too far by our
enthusiasm, let us study Koch's new method to cure, as far as we are now
enabled to pass judgement on it.

First of all we must explain: _What is tuberculosis? What relation does
it bear to pulmonary consumption?_

Pulmonary consumption is only one form of tuberculosis, by far the most
frequent. This is the reason why pulmonary consumption, pulmonary
tuberculosis, consumption and tuberculosis are used as _synonymous_
terms.

Tuberculosis is the _general_ expression. By that we understand a
disease which is generated by a certain kind of organism belonging to
the class of bacteria. These organisms are the tubercle bacilli, which
were discovered by Koch in the year 1882.

Now these tubercle bacilli settle most frequently in the lungs and here
cause serious derangements of the lung tissue. _Pulmonary consumption_
is the result.

But the tubercle bacilli will also settle in any other portions of the
body and cause tuberculosis.

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 tuberc