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of the power of the spinal axones to regenerate. C.N., aged 26 years, white, waitress, was admitted to Pennsylvania Hospital January 21, 1901, having been shot twice with a 32-calibre revolver. One ball entered about one inch to the right of the seventh dorsal spine and passed directly into the spinal canal; the other lodged beneath the skin in the right lumbar region, and was easily removed through the wound of entrance. There was immediate and complete abolition of motion and sensation below a line transecting the lower part of the tenth dorsal spine and a point 34 inches above the umbilicus, the distance between the ensiform and the umbilicus being 5 inches. Consciousness was retained. The superficial and deep reflexes of the lower limbs could not be elicited. The temperature was 97.6, the pulse 120 and fair in volume, and the mind was clear. Three hours after the accident the patient was etherised and an incision 5 inches long made over the dorsal spines, with the eighth dorsal spine for its centre. The right lamina of the seventh dorsal vertebra was found to be crushed in, and the left lamina of the same vertebra fractured at its base. With the aid of forceps the spines and laminæ of the seventh and eighth dorsal vertebræ were removed, and the rent in the membranes, through which could be seen the leaden bullet and a number of small fragments of bone lying between the ends of the severed spinal cord, exposed.

After removing the bullet, the fragments of bone, and the lacerated nervous tissue, the distance between the segments of the cord was three-quarters of an inch. The wound was flushed with salt solution and the ends of the cord approximated with three chromicised catgut sutures, passed by means of a small staphylorrhaphy needle, one suture being passed antero-posteriorly through the entire thickness of the cord and the other two being passed transversely. This part of the operation was attended with unusual difficulties because of the narrow space in which the suturing was conducted, because of the consistency of the cord, and because of the wide interval between the fragments, the catgut frequently tearing out before the ends were finally brought together. The dura mater could not be approximated. A small gauze drain, which was allowed to remain 24 hours, was carried down to the cord because of the oozing, the muscles were united with deep sutures of catgut and the skin closed with silkwormgut. The patient was in a better condition after than before the operation.

Retention of urine and incontinence of fæces followed the operation. The wound in the back had closed by the seventh day; patellar reflex was detected for the first time on the 21st day; could voluntarily extend the right big toe by the 42nd day; by the fifth month was able to slide out of bed into her chair without aid; menses returned for the first time during the seventh month; was able to use the urinal and bed pan by the eighth month; by the 16th month the patient was able to voluntarily flex the toes, to flex and extend the legs, to flex and extend the thighs and to rotate the thighs. All movements were increased by strongly contracting the muscles of the upper extremities at the same time. Had perfect control over the bladder and rectum, excepting there was diarrhoea; had the sense of touch, temperature, pain, and position all over. difference between heat and cold was not satisfactorily elicited when small test tubes were used, but more satisfactory results were obtained with a hot-water bag and a piece of ice. The muscles were moderately rigid, and there was present on both sides marked but easily exhausted ankle and patellar clonus. There were no reactions of degeneration and no trophic changes in the skin or nails.

The

Acute General Gonorrhoeal Peritonitis.

Hunner and Harris (Bulletin of the Johns Hopkins Hospital, June, 1902) contribute notes of seven cases of the above. Cushing, Frank and Mejia have previously reported cases which rest upon convincing bacteriological work. Wertheim was the first to demonstrate that gonococci can live upon the human peritoneum. The first of the cases is very fully reported. The patient, a girl of ten years, was submitted to abdominal section, bowel toilet, irrigation and closure. The patient died 36 hours after the operation. The sutures and coverslip preparations made at the time of the operation proved sterile, with one exception, and this gave the staphylococcus cereus albus. At the time of the autopsy plate cultures were made from all the organs, with the result that the micrococcus gonorrhoea was obtained from the two localities chosen in the peritoneal cavity; streptococcus pyogenes was obtained from the heart's blood and other organs, and also the bacillus coli communis. After minutely describing and discussing the bacteriological examinations and cultures, the authors state: "In the light of the evidence thus set forth, both clinical and bacteriological, we feel confident in affirming our belief in the case being originally, and throughout the disease, strictly gonorrhoeal in nature." Two tables are given comprising 39 cases, in 18 of which there was bacteriologic proof, and in 21 clinical evidence only. Seventy-nine per cent. of the cases operated upon recovered, while only 53 per cent. of those not operated upon recovered. Still a closer study of individual cases demonstrates the fact that numerical statistics may not represent the merits of two different methods of treatment. If the tubes contain pus in appreciable quantities they should be removed. The more progressive gynæcologists are beginning to doubt the advisability of operating for gonorrha al pus tubes. When pus tubes or a pelvic abscess are operated upon by puncture per vaginam, irrigation should never be used. The symptoms of an acute gonorrhoeal peritonitis— abdominal distention, tenderness and rigidity, vomiting, elevation of temperature, and frequency of pulse-are similar to other forms of general peritonitis; but the clinical course of the disease is quite characteristic. After a very acute onset and unusually stormy period of from one to three days, the symptoms suddenly abate, and the patient makes a rapid recovery. In the treatment of a case of general peritonitis due to the gonococcus, the authors recommend absolute rest in bed, hot turpentine stupes alternating every half-hour with hot water stupes, mild catharsis, liquid diet, cold sponging for the high temperature, and stimulative treatment, according to the severity of the symptoms.

THERAPEUTICS.

Eucalyptus in the Treatment of Diabetes.

The remedies hitherto advocated for the treatment of diabetes mellitus have proved so unsatisfactory that any new drug which offers a hope of better results may be welcomed. The discovery of eucalyptus as a possibly useful drug for diabetics was accidental, and we owe the first knowledge of any value the drug may possess to the experience of an old settler in New Zealand, who for years had suffered from diabetes, but had derived no benefit from any method of treatment that he had undertaken. He one day contracted an influenzal cold of a severe type, and a native woman advised him to gather some of the fresh leaves from a certain eucalyptus tree and drink an infusion of them twice or three times a day. The patient acted upon this advice, with the result that not only was his influenza rapidly cured but his diabetes also soon disappeared. Faulds, of the Glasgow Royal

Infirmary (Glasgow Medical Journal, May, 1902), to whom this tale was told, has endeavoured to test the value of the remedy to which the New Zealand settler attributed such remarkable results, and in 15 out of 46 cases upon which it has been tried he reports total disappearance of the sugar, and, so far as can be judged, a complete cure. Twice daily an infusion of one tablespoonful of the broken, dried leaves of eucalyptus globulus in six ounces of water was administered.

In one case the patient was passing 40 grains of sugar to the ounce of urine, and the improvement was almost immediate. In a second case, a girl, of 18 years of age, was passing 60 grains of sugar to the ounce of urine. After four days' treatment only one grain of sugar per ounce was passed, and on the sixth day none was present in the urine. She was then put on a farinaceous diet, but the improvement was maintained. Faulds thinks

that the remedy is only of use in cases due to gout, overindulgence in food, or cold. It does not appear to be of service in cases of diabetes consequent on vaso-motor changes affecting the blood supply to the hepatic cells. Twenty-two cases with a neurotic temperament and with a family history of diabetes showed no improvement under the treatment. Four cases almost comatose were also unsuccessfully treated. It is not known to what ingredient in the leaves the good results are due, since the substitution of eucalyptus oil or eucalyptol for the fresh infusion was followed by no good results. Treatment of Disorders of the Blood.

A. E. Wright (Lancet, July 5th, 1902), in a paper on some new procedures for examination of the blood, deals with some therapeutical aspects of his work on the coagulability of the blood. 1. In the treatment of aneurism by gelatine injections he urges the importance of ascertaining both before and after such injections the degree of coagulability of the blood. If the treatment is successful, that is, if the coagulability of the blood is increased, there is, of course, a danger of intra-vascular thrombosis and sudden death. Hence, precautions should be taken against such accidents by measuring the coagulability of the blood during the treatment, and steps should be taken to diminish that coagulability as soon as evidence is obtained of impending danger. 2. In the prophylactic administration of calcium chloride to patients on the eve of operations in which hæmorrhage is feared, before proceeding tto operate, he blood should be examined to ascertain whether it has acquired the particular degree of coagulability which is desired. 3. In cases of severe intestinal ulceration in typhoid fever or where hæmoptysis threatens in tuberculosis of the lungs, it is possible to seek warning by ascertaining the coagulability of the blood; the mere fact of blood flowing profusely from a prick in the finger would convey the necessary warning, and the administration of calcium chloride would avert the hæmorrhage. 4. Thrombosis, which is a frequent complication of convalescence from typhoid fever, can be prevented by taking steps to reduce the coagulability of the blood after the danger of hæmorrhage has passed. At the Royal Victoria Hospital at Netley every convalescent typhoid fever patient has now two lemons a day added to his dietary. In striking contrast to what was previously the case, only one case of thrombosis, and this one of the mildest description, has developed among some 90 consecutive cases of typhoid fever treated in this way. 5. Urticarias, consequent upon soap enemata and upon the ingestion of acid fruits and vegetables such as rhubarb, are due to a diminution of blood coagulability, and they can be experimentally produced by the ingestion of citric acid, which is known to diminish the blood coagulability. The therapeutical indication in the treatment of these conditions is, therefore, the administration of calcium chloride.

The Use of Sodium Salicylate.

Homberger (Rev. de Therap., lxix., No. 7) points out that sodium salicylate is easily soluble, and should not cause any gastric intolerance. The reason of its doing so on some occasions he attributes to the formation of salicylic acid under the influence of the hydrochloric acid of the stomach. If this is neutralised by the

addition of sodium bicarbonate, carbonic acid is liberated, and this latter stimulates the absorption of the sodium salicylate. The solution of the sodium bicarbonate and sodium salicylate should not be given too dilute, as this tends to delay it in the stomach, and it should not be given near meal time.

Sparteine.

Thomas (Rev. de Therap., lxix., No. 7) records his experience in the clinical use of this remedy. Its diuretic effect is not very marked, the amount of urine voided after its use not exceeding 60 oz. The heartbeats become regular and strong after its administration, and this effect lasts a varying time, according to the condition of the heart. Comparing sparteine with digitalis, he finds that the former is less powerful, the effect less permanent, but it is also less cumulative and toxic in its effects than the latter. As compared with caffeine, he finds that the latter is useful in cases requiring prompt stimulation, and after the crisis has passed he uses sparteine for regulating and reinforcing the heart. In chronic cardiac affections it may replace digitalis and aid its action. The chief indications for its use are chronic myocarditis, the beginning of asystole, and the subjective phenomena of cardiac irregularity. The coincidence of hepatic and pulmonary complications require more energetic remedies. The sulphate of sparteine is easily soluble and suitable for injections and mixtures, or it may be prescribed in pill form. Not more than 3 grs. should be given in 24 hours. Hypodermically, gr. three times daily is a maximum dose.

Methylene Blue as a Nerve Sedative.

Hughes and Lovelace (Philadelphia Medical Journal, March, 1902) record the use of this drug in the insane wards of the Philadelphia Hospital. The histories of 22 cases are given in full. The drug was administered either hypodermically, 1 gr. being used as a dose, or in capsule by the mouth, 2 grs. being given. Nearly all the cases were of wild excitement, and in only six cases did it fail to produce a calmative effect not accompanied by dulness or hebetude. The effect was noted in three to four hours after a dose was given, and lasted from 15 to 24 hours. No depression resulted, except in one case, and the quieting effect of the drug by stomach administration was not followed by any stomach derangement.

DISEASES OF EAR, NOSE, AND THROAT. Relation between Dry Angina and Kidney Disease.

Joal (Rev. de Laryngol, March, 1902) states that 20 years ago he called attention to the value of sore throat. of the dry type as an early sign of kidney disease. Experience has confirmed the importance of this sign, even before the appearance of albuminuria or other symptoms of the kidney trouble. The chronic pharyngitis in these cases has no distinctive characteristics which differentiate it from other affections of the throat occurring in the course of nutritional disorders or in the aged; but the dryness and absence of any inflammation of the naso-pharynx or nasal fossæ should always suggest the possibility of insidious Bright's disease.

Usually, the patient has long been troubled with his throat, and has been treated for cough, hoarseness, etc. The ordinary pharyngitis becomes gradually transformed under the influence of the kidney disease into the dry type with slow hypertrophy of the pharyngeal mucosa, yielding later to atrophy. The mucosa becomes gradually greyish and dry at certain points, in marked contrast to the congestion of the velum and anterior pillars. There is no pain, but the sensation of dryness in the throat impels to frequent drinking.

Immediate Suture of the Air Passages after

Operation upon the Trachea and Larynx.

E. J. Moure (Rev. de Laryngol, March, 1902) considers broncho-pneumonia as the most common and formidable complication of operation upon the larynx and trachea from the exterior. This may result from the penetration of blood, from the direct introduction of cold air, or from wound infection. He always operates in a wellheated room, prefers posture rather on special tampons (Trendelenberg or Hahn), and advises iminediate suture of the wound without using a tracheotomy tube. Ichthargan in Nose and Throat Diseases.

Douglas (Laryngoscope, May, 1902) recommends this new preparation of ichthyol and silver. He finds the solution of 1.20 in water or glycerine the most satisfactory for general use. It combines the good effects of ichthyol with those obtained from silver. He strongly advises its use in atrophic rhinitis where an antiseptic or stimulant for the circulation and the functional parts of the mucous membrane and an alterative effect on the connective tissue are required. He states that in 50 cases of atrophic rhinitis he has had better results from ichthargan than from any other form of treatment. He also recommends it in catarrhal conditions of the larynx.

Treatment of Atrophic Rhinitis by Interstitial Injections of Paraffin.

A. Druault (Presse Med., June 7th, 1902) states that the aim of the treatment should be the permanent diminution of the calibre of the nasal fossæ, and the modification of the glandular secretions. By altering or destroying the mucous glands, the formation of these oily drops, which dry and form crusts, is prevented, while the ozana, which is directly due to the stagnation of incrusted secretions in the retracted fossæ, is also cured. The writer has tried Eckstein's method of paraffin injection in ten cases. A paraffin which melts only at 60° is used; it solidifies almost at once, is not reabsorbed, and is readily tolerated by the tissues. At the first operation two or three cc. of paraffin are injected under the mucous membrane at the posterior part of both inferior meatuses. A few days later the same process is performed at the anterior part. A syringe with a long needle is used. The paraffin is heated to 65 to 70°. Cure resulted in those cases in which the meatuses were successfully reconstructed. They then remained somewhat swollen, giving the impression of slight hypertrophic rhinitis. The ozana disappeared completely, and no painful sensations were complained of, except in two cases in which phlebitis of the facial vein followed.. The writer believes this was due to a too large quantity of paraffin having been injected at one time. Though the permanence of the results cannot be guaranteed, the method promises to be useful in a large number of cases.

R. Lake (Laryngoscope, May, 1902) relates a case of a woman, aged 25, who had been affected with foetid atrophic rhinitis for many years. Crust formation had been got under by the usual treatment, but the patient was dissatisfied, as she felt no air passing down the nose.

The injections were made under the posterior surfaces of the inferior turbinal, about m. v. each time, with intervals of one week. The total increase of length obtained was not great, but the relief was most satisfactory to the patient. The needle required was one of fair calibre, three inches in length, and attached to the syringe by ineans of a screw. The syringe employed was one with metal bands, and worked with a screw piston to overcome the friction caused by the long needle.

The Relation of the Nose to the Reproductive Organs.

C. N. Cox (Brooklyn Medical Journal, July, 1902) enumerates some observations which corroborate the idea of relationship

1. Engorgement of the turbinated bodies in certain women occurs with unvarying regularity during the menstrual period. This congestion often causes intense headache, due to a swollen middle turbinal pressing against the septum. This can be relieved by local applications to the nasal cavities.

2. Vicarious menstruation as manifested by hæmorrhage from the nose.

3. Certain nasal reflexes, such as congestion, sneezing, etc., have been observed during sexual excitement.

4. Nasal disease is frequently affected by menstruation, uterine and ovarian disorders, and the menopause. Thus the fœta of ozæna is generally more pronounced during menstruation, while there is apt to be marked mitigation of the symptoms of atrophic rhinitis after the menopause.

5. The relief of painful menstruation by intra-nasal applications has been reported by many authors. Schiff proved that the pain of dysmenorrhoea was relieved promptly in 34 cases out of 37 by the application of 20 per cent. cocaine to the turbinals. Chrobah in 17 cases cauterised the turbinals during the menstrual interval with no return of the dysmenorrhoea in 12 cases. Indications for Ossiculectomy.

Macleod Yearsley (Med. Times, July 5, 1902) states that when there is a persistence of purulent discharge with a perforation of Shrapnell's membrane, chronic attic trouble is indicated. The chief cause of this persistence is caries of the head of the malleus or body of the incus or both, or of the external attic wall. Nothing short of removal of the bones in question, together with removal of the outer attic wall, will be of use, and unless there be indications for opening the antrum this should certainly be done before proceeding to the more grave mastoid operation. When discharge persists with a perforation in the posterior-superior segment of the membrane the usual cause is caries of the descending process of the incus, a complication by which the attic may later become secondarily affected.

The New York Medical Record (June 21st, 1902) contains accounts of the facilities for post-graduate instruction in England, Germany, and Austria, which may be of service to readers intending to visit Europe.

SULPHAQUA. We have received from the Seltzogene Patent Charges Co., of St. Helens, Lancashire, England, samples of the above for the production of the Hygienic Nascent Sulphur Bath. Sulphaqua consists of two powders, which are dissolved separately in hot water and then mixed and added to an ordinary bath, when sulphur is precipitated in a very fine state of division with evolution of sulphurous acid. We understand that a trial has been made of this preparation by the skin physicians at both the Sydney and the Prince Alfred Hospitals with very satisfactory results. Some cases of eczema and cases of psoriasis are greatly benefited by it.

CORRESPONDENCE.

London.

the mortality rate from cancer in England and Wales in each sex during 1900 is quoted :

Annual death rate per 1,000,000 living at each age.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Death of Dr. W. M. Ord-Leprosy in America-Age in Reference to Cancer-Linen Thread in Surgery-The New Governor of Wei-Hai- Wei.

By the death of Dr. Miller Ord, which took place at his son's residence at Salisbury on the 14th May, the profession of medicine has lost one of its brightest ornaments, and one who for many years enjoyed the reputation of being a great and successful clinical teacher. Dr. Ord was born in 1834, and was therefore in the 68th year of his age. He was the son of a doctor, and received his education at King's College School and at St. Thomas's Hospital. His original intention was to enter upon general practice as the work of his life, and with this view he commenced his professional career as assistant to his father. Notwithstanding all the calls which the demands of a large general practice made upon his time, Dr. Ord never lost touch with his old medical school, and his original intention to devote his life to family practice was altered by the offer of the Chair of Zoology at St. Thomas's, which he accepted.

Subsequently he was appointed assistant physician to the hospital, and relinquishing private practice altogether he established himself as a consultant in Upper Brookstreet. In 1875 he was elected to the Fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians, and he became full physician to St. Thomas's in 1877. In 1898 he resigned the post of physician to the hospital, and was thereupon appointed consulting physician.

During his long and very active professional career he did much literary work, in addition to the ordinary routine of his hospital and private practice. It is to him we owe most of our knowledge of myxedema, and in many other departments of clinical work he made substantial contributions to the progress of scientific medicine.

He was essentially an enlightened and highly educated man, brilliant as a teacher, generous to a fault, pre-eminently skilful in the treatment of disease, and the "guide, philosopher, and friend" of every one whose privilege it was to know him well.

A report to Congress has just been made by a Commission of Surgeons appointed some time ago to investigate the origin and prevalence of leprosy in the United States. The report states that there are at present 278 cases scattered throughout America. Of this number, 176 are males and 102 are females; 145 are American citizens, 120 are foreigners; the nationality of the remainder has not been determined. From evidence given before the Commission it appeared that 186 patients had contracted the disease in the United States, but the commissioners were of opinion that some of these cases were imported. Many of the patients are at large, but would be willing to be cared for at the public expense if proper isolation hospitals existed for their

maintenance and treatment.

In an interesting paper communicated by Dr. Tatham to a recent issue of the Dublin Journal of Medical Science, it is clearly established that the old theory that the proclivity to cancer is greatest in the period immediately Succeeding middle age is fallacious, and it is made quite clear that the proneness to cancer is in direct ratio to the senility of the organism. The following table on

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It thus appears that of those living under the age of 35 years, only 110 per 1,000,000 die annually from cancer, whilst of those living above the age of 75 years, no fewer than 14,000 die. This is a most important demonstration, which definitely places senility of tissue. in its proper place as a predisponant to malignant disease. It further proves that the increase in average longevity which has characterised the last century has. probably taken an important share in the cancer. mortality increase, which has been such a striking feature of the death rate returns.

In a recent issue of the Lancet, Mr. Arthur Barker, of University College Hospital, contributes an article on the choice of materials for use as ligatures and sutures, and draws special attention to the value of linen thread. now so largely used by tailors and seamstresses. He points out that it can be procured anywhere the world over wherever there is a depôt for Singer's sewing machines; that it is relatively very cheap; that it can be readily sterilised by boiling in plain water and then, storing in methylated spirit; that it is exceedingly strong and ties a reliable knot; and that it runs readily through the eye of any suitable needle. It can be used in any size, but Mr. Barker finds that three thicknesses, Nos. 40, 60, and 90, are sufficient for all purposes. To those who are engaged in practice far from the busy haunts of men this linen thread should prove of serviceable value.

On the occasion of the departure from Hong Kong of the Hon. J. Haldane Stewart Lockhart, C.M.G., Rector of the Hong Kong College of Medicine for Chinese, to take up the Governorship of Wei-Hai-Wei, he was presented on April 9th last by the members of the Court, the Senate, and the General Council with an extensively signed address. The meeting at which the address was presented was presided over by his Excellency Major-General Gascoigne, the officer administering the government of the colony, who was supported by a large number of well-known local men. The Hong Kong College of Medicine for Chinese was founded in 1887 by Dr. Patrick Manson. Mr. Stewart Lockhart was then appointed treasurer to the College, a post which he held till 1895, when he was elected Rector, in succession to his Honor Sir Fielding Clarke, Chief Justice of the colony.

Scotland.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

The King's Illness-Coronation Honours-Mr. Carnegie's Gift to the Scottish Universities - New Medicine Graduates-Australian Cricketers in Edinburgh-A New Institute of Public Health-Edinburgh University Items.

SUMMER has at last burst upon Scotland after an exceptionally cold spring; strangely enough, the welcome change came at the right moment, when decorations were being put up for the Coronation of the King, and a holiday spirit had settled over the country; then came.

the sudden and alarming tidings of his Majesty's illness, the rejoicings were checked, but with the rapid announcement of more favourable news, and the persistence of brilliant weather, Scotland held some of its intended festivities, though tempered by changed conditions and the absence of official co-operation. Glasgow University finished its summer session as usual early in June, the other universities had official holidays from the Wednesday to the end of Coronation week, and the King's illness came too late for them to be cancelled. It has been in some respects a season of disappointments. Edinburgh University had arranged to confer the honorary degree of LL.D. on each of the colonial Premiers, and the 17th of June was fixed for the occasion and was looked forward to with great interest; the city authorities had also made suitable provision for their entertainment. As the 17th drew near it was found that many of the Premiers would still be on the ocean, and others unable to come, and the ceremony had to be postponed till after the Coronation. Nothing further has been notified as yet, but it is hoped that the Premiers may be able to attend the big annual capping on the 28th of this month. This is the great medical graduation day in Edinburgh, and a notable occasion for Edinburgh medical graduates; it will be a specially brilliant function this year if the representatives of the "Britains beyond the Seas' also capped.

are

Scottish medical men have come in for a good share of the Coronation honours. Sir William MacEwen, Glasgow's celebrated surgeon, received a knighthood; and Sir Thomas Fraser and Sir John Halliday Croom were the recipients of the same honour. Scotland may in addition claim Sir A. Conan Doyle, who is an Edinburgh graduate, but has won his spurs chiefly in the field of literature.

Mr. Andrew Carnegie's gift has been in operation for nearly a year, and so far little apparent change in the four teaching centres has been noticed. The grant for teaching purposes has not yet been apportioned, and will not nearly cover the requirements of the universities. Edinburgh extramural teachers are afraid that they will be the losers owing to the decrease in numbers of the students attending their classes; certainly it would seem that the Carnegie students have mostly attended the university this summer, though they can take out extramural classes and have their fees for them paid out of the fund. It would be a great misfortune for the Edinburgh school if the Carnegie gift were ruining the extramural system. The experience of one summer is not sufficient to warrant any conclusions on this point, and it may be after all a fluctuation quite independent of the Carnegie gift. Mr. Andrew Carnegie is at present living in his Highland residence at Ikibo Castle, and as Lord Rector of St. Andrew's University is to give his address at the opening of the winter session.

Among the Edinburgh graduates in medicine this summer are eleven Australasians, many of whom are well known in university circles. H. H. Bullmore, of Queensland, president of the University Union, and one of the Scottish Rugby representatives last winter, receives his M.B., Ch. B. on the 26th. A. N. Fell, a New Zealander, and captain of the University fifteen and Scottish representative, is also to be capped then. The Australasian Club are giving their annual dinner in honour of their graduates on the 11th.

The Australian cricketers paid a visit to Edinburgh towards the end of June, and played against the Scotch team. The visit was an unexpected one, and only rendered possible by the postponement of the Coronation leaving them several unoccupied days. The visitors won by a very big margin, and their cricket was much appreciated, and will without doubt stimulate the game in Scotland. There is an Australasian cricket team

composed chiefly of medical students and graduates, who play in Edinburgh regularly; and one of the old members of this team, Dr. Campbell, was one of the most conspicuous of the Scotch representatives.

A new institute of public health has recently been opened in Edinburgh, and handed over to the University under the charge of Professor Hunter Stewart. It is a handsome and beautifully fitted up building in the Warrender Park district, a gift by Sir John Usher. Considerable irritation was caused to medical men in the city by the transference of the municipal work from the College of Physicians laboratory to the new institute, and that in spite of the recommendations of the public health committee of the Town Council. The College of Physicians had always done the city work and done it well, and at first received no remuneration, though latterly they have been in receipt of an annual grant of £100. Now the work has been suddenly transferred to the new institute, and the annual grant raised to £250. The College of Physicians laboratory is still carrying out the examination of, and reports on, specimens sent to them by medical men in the city, but it is doing it unofficially. The institute will be a great help to the University, and leaves more room to the department of medical jurisprudence presided over by Sir Henry Littlejohn.

Improvements are shortly to be made in the department of pathology, and considerable extension of the accommodation for teaching is required, and is likely to take place soon. A considerable sum of money was recently left as a bequest, to accumulate till sufficient to endow a chair of bacteriology in the University; some years must elapse, however, till it is available.

The new buildings in the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for eye and ear patients are being rapidly completed, and it is rumoured that the King will open them if he comes on a visit to Edinburgh in the autumn.

Mr. Shaw Maclaren, examiner in surgery to the University, and honorary surgeon to the Infirmary, has sent in his resignation prior to his departure for India to take up medical missionary work there. Edinburgh, July 10th, 1902.

THE BATTLE OF THE CLUBS.

(To the Editor of the Australasian Medical Gazette.) SIR,-Some medical men in our town are desirous of establishing a benefit fund to provide sick pay and funeral allowances in connection with a medical and surgical fund. In forming such an additional department we desire to retain the sole, or at least half management, as is done in Cork, Ireland. On referring the proposition to Mr. Coghlan we were told that he could not register such an association.

Can any of the readers of the Australasian Medical Gazette inform us, through your columns, if registration be necessary to carry out our intentions? Will the medical staff be able to retain control solely or partially, as in the Irish association?

Any hints will be gratefully accepted by yours, etc.,
Sept. 4th, 1902.
SIR WAGMAN,

CHLORIDE OF ETHYL AS AN ANESTHETIC.

(To the Editor of the Australasian Medical Gazette.) SIR,-I shall esteem it a favour if some of your readers will give me their experience of chloride of ethyl or its preparations, such as narcotile, somnoform, in its application as a general anaesthetic.-Faithfully yours, TIMOTHY W. LEE.

Wollongong, Sept. 6th, 1902.

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