Overview

The Tuberculosis Movement presents a detailed description of the evolution of the American tuberculosis movement from its inception in the late 19th century to its maturity in 1917. As Teller demonstrates, the tuberculosis movement during this era pioneered many of the methods of contemporary public health--the voluntary association dedicated to eradicating a specific disease, close cooperation between physicians and laity and between public and private agencies, and campaigns of mass public education. The most comprehensive study of the movement to date, this book contains a wealth of information not found in any other history of the campaign against tuberculosis, including full accounts of the backgrounds, motivations, and ideology of the movement's leadership; the origins and activities of the state and local associations and their cooperation with other groups in the fight to control the disease; the educational campaign mounted by the movement's leadership; and public health measures and institutions established to restrict the spread of the disease.