JOHN P. C. FOSTER, M.D. 429 



and success of the Gaylord Farm Sanatorium. When Governor Woodruff 

 appointed a commission to study the tuberculosis problem in Connecticut 

 he chose Dr. Foster as its chairman. His report to the Governor is one of the 

 most exhaustive and practical of the many that have been submitted by like 

 commissions. Recognizing the fact that the greatest need in the work was a 

 proper provision for the care of the advanced cases, he insisted that the state's 

 duty was primarily to these, leaving the sanatoria for curable cases to the care 

 of private philanthropy. When his report was brought before the legislature 

 it was largely through his energy that a bill was passed carrying two all- 

 important provisions the compulsory notification of tuberculosis and the 

 establishment of county homes under the control of the State Commission, 

 where all classes of cases could be received. He was appointed chairman of 

 the permanent commission and given an appropriation of $175,000 to open 

 three such institutions of 100 beds each. Few believed that the appropria- 

 tion could be made to accomplish so much. These institutions are now in 

 operation and accommodate 330 patients. 



"But the accomplishment cost the state dear, as the great labor entailed 

 was largely responsible for Dr. Foster's death. He had hoped to hold out 

 until their completion before taking a sorely needed rest. While on a business 

 trip to one of them he contracted pneumonia, and died six days later. Realiz- 

 ing that his end was near, he concentrated his energies for these six days in 

 planning the completion of his work with the least possible disorganization 

 after his death. 



"He was best known in Yale through his work among the students. 

 Many a young man has had cause to be thankful for having come under his 

 influence. As Professor Phelps said in introducing him for his degree: 'But 

 perhaps greater than all his honors is the daily quiet work that Dr. Foster 

 has done for many years among the undergraduates of Yale. Trusted by the 

 faculty and students, he has been of material assistance to both, and many a 

 man to-day owes his health and character largely to the kindly counsel he re- 

 ceived at the critical period of adolescence.' 



" By those of us privileged to be counted among his friends, he was, as Presi- 

 dent Hadley says, 'If possible, loved even more than he was respected,' and 

 has left to us an inspiring memory of one who lived and died 'a gentleman 

 unafraid.'" 



There is little to be added to this fine and well-deserved eulogy. 

 The author had the privilege of knowing Dr. Foster intimately 

 and will never forget a lengthy and interesting visit he had with 

 him a few weeks prior to his passing away. Dr. Foster main- 

 tained to the end his enthusiasm and desire to be helpful in 

 all that concerned the solution of the tuberculosis problem. His 

 name will be cherished by all workers in tuberculosis and all 

 patients who had the privilege of coming in contact with him. 



