he small intestine, where they produce toxins that
pass with the germs to all parts of the body. Typhoid fever germs spread
from those having the disease to others, chiefly through the discharges
from the bowels and the kidneys. The germs contained in these, if not
destroyed by disinfectants, find their way into the soil, or into sewage,
where they may be picked up by water and widely distributed. Finding
suitable places, such as those containing decaying material, the germs may
rapidly increase in number, and from these sources find their way into the
bodies of new victims. They are likely, on account of manures, to get on
vegetables; on account of uncleanly methods of milking, to get into the
milk supply; and from sewerage outlets, to get into the oysters that grow
in bays and harbors near seaboard cities; but they are most frequently
introduced into the body through the drinking of impure water.

*Diphtheria*, also known as "membranous croup," is caused by germs that
attack the membranes of the throat. This most dangerous of children's
diseases is spread chiefly by discharges from the mouth and throat. These
should be collected on cloths and burned, or rendered harmless with
disinfectants. The disease may be spread also by objects brought into
contact with the mouth, such as cups, toys, pencils, etc. Children are
known to have diphtheria germs in the mouth for some time after recovering
from the disease, and should, for this reason, be kept away from other
children until pronounced safe by the physician.

The _antitoxin method_ of treating diphtheria has robbed this disease of
much of its terror, yet it not infrequently happens that the physician is
called too late to administer this remedy to the best advantage. Since
certain cases of diphtheria are likely to be mistaken for croup, the
parent frequently does not realize the serious condition of the child. A
croupy cough _that lasts through the day_, or a sore throat which shows
small white patches, are indications of diphtheria.

*Scarlet Fever, Measles, Chicken Pox, and Smallpox*, on account of the
eruptions of the skin which attend them, are classed as eruptive diseases.
As the eruptions heal, scales separate from the skin, and these are
supposed to be the chief means of spreading the germs. Attention must be
given to the destruction of these scales by burning or thoroughly
disinfecting all objects, such as clothing, bedding, etc., that may serve
as carriers of t