The American Invalid Aid Society. Incorporated tinder the haws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, February 3,1893. Headquarters, 180 Tremont Street, Room 19, Boston, Mass. 1893- (fetter from the Rev. Edward Everett Hale, D.D.) Boston, Mass., Feb. 8, 1893. Gentlemen : I am very glad to join in the organiza- tion of the Invalid Aid Society. I have felt sure for many years past that a strong organization for this purpose is necessary. Truly yours, EDWARD E. HALE. The American Invalid Aid Society. ITS AIMS AND PURPOSES. The prevalence in so many parts of our country of the dreaded disease, consumption, and the terrible mortality resulting there- from, must be appalling to every thoughtful mind ; especially when we recall how slightly is this malady amenable to medical treat- ment, even under the most favorable condi- tions, and how desperate is the condition of the victim upon whom it has once laid its grasp. It is coming, however, to be more and more recognized that a large percentage of the suf- ferers from this scourge can be restored to health, or at least be greatly benefited, by a timely removal to some more suitable climate. Certain parts of the South, South-west and North-west have been shown, by experience and careful study of climatology, to possess in a remarkable degree the conditions most favorable for the cure of pulmonary diseases. It is not strange, therefore, in a humane country like our own, that forces should be set in motion which have finally resulted in the formation of The American Invalid Aid Society. This organization has for its primary object the relief of sufferers from consumption. To accomplish this work in a manner at all adequate, it is necessary that the society shall be a charitable organization. For, although it ministers to wealthy invalids through its special information, yet a large proportion of consumptives, being without sufficient means, find advice alone of no possible benefit. On the other hand, it hardly seems wise to bestow such aid as a gratuity. It is not pro- ductive of the best results individually, and curtails to a large degree the extent of the Society’s usefulness. It was therefore decided that the assistance rendered by the Society should be in the nature of a loan, to be re-paid by the recipient whenever able, in work or money. To fit itself for such responsible work, the Society must possess choice locations in those sections of the country which are most bene- ficial in pulmonary troubles. Upon these sites there must be suitable buildings; physi- cians and competent nurses must be in attend- ance, and other means provided for supplying the various needs of the patients. The Society already possesses an estate in a most healthful part of Florida, and lands in different sections of New Mexico. In this latter State, and in others of the rainless regions of the South-west, are found the high, dry and invigorating conditions of climate so especially beneficial in most cases of con- sumption. The lands we have secured in these sections are, when irrigated, of wonderful fertility— flowers and fruits growing with amazing luxu- riance, and combining with the bright sun- shine to make out-of-door life an inexpressi- ble delight. Our great need must be evident to all. We require ample funds, both for the transporta- tion and the maintenance of needy patients. It is therefore hoped that the benevolent, and realizing the terrible ravages of con- sumption, will feel their responsibility for this work, and give a generous response. The Society cannot carry out its plans without liberal financial support. By the payment of one dollar, the giver be- comes eligible to membership in the Society. The gift of five dollars makes the donor an honorary member; and one hundred dollars creates him a life member. Upon the last page of this pamphlet is a list of the Society’s officers and Advisory Board. Enquiries may be made of them, or addressed to the Secretary, W. P. Roberts, M.D., at the headquarters, 180 Tremout St., Room 19, Boston. Any contributions may be sent to the Treas- urer, Mr. A. B. Upham, 201 Columbus Ave., Boston, Mass. (Editorial, in “American Climates and Resorts.”) “The Invalid Aid Society of America set on foot in Boston finds new inspiration from a similar organiza- tion in France that has been working especially to save the children of tuberculous parents. The Indian government set apart a large grant of land on the slopes of the Himalaya Mountains for a national sani- tarium. Here is a precedent, if our national legisla- tors need one, for establishing a national sanitarium for consumptives. But this Aid Society proposes not to wait for government but to collect money and be the Good Samaritan to poor worthy tuberculose cases whose prospects are favorable for recovery. They have asked a grantof land from old Mexico, and'doubt- less will get it. Cured consumptives make up, it is believed, one-half of the population of several of our States, and we commend this subject for legislative attention. The government could not do a wiser thing than set aside several tracts of land for this purpose in several of the Territories. But until the State or Nation wakes up to the importance of this subject the small membership fee of |x.oo from a large number of people can be used to save valuable lives. Send to the Sec- retary for more information concerning this Society.” Some Statistics. In the United States, more than xoo,ooo people die annually from consumption. The State of Michigan lost 35,000 during the last decade. Massachusetts lost 50,000 during the same period, the city of Boston turning in a quota of 15,000 of this number. New England loses nearly 15,000 annually, and the city of Brooklyn about 2,000 each year from its ravages. OFFICERS. RUFUS E. THURSTON, M. D., President. Mr. GEO. H. RICHTER, ist Vice-President. Mr. HRZRKIAH BUTTERWORTH, 2d Vice-President. W. P. ROBERTS, M.D., Secretary. Mr. A. B. UPHAM, Treasurer. ADVISORY BOARD. Rev. EDWARD EVERETT HAEE, D. D., . . Boston. Ex-Gov. JOHN D. EONG Boston. Hon. JACOB H. GAEEINGER, . . . Concord, N. H. E- J. ROBERTS, D. D. S., Augusta, Me. CHAS. H. FISHER, M.D., .... Providence, R. I. Rev. DAVID GREGG, D. D., . . . . Brooklyn, N. Y. Gen. CHAS. W. DARLING, Utica, N. Y. Mr. E- C. POPE, Cleveland, Ohio. Rev. JOHN E. WITHROW, D. D., . . . Chicago, 111. Hon. A. P. EOVEJOY, Janesville, Wis. Gov. BRADFORD PRINCE, New Mexico. and many other prominent men. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. HENRY O. MARCY, M. D. S. A. KIMBAEE, M. D. Mr. S. W. MANNING. Mr. B. N. UPHAM, and the above-named officers. TRUSTEES. Mr. E- H. CLEMENT. Mr. EDWIN GINN. Mr. LEON M. ABBOTT.