bacillus. The present writer long has insisted on this distinction, and he is supported in his contention by such men as v. Ruck, Hektoen, Zeit, and others.

Space forbids a closer entering into the detail of this excellent dictionary. A conclusive appreciation of its merits can be obtained only by constant use and comparison with other works of reference. We have no hesitation in calling it the most correct and most satisfactory medical dictionary in the English language, and do so deliberately after intimate acquaintance with many other similar works. While the definitions are almost invariably exact, they are also concise, and the limitations of a dictionary for handy use have always been observed. The compilation is not, and does not pretend to be, an encyclopedia. As a dictionary, it fulfils its mission perfectly. The slight inaccuracies and lacunæ unavoidable in a first edition will undoubtedly be remedied in subsequent revisions.

Mechanically, the volume is well adapted for its purpose, being bound firmly in limp leather.

H. J. ACHARD.

BRICKNER'S “SURGICAL SUGGESTIONS"

One thousand Surgical Suggestions. By Walter M. Brickner, B. S., M. D., Adjunct Surgeon Mount Sinai Hospital, Editor in Chief, American Journal of Surgery, with the collaboration of James P. Warbasse, M. D., Harold Hays, M. D., Eli Moschcowitz, M. D., and Harold Neuhof, M. D. New York: Surgery Publishing Company. Cloth bound, semi-de luxe, $1.00.

This is one of the biggest little books ever presented to the profession. In its 225 pages are found a collection of 1000 epigrammatic, succinct, virile and instructive hints based upon actual experience, and every one a lesson in itself.

The suggestions are so arranged and indexed that all subjects covered can be immediately referred to and the particular hint upon any particular subject immediately found. It bristles with pointed and useful suggestions which in many cases might just turn the scale from failure to

success. Most readers of medical journals are familiar with these apt little hints, they having been extensively employed as "fillers" by many periodicals. This is a collection of kernels, divested of the shells, and seasoned with Attic salt to perfection. It's well worth the dollar.

BASSLER'S "DISEASES OF THE STOMACH"

Diseases of the Stomach and Upper Alimentary Tract. By Anthony Bassler, M. D. Philadelphia: F. A. Davis Company. 1910. Price $6.00.

The volume before us presents the latest information on the diseases of the stomach and upper alimentary tract. The author disclaims any desire of assisting in the erroneous movement of divorcing these affections from the field of internal medicine, to which they rightfully belong. It is, therefore, to the general practitioner that he addresses himself and for whom the various gastric and intestinal disorders, their causation, diagnosis, and treatment are described. The author has some opinions of his own which tend to make the work more interesting.

The book is well written and fully illustrated. We recommend it cordially.

BERKELEY AND BONNEY'S "GYNECOLOGICAL SURGERY"

A Textbook of Gynecological Surgery. By Comyns Berkeley, B. A., M. D., and Victor Bonney, M. D., Containing 392 black-and-white illustrations and sixteen colored plates. New York: Funk & Wagnalls Company. 1911. Large octavo, cloth. Price $5.00. net, by mail $5.25.

"This book may be said to represent the most successful methods now used by the leading gynecologists of England. It sets forth the results of the ripe experience, and depicts the skilful methods of these two eminent surgeons, acquired during years of operating service."

At first thought it may seem like carrying coal to Newcastle to present an English or, in fact, any foreign surgical manual to our readers, for we are accustomed to

look upon our own surgeons as the peers of any. And yet it is not only of interest to know how they do things across the ocean, but the volume before us affords an excellent operative technic for all operations that are done on the female genital apparatus, as well as on the urethra, bladder, and bowel. The methods described are those of the authors, and the book represents the results of their extended experi

ence.

CROTHERS' "INEBRIETY"

Inebriety: A Clinical Treatise on the Etiology, Symptomatology, Neurosis, Psychosis and Treatment: and the Medicolegal Relations. By T. D. Crothers, M. D. Harvey Publishing Company. Cincinnati. 1911. Cloth, 8vo., pp. 365.

Dr. Crothers has devoted his life to the study and treatment of inebriety. To what more worthy object could any man devote his life? It is largely due to his indefatigable labors that inebriety is now generally recognized as a disease, dependent on somatic morbidity, and amenable to material remedies.

synonyms, solubilities, physiological effects, therapeutic uses, doses, incompatibles, antidotes, etc., a table of Therapeutic Indications, with interspersed paragraphs on Bedside Diagnosis, and a collection of Prescription Formulas, beginning under the indication "Abortion" and ending with "Yellow-Fever"; a Classification of Medicaments; and Miscellany, comprising Poisoning and its Treatment; and an extensive Dose Table; a chapter on Uranalysis, and various tables, etc. Merck & Co., 45 Park Place, New York. 1911. 493 pages. Sent on receipt of forwarding charges of 10 cents, in stamps, to physicians, or to students enrolled in any college of medicine in the United States.

TWEEDY AND WRENCH'S "OBSTETRICS"

Practical Obstetrics. By E. Hastings Tweedy, F. R. C. P. I., and G. T. Wrench, M. D. Second Edition. Oxford Medical Publications, London. 1910. Price $5.00.

This is the second edition of "The Rotunda Practical Midwifery," which was announced in CLINICAL MEDICINE last

his patients from the all-promising quacks; third, it may awaken the doctor himself to the importance of the matter.

Withal, the book is more interesting than most novels. It tells us that in Egypt men discussed these problems, and knew inebriety as a disease twenty centuries before Adam; that battles were won by a Pharaoh, who retreated, leaving beer to undo his adversaries; and many other curious data. By all means, get this book -no need to add, read it: you can't help reading it if you once begin!

MERCK'S "MANUAL OF THE MATERIA

MEDICA"

A Ready Reference Pocket Book for the Physician and Surgeon. Containing a comprehensive list of Chemicals and Drugsnot confined to "Merck's"-with their

that a second edition was called for so soon testifies to the value of the work. It is certainly of interest to know how they do

things in the "Rotunda," which, with the possible exception of the Wiener Krankenhaus, has the largest obstetric clinic in the world.

“RELIGION AND MEDICINE”

Religion and Medicine; The Moral Control of Nervous Disorders. By Elwood Worcester, D. D., Ph. D.; Samuel McComb, M. A., D. D.; and Isador H. Coriat, M. D. New York: Moffat, Yard & Co. 1908. Price $1.50.

This is an authoritative presentation of the Emmanuel movement by the pastors who originated it in collaboration with one of the physicians on their consulting staff. It presents their side of the question fairly and in moderation, and if we do not always agree with the authors, we must, nevertheless, accord them the right of their opinion.

or bad.

ANSWER TO QUERY 5728.-V. S. E., on page 1015, September, 1911, asks for treatment for membranous dysmenorrhea. This disorder is so difficult to remedy, and is disturbing to the patient, so I cannot refrain from giving your readers the benefit of my medical scrap-book, in which years. ago I recorded that the disease had been cured by 1-48 grain corrosive sublimate three to four times daily, after meals, and also by the use of hydrastis canadensis, taken internally. I cured a most obstinate and painful case by the former remedy alone. It doubtless acts as an alterative. This disease will invariably produce sterility. I consider this valuable medical information, as many women are rendered miserable by the disorder.

Ottawa, Kansas.

V. E. LAWRENCE.

ANSWER TO QUERY 5728.-Why didn't you show Query 5728, enuresis diurna, to Dr. Butler? He would have added the one thing needful to your excellent answer

tried his method, and should think that stretching the urethra would tend to make a bad matter worse. I place a finger in the vagina and roll the vesical sphincter and urethra against the pubis. If you try this plan, be sure to see that the bladder is emptied immediately before the operation. The parts are hypersensitive and the patient feels as if she were urinating, or just about to. You cannot keep it up more than a minute or two the first time, or you will drive your patient crazy. One treatment will give temporary relief, whatever the cause of the enuresis. Repeated treatments will cure enuresis caused by muscular or nervous insufficiency of the sphincter -especially the latter. By the time the patient gets used to the treatment she will be cured.

2. The case of membranous endometritis refusing curetment is just the one for Micajah's wafers.

Apopka, Fla.

QUERY 5734.-"Treatment of Goiter." J. F. R., Colorado, desires to know what preparations we esteem of most service "for internal medication of goiter and auxiliary or outward application."

Excellent results have been secured from a combination of strychnine arsenate, gr. 1-134; ergotin, gr. 1-6; quinine hydroferrocyanide, gr. 2-67, given every four hours; iridin, gr. 1-6; phytolaccin, gr. 1-3,

CHAS. F. MORRISON.

one hour before food; and calx iodata, two tablets three times a day on an empty stomach. Apply to the goiter compresses wrung out of a strong solution of potassium iodide. If possible, twice a week place the negative pole of the galvanic current. on the compresses for ten to fifteen minutes. Chromium sulphate has, during the last year or so, proven remarkably effective in a great number of instances, 5 to 10 grains.

of the drug being given three times a day.

We know of no local application more effective than potassium iodide. In the intervals between electrical treatments, the patient may inunct 1-2 to 1 dram of ointment of potassium iodide. If the goiter has become cystic, surgical treatment alone will produce results. In cases seen early, we should be inclined to alternate thyroid tablets with chromium sulphate.

QUERY 5735.-"Uncinariasis." F. W. W., Oklahoma, wishes to know how he can diagnose a case of hookworm disease without using a microscope.

To ascertain the presence of uncinaria americana is a comparatively simple matter, provided the worm itself can be discovered in the feces. This parasite belongs to the nematodes, and inhabits the duodenum. It resembles the threadworm, but is somewhat larger. Uncinaria americana (a different species than the one found in Europe) has, instead of hooked teeth, a ventral pair of slightly developed lips. The male is 7 to 9 millimeters long; the female, 9 to 11. The worms themselves often are of a reddish hue. If the stools of an infected patient are set aside in a warm place, the embryos can be seen developing under the microscope. To observe their development, a small portion of feces should be spread upon a slide.

A rough test is, to place a small part of the stool on white blotting paper for an hour. If the paper then is stained reddish, it is a sign that the worm is present. In all suspected cases the feces should be examined microscopically. Of course the finding of the worm itself settles the diagnosis. For a description of uncinariasis, see any modern work on diagnosis or practice. Read also the answer to Query 5611, p. 930, August number of 1910.

aged. "A lady patient sixty-five years old, but not well preserved, complains of an 'all-gone' feeling in the stomach; is constipated; has foul tongue and breath; skin is dry and hot. No elevated temperature. Heart is weak, but no murmurs. No cough or pulmonary symptoms! Many symptoms of a deranged digestive tract and of nervous disturbance is afraid of losing her mind. Sleeplessness is a feature."

This is our correspondent's first "senile patient, "and as the patient had dismissed two physicians before he was called, he desires to "make good."

The nervine combination is a perfectly "safe" formula, and is very frequently indicated. The dosage, of course, depends to a very great extent upon conditions present in the individual and upon the arsenic and bromide content. In acute conditions one or two tablets may be given half-hourly until beneficial results are secured or until fulness of the head is experienced. In ordinary cases, one tablet three or four times daily for several days is sufficient. In grave cases of a chronic character, two or even four tablets may be given every three hours until evidences of drug-sufficiency are manifested. Always stop giving this combination if the temperature rises or the gums feel hard.

Bear in mind that the "old" patient frequently suffers from no namable malady, but from a general systemic derangement. due to retarded elimination and sclerosis. It is essential to understand thoroughly the underlying disorders in such cases. Depletion together with simultaneous tonic treatment and thorough flushing of all the sewers of the body and an attempt to revitalize the blood-stream are the prime factors in the successful treatment of the aged.

In this case we are quite sure that the disturbance of the nervous system is due to an underlying acidemia or autotoxemia. The foul tongue, constipation, etc., distinctly bespeak this condition. We should have the lady's urine examined. Meanwhile eliminate. Stimulate hepatic activity, assist digestion, and generally improve the condition of the body-chemistry. Phosphorus is indicated: try the phosphates

(nucleinated) or the oil. Phosphoric acid with meals.

Give us full clinical data, and we shall be in a position to suggest an effective line of treatment. We hardly think the nervine. formula indicated at this particular time.

QUERY 5737.-"Removal of Smallpox Scars." I. N., New York, wishes to be informed whether any way of removing smallpox pits has been discovered. He has heard that it is being done in Vienna.

The literature on the removal of cicatrices, especially of smallpox scars, is not extensive; in fact, but little interest has been felt in the subject until lately, when more attention is being paid to cosmetics. Furthermore, no method promising certain results has been developed, nor, in the nature of things, can this be expected. At best, this line of practice probably will remain a feature of individuals specializing in cosmetic procedures. The x-rays have been. tried by some with a measure of success, but they are altogether too dangerous to be considered by inexperts. Phototherapy Phototherapy likewise has proven useful in the hands of specialists. Injections of thiosinamin are sometimes used, while the internal use of thyroid gland also has been recommended. In desperate cases, tattooing the white scartissue with carmine is resorted to, to cover up the contrast.

One of the best expositions on removing cicatrices we find in Kolle's "Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery," from which we quote. in full, as follows:

"For very small scars, as those occasioned by blepharoplastic operation, the author employs the 20-percent thiosinamin plaster mull made by Unna. These are to be applied every day or night, according to the conveniences of the patient, and allowed to remain on for several hours each day. At first these plaster mulls are inclined to cause erythema and exfoliation of the epithelium, therefore they might be used on alternate days to keep the parts more sightly.

"For scars of large extent the above method will answer best. If there is considerable contraction, the parts should be massaged daily to soften and stretch them.

Eventually the depression of contour may be corrected by hydrocarbon protheses introduced subcutaneously following subcutaneous dissection, if deemed necessary.

"Small pits, where discrete, are best removed with a fine knife and brought together by a fine suture which is to be removed on the fifth day.

"Confluent pittings, as after variola, must be removed by decortication or peeling methods.

"The pits, if spread about the face promiscuously, may be treated separately by the peeling method, but when they lie less than one inch apart, it is best to treat the skin of the whole face. This is done by applying pure liquid carbolic acid to the skin with a cotton swab. The skin at once assumes a white color. If the pittings are not very deep, one application of the acid is sufficient. If deep, one or two more applications are made as the preceding one dries. In very deep pits, the surgeon should apply the acid to the pit proper several times, blending off the application at the periphery.

"When the surface thus treated has become dry, adhesive plaster, cut in half-inch strips of desirable length, are put on the face, one above the other, slightly overlapping, until the whole treated surface is well covered, mask-like. The author uses Unna's zinc-oxide plaster-mull for this purpose, as it is backed with gutta-percha, which readily adapts itself to the curvatures of the contour. The adhesive-plaster mask is not removed until about the fourth or fifth day, when it will be practically forced away from the skin by the excretions thrown out from the derma. In some cases there is considerable pus.

"After removal of the mask, the skin, now very red and tender, is cleansed with a solution of mercury bichloride, 1 in 10,000. After the cleansing, a mild soothing ointment, such as zinc oxide in vaseline, is used for several days until the skin takes on its normal epitheliar layer and appears normal in color. No water or soaps are to be allowed during the latter period. In the later days of the treatment, the skin may be cleansed with a little borated vaseline or even olive oil, used with ab