The Consumptive Working Man. By Noel Dean Bardswell, M.D. (Scientific
Press. 10s. 6d. net.)—Dr. Bardswell condescends, and does well to condescend, to particulars. He gives the details of a number of cases, and shows what has been effected in exch. When sanatoria for the consumptive were started exaggerated anticipations were formed, partly no doubt in consequence of the language of the promoters. We have not found a royal road to the cure of consumption. What has been accomplished is this : to restore some patients to health and to prolong the life of others. The results as given by Dr. Bardswell are, as a matter of fact, more favourable than this summary would lead the reader to think. Nine came under treatment at an early stage of the disease. These were practically cured ; at least they were in good health when the latest information was obtained. Eleven were in a condition of "fairly recent and extensive disease." Two of these are in "normal health and full working capacity," and two are living, though below par, in health and strength ; seven have died. Four showed "chronic progres_ sive disease of considerable duration." One of these is quite restored ; three are dead. It is needless to go beyond the fact that the three belonging to the second and third classes have been practically cured to prove the benefit of the treatment. What is wanted is, first, to convince the incipient consumptive that he must be treated at once, and to give him the opportunity. This done, the disease is practically extinguished.
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