Tuberculosis" -- Public Health Booklet with Interesting White Supremacist Subtext

Waubay, South Dakota: South Dakota State Board of Health, 1923. Very good. Light toning, rust staining from staples.. An early 1920's educational booklet on Tuberculosis published by the South Dakota State Board of Health for the general public. Provides interesting insight into how the country's perception of public health has (or has not) changed over the years. Lists the following four things as most important for the public to have to keep healthy: "Fresh air and sunshine", "Simple nutritious food", "Rest of body and mind", and "A hopeful and courageous spirit". The rest of the booklet provides a general overview of the what the disease is, how it spreads, and how best to avoid spreading it to others. Note the interesting section on the "Susceptibility of Races": "Tuberculosis occurs in all parts of the world but it is more prevalent in temperate climates. The American Indian, the Negro in the southern states, the Irish in their native country and in America, and the Italian, especially in the large American cities, are more susceptible to the disease" (p. 3). The subtext here seems to be that White Americans of Anglo-Saxon descent are less likely to have the disease because of some kind of innate supremacy, rather than an increased access to better housing, nutrition, and health care. Needless to say, this has been since debunked. Third edition. Single vol. (9" by 6"), pp. 24, in original printed wrps. (Inventory #: 25002774)