According to statistics of the United States census, the annual death
rate from all causes is one million. Of this number, four hundred
thousand died from diseases of the lungs. The figures demonstrate
that two persons, at least out of every five, come to their death
prematurely--and from a preventable cause.
Another aspect of the truth is gaining wider recognition day by day
throughout the civilized world. This has to do with the appreciation
of fresh air as a fundamental of health. There has been a remarkable
awakening to this effect within a generation. Today, the preferred
treatment of consumptives demands that they shall live out of doors
if possible; the windows in the hospitals are seldom closed; sleeping
porches are built wherever space permits.
It is unfortunately true, however, that there has been little
advancement in general knowledge as to the science, the art, and
practice of correct breathing. Yet, I have been surprised and
gratified by the eager attention of those friends to whom I have made
explanations and given exhibitions during the last few years. Without
an exception, these friends have manifested a keen desire to learn the
secrets of breath-control and to win for themselves the benefits thus
conferred.
In order to broaden my knowledge and to render it exact, I have
made serious studies and experiments through a term of years. I am
convinced that if, instead of gymnasiums, institutions were established
for training in the development of breath-control, the grim death-toll
of one million for one year in our country would dwindle amazingly.