It appears that, through the heroism of a hundred of our naval men who volunteered for the purpose at the risk of life, the Medical Authorities in desperation were enabled to try every possible method of infection with the alleged Influenza Germs, our boys submitting to inoculation and even to the repulsive ordeal of introduction into the nose and throat of diseased mucous from and close contact with coughing and spitting bed patients in the severest forms of the disease.  The experiments were made simultaneously at San Francisco and Boston under the direction of Surgeons McCoy and Goldberger of the U.S.  Health Department and the Naval Authorities.

The astounding negative result as indicated by the press, was described as “The Sensation of the day,” for the fact was revealed that Not one, of the hundred who underwent these drastic and determined tests, developed any symptoms of Influenza. This picture of failure was surmounted by the summing up of the situation on the part of the highest Medical Authority; to this effect: 

“These new experiments in the transmission of Influenza,” said Surgeon General Blue, “show how difficult is the Influenza Problem.”

The result points clearly to a state of natural immunity enjoyed by those who, like these men of the Naval Service, lead an hygienic, contented well regulated life with the simple accessories of good and sufficient food, fresh air and regular exercise.

The same principle has been recently demonstrated in England in the same connection by the annual report of one of the great public schools celebrated for hygienic methods, where amongst a total of 800 students not a single case of influenza appeared—­although no preventive measures were employed beyond the simple rules of health and cleanliness.

Finally, as regards serums and specifics, the judgment of Dr. Karl F. Meyer, of the Hooper Institute of Medical Research of the University of California, may be accepted as focusing the consensus of unbiased opinion on the subject.  It was as follows:  “Serums have not yet been introduced which produce immunity from Spanish Influenza.  The serums now employed are of no use whatsoever.  You have no idea how really and truly helpless we are.  As an example, take the advice given us by the Public Health Department when we asked what should be done if the epidemic struck West.  They said:  ‘Organise your hospitals and undertakers.’” In the same statement Dr. Meyer declared that the Medical fraternity is in total darkness as to the cause and nature of the epidemic.

Of other preventive measures resorted to—­Masks, Quarantine and the veto upon public gatherings—­proved equally mistaken and futile.  Masks of a texture calculated to baffle the most determined attempts of the minute invisible homicide were made compulsory, and in the great cities masquerading millions became a constant feature of the streets, until an idea of the danger of masks, as microbe preservers and carriers, dawned upon the official mind.  Thus, beyond fostering fear and depression amongst the citizens nothing was achieved in the direction desired, but rather the reverse; since it is now very generally recognized that such mental conditions with their consequently lowered vitality are a common prelude to disease.