Frequently the tubercle bacilli nestle in the larynx and the result is laryngeal consumption.
They may infect the mucous lining of the tongue and nasal passages and cause the rarely occurring diseases—tuberculosis of the tongue and nose.
More frequently tuberculosis of the intestines results, the well-known intestinal consumption.
The spreading of tuberculosis in the brain is of especial importance on account of the importance of this organ. Very frequently small children are attacked by tuberculosis of the cerebral membranes, a disease that has heretofore unexceptionally resulted in death.
Much oftener than is generally supposed the kidneys are the seat of tuberculosis; and also the suprarenal capsules, whose functions are as yet entirely unknown, have in postmortem examinations been found to be tubercularly degenerated.
In the diseases of the bones and joints tuberculosis forms an important part. Those infinitely small and weak tubercle-bacilli have the power to destroy the hard and firm substance of the bones, to soften it and change it to pus. Whole portions of bone may disappear in this way.
Tuberculosis can also destroy parts of the skin. In this case it is called Lupus.
Finally tuberculosis is found in the generative organs. Tubercular derangements are frequently met with in the testicles of men, less often in the ovaries of women.
The well known children's disease Scrofula is considered a preceding stage of tuberculosis by many physicians. This much is certain that Scrofula inclines to tuberculosis.
Let us study the several forms of tuberculosis after this general synopsis; we will begin with pulmonary consumption.