Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-05-26
CONSUMPTION CUREp
That Formaldehyde Destroys
Bacilli of the White Plague.

Phoenix Ariz, Letter to New York Tribune.
For many years physicians have been ex-
perimenting on the line of introducing INTO
the blood of consumptives some chemical
that would destroy the bacillus tuberculo-
sis Weak solutions of carboic acid nave
proved efficacious, but the acid attacked the
tissues, well, in most injurious man
ner. The situation might be expressed IN
the words that in order to kill the bacillus
tuberculosis it seemed necessary to Kill the
patient as well. Phoenix has become noted
throughout the United States as resort
for consumptives, though few are to be
seen upon the streets, most of the patients
sent hither going at once to a tent life out
on the semi-a plain where pure air and
exercise could best be had The study of
the disease, however, has engrossed the
particular attention of the local physicians,
as a large majority of their patients are
comprised within this health seeking class.
One of these physicians, DR.. w c. Rob
bins, himself sufferer from tuberculosis in
almost hopeless stage, has been intelli-
gently experimenting upon himself for the
last four months He is facing possible
death with the utmost pluck. and is hopeful
that, if he does not save his own life, he
at least will furnish some data of value to
the medical profession in the fight against
the dread disease. At time when he eX-
peCted death not over week distant he
injected into his veins a quantity of a so
luton in which the active agent was for
maldehyde The result upon the system
was immediate with almost serious symp-
toms of rapid rise in temperature and
convulsive features. Within a couple of
days. however, he was strong enough to
rise from his bed and make analysis of his
own sputum which he found filled with
dead bacilli. He has repeated the injection
several times of late. and believes himself
gaining in strength and health, and has
TO, Il ,i.,f<, h.
number of patients. who have also expe-
rienced marked benefit. DR.. Robbins claims
nothing for his remedy, but hopes for
much
was begun yesterday at the Sisters Hos
pital in Phoenix where New York physi-
can introduced into the blood of Judge
Henson Kennedy of Carlisle XIV thirteen
ounces OF new, mysterious LIQUID germi-
clde, whose composition he refuses to di-
vulge 1t is supposed, however to include
Iormaldehyde, much after the manner of
DIR. Robbins preparation Treatments uara
also given to S. ]. Painter of Phoenix and
Albert kokenge of Cincinnati A patient
heretofore treated is Justus Goebel of Lon
lsvllle, KY, brother of the assassinated
governor &c"
The fluid is almost clear, save for a s,igb+
biulsh tlnge. 1t was introduced into a Vein
IN the wrist at temperature of 115 de-
sreeS. Little care was taken to keen air
OUT OF the wound as the doctor averred
mat there was not the slightest danger
nom that source. The operation was per.
formed in the presence of practically Tho
united medical fraternity of Phoenix. as
well as half dozen visiting physicia G
from other parts of the country. The M.
nents complained of practically no main
save mat OF heat as the fluid was pumped
INTO the heart and thence to the extreni-
ties of the body.
~. me doctor will return in a few DAYS to
mis- mis-, New nr"h York practice but states that he
VIII probably return and establish here a
s maathl he believes that all remedial
methods are best sustained by the mild nd
u uty climate mate here to be found There seems
NIUE doubt that both the methods destrn,,
the bacillus. The next matter TO considar ~
whether the bacillus should be DESTROYED
Tor many physicians now believe that Con-
sumption Is not caused by the bacillus IN
oerculosls. but that the bacillus. on the Gov
t[aIy' IS merely an indication and foIlounr
ot t sne disease, as worm is not the causa
~ ~ oecay, out rather purifying agent sent
ny nature to clear away refuse matt
hae Investigations are to be prosecuted ted
Nv win an energy, and there is LITTLE
doubt here in Phoenix that within . fa,,.
m, mn there will be demonstrated much
sion. eai pro1es-