Book Reviews A Text-Book of the Practice of Medicine. By James M. Anders, M. D., Ph. D., LL. D., Professor of the Theory and Practice of Medicine and of Clinical Medicine, Medico-Chirurgical College, Philadelphia. Eighth Revised Edition. Octavo of 1317 pages, fully illustrated. Philadelphia and London. W. B. Saunders Company, 1907. Cloth, $5.50 net; Half Morocco, $7.00 net. This appears to be one of the best of the single volume text-books, more especially useful for students. The classification is good, and most of the articles are well proportioned, but the advanced practitioner is in many cases doomed to disappointment because many of the subjects are fragmentary and not exhaustive as must necessarily be the case in a single volume treatise. The various differential diagnosis tables are a prominent feature and particularly useful to refresh the memory in hastily looking up a special subject. The chapter devoted to Animal Parasites occupies 77 pages and shows the most recent advances. Syphilis occupies its new place under this head. To the graduate of over 10 years, this chapter is instructive if he has not kept strictly up in his reading. One may observe occasional omissions, and is surprised not to find any mention of the serum treatment for cerebrospinal meningitis. The book is well bound and the typography excellent, but is marred somewhat by the quality of the paper, which is not sufficiently thick or opaque to prevent the reverse impression from showing through. The illustrations are few and exceedingly crude and poor. The several inserted plates, however, are very good. In these days of multiplicity of text-books a volume has indeed to be excellent to secure universal sale, and if the practitioner has one of the latest editions of a well recognized text-book on medicine others along the same line are practically duplicates. A Text-Book of the Practice of Medicine for Students and Practitioners, by James Magoffin French, A. M., M. D., formerly Lecturer on the Theory and Practice of Medicine, Medical College of Ohio. Third, Revised Edition. Illustrated by one hundred and ten engravings in the text and twenty-five full-page plates in tints and colors. New York: William Wood & Company. 1907. This is a comprehensive treatise on medicine and reflects credit on the author in having thoroughly acquainted himself with the entire subject in detail. The work is well balanced and gives the reader the benefit of practically everything valuable that has been contributed to medical science. Part 1: Principles of Medicine is an interesting and valuable discussion on subjects not to be found in the ordinary text. The history of infectious diseases briefly given before the discussion of each disease is a feature worthy of commendation. In making up the completeness of the text such conditions as autointoxication. Vincents angina, etc., are discussed, which is not true of some others of our modern texts on medicine. If we were to express adverse criticism it would be on account of lack of attractiveness in the print, making it uninviting to the reader. It is well illustrated, but the illustrations lack originality. A few errors are to be found, e. g., under gastric analysis total free HCl. is given from 40 to 60, which is wrong. On the whole the book appeals to us as a careful compilation of everything valuable that has been worked out in medicine and as a careful guide to the student and practitioner. Annual Report of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution, for the year ending June 30, 1906. Government Printing Office, Washington, 1907. The annual report of the Smithsonian Institute is always of interest to those engaged in any kind of scientific investigation. The various articles constituting the appendix of this volume cover a wide range of scientific subjects and represent the latest advances in our knowledge of their respective subjects. Of special value to medical men are the papers by Raphael Blanchard upon “Zoology and Medicine"; that by E. Bugnion, being a resume of the researches of P. Marchal upon "Polyembryony and the Determination of Sex"; and that by L. Cuénot upon "Heredity." Madame Curie's article on "Modern Theories of Electricity and Matter," and Franz Himstedt's upon "Radioactivity" also offer attractive topics. A number of other papers upon geology, astronomy, history, chemistry, etc., are also given. The activities of the Smithsonian Institute are well known and its publications have long been a source of satisfaction to the correspondents of the Institution. Cosmetic Surgery. The correction of featural imperfections. By Charles C. Miller, M. D. Including the description of a variety of operations for improving the appearance of the face. 136 pages. 73 illustrations. Prepaid, $1.50. Published by the Author, 70 State St., Chicago, Ill. The author draws attention to the fact that there is a constantly increasing demand on the part of the public for surgical measures to correct featural imperfections. The surgeon should give this matter due attention as it is certainly more his province than that of the irregulars whose lack of proper technic and experience is apt to prove disastrous. Many of the procedures described are for such deformities as undoubtedly call for treatment, such as the reconstruction of a new ear after the total loss of the original, the removal of keloids, the relief of nasal stenoses, etc. Others such, as the modification of the nasolabial line, the inversion or eversion of the lips, etc., do not appeal to one so strongly as being really necessary measures and yet they are often demanded. The book is abundantly illustrated and will fill a distinct place in the realm of surgery. Diseases of the Intestines and Peritoneum. By Dr Herrmann Nothnagel, of Vienna. Edited, with additions, by H. D. Rolleston, M. D., F. R. C. P., Physician to St. George's Hospital, London, England. Second Edition Octavo of 1059 pages, illustrated. Philadelphia and London. W. B. Saunders Company, 1907. Cloth, $5.00 net; Half Morocco, $6.00 net. This extensive volume of over 1000 pages will form a valuable work of reference, not only for those who are especially interested in the diseases referred to in the text, but also for the general practitioner. This second edition has been brought thoroughly up to date by the numerous additions made by Dr Rolleston. In many cases these additions are more valuable than the original text. especially as they contain many important references to French, English and American as well as to German literature. Full consideration of the work done in the former countries was, to a certain extent, neglected in the original text. The first chapter on "The Chemic Processes that Occur in the Intestine" is written by Fritz. Obermayer; the second chapter on the "Bacteria of the Intestine" is written by Julius Mannaberg. These are very complete. Distributed through the book are 20 plates illustrating normal and abnormal peristalsis of the intestine. In the chapter on "The Movements of the Intestine" the recent valuable work of Starling in England and Cannon in this country has been given due prominence. The section on "Stenosis and Occlusion of the Intestines" deals exhaustively with the topic. Mr. D'Arcy Power, who has done so much interesting work on Intussusception, has made numerous additions to the chapter on this subject. Throughout the book full consideration is given to the treatment of each disease. At the end of the book there is an extensive bibliography of 25 pages. When additions have been made by the translator, references to these are given at the foot of each page. Acknowledgements Proceedings of the Pathological Society of Philadelphia. The Principles and Practice of Modern Otology, Jno. F. Barnhill and Ernest de W. Wales. W. B. Saunders Co., Philadelphia. Influence of Food Preservatives and Artificial Colors on Digestion and Health, by H. W. Wiley, M. D. Blastomycosis and Its Congeners: Report of Eight Cases Observed by the Writer in Indiana, Alembert W. Brayton, A. M., M. D. Transactions of the Fifth Annual Conference of State and Territorial Health Officers with the United States Public Health and Marine Hospital Service. Syphilis, Past and Present: Its Birth and Origin; Literature, Symptomatology and Curability: Its Relation to Marriage; Innocent Syphilis and Social Prophylaxis, Nelson D. Brayton, A. B., M. D., Government Physician to the Isthmian Canal Commission. Correspondence January 10, 1908. EDITOR CLEVELAND MEDICAL JOURNAL: Dear Doctor-There is at present in this neighborhood a pronounced epidemic of Influenza (I think Influenza a better name than "La Grippe") but with a low fatality. It is interesting, from the point of view of Epidemiology, to ascertain if this be generally diffused. From the historical point of view it is a fact that a wide spread mild influenza epidemic has nearly always, perhaps always, been the precursor of a more malignant epidemic of some form in the following fall. I do not connect them as cause and effect, but if the fact is universal they point to some common cause. Will you invite the profession to report to you their experience as to the prevalence of Influenza, and communications thereon to the undersigned will be highly appreciated by Yours very respectfully, TO THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. M. R. LEVERSON, M. D. 927 Grant Ave., Bronx, N. Y. Gentlemen-The Government and the people of the Republic of Guatemala, as well as the National Committee of the Fifth Pan American Medical Congress, are actively endeavoring to do all in their power, in a sure and efficient way, to make this meeting a great success. With this object in view the Committee will be pleased to invite you personally to attend, as well as the members of the Society or Medical Fraternity to which you belong, in order that through your presence and works the certain success of the Congress, that science expects of its representatives, will be assured. The Committee hopes that you and the other members of your institutions will meet at Guatemala on August 5 to 10, 1908, and sincerely begs that from now on you will not hesitate to keep yourself in fraternal relations with this Committee, and also that you will let us know before hand if you intend to attend the Congress in person or to send scientific contributions. The Committee hopes to receive a reply shortly to the invitation to this meeting, which should serve as an incentive to unite professional interests, to stimulate the advance of the medical science and to contribute to the preservation of the health and the prolongation of the life of the People of the Americas. We take advantage of this opportunity to express to you the best regards of Yours very truly, JOSE AZURDIA, Secy. EDITOR CLEVELAND MEDICAL JOURNAL: JUAN J. ARTEAGA, Pres. January 3, 1908. Will you kindly insert the following in your JOURNAL giving it as prominent a place as possible? The writer desires information regarding any alleged recoveries or cures of inoperable or recurrent carcinoma of the mammary gland. If any case or cases are known to anyone who reads this circular, and can be authenticated by facts as to the history and condition prior to recovery and the length of time which has elapsed since recovery, such information will be much appreciated and duly acknowledged. Any well-authenticated reports of recoveries from carcinoma located in other parts than the mammary gland will be welcomed. Cancer paste cures, X-ray cures, radium cures, or cures as result of surgical operation are not wanted. Hearsay cases are not wanted unless accompanied by name and address of person who may give knowledge first hand. Address, HORACE PACKARD, 470 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, Mass. Medical News D. K. Gotwald, of Springfield, is in Mexico for a month. W. E. Allyn, of Chardon, is recovering from a sprained ankle. J. W. Millette and wife, of Dayton, recently made a three weeks' visit in Chicago. J. H. Lowman, of this city, who has been rather seriously ill, is reported as satisfactorily convalescent. Herman S. Rhu, of Marion, has gone to San Angelo, Texas, where he will remain the balance of the winter. Dwight Strickland, of Niles, is able to be out again, and has gone to Florida to remain until the warm season. A. Per Lee Pease, of Massillon, recently set sail for England, on the first stage of his proposed journey to South America. John H. Quayle and Thos. H. George have removed their offices from the Rose Building to the Kingmore Building, 1110 Euclid Avenue. H. H. Hessier, formerly of the H. H. Hessler Company, has located at 150 the Arcade until February 1, when he will occupy store room No. 36 on Superior Street level. Robert Pollock, of this city, owing to ill health, has resigned the chair of Materia Medica at the Cleveland College of Physicians and Surgeons. C. Lee Graber succeeds him in this position. H. W. Rogers, the newly-elected President of the Academy of Medicine of Cleveland, underwent an operation for appendicitis, at Lakeside Hospital, on January 15. He has made a very satisfactory recovery. The Lake County Medical Society elected the following officers for 1908: President, T. M. Moore; Vice-President, C. F. House; Secretary, C. M. Hawley; Treasurer, M. H. Carmady; Delegate, H. G. Sherman; Auxiliary Committee, C. F. House. The Sisters of Charity Hospital entertained the Staff and Alumni Association of the Hospital at a banquet early in January at the Hospital. J. E. Cook was elected President of the Alumni Association, and J. S. Tierney, Secretary. About 40 members were present. |