Dr. William H. Thomson, speaking of the tubercle bacillus in his book,
“What is Physical Life?” says:
For ages upon ages this mighty microorganism has waged a
cruel destructive war upon the human race. After fifty years
of observation and study of its ghastly doings, I can say
that I would rather have the power to cause the tears shed on
its account to cease than to be the greatest official or the
greatest owner on the earth.
(81)