By the dawn of the 19th century, tuberculosis had killed one in seven of all people that had ever lived. Doctors believed it was hereditary, but had begun to observe that fresh air and outdoor living could sometimes change the course of the illness. Physician and TB patient Edward Trudeau was convinced the clean mountain air was like medicine for the lungs.
Learn more about the documentary, THE FORGOTTEN PLAGUE, including where to watch the full film: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/films/plague/
