Evening Republican, Volume 59, Number 73, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 April 1917 — Byers Leprosy. [ARTICLE]

Byers Leprosy.

The Byers leprosy case near Princeton, Ind;, which resulted in the passage of a resolution by congress authorizing a national leprosarium and also prompted the .passage of a bill by the state legislature, has aroused a wide-spread curiosity among the laymen as to the nature of this dread disease. Leprosy exists in many states and in all of the island possessions of the United States. This disease which has afflicted mankind since the beginning of history and of which most persons previously knew only through the Bible, was introduced into this country from abroad. On account of its loathsome character and the helplessness of those afflicted with it, leprosy has long been the study of medical men throughout the country and diligent research has been made by members of the Indiana State Medical Society. In this connection physicians have undertaken to teach the nature of the disease, the extent of its contractibnity and above all, the humane treatment that should be accorded lepers.