Pneumonia is second in fatality, the two diseases of pneumonia and tuberculosis carrying off 128,635 persons, or about one fifth of all persons dying in the year. While these have both been great plagues to humanity from the very earliest days, it is only within the last ten years that their ravages have been appreciated and, especially with tuberculosis, their causes actively combated. There are two phases to be considered in discussing tuberculosis or consumption, namely, first, the method of prevention and second, the method of cure. It follows also that, since the cure of advanced cases is impossible and since every case which exists is a menace to the health of the community on account of the danger of the spread of the disease, the prevention is far more important than the cure.
Until the discovery by Robert Koch, in 1882, of the germ causing consumption, little could be done in the way of prevention, but since that time, only one quarter of a century ago, we have learned and applied the knowledge that, in the vast majority of cases, the disease is spread by the sputum of consumptive patients, which becomes dry, forms dust, and so is carried into the air to be breathed by persons not otherwise affected. It seems so simple a method, then, to prevent the spread of consumption. All that need be done is to take care of the expectorations of persons suffering with the disease. It is thoroughly believed by experts that if this were done carefully and faithfully, the disease would be stamped out within a few years, and the slogan of a certain sanitary organization is "Complete Control of Tuberculosis in 1915." Too much emphasis cannot be placed on the direct and simple method of infection, and while other factors enter, as will be shown later, a thorough recognition and control of tuberculosis sputum would practically stamp out the disease.
The following circular, issued by the Committee on the Prevention of Tuberculosis of the Charity Organization Society of New York City, indicates the procedures advised by them to prevent the spread of the disease and, as will be seen, the essence of the axioms there expressed are summed in the words "Don't spit!":—
DON'T GIVE CONSUMPTION TO OTHERS.
DON'T LET OTHERS GIVE IT TO YOU.
How to prevent Consumption.
The spit and the small particles coughed up and sneezed out by consumptives, and by many who do not know that they have consumption, are full of living germs too small to be seen. These germs are the cause of consumption.
Don't spit on the sidewalks; it spreads disease, and it is against the law.
Don't spit on the floors of your rooms or hallways.