Re: radiation therapy for tuberculosis

["Gibbs, S Julian" <s.julian.gibbs@vanderbilt.edu>]

Until about 1930 radiation therapy was used for "whatever 
ails you."  That is very nearly literally true.  In the 30s 
data began to accumulate showing adverse effects, leading 
to our current standard limiting therapeutic radiation to 
the treatment of malignant disease--with very few 
exceptions.
One must go back to the old (pre-1930) literature to find 
recommendations for radiation for various benign diseases.  
I do not recall specific mention of tuberculosis, but it 
was recommended for many things--such as periodontal 
disease, postpartum mastitis, or even anemia!  There were 
even suggestions that radium be stocked in pharmacies, so 
it could be dispensed on prescription!
Sorry I cannot provide a reference, but since retirement I 
no longer have access to my collection of old literature.
***********************************************************
S. Julian Gibbs, DDS, PhD               Voice: 615-322-1477
Professor, Emeritus                       FAX: 615-322-1474
Dept. of Radiology & Radiological Sciences
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
209 Oxford House
Nashville TN 37232-4245        Email:j.gibbs@vanderbilt.edu
***********************************************************
"Under democracy each party always devotes its chief energies
to trying to prove that the other party is unfit to 
rule -- and both commonly succeed, and are right." 
                -- H. L. Mencken (1880-1956)  



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