The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-19
LETTERS TO EDITOR
Announcing Cure for Tuberculosis

To the Editor of The Age-Herald; Great publicity has been given to letter purporting to be cablegram from Berlin and written by William G. Shepherd, apparently a newspaper cor respondent in Germany, which an nounced the discovery of positive cure for tuberculosis. The supposed dis coverer is a Dr. Friedmann. In many instances editorial approval and in- dorsement of the statements made was implied to readers of newspapers all over the country.
 Considering the multitudes of peo- pie who are suffering from tubercu- losis in America, there is no wonder that doctoEs and tuberculosis associa- tions throughout the country have been eagerly questioned, nor that multitudes of sufferers have pinned their faith to this alleged "cure.'
 of course the supreme question Is whether this is a cure or not. l have before me the current number of the Journal of the American Medical As- sociation. which not only discusses the inoculation suggested by Friedman but has a rather scathing criticism of the newspaper syndicate responsible for the statements made. Among other things it says that the Grand Rapids Evening Press was the only newspaper so far that the Journal had seen that recognized it's responsibility in this respect, that is to say in careless her aiding forth a so-called consumption cure" without any scientific knowledge to prove it's validity The point is the cruelty of holding out promises that may be altogether rotten to people who are in hazard of their lives.
 A prominent physician of this city has just informed me of the case of a young girl of 16 who for two years has been under his observation as tuberculosis patient. She saw him re- gently and examination proved that she is losing ground and without req sonable hope of recovery He spoke frankly to her guardian but not to her As she turned to leave the office tpoor sick, little bairnD pale and emaclated, she disclosed, crumpled up In her hand, a copy of this Shepherd letter or cable gram. The physician accurately de- scribes the scene AS among the most pitiable that he had ever looked upon.
 Now, whether Friedmann's cure Is or is not adequate will have to be passed upon by well equipped physicians and by the experience Of the medical fra ternity throughout the world. Of course we all hope that it Is true, as so loudly proclaimed by Mir. Shepherd; but surely no intelligent man, though not phy- sician, will be so foolish as to suppose that it is true because it is proclaimed in large headlines. Personally I should be very glad to go out of business and advise the Anti Tuberculosis associa- ton to disband, rejoicing in the pros poet of the abolition of the disease In the light of many past experiences, however, with "vaccines" and "serums" galore, 1t is urgently necessary that we warn patients and their friends not to build upon the alleged great dis covery. The physicians tell us that it is quite as likely to be extremely harm ful and dangerous as to prove helpful. What we do know is the enormous value of fresh air. plenty of food and an abundance of rest in the treatment of tuberculosis.
 Trusting that Friedman may not be at last one more in the long line of yours very respectfully,
 GEORGE EAVES, Secretary Anti-Tuberculosis Associa-
 ton of Jefferson County.
 Birmingham. December IS. 1912,