eloquent and just tribute to this eminent and Annali di Chimica applicata alla MediAmerican. "We cannot withhold our tribute of praise from this great philanthropist. It would be presumptuous to attempt to magnify his munificence, or to specify the details of it. But we may be allowed to praise the wisdom which guided his charity, and especi. ally the discrimination which induced him to spend so much of the money which he gave to the poor in the way of providing comfortable and decent homes for them. It is doubtful charity that merely throws money to the poor; but that is wise kind ness that endeavours to place them in physical conditions favourable to health, decency, and comfort. It is becoming more and more evident that this attention to the physical surroundings and conditions of the poor is the only sound basis for all measures that contemplate their moral and spiritual improvement. That this princely philanthropist should pass through Westminster Abbey to be buried in his own America is the fit ending of one of the finest lives that has lately been lived. Such men scarcely die." cina, for May, 1869. He comes to the conclusion respecting antidotes, specially chemical antidotes, that nitrate and chloride of silver are the most promising. Phosphorus in the presence of nitric acid and oxide of silver is acidified at the cost of the oxygen, and produces a phosphate of silver, a compound not influenced by weak acids nor by the acids of the stomach. He reckons that for every centigramme of phosphorus three centigrammes of nitrate of silver are required. Hence, for an adult who has swallowed a poisonous dose of phosphorus (say five centigrammes), six centigrammes of nitrate of silver would be demanded, a dose of the silver salt which has been tolerated.-Brit. and For. Med.-Chir. Rev., Oct. 1869. Schönbein's Test for Prussic Acid.-M. SCOUTTETTEN'S report on this subject was read before the Academy of Medicine, and related to a posthumous paper by Schönbein on a new test for prussic acid. The test consists of a slip of test-paper made as follows: Dissolve forty-five grains of guaiacum in three ounces of alcohol, and into the solution put good but thin white infilter-paper, and when the paper is well "Quidquid ex illo amavimus, quidquid mirati sumus, Manet; mansurum est in animis hominum, æternitate temporum, Fama rerum." saturated take it out and gently dry it. Next prepare a solution of sulphate of copLarge Dose of Croton Oil taken by a per by dissolving fifteen grains of sulphate Young Girl; Recovery.-Dr. MAUVEZIN of copper in one ounce and a half of water. relates (Gaz. des Hôpitaux, June 29) the When about to supply the test cut off a slip case of a girl 6 years old, who, by mistake, of the prepared paper, dip it into the cop. swallowed forty-five drops of croton oil in per solution, and hold the slip over the vessome coffee and milk. She complained of sel or substance containing the hydrocyanic the horrid taste of the drug, and a burning acid. The paper is turned of deep blue sensation at the isthmus faucium immedi-colour, the colour, according to the author ately after the ingestion. A little time afterwards there was great pain at the epigastrium, with severe vomiting, which lasted three-quarters of an hour. After the vomiting had ceased, the patient slept for four hours; and on awaking she said she was hungry, when some soup was given her. The child was then free from all pain, had two loose stools, and made a good recovery. Dr. Mauvezin is puzzled to explain this favourable result, and states that the oil was, on trial, found of good quality, and readily excited pustulation by friction. On Poisoning by Phosphorus.- Prof. RANIERI BELLINI contributes a lengthy paper on this subject to the Sperimentale of the test, being produced by the presence of the one-millionth of a grain of the acidBrit. and For. Med. - Chir. Rev., Oct. 1869. Iodoform.-M. NIESZKOWSKI has made this substance the subject of his thesis before the Faculty of Medicine of Paris. It is to be considered as greatly favouring cicatrization, and is also possessed of some anæsthetic properties. It is useful in soft chancre, more so than in the hard, in mercurial stomatitis, and lessens pain in cancer and epithelioma of the uterus. It may be used in the shape of powder, or mixed {with cocoa butter, as an ointment, or mixed with collodion. It is useful to cover the dressings with adhesive plaster, in order to free the patient from the disagreeable at the expense of modesty." After quotsmell of the iodoform.- Lancet, Oct. 2, 1869 ing several extracts from this document, the article concludes with the following Danger of Uterine Injections. Dr. remarks: "The idea of these ladies, COHNSTEIN gives (Beiträge z. Chron either on the subject of physical examinaMetritis) a careful historical survey of the tion in disease, or else of what female practice and opinions of those who have re-modesty requires, must be, we think, in a lated their experience upon the injection of {remarkably rudimentary condition. Good fluids into the uterus. The general results female nurses are the ministering angels of seem to be that the injection of very power- the sick-room. If ladies wish to be docful caustics is likely to cause inflammation (tors, as long as they will get educated and of the uterus and peritoneum, or severe examined apart from men, we have no wish prostration and uterine colics, and these to hinder them; but the idea of young men dangers are less urgent if care be taken and women examining together in the first to dilate the cervix uteri so that the same wards the chests and abdomens of return of the fluid injected into the cavity is male and female patients, and experimenteasy-Brit. and For. Med.-Chir. Rev., {ing on their excretions, is simply revolting. Oct. 1869. We are glad that the medical men of Pennsylvania have come forward to protect at least the modesty of their own sex. We hope that their example will not be lost on the other, and we commend the whole position to the consideration of the Univer Narcotics.-A book of Dr. FRONMULLER has just been published by Euke, in Erlangen, which is of great importance to pharmacologists and medical men in gene ral: "Clinical investigations on the Action{sities of Edinburgh and Paris." of Narcotics." These investigations extend over a lapse of nineteen years, and Saline Particles in the Atmosphere at the refer to 2328 actual cases, in each of which borders of the Ocean. - Dr. DHERCOURT the experiments were repeated three suc-states (L'Union Médicale, Oct. 2, 1869) cessive times. The author principally that he concludes from numerous researches studied opium and its alkaloids, cannabis, that there exists at the borders of the ocean hyoscyamus, lactucarium, lupulin, musk, an atmospheric zone which is constantly and solanin. Bromide of potassium did impregnated with saline particles. not seem to possess actual narcotic properties, and narcein was also found wanting; The Preservation of Wines.-Four years but cannabis yielded excellent results.ago, M. PASTEUR announced that he had Lancet, Dec. 11, 1869. which had not, been subjected to heat; M. Lapparent being president, and M. Dumas and M. Pasteur assisting. They have concluded, that it is impossible to deny that the preservation of wine in bottles is greatly ascertained that wines became spoiled in consequence of the presence of microscopic Mixed Clinics.-In an editorial in the organisms, which could be destroyed by (London) Medical Times and Gazette, Dec. exposing the wine to a temperature of 55 11, 1869, it is observed: "From America centigrade (131 deg. Fahr.) for a few mo we received our first specimens of medicalments only. A committee of experts in women. From America the first loud re wines was appointed to make a comparamonstrance on the part of medical mentive examination of wines which had, and against the intermingling of the sexes in clinical study has just now reached us. Our transatlantic brethren have been the first to try the system, and a protest against it, signed by the medical and surgical staffs of twelve hospitals and medical improved by heating; that the destruction schools, and by between sixty and seventy physicians practising in the city of Philadelphia, now lies before us. The protest ers, amongst whose names will be found many of world-wide reputation, speak in no measured terms of the utter indecencydemic of scarlet fever in London continues of clinical teaching in classes composed of to increase; the number of deaths from that both sexes. They show that in such a disease during the week previous to 11th class efficient instruction can only be given December was 245. of the germs is perfect, without the least impairment of the taste, colour, or limpidity of the wines. Scarlet Fever in London. The epi. A TREATISE ON DISEASES OF THE EYE. BY J. SOELBERG WELLS, Professor of Ophthalmology in King's College Hospital, &c. First American Edition, with additions. With over Two Hundred Wood-cuts and Six colored Plates, together with selections from the Test types of Snellen and of Jaeger. In one large and handsome octavo volume of 736 pages, extra cloth, $5 00; leather, $6 00. A work has long been wanting which should represent adequately and completely the present aspect of British Ophthalmology, and this want it has been the aim of Mr. Wells to supply. The favorable reception of his volume by the medical press is a guarantee that he has succeeded in his undertaking, and in reproducing the work in this country every effort has been made to render it in every way suited to the wants of the American practitioner. Such additions as seemed desirable have been introduced by the editor, Dr. I. Minis Hays, and the number of illustrations has been more than doubled. The importance of test-types as an aid to diagnosis is so universally acknowledged at the present day that it seemed essential to the completeness of the work that they should be added, and as the author recommends the use of those both of Jaeger and of Snellen for different purposes, selections from each have been added, so that the practitioner may have at command all the assistance necessary. The work is thus presented as in every way fitted to merit the confidence of the American profession. A work everywhere, at home and abroad, the subject of commendation, all agreeing that the entire science of ophthalmology, as it exists today, is here faithfully presented and illustrated, wherever illustration was possible. The American editor, Dr. I. Minis Hays, has added more than a hundred wood-cuts to the work, and selections from the test-types of Jaeger and Snellen, which are only referred to, and recommended in the English edition.-Nashville Med. and Surg. Journ., Oct. 1869. Without doubt, one of the best works upon the subject which has ever been published; it is complete on the subject of which it treats, and is a necessary work for every physician who attempts to treat diseases of the eye.-Dominion Med. Journal, Sept. 1869. This work embraces the modern doctrines and practice of British and foreign schools of ophthalmology, with adaptations to the American student from the pen of Dr. I. Minis Hays, of Philadelphia. The pre-eminent standing of the author in this department of science is ample evidence of the value of the book. No other work can compare with it, except the Treatise of Stellwag, which is a translation from the German, and which represents the German school-the pioneers, by the way, in modern ophthalmology. To American students and practitioners, the treatise of Wells, whilst it embodies the substance of German ophthalmic science, is enhanced in value by the superadded labors of numerous British explorers and operators.-Pacific Med. and Surg. Journal, Sept. 1869. Great care has been taken by Professor Wells to point out the great advances that have been made in late years by British and Continental ophthalmologists; modern views on pathology and treatment are given, and their value tested by the results of clinical experience. The manner in which a great mass of accumulated information is laid before the reader in this well-filled volume leaves nothing to be desired. It is the production of one who seems to have the power of giv ing, in very clear language, the results of longcontinued devotion to the study of his subject in foreign cliniques, and, as a teacher and assistant surgeon in the chief ophthalmic school of this country; it has, moreover, the great advantage of being a thoroughly practical work, dealing not so much with disputed points or minute differences of morbid structure, as with diagnosis and treatment.-Lond. Med. Times and Gaz., July 24, '69. To the general practitioner, we unhesitatingly declare that the work of "Wells" will in preference commend itself, by its clear and intelligent style, and comparative freedom from technicalities. In respect to its composition we cannot give it higher compliment than to award to it, in its special province, that position which Watson's Theory and Practice of Medicine holds among systematic works upon general medicine; and this rank it will continue to hold till another Helmholtz, or another Donders shall arise, and to a wondering and admiring world present another mechanism or another master-key, that shall again revolutionize the science of ophthalmology, and require its literature to be re-written.-St. Louis Med. Archives, Aug. 1869. NOW READY. STUDIES IN CHURCH HISTORY. THE RISE OF THE TEMPORAL POWER-BENEFIT OF CLERGY EXCOMMUNICATION. BY HENRY C. LEA. In one large and handsome royal 12mo. volume of 516 pp. extra cloth, $2 75. There are few subjects in history more interesting than the rise of the Christian Church from the humblest beginning to the possession of unlimited power throughout Europe. The object of the present volume is to trace this progress, to analyze its causes, and to describe some of the results springing from the authority thus intrusted to the church. To accomplish this it has occasionally been necessary to make a somewhat minute investigation of details lying beyond the beaten track of ordinary annals, which may present interest for the general reader, as well as for the student of ecclesiastical history. Doctrinal questions have been avoided as far as possible, and attention has been directed solely to the temporal aspects of the organization of the church, in its relations with the laity and with secular institutions. HENRY C. LEA-Philadelphia. VERSITY OF MI AND LIBRARY. MICHI CLINICS. CLINICAL LECTURE. often been overlooked, while things having Clinical Observations on Lithotomy, and on Certain Cases of Enlarged Prostate.By Sir WILLIAM FERGUSSON, F.R. S., &c. Although probably no subject in surgery has been written about so voluminously as lithotomy, it has often appeared to me that many things associated with this operation have been carelessly passed over, or so slightly noticed that, practically, they may be said to have escaped observation. Supposing this statement to be correct, I am disposed to account for it by the circum stance that the most experienced lithotomists As my personal experience in lithotomy have not always been the best or most extends to nearly two hundred cases, becomprehensive writers on the subject. The sides numerous operations I have witnessed reticence of Rau and of Cheselden is an in the hands of others, I trust that it may appropriate illustration; and treatises on not be deemed presumptuous on my part the operation have been written by many if, claiming some authority on the subject, who have had such limited personal expe- I venture to record some points which have rience that important practical matters have been little noticed, if at all, by the gene Published monthly by HENRY C. LEA, No. 706 & 708 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, for One Dollar a year; also, furnished GRATUITOUSLY to all subscribers of the "American Journal of the Medical Sciences," who remit the Annual Subscription, Five Dollars, in advance, in which case both periodicals are sent by mail free of postage. In no case is this periodical sent unless the subscription is paid in advance. VOL. XXVIII.-2 gist or treated in ordinary practice. The pathologist and practitioner usually look upon the enlargement as a whole, or perhaps with reference to the special enlargement of the middle lobe. The one looks to the appearance of the enlarged parts; the other thinks of the effects of these upon micturition, or how, where there is much irritation rality of writers on this absorbing subject. { standard of size. In accordance with theoI am the more induced to do so, because Iries of the teacher or author, a limited have reason to think that some observations incision has been the favourite with one, on lithotomy in children, made by me in whilst a free wound through the whole submy lectures at the College of Surgeons instance has been inculcated by the other. 1864, have had good effect. What I then Yet lithotomy is more rarely required dustated was the result of much thought and ring the period referred to than at an considerable individual experience. The earlier or later date. In two-thirds of the distance of the neck of the bladder from the cases for this operation the prostate is either perineum, the ease with which the mem- below or above the size most generally inbranous portion of the urethra may be torndicated in these speculations. In early across, and the facility with which the pros-years there can be no doubt that it is either tate and the neck of the bladder may be cut or torn throughout; but in advanced thereafter pushed upwards and backwards, years it may be doubted if it ever is either were particularly dwelt upon; and a seem- torn or divided entirely, excepting in rare ingly correct explanation, as I hope, was instances, even by those who profess to given of the frequency of not finding the use the knife freely in this part of the opestone in this operation, as also regarding the ration. Without proposing.at present to conclusion that stone had not actually been discuss the question of free or limited inpresent in such cases-the real fact being cisions, I am desirous of drawing attention that the operator had failed to reach the blad- to the circumstance that the lithotomist der. More mistakes of this kind have been often deals with the prostate in old men made on children than on adults, and ex-under circumstances very different from perience has convinced me that the difficul- those under which it is seen by the patholoties and mechanical dangers are actually greater in children than in the adult. On the occasion referred to, I pointed out the common error of supposing that because lithotomy is comparatively so successful in its results in children, it is easy of perform ance in similar proportion. Such however is, in my opinion, not the case; and youth, with the strong natural disposition to repa-associated with the condition, he can best ration of wounds in early years, are the principal reasons for the happy results of this operation on patients under the age of Now, although most formidable cases puberty. of stone are often met with in old age withIn my experience I have learned some-out any marked enlargement or change in thing more about the prostate than is the prostate, it frequently happens that the usually stated in books about lithotomy, or lithotomist finds the gland enlarged, and in about that organ itself. Operative surgery the ordinary lateral operation his knife, and surgical pathology have been largely finger, and instruments, pass through the taught by the pure anatomist, who has had part where enlargement is almost invarialittle experience in either subject; and there bly greatest-viz., the lateral lobe. In the has been on that account, in my estimation, normal state of the prostate, the firm fibrous a large amount of questionable doctrine laid structure, as usually seen by the anatomist, down for the guidance of the practical sur- can be readily appreciated. Even when geon. He may, indeed, be years in prac- there is enlargement, the firm fibrous charactice before he can, by thinking for himself, ter may still seem predominant. But in get rid of what I am often disposed to call many instances, as the forefinger passes dissecting-room surgery. I look back with towards the bladder, the sensation is as if amazement at the amount of writing and its point glided through several rounded so-called instruction as to the limit or want bodies in the substance of the gland, which of limit of incisions in the prostate in litho- are but slenderly in contact with each tomy. other. It is seldom that the pathologist takes this route in examining or displaying the gland, and so perhaps little has been The healthy prostate, such as it may be considered between puberty and fifty years of age, has usually been taken as the and most readily give his patient relief by catheter or otherwise. |