The splanchnic irritation results in especial in vaso-constriction of the kidney-circulation; in next order result cortical anemia and degenerative processes. In the acute cases, those occurring during the period of labor, we get the symptomatology of the attack by the influence of this splanchnic irritation directly upon the central organs, upon the vasomotor center of the medulla oblongata, no renal alteration existing. These conclusions the author bases in part upon the views of Traube, Rosenstein, Cohnheim, Flaischlen, and the experiments of Kussmaul and Tenner, and the convulsive symptoms arising from lead-poisoning. The author rejects all mechanical and chemical theories of an intoxication of the blood by renal excreta as the cause of the eclampsia. The sole exciting cause of the vaso-constriction, elevated arterial pressure, resulting cardiac hypertrophy and the uremic symptoms is sought in a state of reflex-irritation. Following his notes of cases from practice, the writer states his method of treatment. At the first onset of signs of albuminuria and dropsy in pregnancy the regime customary in acute nephritis is indicated. Absolute rest in bed and a bland diet is ordered. In order to reduce blood-tension, anti-plethoric measures are practical. The author is sceptical as to the efficiency of hydropathic treatment, inasmuch as it may result in elevation of blood-pressure. Pilocarpine in hypodermic doses one-sixth to one-third of a grain did good service and is contraindicated only in patients with bronchial affections. Digitalis is to be used cautiously, as indeed in all renal diseases, and only in cases of impending heartfailure. The exaggerated reflex irritability is best controlled by morphia in hypodermic administration or by inhalation of chloroform. Hot baths are indicated only in spasmodic labor pains, which set up violent splanchnic irritation. Pilocarpine, nitrite of amyl and nitroglycerine act as antispasmodics directly upon the vasomotor center. Diuretics and carbonic acid waters are to be avoided. Bleeding is to be practiced only in cases of great plethora, in order to relieve the over taxed heart. Drastics are not favorably mentioned. Ether and camphor serve well for heart stimulation. In L'Union Medicale, 45.86, Dehenne reports on the temporary and, in some cases, permanent success following the hypodermic use of ergotin in the treatment of diabetes. He says that after 5-8 injections polyuria and polydipsia are much diminished, and that the glycosuria decreases in a marvellous manner, though the proper dietary be neglected. the use of the alkaloid was soon left off, the If glucose reappeared, and vanished again after instituting the treatment. In one case a permanent cure followed a six weeks' treatment. ANTIPYRINE IN ACUTE ARTICULAR RHEUMATISM. To the favorable notes relative to the efficacy of antipyrine in multiple inflammatory rheumatism we are able to-day to add another contained in the Berliner Klinische Wochenschrift, No. 28, 1886, based upon a series of seventy cases treated by Dr. Golebiewski, of Berlin. He expresses his conviction that antipyrine is a specific in this affection, of merit equal to that of salicylic acid. Patients that can not walk or move, and suffer intensely, frequently have been much relieved as to subjective pain and objective condition of the affected joints, some five or six hours after ingestion of antipyrine. In those cases where antipyrine fails, the salicylic acid or the salicylates also accomplish nothing. The action of antipyrine is prompt, together with the defervescence of the fever heat, the local manifestations are favorably modified. The treatment was usually continued for three or four days. In regard to the necessary dosage it may be said that large amounts of the drug appear to be necessary for best effect in rheumatism. In some cases, though, as small amounts as one dram per diem answered to ovum. entirely dispel all signs. In the employment tion of an external transmigration of the of the higher doses the reporter followed the formula of Filehne, that is to say he gave 30 30+15 grains (2+2+1) within three hours, both forenoon and afternoon, in this wise giving 150 grains per diem. Weak pa tients or such that were suffering from other disease than rheumatism were usually put upon smaller doses, say of 15 grains at stated intervals. The dose was then gradu ally raised, until the maximum of 150 grains a day was reached. The maximum dose was then kept up to the time of complete relief. Thereupon the dose was gradually reduced. Rheumatic endocarditis appears to be somewhat influenced by antipyrine, the murmurs from this cause mend with the articular improvement. Such murmurs that persist after convalescence of the joints are not cleared up. Relapses appear to occur as frequently with antipyrine treatment as any other method. Generally, too early exposure is the cause of relapse. The patients so treated stood the antipyrine well. Collapse did not occur; an exanthem appeared in two cases and vanished, notwithstanding the drug was contiuued; vomiting followed the taking of the medicine at times, usually from accidental, extraneous causes. Sweating followed usually, but in an undefined manner, taking dosage and other points into consideration. The author in conclusion warmly recommends a trial of the new agent. EXTERNAL TRANSMIGRATION OF THE OVULUM. -An instance of this phenomenon is recorded in the Prager Medicinische Wochenschrift. A woman of 25 years had a premature birth in the seventh month, consequent upon confluent small-pox. The autopsy showed that the gravid uterus was a so-called unicornis sinister. The right cornu was represented by a solid rudiment. A true corpus luteum was found in the right ovary. The complete atresia of the right tube and the absence of any cavity at all in the right cornu, explain the gravidity of the left cornu only by the assump INTRAUTERINE TREATMENT OF CHRONIC ENDOMETRITIS WITH IODOFORM.-In the Berliner Klinische Wochenschrift, No. 5. 1886, Dr. Weissenberg, of Kolberg, recommends the topical use of iodoform in endometritis chronic. To this end he employs an elastic tip of the calibre and curvature of an ordinary male catheter having two lateral openings. At the upper end, a hard rubber chamber for the reception of the iodoform is attached. This, again, is connected with an air chamber from which the air is expelled by pressure upon a knob. Weissenberg first employed iodoform in this dry state over three years ago (Berliner Klinische Wochenschrift, No 11, 1882). A paper. by Kugelmann, of Hanover, read before the Strasburg meeting of scientists claiming this as a new method of treatment, called forth the report above alluded to. SALICYLATE OF BISMUTH. In cases of chronic diarrhea, intestinal catarrh and pain, Solger has employed the salicylate of bismuth with great success. The dose to be given an adult is 12-15 grains three times a day, washed down with water. There is some difficulty in obtaining a pure preparation. The influence of the remedy is that of a disinfectant and mild adstringent. The feces become black and odorless. Solger considers the remedy as of equal service as naphthalin. While the latter is not well borne for a long period, the bismuth salt may be given when needed, for months. A precaution to be ob served, is attention to the regularity of the stool. If constipation is allowed to become nausea, furred established, there follows tongue, pain and aversion to the drug. CARBOLIC ACID IN MALARIA.-In Progrés Medical, 5, 1886, Dr. Narich reports a case of intermittent fever in a woman; the fever had run for a year, and was not influenced by quinia. Hypodermic injection of carbolic acid was then determined upon. A solution was prepared of 0.40 centigr. of carbolic acid in 50 grm. of distilled water. Of this solution, thirty-three Pravaz's syringe-fuls were injected in seven days. On the first day, two injections were made, next day four, next day six, and so on for four days. Then, on account of signs of intoxication, the procedure was stopped, the result being freedom from malaria for nine months thereafter. This method is said to have been practiced with good result by Jessier, Dèclat, Hueter, etc. VINEGAR IN DIPHTHERIA.-Dr. Engelmann, of Kreuznach, believes in the antiseptic power and efficacy of vinegar in diphtheria and other pharyngeal inflammations. Either common vinegar is used by him, or the officinal acetum internally in a concentration of one to four, as a gargle, one to two, and for penciling the pharynx, undiluted. The antiseptic virtue of the remedy was tested by the usual experimental methods, and found to exceed that of a five per cent solution of carbolic acid. This is interesting. The simplicity and cheapness of the remedy recommends it. Its germicidal powers have not been heretofore recognized. Prof. Koch did not employ it in the many disinfection and sterilization experiments which he conducted with a vast number of agents. every hour. The dose is increased with the age of the child. Strong wine is ordered as an analeptic. He allows adults to gargle with a sublimate solution, 1:3000. MODERN HEMOSTATIC METHODS.-In the Centralblatt fuer die gesammte Therapie, March, 1886, Felix Schwarz, in speaking of styptics, rejects the perchloride of iron, as incompatible with the aims of modern surgery. At Billroth's clinic, the only styptics employed are adhesive iodoform-gauze, tanniniodoform-gauze, and tampons of PenghawaDyambi with iodoform. These dressings are as reliable as the iron and have the preference of absolute antisepsis and cleanliness. No sanious suppuration follows the application of these dressings. The smeary appearance of a wound treated with the perchloride is well known. The adhesive iodoform gauze is prepared by moistening the ordinary carbolized gauze and cutting into suitable strips; the iodoform is then dusted on and rubbed into the fabric, which holds it by reason of the rosin contained in it. The tannin-iodo form-gauze is prepared by substituting equal parts of tannin and iodoform for the iodoform. The Penghawa-tampons consist of a vegetable product that is not further described. TREATMENT OF PUERPERAL SEPSIS. The CHLORATE OF POTASH IN DIPHTHERIA.- Medical News writes: "Prof. Carl Braun The toxic effects of chlorate of potash are has recently adopted a mode of treatwell known, especially since von Mering, of ment in cases of puerperal sepsis which has Strassburg, presented us with a full study of generally proved most efficient. As soon as the subject. Its efficacy being unquestioned, a marked rise in the temperature occurs the it would be valuable to know how to rob it of interior of the uterus is thoroughly curetted its poisonous influence. Dr. Hayder writes and disinfected by antiseptic fluid, usuin the Centralblatt fuer klinische Medicin, that ally thymol. The curette removes masses of the exhibition of muriatic acid meets these decidua, blood-clots, and often pieces of memside effects. He prescribes for internal use a brane the presence of which would not be four per cent solution of chlorate of potash suspected, as the labor may have been normal. and a two per cent solution of muriatic acid. To be efficient the operation must be done Of these solutions that may be sweetened thoroughly yet gently, and when so performed with syrup, he gives of each, closely follow- the temperature has often fallen several ing each other, to small children a teaspoon- degrees and in a short time become norful every hour; children from two to four mal, and a normal lying-in period ensued. years old are given a half-tablespoonful of each | An iodoform pencil or uterine suppository is 2. Fibromyomata, especially when intramural, cause uterine enlargement; whilst in the distension of the Fallopian tube, the uterus is not enlarged, or only slightly, unless complicated by some other condition. 3. Fibromyomata are usually painless, except that there is often dysmenorrhea (as in my case, published March 6), and, if large, a bearing down pain, or sense of weight; whilst in distension of the tube, the pain is constant throughout the intermenstrual period, aching in character, and aggravated by the menstrual period, 4. Nutrition is not much affected in fibromyomata, whilst it is in distension of the tube, especially when the distension is caused by pus; hence, wasting or loss of flesh is a valuable distinction. 5. The temperature is normal in fibromyomata, raised more or less according to nature and amount, in distensions of the tube. 6. Fibromyomata, when intramural, move much more rigidly with the uterus than distensions of the Fallopian tube. 7. Fibromyomata are much less painful, on pressure, than distensions of the tube. 8. Fibromyomata are usually much firmer in consistence than distensions of the tube. 9. Intermenstrual discharges, usually yellow, are much commoner in distension of the Fallopian tube than in fibromyomata. 10, The position and direction of the uteine cavity is much more affected by fibromyomata than by distensions of the tube. 11. Fibromyomata are usually more or less spherical, distensions of the Fallopian tube cylindrical. 12. Aspiration yields serum or pus in hydrosalpinx or pyosalpinx; and blood in fibromyomata and hematosalpinx. 13. Distensions of the Fallopian tube are accompanied by pelvic inflammation much more frequently than fibromyomata. CANNED FRUIT.-In pursuing an inquiry as to the effects of extremes of temperature upon canned fruits, the American Grocer has received the following letter from Lieut. Greely which is of so great interest that we re-publish it from its issue of July 28, 1886: NEWBURYPORT, MASS., July 20th. DEAR SIR: I have your letter of July 13th, referring to my previous letter on the subject of fects of freezing upon canned fruits and vegetacanned provisions. You ask me to state the ef bles, especially as regards the texture and flavor of tomatoes, corn, etc. Apples, peaches, pears, rhubarb, green peas, green corn, onions. potatoes and tomatoes were all subject to extreme temper atures (over 60 below zero) and were solid for months at a time. The second summer they thawed, the following winter froze solid again. All the articles named presented the same appearance as though freshly canned, and their flavor was as good when the last can was eaten as in the first month. It should be understood that these were first class canned goods, and from dealers of standing and reliability. Cranberry sauce, preserved damsons, preserved peaches and fruit butters suffered certain changes from candying, etc., which detracted somewhat from their flavor, though not materially so. Dealers in such preserves predicted that such conditions and changes would occur. I had also canned turnips, squash, beets and carrots, as well as pineapples, cherries, grapes, clams, shrimps and crabs, which, although not subjected to such extreme temperatures as the foregoing, yet froze and thawed repeatedly without injury. No can of any kind, except a few, say, half a dozen of fruit butters, was No illness of ever burst by action of cold or heat. any kind occurred prior to our retreat, and those most inclined to canned fruits and vegetables have written thus fully in answer to your letter were the healthiest and strongest of the party. I from my conviction that the excellent quality and variety of canned provisions contributed materially to the unequalled health of my command during the two years we passed in unparalleled fruit and vegetables to parties unable to obtain high latitude. The importance of good canned the fresh articles cannot be overrated, and so I speak with no uncertain tone on the subject. Sincerely yours, A. W. GREELY, U. S. A. To F. N. BARRETT, Editor "American Gro cer." SOCIETY PROCEEDINGS. THE ROLLA DISTRICT MEDICAL SOCIETY. Twenty-fifth Semi-Annual Meeting held in Rolla, Mo., May 27 and 28, 1886. The Society met at 10 o'clock A. M. in hall, the President, Dr. S. B. Rowe, in the chair. After calling the meeting to order, quite a number of letters were read from members and other specially invited medical gentlemen, not members, expressing regrets at not being able to attend. Among whom were Drs. Wm. Porter, Wm. Dickinson, C. H. Hughes, H. H. Mudd, Ohman-Dumesnil, of St. Louis. After the reading and the approval of the minutes of the last meeting, the President appointed the following committee on the order of business: Drs. Martin, Godby, and Huyette, which reported as follows: President's Address, Reports of Committees, Election of Officers, Reading of Papers and Reports of Cases, Discussions of Special Subjects, New Business, Unfinished Business. The President then delivered his annual address, which contained many valuable suggestions, and by a vote of the society, he was requested to furnish a copy for publication. The committee on admissions reported favorably upon the following applicants for membership: Drs. S. L. Mitchell, of Licking, Mo., and Hutcheons, of Newburg. The committee on nominations reported the following list for officers for the ensuing year, and who were duly elected by the society: President, Milton Godby, of Salem; VicePresident, Wm. M. Lenox, of Lake Spring; Secretary, S. H. Headlee, of St. James; Treasurer, T. J. Jones, of Rolla. DR. JOHNSON, of Rolla, presented a paper on laparotomy, giving in detail a successful operation which he had recently performed. The doctor was voted the privilege of having his paper published. The discussion of this paper was postponed until the evening session. DR. HEADLEE reported three cases of scarlet fever, which had occurred in his practice at St. James; all very malignant, one fatal. The spread of the disease was seemingly prevented by isolation and disinfection. DR. HUYETTE reported a case of the same disease that had recently occurred in Rolla. The source of the contagion could not be ascertained. DR. MCCOMBS, of Lebanon, being present, was invited to take part in the proceedings. DR. GODBY said he had not seen a case of scarlet fever for several years, and spoke of an epidemic which had prevailed in Salem some years ago, and treated his patients very successfully by relying principally upon carb. ammoniæ. DR. FROST said that epidemics of scarlet fever proved more or less fatal according to the type assumed by the epidemic, yet in many epidemics mild and malignant cases may be met. DR. JONES said he had met with but one case of scarlet fever in twenty-five years practice. In that case the diphtheritic formation was well marked, and he used locally nitrate of silver with success. The President then announced that Prof. Scott, of the Western Musical Conservatory, had extended an invitation to the members of the Society to attend in the evening the commencement exercises of the institution. DR. JOHNSON made announcement that Prof. Waits, of the Rolla School of Mines, urgently requested the members to visit the School and especially the Chemical Laboratory. ĎR. LENOX introduced a resolution to admit through its secretary the Licking Medical Society as a subordinate branch of this society, which was adopted. The President then announced that the members present were invited to repair to the Crandle House to partake of a banquet given by the local physicians of Rolla to their visiting brethren. Adjourned to 8:30 P M. The banquet was a grand affair, and was participated in by many other invited guests outside the profession, including several ladies. After the guests were seated, Dr Storts delivered an address of welcome which seemed to have the effect of an appetizer on the whole company. After partaking of the bountiful repast, which did great credit to the generosity of the gentlemen who gave it, the following toasts were proposed and responded to as follows: Our Invited Guests, Dr. Headlee; City of Rolla, Mayor Baker; Rolla District Medical Society, Dr. Rowe; Our Educational Institutes, Prof. Waits; The Finer Accomplishments, Prof. Scott; The Ladies, Prof. Emerson; The Country Doctor, Dr. Frost; Mine Host, Dr. Storts. EVENING SESSION. Society met pursuant to adjournment at Dr. D. D. Burns, of Newburg, made application for membership which was referred to the committee on admissions. |