Dissolve one pound of gum shellac in one and one half pints of 95 per cent. alcohol, with one dram of borax. These dissolved make a thick

solution. In order to make the splints, apply the solution on one side of a woolen cloth with an ordinary paint brush and dry thoroughly before a hot fire, then apply a second coat on the same side and dry as at first.

You will then have a single piece; apply the solution on one side of two pieces that have been saturated and dry them. Put them together and press them with a hot iron and they will unite and become as one piece. Cloth that has been worn and thrown off is better than new; it is more porous and takes up more of the solution.

Be sure and dry all of the alcohol out of the cloth, otherwise it will not be hard. Also be sure and get good shellac that has not been adulterated. Red is the best. To dissolve soon, hold in a hot water bath and it will dissolve in a few minutes. To temper the splint, hold before a hot fire until soft, then place in cold atmosphere or cold water.

For dressing the limb immerse the splint in hot water or hold before a hot fire until soft, then apply to limb and let it take the shape. Then remove and line with soft material. Then re apply and bandage the parts. This splint, when made, is superior to any of a similar kind that I know of. The only objection I find with it is that it is such an undertaking to make one, but after one is made it will do to apply on a number of cases. I find old trouser legs of a thick material to be the best material with which to make the splints. If they are used it will not be necessary to put two pieces together.

Hot Springs, Ark. T. M. BAIRD, M.D.,

[This formula has been sold throughout the country for four dollars. Several readers have kindly sent it to us for publication.-ED.]

Editor MEDICAL WORLD:-A single number of THE MEDICAL WORLD to a large majority of Medical Practitioners is worth the price charged for a year's subscription. G. S. GOODHART, M.D.,

Harrison, Hamilton Co., O.

Malarial Manifestations in Animals. Editor MEDICAL WORLD:-Dr. R. E. Finch, Glad win, Mich., in the January WORLD, wants to know what is the matter with the cattle and hogs in Northern Mich. That reminds me of a theory I heard in Cleveland O., 1859. Dr. Kirtland, an old physician and lecturer on theory and practice at the Cleveland Medical College (and a good old man he was), when lecturing one day on jaundice, said "he did

not believe there was cow in the low lands of the state of Ohio, that had a healthy liver," and he gave as a reason of such a condition among the cattle, "the malarial poison which in man produces chills and fever, and finally a pathic condition of the liver and spleen." Hogs, however, were not mentioned. If this be true, similar climatic cause. Michigan would hardly be exempt from a

covered in THE WORLD. Undoubtedly the true cause will be diaTitusville, Pa.

THEO. J. YOUNG, M.D.,

Hair Dye.

Editor MEDICAL WORLD:-In the January number, 1895, page 312, Hiram J. Con asks for a harmless hair dye. I send formula for bismuth hair dye:

Add tartaric acid, 75 grains, dissolved in water 100 minims, to crystallized nitrate of bismuth (not subnitrate), 230 grains; dissolve and pour into a pint of water; mix well and pour the magma on a filter; wash it with more water until no longer acid; then dissolve it by adding strong solution of ammonia, 2 drams; add glycerine, 20 min., and hyposulphite of sodium, 75 grains; dissolve and add water to measure four ounces. This colorless and inodorous liquid gives a deep chestnut color to white hair, after daily repeating a few times. The hair should be washed first. Turbotville, Pa.

F. LYONS, M.D.,

Pineapple for Diphtheria.

Editor MEDICAL WORLD:-I notice in Nov. number of THE WORLD, page 424, the experience of the writer in the use of the juice of pineapple in diphtheria. I know that, when its properties become known, the pineapple will be generally used to clear the throats of patients suffering from diphtheria, as it will certainly do it as nothing else will. It occurred to me that it might be doing a great service and perhaps save life if you would let it become known through your valuable journal where good, fresh, ripe pineapples can be obtained at all times through the year. My sons are cultivating them in southern Florida, and at all seasons there are some ripe ones to be found, which can be

What is Wrong with the Masses of the People?

Editor MEDICAL WORLD:-While editors of professional journals, as a rule, find it the better way not to dabble in local or general partisan politics, where the two leading parties are only distinguished by the fact that one is in while the other is out, and THE WORLD has not departed from this general rule, it affords me much gratification to read your article headed "Our profession and the people," page 391, WORLD for November, 1894. also note with pleasure the literature referred to in your review columns. Physicians are vitally interested in all social and political questions, and I opine there are few of ten or more years practice in the United States who do not find a growing inability on the part of the masses to pay their doctor's bills. There is much food for reflection and action in this condition, and physicians ought to be superior to ordinary partisanship in endeavoring to analyze the causes of the constantly increasing poverty of the masses. To those who can do so, let me suggest most earnestly that they read one book, which, to my mind, is the profoundest treatise on political economy in existence, viz: Progress and Poverty.

The author points out that palliative and partial reforms can never bring prosperity to the masses when fundamental and basic wrongs are permitted to exist.

Oxford, Kan. EDWARD SMITH, M.D., [In addition to what Dr. Smith has wisely.

said, we wish to specially urge, in view of the pending agitation of the currency question, our readers to read and circulate that remarkable little book, "Ten Men of Money Island," which can be procured for only 10 cents. Address the author, S. F. Norton, 544 Ogden Ave., Chicago, Ill.-ED.]

Our Profession and the Prosperity of the People. Editor MEDICAL WORLD:-Allow an old doctor to thank you in the name of many thousand readers of THE WORLD, for your independent utterances in November, 1894, WORLD, in the article entitled "Our Profession and the People." No article in the past half dozen years contained more "meat," that is of interest to the profession, everywhere, than that.

For the past quarter of a century we have seen millionaires increased to thousands, and for every millionaire thousands of tramps are created.

For each of these classes the average physician is made to suffer.

The first can pay a professional fee, that to one doctor may be magnificent; but for every fee assured from the millionaire many honest fellowmen are so impoverished, by the making of the millionaire, that nothing but tramps will designate their status. The physician is cheated out of fees from all these, that before paid fairly adequate fees for the necessary professional

services.

Is'nt this of interest to our profession? Should it not cause physicians everywhere to give thought to the subject sufficient to bring about an effective remedy for the abuses that are stealing millions and millions out of the pockets of the people, and, through them, of the medical profession?

Should the physicians of the Union unite in a grand effort to overcome the causes of the multiplication of our millionaires and tramps, nothing could prevail against such an organized effort to secure justice to our people, among whom we live and work, upon whose prosperity we depend, and of whom we are a part. a part. Mil lionaires, as well as tramps, would be things of the past, only known to history, and our country be made once more prosperous.

Should it be possible to so unite our profession as to cause this subject to be thoroughly studied in all its phases, with nothing of par tisan feelings in the case, but to endeavor to solve the national problem of abolishing th evils that have so long cursed the whole country, much good could be done.

Bourbon, Ind. A. C. MATCHETTE, M.D. [See diagrams on next page.-Ed.]

Possessions of the Poor 3 Per Cent.

MIDDLE CLASS

WEALTH

WEALTH OF THE RICH 71 Per Cent.

26 Per Cent.

The above diagrams, suggested by similar diagrams in Vox Populi of St. Louis, show the distribution of population and wealth in this country. Doctor, to which class in the first diagram do you belong? Or, a more proper question is, to which class do your patrons belong? Now, look at the largest division in the second diagram. Do you think the nine per cent. of population in the first diagram produced the seventy-one per cent. of the wealth represented in the second diagram? If not, why do they possess it? Now, look at the fifty-two per cent. of population in the first diagram and compare it with the little insignificant three per cent, in the second diagram, which represents their possessions.

Do you think that this fifty-two per cent. of population has been to this extent lazy and profligate? If not, why does such a difference exist? Manifestly, by laws which cause or

permit a very unjust distribution of products. We know that the fifty-two per cent. of popula tion classed as "poor" in the first diagram are wealth producers, and that the nine per cent. classed as "rich" are wealth "getters." If we had laws so just as to give to the producer the entire measure of his products, there would and could be no wealth "getters" except producers.

These diagrams show at a glance that there is something wrong in our laws concerning the distribution of wealth. It is not strange that human laws should be more or less imperfect, but it is strange that this fact of the imperfection of human laws is not constantly before us, and that we are not continuously watching and striving to correct defects. It is true that our

laws have produced much better results than no law at all. Yet, if we do not improve these laws, it will be only a few years until the startling condition shown in the above diagrams will

increase to such an extent that a very small per cent. of the population will owa practically all the wealth of the nation. This very condition led to the downfall of ancient Egypt, Persia and Rome.

Equal justice to all with special privileges to none" covers about the whole ground; for "special privileges," in some form or other, account for most of the injustice portrayed above. We imagine some of our readers looking up astonished and asking, "What has all this to do with the medical profession?" Need we point out the fact that if the population and wealth of the rich were measured only by superior merits and industry, and the popu lation and possessions of the poor were measured only by laziness, improvidence and dissipation, the space occupied by the "middle" class in both of the above diagrams would so expand as to occupy almost all the space in each diagram? Then we would hear very little complaint of bad debts, poor collections and pauper practice. Yet the work of the profession would remain practically the same; for all the people, rich, middle class and poor, demand the services of the physician. So, while the physician's work would remain the same, his patrons not only would be able to pay him, but also be able to command good hygienic conditions and carry out all the directions of the physician, resulting in much more gratifying success in every physician's practice, both from a financial and medical point of view. Now, look once more at the above diagrams and imagine what they should be. The above portrayed condition suggests a suspicion that our so called statesmen have been quacks. If a medical man would do as bungling work, and show results as bad, he would certainly be considered a quack. A large per cent of the population of the most productive country in the world is reduced to want! Physicians must study social questions.

Replies.

Editor MEDICAL WORLD:-Dr. Smith (page 30) asks about a case of epilepsy. When the stupor shows that the convulsions are coming he should have a brisk cathartic, followed by bromide of potassium, one scruple four to six times daily, continued as long as there are any signs of the fits. The trouble with most physicians in treating epilepsy is that they do not give enough of the bromide. I have given an ounce in 24 hours with good effect. The opening cathartic is also very important. Overeating is a common exciting cause of epilepsy.

Dr. Finley asks as to symptoms of splenic diseases. Pain and tenderness, with swelling or chronic enlargement, are the principal symp

toms of the few splenic diseases known. Infarctions occur, the vessels being plugged by emboli, when we have pain and tenderness developing suddenly. Treatment: rest in bed, saline laxatives, aconitine or veratrine. The only treatment of splenic abscess is excision. For the chronic enlargement of malaria, known as ague-cake, the best treatment is the inunction of the red iodide of mercury ointment, and exposure before a hot fire. Hypodermic injections of ergotine or strychnine, quinine internally, and the use of cold douches are also efficacious.

For sweating feet: wash daily with cold water, scrape the soles with a case knife or paper cutter every day; wear ventilated or cloth top shoes, and change the stockings frequently.

Dr. Gregory might find relief from the benzoate of lithia if he gives up tobacco. The nitrate of strychnine hypodermically is a useful remedy, and perhaps best suited to such cases as described. Santonine has also proved effectual in some cases, but it is not as yet settled as to which are influenced most favorably by it. The diet should be regulated with a good allowance of vegetables and not much

meat.

Dr. J. E. S. does not furnish the elements for a diagnosis. The history of his case (page 31) points to syphilis, but not necessarily.

Dr. Coon wants a hair dye without lead or silver. Apply to Schering's agents. Some years ago they announced such a dye.

Dr. Patton should try his child with lime, and if it takes it as greedily as it does clay, give the lacto phosphate until the appetite is satisfied.

To Dr. Bronson's case I would give iodoform internally for a long time, carefully avoiding study, exercise, and all that could possibly aggravate the symptoms. Apply sold stick of nitrate of silver to the spine.

The splints Dr. M. asks about are of felt, dipped into a solution of glue. This is softened by hot water and hardened by cold.

Cannot Dr. Mollyneaux retain his umbilical herina pad in position by adhesive plaster? If not, make a buckskin jacket with the pad attached. W. F. WAUGH, M.D.,

103 State St., Chicago.

[We regret that Prof. Waugh's letter came too late for us to use it all. The main body of the lettter, a very interesting and valuable one on the treatment of gonorrhea, will appear in our next issue. ED.]

Quiz Department.

Questions are solicited for this Columa. Communications not accompanied by the proper name and address of the writer (not necessarily for publication), will not be noticed.

The great number of requests for private answers, for the Information and benefit of the writer, makes it necess ary for us to charge a fee for the time required. This fee will be from one to five dollars, according to the amount of research and writing required.

Hematuria.

Editor MEDICAL WORLD:-I see very little on the subject of hematuria, but I have lately had two cases occurring on the same day, Oc'tober 19th. Believing them to be due to ma larial influence, I gave both quinine with opiates at first, and kept the bowels active. The first case, woman of 60, did well. The hem orrhage ceased immediately and has not returned. But the other, also a female, of 38, has baffled my efforts, so far, to entirely arrest the hematuria. Her health improved in other respects; also the urine, which was very turbid and deposited a copious sediment, has become clear excepting for the blood, which undoubt. edly comes from the kidneys, as it presents the tube casts. After the first treatment failed I have pushed successively hyoscyamine and dig. italine, iron by hydrogen, arsenious acid and strychnine; quinine, 4 grs., and ergotine, 1 gr,, and at present she is taking a mixture of ergot, digitalis and ferri perchlor. She says she feels so well that she thinks there is nothing the matter and has a notion to quit doctoring, but she Bays she doesn't like the looks of things. I have been thinking strongly of putting her upon the gallic acid treatment recommended about ten years ago by Dr. Lionel S. Beale, but if any of the WORLD contributors have any suggestions, I will thank them for the same.

JAMES W. OSBORNE, M. D.,

Bealton, Ont.. Canada.

condition the next day. Next I heard of the case a week later. I learned the medicine I prescribed was administered once, when the baby passed two ascares lumbricoides and became restless.

Another physician was called in who diagnosed "intussvsception of the bowels," left some medication and prognosticated death within 24 hours. As the baby still lived three days after the specified time, I was called upon again. I found pupils extremely dilated, stupor, arms fairly bent into axillae, lower extremities constantly in motion, no vomiting for some days, no movement of the bowels for five days, transitory urticaria upon the face, pulse small, jerky. I washed the bowel and removed hardened green feces and one large lumbricoid worm. The restlessness of the feet ceased. I ordered some stimulants and left. I called again in the evening of the same day and found facial aspect unchanged, increased stupor and renewed restless of the feet. I washed the bowel again withohut bringing away anything. The baby died that night in great agony.

In mentioning the case to an experienced physician, he suggested a possible diagnosis of "acute hydrocephalus."

The dilated pupils and transitory urticaria may and may not have been due to the other physician's medication.

What is the diagnosis and treatment?

Dr. W. Finley's case of bromidrosis, mentioned in January number 1895, may be benefitted by the internal administration of tincture of belladonna thrice daily, and a local application of boracic acid on absorbent cotton. els must be regulated. A. M. OSNESS, M.D. 504 S. Brown St., Dayton, Ohio.

Correction.

Bow

mit an interesting case for diagnosis.

I was called in to see a baby of 15 months in its third week of illness. History, that of occa sional cough with vomiting, anorexia, continuous somnolence, constipation. Baby passed a worm two weeks previous. Mother stated to have lost two children with the same symptoms.

On examination of thorax and abdomen, I could find nothing abnormal, no elevation of temperature, head somewhat enlarged, countenance calm; the little hands were placed above the eyes as if shading them, though they were closed.

As I could come to no conclusive diagnosis, I prescribed santonin with calomel and instructed the parents to apprise me of the baby's

should read "serious."

Dundee, N. Y. J. M. OVENSHIRE, D. D. S

Dr. J. A. Meunich, of Madison, Wis., wishes a formula for making the hair curly and glossy.

Dr. S. J. Smith, of Filley, Neb., wishes to know which is best for general practice, a faradic or a galvanic battery. He also wishes the best formula, derived from long actual experience, for dropsy accompanying heart valvular insufficiency.

Dr. J. S, Hadley, of Arlington, Neb., wishes formula for Feuner's Kidney and Back-ache Cure.