FOREWORD 



The development of modern medicine, its influence on civilization, 

 and its role in the advancement of the welfare of the nation are mat- 

 ters which concern us all. While our lives are short and we are soon 

 to pass away, our children and their descendants will possess and 

 occupy the land, at least we hope that this may be true. No nation 

 can be great so long as disease prevails widely among any classes. 

 Modern medicine has become largely a social service. Preventive 

 medicine is the keystone of the triumphal arch of modern civilization. 

 Displace it and the whole structure will fall. Widespread epidemics 

 lead to national decay. Infection has overthrown nations and has 

 blotted out civilizations in the past. We are aware of the fact that 

 the future of this country does not depend wholly on the medical man, 

 but he should be ready at all times to do his part in assisting in the 

 progress of the nation. Medicine consists of those facts, gathered 

 from the various sciences, which can be utilized in the prevention or 

 cure of disease. That nation which does not encourage scientific inves- 

 tigation, must fall into the rear. It is, therefore, the duty of the state 

 to favor research medicine. Every physician who treats an infectious 

 disease renders a service to the individual under his treatment, and at 

 the same time he renders a greater service to the community in pre- 

 venting the spread of the disease. 



The present volume is an incomplete and imperfect statement of 

 what medicine has done, is doing, and an indication of what it may do 

 for the common good. The attempt has been made to present these 

 facts in non-technical verbiage so that any intelligent citizen may 

 read, comprehend, and appreciate them. The medical profession feels 

 that it has a patriotic duty to perform in the advancement of the best 

 interests of the people. It offers its services, and begs an intelligent 

 appreciation of what it has done, is doing, and may do. 



