THE DIAGNOSIS OF CHRONIC PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS

The recognition of chronic pulmonary tuberculosis is generally regarded as a simple matter in which there is slight chance of error. That this is not always the case is quickly recognized by any one who has the opportunity of studying a series of cases of advanced pulmonary disease. This study is based on our experience in the department for diseases of the chest of the Jefferson Hospital. In this department the dispensary handles all stages of tuberculosis, early and late, but only advanced cases are admitted to the wards. By admitting only these it seemed that we were making the best use of the beds in the effort to lessen infection by isolating patients in the advanced stages. Our admissions come from the general medical clinic and from the tuberculosis dispensary, but a considerable number are accepted on the diagnosis of other hospitals and general practitioners. We have no opportunity