In the following excerpt, the author's purpose is to inform his readers about what he has discovered about cholera and to argue
that the disease spreads in a specific way. Which three sentences in this excerpt highlight information that the author uses to show that the disease spreads in a different manner than was assumed at the time? On the Mode of Communication of Cholera by John Snow (excerpt) It used to be generally assumed, that if cholera were a catching or communicable disease, it must spread by effluvia given off from the patient into the surrounding air, and inhaled by others into the lungs. This assumption led to very conflicting opinions respecting the disease. A little reflection shows, however, that we have no right thus to limit the way in which a disease may be propagated, for the communicable diseases of which we have a correct knowledge spread in very different manners. . . . Pathology Indicates Manner of Communication A consideration of the pathology of cholera is capable of indicating to us the manner in which the disease is communicated. If it were ushered in by fever, or any other general constitutional disorder, then we should be furnished with no clue to the way in which the morbid poison enters the system; whether, for instance, by the alimentary canal, by the lungs, or in some other manner, but should be left to determine this point by circumstances unconnected with the pathology of the disease. But from all that I have been able to learn of cholera, both from my own observations and the descriptions of others, I conclude that cholera invariably commences with the affection of the alimentary canal. The disease often proceeds with so little feeling of general illness, that the patient does not consider himself in danger, or even apply for advice, till the malady is far advanced.
The correct answers are the sentences: It used to be generally assumed. This assumption led to very conflicting opinions respecting the disease. We have no right thus to limit the way in which a disease may be propagated.
Indeed, the first sentence clearly states that it was a general assumption, and assumptions are not scientific facts. A description of such erroneous assessment follows. The second sentence about the “conflicting opinions’ shows that there was no consensus or coherence that could validate this assumption. Finally, the third sentence is a conclusion with a very categorical assertion, which is immediately followed by an indication of why such conclusion is valid.
"A little reflection shows, however, that we have no right thus to limit the way in which a disease may be propagated, for the communicable diseases of which we have a correct knowledge spread in very different manners"
"A consideration of the pathology of cholera is capable of indicating to us the manner in which the disease is communicated."
"But from all that I have been able to learn of cholera, both from my own observations and the descriptions of others, I conclude that cholera invariably commences with the affection of the alimentary canal."
I got this question right using these answers, hope I can help someone!
