visceral leishmaniasis

two major ronald ross f r s c b professor of tropical medicine in the university of liverpool as a tribute to his labourers for the welfare of mankind i dedicate quid quid hoc libelli quile this book is an attempt to correct and develop the theory proposed tentatively in the little work malaria put briefly this theory is as follows in the struggle for existence man has competed not only with his fellow-men but also with wild animals and diseased parasites The fight against beasts was decided long before the historic period, but parasites have always been, and still are, formidable opponents.

Whole tribes have been wiped out by plague, Kala Azar, and measles.

And even when the diseased parasite does not win such decisive victory, it often weakens the nation so much that the latter falls an easy victim to its healthier neighbours.

Accordingly, I have tried to show how malaria played a part in the decline of the ancient Greeks.