CONTAGIOUS DISEASES 307 



No doubt the improved methods of treating con- 

 sumption, as well as the pains taken to prevent its 

 spread, have had much to do with the decreasing death- 

 rate. Formerly any one having the disease was sup- 

 posed to be fated to die. Drugs were used to stimu- 



Raybrook Sanitarium, Adirondacks. Sleeping out in Summer. 



late or ease the patient, but with little or no hope of 

 effecting a cure. Now, this dread disease, if not too 

 far advanced, is regarded as curable; though it is 

 generally conceded that medicines, and especially 

 patent medicines, are valueless. Many patients, who 

 might have recovered had they consulted a doctor at 

 the outset, lose their lives because of a period of trying 

 various patent remedies, which can only deceive and 

 delay. The aim is to increase the patient's vitality 

 to such an extent that he will be able to resist the 



