A Hereditary consumptive's successful battle for life

the long version

"A very pragmatic work intended for people who suffer with consumption or lung disease. Apparently the author's interest in the subject started when he applied for life insurance. He was rejected because not only did his father die of consumption at age 37, but his mother and brother had also died of lung disease. This book, based on an article that had appeared in The Christian Advocate, was written to provide an overall explanation of consumption and the challenges that one faces living with that disease. The main principle underlying successfully living with consumption is the maintenance of a positive environment, including deep breathing of pure air. Explaining the evolution of his own maladies and how he overcame them, he focuses on climate, breathing, and overall environment. He discusses diet and various medications, relating specific case studies and referencing well-known physicians such as Austin Flint and Valentine Mott. The last chapter deals with the case of Dr. Henry J. Bowditch of Boston, and how he was cured of consumption."--Antiquarian bookseller's description, 2017.