a competent architect, took the matter in hand and very soon the buildings were put in a perfectly sanitary condition, and to-day there is no public institution in this city or country more perfectly drained and ventilated, or in a cleaner or healthier condition.

The suggestion of a leading alderman "that the matter should be gone into by some competent person to see if the buildings could not be put into a healthy condition" is a good one. Two prominent

citizens, men of great experience, estimate that the

cost of overhauling, draining and ventilating the City Hall including the substituting of steam-heating apparatus, need not exceed $2,500. For a few hundred dollars a layer of fresh earth and a concrete floor could be put under the entire building, and thus for less than $3,000 the building could be made perfect in a sanitary sense.

From the remarks in the Globe anent Dr. Old

right's report, Mr. Gordon Brown must also have come into “rivalry with that gentlemen" in some way, or perhaps the latter "has beaten him in a contest for the senate of Toronto University, several years ago."

AMMONIA IN

BREAD-MAKING.—The Scientific American in a recent article, calls attention to the popularity and usefulness of carbonate of ammonia as a leavening agent. It says:-The carbonate of ammonia is an exceedingly volatile substance. Place a small portion of it upon a knife and hold over a flame, and it will almost immediately be entirely developed into gas and pass off into the air. The gas thus formed is a simple composition of nitrogen and hydrogen. No residue is left from the ammonia. This gives it its superiority as a leavening power over soda and cream of tartar when used alone, and has induced its use as a supplement to these articles. A small quantity of ammonia in the dough is effective in producing bread that will be lighter, sweeter, and more wholesome than that risen by any other leavening agent. When it is acted upon by the heat of baking the leavening gas that raises the dough is liberated. In this act it uses itself up, as it were; the ammonia is entirely diffused, leaving no trace or residuum whatever. The light, fluffy, flaky appearance, so desirable in biscuits, etc., and so sought after by professional cooks, is said to be imparted to them only by the use of

this agent. The bakers and baking-powder manufacturers producing the finest goods, have been quick to avail themselves of this useful discovery, and the handsomest and best bread and cake are now largely risen by the aid of ammonia, combined of course with other leavening material.

THE ROYAL COMMISSION ON THE MEDICAL ACTS.-The report of the Royal Commission on London journals. The most important clause is the Medical Acts has just been published in the ical Council; that in each of the three divisions the following: "There shall be one General Med

of the United Kingdom, there shall be a Divisional Board, representing all the medical authorities. of the division; that the right of admitting to the Medical Register and a general control over the proceedings of the Divisional Boards shall rest in the Medical Council; and that subject to such control, each Divisional Board shall, in its own division conduct the examinations for licence." This arrangement, as will be seen, is somewhat similar to that which prevails in Ontario, except that there will be three examining boards instead of one. The Commission also proposes that persons with Colonial diplomas may register in England without further examination as Colonial prac

titioners.

CANADA MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.-The following titles of promised papers have been received up to August 23rd. New Operation for Closure of Hare Lip and Fissured Palate immediately after Birth.-Dr. Goodwillie, New York. Stone in the Bladder.-Dr. Walker, Detroit. Some Points in Forceps' Application.-Dr. A. A. Brown, MontrealThe Electro-Magnet in Ophthalmic Practice-Dr. Dr. Buller, Montreal. Exhibition of a Series of Specimens Illustrating the Modes of Termination of Aneurism.-Dr. Sutherland, Montreal. Axis Traction.-Dr. J. C. Cameron, Montreal. Cervical Ribs, and Notes on the Treatment of Mammary Abscess.-Dr. Shepherd, Montreal. Exhibition of (1) Model of a Gynecological Couch; (2) of a new form of Speculum; (3) of an Ether Inhaler.-Dr. Alloway, Montreal. Rare Form of Uterine Tumour.-Dr. Gardner, Montreal. On Certain Obstructions in the Air Passages.-Dr. Hingston, Montreal. Disease in America.-Dr. Osler, Montreal. Demonstration of the Bacillus of Tuberculosis.—

CARBOLIC ACID INJECTIONS IN PUERPERAL SEPTICEMIA.—In the August number of the N. Y. Medical Journal, Dr. Polk, of the Medical Department of the University of the City of New York, reports a case of puerperal septicemia in which hypodermic injections of a two and a half per cent. solution of carbolic acid were followed with excellent results. The solution was warmed to 100 F. and injected every four hours. The temperature was almost immediately reduced when it was used, and went up again when its use was discontinued for a very short time. The urine was examined as a precautionary measure, to determine the amount of sulphates present, and this was repeated from time to time, as it is maintained that absence of the sulphates is the first sign of carbolic acid poisoning. The urine was tested as follows:A drop or two of nitric acid was first added to dissolve the phosphates, if present; then a solution of barium chloride, the reaction causing a white precipitate of barium sulphate. This plan of treatment is worthy of a more extended trial.

:

MICROCOCCI IN THE BLOOD IN MALIGNANT MEASLES.-Dr. Keating, of Philadelphia, has been making some investigations with regard to the presence of micrococci in malignant measles, and their absence in the milder cases. His article will be found in the Medical Times, August 12th, 1882. He states that the moment malignancy appeared, an examination of the blood showed micrococci in abundance in the field. He says that they not only obstruct the capillary circulation, but enter and destroy the blood corpuscles. Upon the strength of Dr. Formad's experience that alcohol most readily checked the development of micrococci in culture solutions, he withdrew the carbonate of ammonia and digitalis treatment and put his little patients upon whiskey in small and frequent doses, combined with tonic doses of citrate of iron and quinine, and the results were highly satisfactory. He alludes in this connection to the well-known efficacy of alcohol and calomel in puerperal septicemia. He also refers to the value of alcohol and corrosive sublimate, and the

MEDICAL SECTS IN THE U. S. ARMY AND NAVY. -The Committee on Medical Legislation of the American Institute of Homoeopathy recently corresponded with the head of the Medical departments of the United States Army and Navy, in order to ascertain if any discrimination was made between the diplomas of Homoeopathic Medical Colleges and those of the "regular school" in the admission of candidates to examination for the medical corps, Mr. Chandler, Secretary of the Navy, replied that no discrimination was made in favour of or against any school. "The_only_requirements of the department are that a candidate in addition to his moral and physical qualifications shall possess the necessary professional and literary knowledge to enable him to pass the established examination.”

ONTARIO PUBLIC HEALTH DOCUMENTS.

have

We

received a communication from "Mild Critic," too late for this issue, suggesting that "in view of the outraged English in the construction of the documents being issued by the Provincial Board of Health, and of the incorrect and imperfect character of the instructions," a "resolution be passed at the coming meeting of the Medical Association asking the Registrar-General to have them withdrawn as far as possible, and revised and corrected before any further distribution of them. be made. The writer thinks that the profession outside of Canada, where many of the documents will doubtless go, should not be allowed to think that the profession here are in ignorance of the character or approve of such literature-the like of which "was never issued from any Governmental department."

NOVA-SCOTIA MEDICAL SOCIETY.-The 13th annual meeting of the above-named society was held at Kentville, N. S., on the 28th and 29th of June, 1882 Dr. H. McPherson, of North Sydney, Vice President in the chair. The following officers were selected for the ensuing year :-President, Dr. W. B. Slayter, of Halifax; 1st Vice, Dr. H. McPherson, of North Sydney; 2nd do., Dr. H. Shaw, of Kentville; Sec. Treasurer, Dr. J. Somers, of Halitax. The next meeting will be held in Truro, on the third Wednesday in June, 1883.

A GOOD OPPORTUNITY.-The proprietor of the Belmont Retreat, a Private Insane and Inebriate Asylum, in Quebec, being advanced in years, and feeling that resting time has come, would take a partner who might eventually become his successor, or, if an opportunity offered, would sell out. This is an excellent chance for a young medical man with capital, who would be willing to cultivate a taste for the management of such an institution. The above institution, which was established in 1864, stands in the middle of 30 acres of excellent land, in garden, meadow, and lawn, and has accommodation for about 50 patients. It has a Gov. ernment license and an annual Parliamentary grant. For further particulars apply to G. Wakeham, Quebec.

PRENATAL HOUR-GLASS CONTRACTION.-Dr. Tyson, of Philadelphia, reports in the Medical Times, two cases of what is called "prenatal chaton," or hour-glass contraction, a rare occurrence in the early stages of parturition. He was led to publish these cases from observing a case in a New York Medical Journal, which, through mismanagement, (version and craniotomy) had terminated fatally. In his first case he used the forceps and overcame the resistance, and in the second, ergot and anæsthesia were all that was required.

LIGATURE OF THE VERTEBRAL ARTERIES FOR EPILEPSY. Dr. Alexander, of Liverpool, reports (Medical Times and Gazette), the successful treatment of a number of cases of hopeless epilepsy by tying the vertebral arteries. He at first tied one artery, and this succeeded in three cases, but in other cases both vessels had to be ligated before a cure was effected. He has tied both vessels at the same operation with no bad results. For full description see quarterly retrospect in another column, by Dr. Stewart, of Brucefield, Ont.

ABDOMINAL DRAINAGE.-The following new method of drainage after ovariotomy adopted by Dr. Kehren, (Centralblatt für Gynecologie, 1882), is worthy of more than a passing notice. He inserted into the cavity of the abdomen three rubber tubes into which he introduced disinfected wicks of the thickness of the little finger. The external bandage was soon wet through by the secretion, and had to be changed three times during the first two days, after which it ceased altogether.

THE PROPOSED AMERICAN MEDICAL JOURNAL. The Medical Herald, (Ky.) says: that Dr. I. Minis Hayes of Philadelphia is the only man in the country possessing all the requisites to successful editorship of the proposed Medical Journal of the American Medical Association, and nominates Dr. Hayes for editor-in-chief, and Dr. R. J. Dunglison assistant editor.

DUFFERIN RIFLES.-We are pleased to observe that Dr. W. T. Harris of Brantford, Surgeon to the above Battalion, has succeeded in winning the "Dufferin Medal.” His score was 40 out of a possible 50, ten rounds at 500 yards. This is a highly valued prize, and Dr. Harris is to be congratulated upon his success.

BRITISH DIPLOMAS.-Drs. R. J. B. Howard, M. D., of Montreal, and M. A. Nicholson, M.D., of Ottawa, have successfully passed the examination for the diploma of the Royal College of Surgeons, Eng., and were admitted members in July last.

H. W. Thornton, M.D. (McGill), and H. H. Chown, M.D. (Queen's), have been admitted licentiates of the Royal College of Physicians of London.

DISTINGUISHED VISITORS.-The following gentlemen are shortly expected to visit this country: Mr. Herbert Spencer, Dr. W. B. Carpenter, (author of "Human Physiology"), Dr. Morell McKenzie, Dr. Houghton, of Dublin, and Hon. Dr. Lyon Playfair. Dr. Carpenter is now in Montreal.

OBITUARIES.-The following deaths are announced in our exchanges :-Prof. Nikolaus Friederick, of Heidelberg, in the 57th year of his age; Prof. F. M. Balfour, the distinguished Embryologist; Dr. Wm. H. Mussey, of Cincinnati; and Dr. Andrew Buchanan, late Prof. of Physiology in Glasgow University, at the advanced age of 84.

SANITARY CONVENTION IN ST. THOMAS, ONT.— A sanitary convention will be held in St. Thomas, under the auspices of the Provincial Board of Health, on the 19th and 20th of September, inst. (See advertisement).

Dr. Roddick has become associated with Dr. Ross in the editorial management of the Canada Medical and Surgical Fournal, Dr. Molson having resigned owing to other engagements.

HAMILTON CITY HOSPITAL.- The new City Hospital at Hamilton is nearly ready for the reception of patients. This fine building is an ornament to the city, and a much needed improvement. Removals, &c.—Dr. Blair has removed to Three Rivers, Que. Dr. J. G. Kittson, (formerly surgeon to the North-West Mounted Police), has commenced practice in St. Paul. Minn.

MEDICAL MATRICULATES TORONTO UNIVERSITY. -The following gentlemen passed at the June examination :—D. R. Johnston, Ist scholarship; C. F. Noecker, 2nd scholarship; C. S. Haultain, C. J. Patterson, J. B. Reid, and McJ. Farrish.

APPOINTMENTS.-Dr. J. W. Whiteford has been appointed Attending Physician to the Winnipeg General Hospital.

Dr. D. W. Cheever has been appointed Prof. of Surgery in Harvard Medical College, vice Dr. H. J. Bigelow resigned.

Dr. John Chiene has been appointed Professor of Surgery in the Edinburgh University as successor to the late Prof. Spence.

T. Grainger Stewart, M.D., of Edinburgh, has been appointed one of Her Majesty's Physicians, vice Sir Robert Christison Bart, deceased.

Prof. Nothnagel, of Jena, has been appointed Professor of Special Pathology and Therapy in the University of Vienna.

Prof. Bergmann of Würzburg has been appointed to the Chair of Surgery in the University of Berlin, vacated by the resignation of Prof. Langenbeck. CORONER.-Dr. N. Washington, of Orangeville, has been appointed Coroner for the County of

Dufferin.

have had some difficulty in following the writer in his explanations of the supposed pathology of insanity. Dr. Howard's views are strongly materialistic. He regards imbecility as the result of teratological defect, and insanity the result of pathological defect in the brain. The work is divided into two parts; the first part, consisting of 52 pages, is devoted to a "definition of insanity and imbecility," and the second part to the "medical jurisprudence of crime and insanity, criminal responsibility." The author fully explains his views on the vexed question of legal criminality. He has been much interested in the subject of the medical jurisprudence of crime and insanity for many years, having taken part in several criminal trials in which the plea of insanity was entered by the counsel for the defence. The late Hayvern case is still fresh in the memory of our readers. He was tried for the murder of a fellow-prisoner in the penitentiary named Salter. tified that the prisoner was insane, and that he had committed the deed through "uncontrollable impulse." Notwithstanding this evidence, Hayvern was convicted and executed. A good deal of controversy arising out of the case took place at the time, and several excellent authorities, in the main supported Dr. Howard's contention.

Dr. Howard, for the defence, tes

He gives in his work the criticisms on the case which appeared in the different journals, and also an article on the "Brains of Criminals," by Dr. Osler, published in the Canada Medical and Surgical Fournal for February, 1882. Although Dr. Howard recognizes stages of insanity, he does not approve of any such division of insanity as partial insanity, or moral, functional or idiopathic. Speaking of the cause of death in insanity, we are unable to accept the author's theory that it “ "is caused by the arresting of molecular motion, and that the cause is due to coagulation of nerve fluid, either from chemical change or mechanical lesion;" or that "turbidity of the electric fluid" causes insanity. Some very interesting observations have been made by the author regarding low temperathree insomnic and analgesic cases examined by ture in the insane. He gives a history of twentyhim, in nearly all of which the temperature was from 1° to 21⁄2° below normal.

By way of an appendix the author has given a number of extracts on criminal cases from Mr. Serjeant Ballantine's "Experiences of a Barrister's