Page:Advice to young ladies on their duties and conduct in life - Arthur - 1849.djvu/108

100 temperament. The scrofulous constitution likewise gives a predisposition to tubercles, and consequently to chronic pneumonia. As the organic structure transmits an hereditary character, it results that in the same family we may often encounter the same irritation, derived from this cause; or, what is the same thing, we meet with a predisposition to the same maladies. It does not, however, follow that these individuals are irrevocably condemned to contract the diseases of their parents; but, to secure an exemption from them, they must avoid the influence of the occasional causes more carefully than individuals not predisposed.” * * * “Those who have great pulmonary irritability should make up their minds to practise self-denial in a great many things. They should avoid the vicissitudes of heat and cold, singing, hallooing, declamation, stimulating food and drink, &c.”

From this it is seen, that while a person who inherits a predisposition to lung diseases is in great danger, yet exemption from their effects may be secured; but only by great prudence, and a cautious regard to health. In some constitutions, where there exists a great susceptibility to inflammation of the throat and lungs, exists also a predisposition to the formation in the lungs of what are called tubercles, or little