Another noteworthy feature of the book is the purely personal and local character of the experience presented. It details the problems that have offered themselves here in Baltimore, how these problems have been met, and how an effective nursing staff has been built up, first under private and then under municipal control. What has been accomplished abroad and in other localities in this country is not considered. In a way this is a disadvantage, for the book loses somewhat in breadth and erudition. However, I am convinced that what may be lost in this respect is more than compensated for by the gain in force and conciseness. After all, the fundamental problems are the same everywhere, and though local conditions will necessitate adjustment of details, still I believe the adjustment will be stimulated and facilitated more by a spirited account of what has been done under specific conditions than by a colourless review of the whole field of activity. No doubt many will find personal views expressed with which they disagree. This is unavoidable before such a frank and radical presentation of the situation. One is impressed by the honesty and enthusiasm of the book, but some may wish that certain of the statements, and particularly some strictures, had been a little mollified. The book will be interesting and helpful and, what is more important, stimulating to all engaged in tuberculosis work. All the better if some parts of it cause surprise and opposition,—we will then review more critically our own attitude. LOUIS HAMMAN, M.D., Physician-in-Charge, Phipps Tuberculosis Dispensary, Johns Hopkins Hospital. PREFACE During eight successive years the writer has been engaged in special tuberculosis work, first as field nurse of the Visiting Nurse Association of Baltimore, later as organizer and director of the Tuberculosis Division of the Baltimore Health Department. Entering the field in the pioneer days of 1905, she has seen the work pass through the struggling stages of private enterprise into the well organized, almost automatic grooves of the city machinery. This continuity of service has been an experience of unique value. During this period we have walked into and backed out of many blind alleys or “No Thoroughfares,” and have acquired wisdom through the loss of infinite time, effort, and money. Although the material for the following pages was gathered in Baltimore, and is therefore, strictly speaking, of a local character, yet since practically all of the conditions indicated or dealt with are common to all towns and cities, this need not limit the application of the ideas and principles set forth.