Tuberculosis as a disease of the masses, and how to combat it : prize essay / by S. A.. Knopf.

  • Knopf, S. Adolphus (Sigard Adolphus), 1857-1940.
Date:
1901
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Licence: In copyright

Credit: Tuberculosis as a disease of the masses, and how to combat it : prize essay / by S. A.. Knopf. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by Royal College of Physicians, London. The original may be consulted at Royal College of Physicians, London.

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    and warm sea-baths, seems to be particularly favorable for the cure of scrofula and tuberculosis in children. Institutions for this treatment, like sanatoria for consumptive adults, are important factors in combating tuberculosis as a disease of the masses. The creation of such institutions in our own country cannot be too warmly recommended to those who wish to help suffering little children. The cure of tuberculosis in its various forms can be accomplished only by a thorough hygienic and dietetic treatment under strict medical supervision, in sanatoria, or, if ckcumstances permit, at the home of the patient. The prevention of tuberculosis as a disease of the masses, on the other hand, especially in the form of pulmonary tuberculosis or consumption, must be sought in combating the causes. In igno- rance, lack of light, ah, and sun, unhealthy tenements, unclean linen, lack of proper or sufficient food, excesses of all kinds, and, above all, in the abuse of alcoholic beverages, must we recognize to-day the most important factors in the propagation of the disease. To combat the ignorance in regard to hygienic modes of life in general and the hygiene of tuberculosis in particular, among the masses, must be the duty of the educated. Physicians, teachers, employers, and all men and women who have time, means, talent, and inclination, should unite to educate the masses by lectiu-es and the distribution of pamphlets concerning the natm’e of diseases, particularly tuberculosis. The formation of societies for the pre- vention of tuberculosis should be encouraged in every State of the Union. The State and municipal governments, boards of health, or other sanitary authorities should not only favor these useful enterprises, but gladly co-operate in order to increase theii- usefulness. To give to the poor people of large cities more air, light, and sun, it is essential not only to provide for good sanitary dwellings, of which we shall speak in detail in the next chapter, but also to create a number of parks and playgi-ounds, by public means or private philanthropy, particularly in the more densely populated districts. Such parks and breathing places are justly called the Irmgs of a great city. General Causes of Tubercu- lous Diseases.