Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1907-05-16
RAY BOOK STATE HOSPITAL FOR INCIP'
TENT TUBERCULOSIS.

pu6 DUdlu Va 44uStSSc "a euc 4NcW
York State Hospital for Incipient
tuberculosis shows what remarkable re-
suits are being obtained by the proper
treatment of consumption in that state.
Out of total Of ia patients who had incl
pient consumption when they entered this
institution, SO, or more than 84 per cent
are set down as apparently recovered up
on their discharge after residence Of about
six months. All told, LOG patients recov-
cred as far as could be determined, and 43
had their disease arrested, while only IS of
all the patients treated showed no improve
ment, and Of these 12 were suffering from
consumption in an advanced and aggraYat-
ed form when they were admitted to the
institution. These results obtained in
treating 174 cases would haYe been declared
impossible not many years ago when con-
sumption was everywhere regarded as an
incurable disease, but they are results that
are being accomplished here and now in
New York in way that can leave no real
doubts in the minds of even the most skep-
tical and conservative.
The report, however, points out a very
unfortunate and regrettable state of affairs,
general. SO far as appears, throughout the
whole state. Although $4,000 persons die
from tuberculosis in this state every year,
very nearly every one of whom at one time
had the disease in an incipiens form, and
although many thousands now have the dis
ease in this early degree, this sanatorium
with room for only 160 patients never DUR
ing the past year took care of more than
1877 patients at one time. ''The difficulty
has been and still is" the trustees state,
''to get people suffering from the disease to
begin course of treatment sufficiently
early to secure the advantages which the
State has placed at the service of those
afflicted with this terrible disease and un-
able to bear alone the expense of fighting
it. Not only do they suffer needlessly but
they become incurable and a MANAGE to
their own kindred and to the general pub
lie. The only hope is in education, and
the Trustees are instituting an inquiry into
all the facts obtainable regarding the disease
in the several counties Of the State. Along
with this study the superintendent through
addresses, publications and personal cores
pondence is reaching the majority of the
physicians of the State. seeking their CO.
operation while informing them Of the law
limiting the applicants to those who have
not passed the lncipient STAGE
On this point the Superintendent, DIR.
Melvin P. Burnham, states as result of
% years actual experience at this hospital I
find that incipient disease is practically nm
known to the profession save to those
actually engaged in special work along this
line. and az result many cases are referred
and admission 70 this hospital recommended
in which the disease is in various stages of
advancement,
convincing proof that the cure for con-
sumption lies in fresh air, good food and
rest, and not in medicine, is shown in the
financial part Of the report where we notice
an annual expenditure of but $2656 for
medicines out of total budget OF $108,-
$40 81. The report is creditabie docu-
ment, and the institution Of Ray Brook is
one that the citizens Of N. Y. State may be
proud Of It is now for them to make use Of
it to its full extent, and to take to their
hearts the lesson that it teaches, that with:
in very few years we shall have State
Sanatorium OF size more nearly commen-
surate with the number Of patients that
should be obtaining treatment and train
ing within its walls. In the treatment Of
consumption the people Of this state haye
made good beginning.
For the benefit Of those who might take
advantage Of this hospital situated in the
heart Of the Adirondacks, we quote from
the law governing the hospital: Every
person desiring free treatment in the state
hospital shall apply to the local authorities
Of his or her town, city or county having
charge Of the relief Of poor, who shall
thereupon issue written request to the
Superintendent Of said hospital for the ad-
mission and treatment Of such patient.
Such request shall state whether the person
is able to pay for bis or her care and treat
ment. No person should be admitted as a
patient ia the state Institution without the
certificate Of one Of said examining phys
iclans certifying that such applicant is
suffering from incipient pulmonary tuber-
cnlosis.
Such is the simple procedure necessary to
secure admission to this hospital. Why do
not she people Of our state avail themselves
Of this splendid opportunity Why do they
wait? Consumption can be cured, but its
cure is hardly TO be eifected without skilled
medical advice, and The rest, food and care