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CHAPTER VI.

THE ORIGIN AND GROWTH OF THE SANATORIUM TREATMENT OF PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS IN MASSACHUSETTS.

Vincent Y. Bowditch, M.D.

THE SHARON SANATORIUM AT SHARON.

The Sharon Sanatorium in Sharon, was the first institution of its kind in New England to be established in accordance with the ideas of Brehmer and Dettweiler in Germany and later of Trudeau in the Adirondack Mountains in New York State. In certain particulars the sanatorium was for several years unique. Previous to its establishment in 1890 it had been thought necessary to place such institutions at a comparatively high altitude, at considerable distance from the sea, and in climates less subject than the coast of New England to sudden changes of temperature and humidity. The idea that patients could be successfully treated not far from home had hitherto been thought, if not absolutely impossible, at least of such doubtful nature that the suggestion was at first regarded by many as almost chimerical.

In spite of this skeptical attitude on the part of both the medical profession and the laity, and following the teachings of the late Henry Ingersoll Bowditch, who for many years had constantly taught the value of fresh air as the most important feature in the treatment of pulmonary disease, an appeal was made to private citizens of Boston, and the sum of about 130,000 was raised. The town of Sharon, approximately eighteen miles from Boston and ten miles from the seacoast, was selected on account of its favorable situation on the watershed between Boston and Providence, and because of its porous soil and abundant supply of excellent water. Through the bounty of a lady deeply interested in the plan, a small farm of twenty-three acres was bought, and upon a high knoll at an altitude of only about two hundred and fifty feet above sea level, sheltered by woods on the north, east and west, a commodious but simple building, suitable for nine patients and the administrative staff, was erected in the autumn of 1890. As necessary adjuncts to the sanatorium, a pumping engine and tank for the water supply were installed and a simple but thorough method of cesspool drainage was arranged, to be changed in later years to a perfected form of sewage filter-beds. The cost of these essentials for a sanatorium, in addition to a small amount of grading and road-making, amounted to about $20,000. The sum of $10,000 was therefore left for current expenses until the object and aims of the sanatorium should become generally known.

The institution was opened on the 9th of February, 1891, and the first patient was received on February 16. It was formally incorporated in March, 1891, with the legal title of the "Sharon Sanitarium." (1) The following directors and officers were elected: --

Board of Directors: Alfred Bowditch, President, N. H. Stone, Treasurer, Reginald Gray, L. Vernon Briggs, Miss Olivia Y. Bowditch, Miss Alice M. Curtis, Secretary, Miss M. H. Denny, Mrs. Horatio A. Lamb. Medical Directors: Vincent Y. Bowditch, M.D., Robert W. Lovett, M.D. Consulting Physicians: Henry I. Bowditch, M.D., (2) Frederick I. Knight, M.D. Assistant Physician, John J. Moran, M. D. Matron, Mrs. M. E. Small.

As the sanatorium was intended only for women in the early stages of tuberculosis, of very limited means, a uniform charge of $5 a week, exclusive of personal laundry, was established. This sum included all medical services, medicines and board. The same charge is still adhered to, in spite of the great increase in the cost of living in the past few years, and in spite of the fact that the annual deficit is much larger than formerly.

The Sanatorium has been dependent chiefly upon the public for its support, and in consequence of certain bequests has made notable additions to its buildings. In 1897 a small infirmary was built not far from the main building, for the reception of patients who should become very ill, or in case of an outbreak of any acute infectious disease requiring absolute isolation. In 1900, by the bequest of Thomas T. Wyman, a large wing was added, providing separate rooms for ten patients, attic rooms for the servants, a large treatment room, and a heating plant in the basement. Between this wing and the infirmary, and connected by a subway, a cottage with apartments for the matron-superintendent and for the resident physician was also added. The capacity for patients has thus been increased during the past few years to twenty-three beds.

During the past year extensive but simple alterations have been made. Sleeping balconies have been added to the main building and wing, so that every bed can be rolled out at night, the patients sleeping in the open air under a canvas canopy even in the coldest winter weather. The dining-room has been much enlarged, with marked increase of light and air by the insertion of a larger number of windows than before.