the nervous system resulted. Portions of thyroid substance were rubbed down with a little water, and then squeezed through linen or filtered. The liquid matter was then used for injection, and numerous experiments led to the following conclusions, confirmatory of the original assumption: Within two hours. Within two hours a peculiar hypnosis set in. Injections of blood or muscle-juice used in control-experiments had no effect. If from unknown causes the injected thyroid-juice was not absorbed, it caused a local abscess, and no general results followed. No result followed the use of splenic-juice, but the author is uncertain about absorption in this case. Direct injection of thyroid juice into the veins in three cases had no effect. Thus these experiments so far confirm Schiff's theory that some material having a powerful influence on the central nervous system is elaborated by the thyroid body, but they require to be repeated and extended. They are interesting when viewed in conjunction with recent researches into the function of the thyroid body in this country. RAPIDITY OF THE BLOOD CURRENT IN THE KIDNEY. Dr. Gartner, assistant to Dr. Stricker, professor of General and Experimental Pathology, recently made an interesting communication to the Imperial Royal Society of Physicians of Vienna, on the rate at which the blood flows in the kidney and other organs. Claude-Bernard examined the rapidity of the blood-current in salivary glands when at rest, and when subjected to irritation; Sadler and and Gaskell (under the direction of Ludwig) that in passive and in irritated muscles; and among the researches made in the Ludwig laboratory, must also be mentioned those of Slavjauski on the rapidity of the blood-current in the inferior vena cava, and of Basch and Tappeiner on its rate of movement in the portal vein. This method of separately examing each organ as to the rapidity with which the blood passes through it has, how. ever, other advantages besides the immediate results obtained by these inquiries. Each or gan can thereby be examined as to the pres ence of nerves in the blood vessels, and as to the different conditions under which these nerves act either in the way of narrowing or distending the vessels. Some hints for ther apeutic use might also be got by ascertaining the various ways in which the vessels of a particular organ are influenced in respect of the quantity of blood contained in them. This mode of investigation, moreover, makes it possible to perform comparative experiments as to the quantity of blood passing through two different organs of the same animal in equal spaces of time. From such experiments it is clear that the rapidity of the outflow of the blood from the renal vein is greater than that from the femoral vein below Poupart's ligament, though the region drained by the latter is comparatively much larger. Dr. Gartner performed his first experiments on the kidney of the dog. A canula, provided with a tube to carry away the out-flowing blood, was introduced into the renal vein, and the blood current was observed either by counting the blood drops as they fell, or by Ludwig's graphic method. When the operation was performed with sufficient care, and without doing any injury to the kidney itself, the loss of blood was comparatively slight, and did not interfere in any way with the experiment. In a curarized animal, when artificial respiration was suspended, the rapidity of the blood current diminished exactly in proportion as the blood pressure increased. In three cases not a single drop of blood escaped for more than a minute, when the animal was near suffocation. The oscillations of the blood pressure were also shown by the quantity of out-flowing blood; to each fall of the blood-pressure curve corresponded a quicker dropping of blood, and when the arterial blood-pressure increased the drops again fell mere slowly. It was known that when the suffocation of the animal was continued for a longer time, the blood-pressure again decreased, but there was no corresponding increase in the number of falling blood drops. This was another proof of the truth of the theory established by T. Wagner and Open chowski, that the decrease of the blood-pressure which preceded the death of the animal did not arise from weakness in the blood vessels, but from diminished action of the heart. Dr. Gartner further remarked that Carl Ludwig and Thiry had, by direct inspection of the exposed kidney, observed that it became pale, and that the blood vessels contracted when the medulla oblongata, was irritated. This phenomenon, on which one of the most important points of the doctrine of circulation is based, when produced in the manner de. scribed by Carl Ludwig and Thiry, is so slight that no exact idea can be obtained of it, even when the experiment is repeated for several times. By the experiment of the outflow of the blood, however, the contraction of the vessels can be demonstrated even to a great audience. WEEKLY MEDICAL REVIEW, EDITED BY THE MEDICAL PRESS AND LIBRARY ASSOCIATION. Contributions for publication should be sent to Dr. B. J. Primm, 3136 Olive Street. All remittances and communications pertaining to Advertisements or Subscriptions should be addressed to J. H. CHAMBERS, 914 LOCUST Street, St. Louis, Mo. SATURDAY, JULY 23, 1887. SPRAY FROM CRAB ORCHARD SPRINGS. BY W. P. The Mississippi Valley produces good Medical Societies. Dr. Sayre said it was a long way from New York to Crab Orchard, but he was glad he came. So was the Association. Col. Frayee won high praise as "mine host" of the Springs. His generous treatment of his guests reminded many of the Palmer House, Chicago, (by way of comparison.) The success of the meeting was highly gratifying to the President, Dr. I. N. Love of the REVIEW. He had worked long and hard for a good session, and got it. By the way, it is hard work and personal sacrifice that makes medical societies these days, rather than high sounding name or preten tious pretext. Dr. W. C. Wile, of Philadelphia, made many new friends. Though constantly busy, he did not forget the interests of the Editor's Association, of which he is Secretary. He says the Washington reception will be a great success. A few of the doctors ran off before the meeting closed. Another tribute to Crab Orchard water. It was remarked that since the gentle Wathen has been president of the Kentucky Medical Society, he has become noticeably reticent. They say, though we doubt it, that he scarcely ever "smiles". The election of Dr. Dudley S. Reynolds to the presidency for the coming year was a graceful recognition of his services to the Association and of his personal and professional standing. In the election it was a high compliment that his strongest support came from his own city. Dr. Mathews of Louisville, is a man whom to know is to admire. His brave and generous defence of his friend against a recent scurrillous attack brought down the house. A few such men as Mathews in each city, would to a large degree stamp out all professional jealousy and strife. The venerable Dr. Dunlap, of Ohio, whose record of 415 ovariotomies is well known, was frequently consulted by the younger members. Dr. Early, of Pennsylvania, wanted the members one and all to be his guests, but this was before he saw them eat. Several lady physicians were in attendance, but took no part in the proceedings. However, the case of Dr. Belle, of Bourbon, presented at an informal meeting was generally discussed. Mr. J. W. Lambert, of St. Louis, went all the way to once more see his first love (among medical societies). No Kentucky delegation would be fully up to the standard without such a member as Dr. McMurtrie. Highly honored in the A.M. A., respected and successful at home, he has taken high mark as a leader beyond the confines of his own state. Dr. Gray, of Chicago, and Dr. OhmannDumesnil, of St. Louis, were unanimously re-elected, the former Secrteary, the latter Treasurer. The Association recognizes merit. A well remembered incident was the moon light serenade by Dr. Blume, Thompson, Jenkins and others. There was not much moonlight, but that did not affect the result. Six Ex-Presidents of the Association were in the hall at one time. In too many societies a member having filled the highest office, feels that he has discharged his duty, and that there is nothing further to attain. The St. Louis delegation was in full force, and the members fully appreciated the many courtesies extended to them. THE RECENT MEETING OF THE MISSISSIPPI VALLEY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. The meeting held last week at Crab Orchard Springs, Ky., was in every way a success. Sandwiched between the meetings of the American Medical Association and the Congress, at some distance from the center of the territory, and with the hottest of weather, it would not have been surprising if the attendance had been small. The number present was, however, greater than it had been for four years, and the amount of work done was astonishing. In fact, although the session extended over three days, many of the members present had to be content with having their papers read by title. This, too, when the time limit for papers was twenty minutes, and for discussion five minutes for each speaker. It was extremely gratifying to those who had labored so long in the interest of this Association to see this marked result following the adoption of the American Medical Association standard for membership. Indeed the M. V. M. A goes a step farther, and will not admit as a member any physician under censure by his local society. It has also this advantage. Being in strict accord with the national and state societies, it wisely leaves all matters of legislation to them, and if a matter of ethics or complaint comes up, it is quickly decided by the judicial counsel, whose verdict is final. We commend this Association to all thoughtful, earnest, western physicians. The St. Louis. Keep it in mind. next meeting will be in September, 1888, in PHYSICIANS AND SPIRITUALISM. Of all people calculated upon to be influenced by things uncanny and immaterial, tities, but always under such suspicious circumstances that the fairness of the procedure could not but be questioned. It was finally dropped by the commission, owing to one of its number bringing a small mirror which he held on his knee, thus reflecting to his eye the slate pencil vigorously traveling over the slate under the table, propelled by the very mate. rial hand of the medium herself, and not that of departed spirits. In all the cases in which something supernatural was to be done, a mass of scenic and other arrangements was made use of, which was no greater than any juggler would require to perform feats even stranger than those. As long as our spirits fail to do anything which cannot be done by our prestidigitateurs, and work on the basis of darkened rooms and closed cabinets, so long will the fair-minded and inquiring mind fail to accept their teachings. perhaps the doctor is the least impressionable. Owing to the channel in which his thoughts are cast, both by his studies and the character of his after life, he is not very liable to put much credence in statements made to him which are to be believed only on faith, nor accept what is strange but true, except on extremely conclusive proof. It was probably with this in mind that the Seybert Commission, appointed some three years ago to investigate the subject of spiritualism, had the names of a number of our most prominent physicians placed upon it; among them Dr. William Pepper, Dr. Joseph Leidy, Dr. Geo. A. Koenig, Dr. S. Weir Mitchell and others. The report of the Commission has now been made public, and, as was expected, is not at all favorable to spiritualism. That this re sult is not due to previous bias, can be seen by reading their first installment; throughout it there can be seen that attempt to be perfectly fair and just which would be made by PECULIAR CAUSE OF TRANSVERSE PRESENfair-minded men who were seeking to solve some scientific question, and not striving to upset some theory antagonistic to their personal interest. The commission gave all advantage to the mediums who were to prove the truth of their doctrine to it, submitted to all their conditions, and even went far beyond that point where many, investigating for themselves, would have decidedly said that it was all a grand humbug. The conclusions arrived at by the commission all point to a shrewd recognition of the gullibility of people at large by the mediums, together with a lot of first class legerdemain, which can be seen at any time upon the pay ment of a half a dollar. The fairness and accuracy with which all the details of their report are presented, would convince nearly all of the falsity of spiritualistic claims, but there is a certain class of our population which seems to require for its existence something which is beyond explanation, and which must be taken on faith, and to these the report will no doubt pass as an exhibition of stubborn prejudice. Slate-writing, one of the strongholds of the spiritualistic art, was obtained in great quan TATION. A strange factor in the production of transverse presentation of the fetus was presented by Dr. Caldwell to the Chicago Gynecological Society a short time since. The facts upon which he based his conclusion as to the cause of the repeated abnormality, were such as to make it positive that in attributing it to the cause assigned he was not mistaken. The patient was born at Koenigsberg, Germany, in 1852; was married in 1873, and is the mother of ten children. The oldest four were born in Germany, the others in America during the last nine years. Her first seven confinements were normal, and she was attended by a midwife. Seven years ago the left lobe of the thyroid gland began to enlarge during gestation, but caused neither pain nor dyspnea. Three years ago, during her eighth pregnancy, the right lobe began to enlarge, and increased in size very rapidly, producing both pain and dyspnea, compelling her to take a semi-recumbent position at night instead of a horizontal one. During the last three months of gestation she sat bolstered up in bed at night. This posture, which she was obliged to take whenever she sat down, dur ing the day as well as the night, produced a continued pressure on the fundus of the uterus, changing its long axis from a vertical to an oblique or transverse direction. Of course, the long axis of the fetus must coincide with that of the uterus, and the continued pressure on the breech or head, according to the end of the fetal ovoid at the fundus, would force it into an oblique or transverse position, and also throw the lower end of the fetus out of the pelvis and above its brim. The same position of the mother is maintained during labor as during the last three months of pregnancy, hence the fetus remains in the same oblique or transverse position, and the lower end of the fetal ovoid cannot descend below the pelvic brim. This presentation of the fetus occurred in her last three pregnancies, and only after the enlargement of the thyroid had so increased as to necessitate the adoption of the position which would lead to such a fetal displace ment. HYSTERIA IN THE ARMY. atrophy or degeneration. Effeminacy is not at all necessary, as the trouble occurs very frequently among the most robust. In very severe cases one observes, just as with women, all the symptoms of hysteria, such as general convulsions, hypnogenic and hysterogenic zones, possibility of hypnotism and suggestion, and magnetic reaction. Even in milder forms one can always observe a sufficient num. ber of hysterical symptoms in order to correctly diagnose the case. Very slight attacks cannot always be recognized as hysterical. Military physicians ought, therefore, to include hysteria with its occasional concomitants, among their list of diseases to procure discharge from duty. Hysteria is much more prevalent in the army than one would hitherto have supposed. The trouble was simply not recognized, and what was really hysteria was taken for epilepsy, or the soldier was supposed to be simulating. The main symptoms of hysteria in this connection are the following: (a) Disturbances of sensation, hemianesthesia or hemianesthetic zones, where there is either loss of sensation of the skin or muscle, or absence of one or more of the different factors of sensation, such as sense of pressure and temperature; (b) disturbances of vision, hearing, taste, etc., particularly of vision, such as reduction of the field of vision and inability to tinguish colors; (c) changes in the reflexes, especially loss of the esophagus reflex, with perfect existence of the patellar reflex; (d) changes in the muscular sense without any changes in the electric excitability of the muscles; (e) seldom disturbances of motion, such as paralysis or contraction, unaccompanied by muscular dis TREATMENT OF RESPIRATORY CONVULSIONS OF INFANCY. Of all conditions calculated to disturb the equanimity of mothers, and stimulate a physician to bring about a change as rapidly as possible, convulsions of infants are probably the most common. Of the various methods pursued to bring about this change,the best may be found in the course of a paper by Dr. W. Barlow, in the Brit. Med. Jour. There shall be no artificial obstruction to free respiration, the dress shall not compress the throat, or impede the movements of chest or abdomen. The air shall be pure and warm, so as to not to excite reflex spasm by its contact with the tracheal or laryngeal surface. Cold water dashed suddenly over the head and chest will often put a stop to a paroxysm, or a cloth or sponge wrung out of hot water, and applied suddenly to the throat, if suffocation seems imminent, the finger introduced into the pharynx may induce vomiting and relief. The warm bath is a popular and useful mode of treatment, and the vapor seems to have a soothing effect. If the case be severe and prolonged, the administration of chloroform may be useful, but it must be borne in mind that this will cause some obstruction to the already over-burdened respiration. A preferable mode, if time permit, will be the administration of a от, |