposed to the fundamental principles on
which preventative medicine is based, that the most clear proof
must be forthcoming before it could be accepted.