2 Through the agency of foreign substances breathed in, which gradually congest, and prevent thorough oxidation and normal activity of the excretory function of the lungs. [Sidenote: Bacilli the result, not the cause of consumption] The opinion of the writer is that the bacillus above referred to is the result and not the cause of this dis-ease, and that such living organisms (bacilli) are created in the economy of Nature to dispose of this congested matter, just as she, in her provident economy, disposes of the carcass of a dead animal. [Sidenote: Facts shown by experiments and by modern treatment of consumption] The fact that a tuberculosis culture, deposited in the lungs of another animal, reproduces the dis-ease, proves nothing, as it may have been planted in susceptible soil, well prepared for the growth and the development of the bacteria. The fact that some very healthy animals did not contract the dis-ease by this method, supports the theory that if conditions are not favorable the culture is killed by the process of oxidation. This sustains the theory that the bacillus tuberculosis is the result, and not the cause of this dread dis-ease. This theory is further supported by the results of the most modern and only successful methods of treating it. CONSUMPTION--THE TREATMENT When beginning treatment, the tubercular patient should be restricted as to diet for the purpose of giving Nature an opportunity to make use of every atom of food taken into the body, leaving nothing to go to waste. The diet should consist almost wholly of vegetable fats, sour milk, nuts, fruits, salads, and eggs, with a limited amount of readily digestible carbohydrates. The following menu is given as a fair example of selection as to quantity and combinations: BREAKFAST Cantaloup, orange, grapes, pears, or persimmons Two or three eggs, whipped five minutes, adding a teaspoonful of lemon juice, and one of sugar to each egg LUNCHEON A green salad eaten with nuts, a dash of lemon juice and olive-oil One or two fresh vegetables, including a baked potato One egg prepared as for breakfast A glass of sour milk DINNER A green salad, with nuts and oil Eggs or buttermilk One or two fresh vegetables A baked potato The above menus may be increased in quantity after the first week or ten days, at least sufficient to meet all physical requirements, and the articles may be changed according to seasons. [Sidenote: Dietetic suggestions for spring and summer in consumptive cases] In spring and summer all kinds of fruits and berries may be used, and such vegetables as squash, asparagus, spinach, beets, green peas and beans, turnips, parsnips, carrots, and green corn. All of these vegetables should be cooked in a casserole dish. The bowels should be kept free. (See treatment for "Constipation," p. 437.) Drink copiously of pure water.