Medical science has been able to prevent diphtheria, smallpox, and typhoid fever by vaccination.
We have been able to reduce the mortality from tuberculosis by pasteurization of milk and improved general hygiene. Typhoid fever and cholera have been prevented by chlorination of water and proper sewage disposal. Humans have been protected against these diseases because they have been artificially immunized and because their environment has been controlled to some extent, and not because the body’s inherent ability to prevent infection has been built up.
It is far more important to enable the human to maintain his natural powers against infection than it is to keep bacteria and viruses away from his door, especially since we do not have vaccines available for many common infections. I do not believe that Nature over intended that man should suffer sickness, crippling, and death through infections. From my observations and studies in human nutrition I have become convinced that Nature originally did endow us with natural powers of protection and that we have lost these powers through errors in diet.
Benjamin P. Sandler, M.D.
