June 29. 1912
EVERETT J. BROWN, M.D., DECATUR, ILL.
By “therapeutic literature” I mean literature in the form of books, monographs, magazine articles, journals or tracts of optimistic and self-helpful character which are written in language and meaning acceptable to the laity, and which can be safely placed in the hands of certain patients to help them cure their diseases or remove their symptoms.
I know that many physicians are already in the habit of suggesting the reading of certain books to their patients as an aid to cure, but as yet I have not been able to find where any one has systematically collated this form of literature for use in a therapeutic way. It is not my purpose by any means to attempt to name all the books which are used, or might be used, but I have selected only those with which I have become acquainted, and which have proved of value to me in my professional work. These books I regard as a part of my therapeutic armamentarium.