Measles, diphtheria, scarlet fever, chicken pox, and whooping cough

This compact guide was created for anyone who looks after children—from parents to teachers—to understand the most common childhood infections of the early twentieth century. Written in plain language, it stresses how basic knowledge and cooperation can keep outbreaks in check, without replacing professional medical advice.

The book walks through measles, diphtheria, scarlet fever, chicken‑pox and whooping cough, dedicating a short section to each. For every disease it outlines how the germ spreads, the tell‑tale symptoms, possible complications, and the most effective ways to prevent and treat it. Statistics from the era illustrate just how widespread these illnesses once were, underscoring why vigilance mattered.

Authored by a professor of pathology at Rush Medical College and edited by a leading medical journalist, the text reflects the public‑health mindset of its time while remaining readable today. Listeners will come away with a clear picture of what signs to watch for and when to call a doctor, making it a useful reference for anyone interested in the history of disease prevention.