The actual position of the tuberculosis problem to-day : being address delivered by request at the conference of the National Association for the Prevention of Tuberculosis at Birmingham, July, 1923 / by Sir Robert Philip, M.D., LL.D., President of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, Professor of Tuberculosis in the University of Edinburgh.

  • Philip, Robert William, Sir, 1857-1939
Date:
[1924?]
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: The actual position of the tuberculosis problem to-day : being address delivered by request at the conference of the National Association for the Prevention of Tuberculosis at Birmingham, July, 1923 / by Sir Robert Philip, M.D., LL.D., President of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, Professor of Tuberculosis in the University of Edinburgh. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    The Tuberculosis Scheme, as now recognized in this country, is a composite machine, in which each element is con¬ ceived and adjusted for its own purpose, and the several elements operate in close connection one with the other, for the better functioning of the whole. It is foolish to contrast one element with the other and to suggest that one element may be utilized effectively to the exclusion of the others. In proportion as the several elements are isolated, however perfect for their respec¬ tive purposes, much of their value is lost. In combination they form an organic whole of high potentiality. An ancient story tells :—Four blind men went to see an elephant. One touched the leg of the elephant, and said, “The elephant is like a pillar.” The second touched the trunk, and said, “The elephant is like a thick stick or club.” The third touched the belly, and said, “The elephant is like a big jar.” The fourth touched the ears, and said, “The elephant is like a winnowing basket.” Thus they began to dispute amongst themselves as to the figure of the elephant. A passer-by seeing them quarrel, said, “What is it that you are disputing about” ? They told him everything and asked him to arbitrate. That man said, “None of you has seen the elephant. The elephant is not like a pillar, its legs are like pillars. It is not like a big water-vessel, its belly is like a water-vessel. It is not like a winnowing basket, its ears are like winnowing baskets. It is not like a thick stick or club, but its proboscis is like that. The elephant is the combination of all these.” National Rally. It is gratifying to find that, in most parts of the country, a loyal endeavour has been made to realize the Tuberculosis Scheme for the several areas. Rut for the tragic interruption of the War, the condition would have been more uniformly satisfactory. In some cases the War has, unfortunately, been made the excuse for hesitancy and delay. None the less, the machine is gradually getting to work. It will require untiring effort and perseverance to cover the immense field. To those who understand the problem it goes without saying that much patience will be required in the appraisement of results.