The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-03-10
LETTERS TO EDITOR
Christian Science Publication

To the Editor of The Age Herald
 In a recent issue of your paper there appeared a criticism of an article in the Christian Science Monitor which might leave the impression with a reader that the Monitor had either ignorantly or will fully misrepresented the facts. For this reason l ask space in your columns for the enclosed correction, that the just statement of facts may be presented to your readers In the American Medical association Journal of January 3. 1914 there appeared an editorial entitled
 Phthisiophobia in the Light of Recent Developments in Tuberculosis Investiea- tions." It said in part
 We would commend to our readers an address on this subject by pr. E. R. Baldwin of Saranac Lake He points out the need of applying a check to phthisio- phobia, which has had no check from the time the knowledge of the bacillus was popularized. Cornet's dust experi- ments first gave the impulse to a fear followed by Flugge's droplet infection which has aggravated the solicitude felt by physicians and nurses, and which mas been gradually spread to the laity" And concludes 1Wth the following:
 Qualify these statements as we may IL IS time for a reaction against the eX- treme ideas of infection now prevailing There has been too much read into popu- lar literature by health boards and lec- lures that has no sound basis in facts, and it needs to be dropped out or revised More protection of children and better hygiene for adults are logically demanded, but beyond this the preachments about fha 1s sx.f- present state of society are without jus tification from an experimental stand point" The statements which we have quoted represent not one mans views, but what seems obe the growing con viction of many of the most progressive and thoughtful students of tuberculosis at the present time.'
 The Christian Science Monitor made comment at some length on the article and and editorial. We quote in part:
 "The statement of one of the country's leading medical authorities on tubereuo sis, to the effect that there is very little danger from infection of this disease will come as matter of extreme gratifca- ton to many sensible men, both in and out of the profession, who have long de- plored the excited condition of the public mind on this subject. The gentleman who makes this comforting statement is Dr. E. R. Baldwin of Saranac Lake, who is recognized specialist. and his assurances lose nothing of their vallle because they are referred to editorial1y. and with approval. by the Journal of the American Medical Association"
 Quotations from pr. Baldwin's article follow with further comments. A letter was received by the editor of the Mon- itor from Dr. Baldwin, objecting to cer- tain passages omitted which he claimed might give the wrong impression to his statements. Immediately there appeared the following in the Monitor:
 "The Christian Science Monitor is in receipt of letter from Dr. Edward R. Baldwin, whose views regarding tubercu- losis were referred to recently in this paper Dr. Baldwin states that only pcr- ton of his observations on the alleged n- fectious nature of tuberculosis were quoted by the Monitor. It is hardly neces- sary to assure Dr. Baldwin that we had no intention of misrepresenting him. and we cheerfully print his words in the Journal of the American Medical Associa- ton just as he wishes us to publish them, as follows
 :" Finally, as a corolary, adults are very little endangered by close contact with open tuberculosis, and not at all in ord- nary association. Childhood is the time of infection, youth the time of superinfec- ton, and that from extension of the pri- mary disease. Qualify these statements as we may, it is time for a reaction against the extreme ideas of infection now pre- vaiing.
 "There has been too much read into pop ular literature by health boards and lee lures that has no sound basis in facts, and it needs to be dropped out or re- .vised. More protection of children and better hygiene for adults are logically de- manded. but beyond this the reachments about thesdanger of infection to adults in the present state of society are without justification from an experimental ctand- point"
 Tn making this ready and prompt cor rection as requested by Dr. Baldwin, the editor of the Monitor was but acting in consonance with Mrs. Eddy's message to the Monitor for the first issue. Novem- Der 9, 19Os when she said "The object of the Monitor is to injure no man. hut to bless all mankind."-(The First Church of Christ. Scientist, and Miscellany, page 353)
 Thanking you for your courtesy I am, sincerely, PERLE l.. SMITH,
 Local Publication Committee.
 Birmingham. March g. 1914
 New Military Bill
 Berlin, March 9.-A new military bill,