The Ocala banner. (Ocala, Marion County, Fla.) 1883-194?, 1914-12-25
THE FIGHT AGAINST TuBERcU.
LOSIS

MSdSuISu ny Tic pIcoc1I udy huOWl-
edge of medical science, the sanitari-
um for the universal treatment of
pulmonary consumptives, is in great
measure monument to folly.
In this connection, the term san
itarium" is taken to designate the
substantial structure of brick, stone
or wood, as contrasted with what is
known as the open air treatment, in
which the patient is protected from
storm and hot sunshine by tent walls
and covering, through which the pure
air of nature has always the freest
circulation.
There is in Florida distinct move
ment to erect santiarium for the
treatment of this disease, and it is
fostered by strong and influential
organization. But it does not take
into account the experience of medi-
cal authority and it favors proposit-
ion which has more against it than
for it.
Open air, pure and uncontaminated,
is the acknowledged antidote against
tubercular germs. No drug or slim
ulant known can do its work In the
sanitarium, the rooms and wards ven-
filated by windows or by the most ap-
proved methods for constant change
of air, restricts the freest circulation
of outdoor air. Only in the open air
itself can the patient gain the fullest
benefit.
The sanitarium does not permit
the proper isolation of the patient,
which is prime necessity both for
the moral effect upon himself, and on
account of the danger of infection to
nurses. attendants and visitors. The
disease germs find Judgment in the
walls and furnishings, which only the
most frequent and thorough fumiga-
tion can destroy.
The initial cost of the sanitarium
and its maintenance are a waste of
money, when compared with the re-
suits obtainable from an expenditure
OF the same money in the open air
treatment. If further argument were
necessary to establish the relative
merits of the two methods of treat
ment, it is sufficient to consider the
decisions of the most eminent medical
authorities in the North, where eli
matte conditions for the employment
OF the open air treatment do not COM
pare with those in Florida.
In Massachusetts the expenditure
OF large legislative appropriation
for the erection of sanitarium for
tubercular patients, has been stopped
because in the opinion of the medical
officers of the state this method of
treatment does not, efficiently, pro-
fect the entire commonwealth, nor
favor the betterment of the patient,
even if it does not retard it.
The state of Ohio has erected a
great hospital for the institutional
treatment of the disease at cost of
three quarters of million dollars.
Its capacity is 140 patients, and there
are thirty thousand tuberculars in the
state. At the same relative cost per
patient almost two hundred millions
would be needed to provide for all in
Ohio alone
Social conditions in Florida are
more complicated than in Ohio by
race relations. These conditions
would require the erection of separate
institutions for each race, and they
would be further complicated by sex.
This state is favored more than any
other for the treatment Of tubercu-
losis by the methods approved of and
proved by medical science-out of
doors, where the sufferer may be near
his home interests, where he may be
safely isolated in comfort and have
association, under proper and not
burdensome restrictions, with those
who are dearest to him, and in sur.
roundings where the danger from in
lection is reduced to the minimum.
If Florida is prepared or preparing
to cope with this disease, either from
legislative appropriations or through
private funds. why should not the ex-
perience Of other sections, the wis
dom of the worlds greatest special
lists and ordinary common sense be
the guide in the great work?