Abstract
IN these lectures the late Prof. Theobald Smith reviewed the knowledge and experience of nearly fifty years of fruitful devotion to research on infective disease in man and animals. The book contains an analysis of the complex interactions of host and parasite and a commentary on the very varied aspects of the subject. Starting with the maxim that the most effective factor in the evolution of parasitism is the continued life of the host, the writer maintains the thesis that parasitic diseases have begun by the straying of the invader into a new tissue or animal, where it may be at once destroyed or may set up an unwonted cycle with serious consequences for the host; after this phase and perhaps after many such attempts, a new recurring disease may be started, and finally a mutual tolerance established with little inconvenience to host or parasite, and so the continuance of both attained. The four essential stages of parasitism are laid down as entrance of the parasite, multiplication in the new environment, exit and transit to fresh hosts. The modifying influence of host on parasite and the converse, and the origin of races of parasites peculiar to special hosts are discussed.
Parasitism and Disease
By Theobald Smith. (Published on the Louis Clark Vanuxem Foundation.) Pp. xiii + 196. (Princeton, N. J.: Princeton University Press; London: Oxford University Press, 1934.) 9s. net.
Article PDF
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Parasitism and Disease. Nature 136, 738 (1935). https://doi.org/10.1038/136738a0
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/136738a0