History, Modern -- 19th century; Nineteenth century
It is a well-known fact that the normal blood has of itself to a
considerable extent the power of killing germs which may wander into
it through various channels. Likewise the tissue cells of the body
in general show similar action depending upon the different cell
groups, state of health, general robustness, and period of life. The
germ-killing power varies in different individuals, though each may be
quite healthy. Considered as a whole, this power possessed by the body
against germs is known as “general resistance.” And when by any means
this power of resistance is lost or diminished, we run grave risks of
incurring disease.
Granted a case of infection, let us now trace up briefly what occurs.
Between the period when the bacteria gain a lodgment and that in which
the disease assumes a noticeable form, the patient simply feels out of
sorts. It is during this stage that the blood and tissues are deeply
engaged in the attempt to repel the attacks of the invading microbes.
With varying speed the germs multiply throughout the body generally,
or may be at first localized, or even, as in lockjaw, remain localized
throughout the entire disease. Multiplying in the tissues, they
generate in increasing amounts their noxious poisons, which soon cause
profound changes throughout the body; the patient becomes decidedly
ill, and shows now the signs of an unmistakable infection.
Does the body now give up the fight entirely? No; on the contrary, the
white blood-cells, the wandering cells, and the cells of the tissues
most affected still carry on an unequal fight. From the lymphatic
glands and spleen, armies of white cells rush to the fray and attempt
to eat up and destroy the foe, but possibly in vain; the disease runs
its course, to end either in death or recovery.
How, then, in cases of recovery, are the microbes finally overcome?
This question involves many complex processes which at present are by
no means thoroughly understood, but we will concern ourselves with the
simple principles.
It has been previously mentioned that once the bacteria get a good
foothold the body is subjected to the action of generated poisons,
which are known as toxins. They give rise to such symptoms as loss of
appetite, headache, fever, pains and aches, and even a state of stupor
or unconsciousness. In addition to the active warfare of the white
blood-cells, groups of cells throughout the body, after recovering from
the first rude shock of the toxins, begin to tolerate their presence,
then effect a change in the chemical constitution of the toxins, and
finally elaborate substances which antagonize the toxins and destroy
their action altogether, thus lending aid to the warrior cells, which
at last overcome the invading microbes. Recovery is brought about, and
a more or less permanent degree of immunity against the special form of
disease ensues.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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