For example: a benevolent individual may give the nurse an overcoat, to be used for any patient who needs it. The nurse knows a patient who is expecting to enter a sanatorium in a few days. Her first inclination would be to give him the coat and say nothing. Apparently it concerns no one but herself and her patient. In adherence to the rules laid down, however, she must first consult the agent before giving away the coat. This consultation may reveal the fact that the family (new to the nurse) is well known to the Federated Charities, and that but a short time ago this patient was given an overcoat which he sold for drink. At this time, be it said, he was not known to be tuberculous. Of course, this constitutes no argument against giving him another chance, inasmuch as he depends upon it to enter the sanatorium, but it gives the nurse a side light on her patient’s character. She should make sure that he will not play fast and loose again; also upon entering the sanatorium the physician must be informed that the man is addicted to alcohol—a tendency to be considered in his treatment. Tuberculosis, like poverty, is a chronic condition, and the delay required for wholesome co-operation will seldom prove fatal. The agents, likewise, should be governed by one very simple rule, which will obviate all misunderstandings and ill feeling. This rule should be—no advice, suggestions, or interference in regard to medical attention, nursing, or treatment. All this lies strictly within the nurse’s province and should be left absolutely to her. For example: if an agent enters a house and finds a consumptive, she should make no suggestions as to changing doctors, going to this or that dispensary, or to such and such an institution. If the case is already known to the nurse, the agent may consult her, and find out what plans and arrangements have been made and then aid in bringing them about. If the case is unknown to the nurse, the agent should report it at once, leaving the nurse to take all necessary steps as to diagnosis and treatment. Grave results often follow the abuse of this one simple rule. For example: an agent enters a patient’s home, and finds him in charge of a certain doctor. Without knowing anything of the circumstances, she may advise him to change doctors, go to a dispensary, or even to a sanatorium. She does not know that the patient is in charge of a physician with a large private practice, and that this is the first time he has called upon the tuberculosis nurse. His co-operation and help in the tuberculosis campaign depends upon the way this first case is handled. His indignation at finding the nurse has played him false (for it is apt to be the nurse who is credited with these objectionable things) may be so great that months of explanation cannot wipe it out. As we have said before, tuberculosis is like poverty—a chronic complaint—and the delay needed for co-operation will not prove fatal.