It is the prevalent practice to use the physician as the court of last resort. But it would be vastly better and far more sensible if the singer could be made to act with swift authority as an agent of prevention over the weaknesses of his or her own nature. The subject, thereby, would be vastly simplified. It would not be so profitable to the specialist; but I can vouch for it that he would not only forgive, but praise the discretion of his patient, and lend all possible aid to educate him along a new scientific path--that of prevention. Not a new path, either, for in its last analysis what is hygiene but the science of prevention? Preservation of health means the prevention of disease. This answers the cry of every artist's heart, especially that of the vocal artist, teacher and student: How can I prevent disease and weakness of the vocal machinery? Briefly and plainly: How can I keep well? In this important matter of vocal hygiene a prominent part is played by the mucous membrane. What is the mucous membrane? It is the membrane which in this special sense covers or lines the respiratory tract from the very outlet of the nose to the terminal bronchi; in fact, to the very air-cells of the lungs themselves. Its function is that of supplying the involved passages with moisture, and it secretes a glairy or watery substance called mucus. Now, mark this well. The entire area of the respiratory tract, from the nose to the bifurcation of the bronchi, it is said on good authority equals one square foot of exposed surface, and the amount of secretion per day equals about sixteen fluid ounces, or a pint, which must be secreted by a person in the normal condition of health. It also has the power of absorption of certain diverse substances, such as alkaloids, fluids of all kinds, hence the danger of alcoholic indulgence to the singer. Alcohol coagulates. It causes the epithelium to contract and to become so disintegrated as to be utterly incapable of performing its functions until such time as the underlying tissue shall have created new cells to take the place of those which have been destroyed. To illustrate briefly the varied functions of this membrane: Whereas alcoholic stimulant destroys it, another powerful drug, cocaine, is absorbed, often to such an extent that the patient is prostrated by the poison introduced into the system by this means, and yet without impairing the membrane to any extent except through persistent indulgence.