Parasites. It is hardly necessary to mention the large number of diseases that might be classified as parasitic from an etiological standpoint. Parasites are animal or vegetable and the diseases caused by these factors may be so grouped. Affections, such as pediculosis, scabies, ringworm and favus, caused by the grosser animal and vegetable parasites need no explanation. A large group of diseases, including impetigo contagiosa, leprosy, tuberculosis cutis, etc., are caused by lower microorganisms, but conclusive proof of the exact relations existing between dermatoses supposedly due to bacteria and the various cocci, bacilli, etc., supposedly causative, is lacking at the present time. The subject just mentioned offers a large field of possibility in the way of future investigation. The subject of contagion naturally presents itself along with the consideration of parasites. Even admitting the probable parasitic origin of many diseases and the inferential belief as to their communicability, it is a fact that in many instances contagiousness does not exist with any regularity or certainty. Probably the normal and healthy skin does not afford the proper soil for the habitat of most vegetable or animal parasites; hence, some predisposition may be the first element in the etiology of these diseases. Conversely, some peculiarity of the skin, such as the odor of its secretions, may serve to protect an individual from parasitic attacks.
American homeopath, he directed several hospitals in New York.
Professor of dermatology.
Served as Lieut. Colonel during the 1st World War.
See his book online: American homeopathy in the world war