36

theory that may be broached, the wilder and more to pin his faith to the back of any or every new all very well, and there would be nobody. I fancy, dangerous the better. Now, Sir, this would be to quarrel with Dr. Forbes's unbelief, if he would only keep his new views to himself till he got a patient to practise them on-unless some happy hold on homoeopathic principles, or Prince Albert with the wet blanket; but when in his public accident invited him to treat her Majesty's housecapacity, as the avowed editor of the "British and joyed a fair reputation-Dr. Forbes comes forth as Foreign Medical Review"the undisguised champion of hydropathy, the subject becomes a serious one. Your readers, Sir, journal that has enForbes's article on the "cold-water death"; to prove my position I quote his own words, and perhaps, may think that I have misunderstood Dr. leave them to judge for themselves. He says

diverges into a field of speculation so extensive that his theory of sleep becomes the minor of his agency-the source of power by which opium "Is electricity, then, the source of medicinal more enlarged propositions. perceived" (he says) "that the agencies of attrac- the magnetic phenomena, it can produce, take "It will easily be and arsenic kill and cure?" If, as in the case of tion and repulsion have a very wide range in explain- away, and reverse the polarity or motive power of ing difficult questions touching life. The part the needle, so also can it give, take away, or rewhich these forces play in the formation and in the cure of disease leads to wide speculation"; tions of the various parts of the living body to verse every one of the particular functional moand he starts the conjecture "that at some future day which it may, under particular circumstances, be the explanation of arterial energy and venous con- applied. It has caused palsy and cured it also; gestion-the two great sources [elements?] of but has not strychnia done the same? In cominflammation and of fever-will rest upon the same grounds as the production of sleep and vigilance." stoutest shake in every limb, and, like the same mon with arsenic, it has made the bravest and "In reflecting upon the extensive relations of this agent, it has cured the ague. If electricity has subject I was led" (he says) "to conclude that it set one man to sleep and kept another wakeful, had a very close relation to the philosophy of has not opium done the same? * mind. The disagreeable, the unpleasant, and not prove, then, beyond the possibility of question, the unamiable feelings of our nature are found to that the action of these medicinal substances is Do we be the results of a condition of the mind in- purely electrical?" After explaining the elective fluenced by repulsive agencies." And here Dr. affinity by which different medicines influence Ashburner calls Mr. Faraday to his aid, begging different portions of the body, the passage conhim to exert his vast ingenuity to "discover" how cludes as follows:-" Their ultimate agency de-estimable, may regard our present article as a deAccordingly we think it not unlikely that far certain powers 66 are in operation in deter- pends on attraction and repulsion. Here, then, parture from what is medically proper, and will some of our brethren, and those even of the most mining the presence of attractive and repulsive gentlemen, you have the most satisfactory exagencies on the human system," as "his deeply-planation of an infinity of facts which, from their sentence of water doctor' passed against us." interesting researches tend to the discovery of more supposed confliction, have, up to this hour (1839!) | Again, “If it shall appear, however, as we believe pronounce us almost worthy to have the severe than analogous states of electric action between puzzled every teacher and professor that ever enthe influences productive of motives to mental deavoured to grapple with the subject. The merit application of cold water is capable of being operation and the powers which actuate the inter- of this explanation I exclusively claim, and I state beneficially applied, in the cure cf diseases, in it will, on further examination, that the external minable combinations of matter." Editor, to the accompanying copy of "The Fal- Queen's physician extraordinary, or other great extent, than has been hitherto practised by Turn, Mr. my right to it thus distinctly, that no F.R.S.-no modes of greater efficacy, and to a MUCH greater lacies of the Faculty, and the Principles of the official-may hereafter have any excuse for attempt- medical men, there remains only one course for Chrono-thermal System of Medicine," and mark ing to snatch it from me-whether through the coincidence-the absolute identity rather-of ignorance or forgetfulness of my name or writings provements [his own italics], if such they are, re the doctrines there propounded with the theories he venture to PREDICT its future discovery, or the profession to pursue, viz. :—to adopt the im and other leading ideas of this Dr. Ashburner, deal it out bit by bit to his readers in the equally relations." and you will find these ideas, these theories, stated novel shape of question and suggestion. Yes, gardless of their origin and their past and present there, not as Dr. Ashburner has stated them, con- gentlemen, I exclusively claim the ELECTRICAL jecturally, but proved by demonstrative fact and argument to be a positive CERTAINTY-a certainty which affords an easy solution of the greater numDOCTRINE of medical agency as mine--a doctrine of years gone by, not a conjecture for the future! ber of difficulties with which our art has been The electric nature of mental and medicinal agency, surrounded. By following out its principles, you also, which, in this blessed year of grace '46, Dr. Ashburner for the first time calls upon Mr. Fara- tine can all three cause and cure rheumatism see at once why colchicum, mercury, and turpenday to "discover"-to which, so recently as July why lead can produce and cure salivation-why last, he implores that philosopher to turn as to a land of hope for his future exploration-you will-why the fevers of puberty, pregancy, and smallmusk may excite and stop palpitation of the heart find completely explored and detailed in that volume. First published in 1836, in "The Fallacy of Physic as Taught in the Schools," these identical doctrines have successively appeared in the "Unity of Disease and the "Fallacies of the Faculty," the last of which works has run through five English editions, has been translated on the Continent, and within the past year has been reprinted in America!

What has taken a volume to demonstrate cannot possibly be transferred to your pages as a whole; but a very few passages will, nevertheless, serve to show how long, how fully, and how fairly, I have anticipated every part of the leading matter of Dr. Ashburner's paper. The following will be found at pages 150 and 151 of the fifth edition of "Fallacies of the Faculty":-"A piece of amber or sealing-wax, when rubbed, first attracts silk, then repels it; producing alternate motion altogether independent of mechanics. Though not life, this phenomenon is at least a type of it, for the organic and other motions of an organism termed life, even in the highest grade of animals, when analyzed will be found to be the mere periodic repetition of alternate attraction and repulsion. What are the successive conversion of the food into the blood, of the blood into the matter of tissue and secretion, but so many instances of this proposition? What the alternate inspiration and expiration of the lungs, the equally alternate contraction and dilatation of the heart, sleep and wakefulness, love and hate, ambition and wordly disgust, but so many modifications or effects of attractive and repulsive influences?" "Life, then, is electricity in its highest sense, even as the attraction of gravitation is electricity in its lowest sense." "Galvanism and electricity, strictly so called, embrace all the subordinate links, while LIFE, or vital electricity, comprehends the whole."

pox have each cured and caused every species of
disorder incident to the respective subjects of
them, and why the passions have done the same.
Now, what better proof could you have of the real
nature of the passions than this?
and quinine, every one of the passions has a
double electrical agency."-Pp. 160, 161.
Like opium

What will the profession think of the following : mesmerism, yea stark-naked and rampant quackery sentence?" Not merely hydropathy but even itself, may, in this sense, be a welcome knocker at the gate of physic."

That cold

Ί

is no other "sense than as an improvement; it rampant quackery "knocked at the gate of physic I would, Mr. Editor, that "stark-naked and would be well for science and better for suffering humanity. Again, Dr. Forbes says "Some of adopt, particularly this:-that cold water applied in the manner of the hydropathists is a powerful. our views we are sure they (the profession) must disease, and, when weighed in the therapeutic modifier of the human body, both in health and fair trial in legitimate practice." balance with other remedies, merits, at least, Need I quote more to show the identity of the is a powerful modifier, &c., no one, I am sure, water applied in the manner of the hydropathists prior matter of my own writings? Yet all these matter of Dr. Ashburner's paper and the long-will say, who remembers the case of Sir Francis gested to him by mesmerism. Not by "The Fallacies various subjects Dr. Ashburner tells us were sugof the Faculty," he assures me, for never once had he had the book in his hands! No: recent "facts in mesmerism" suggested for the first time the theories of his paper of July last, 1846! Hitherto we have only had cases of people who could mesmerically tell the contents of a book by the touch. Here we have a clairvoyant actually giving out as his own the contents of a volume he never But let us go on a little further, Sir, and see touched at all. Wonderful mesmerism-wonder-"cold-water death." He says-"It will be an after what Dr. Forbes considers a "fair trial" of the cidedly is the fact-the FACT by a MESMERISER! ful clairvoyance! For such, Mr. Editor, deYour very obedient servant, S. DICKSON. Bolton-street, Sept. 15.

DR. FORBES AND HYDROPATHY.
[To the Editor of the Medical Times.]
requesting you to "demonstrate" the strange pro-
SIR, I cannot allow a week to elapse without
ceedings of the editor of the "British and Foreign
Medical Review," and especially his article on
hydropathy, in the last number of that journal.
possible after the poison has been given. It
The antidote should be administered as soon as
seems, Sir, that Dr. Forbes (on the principle ex-
perto Roberto crede) being sceptical as to the value
of scientific medical treatment, is, like all unbe-
lievers in established opinions, ready and willing |

Burdett, and the very recent and most atrocious
pathic establishment, as recorded in your journal,
The other proposition in the same sentence, viz.,
one of poor Dresser, who died at Dr. Ellis's hydro- |
that the profession must adopt especially this view
of Dr. Forbes', "that cold water, used in the:
sake of humanity, our profession will repudiate
manner of the hydropathists, merits at least a
fair trial in legitimate practice," I trust, for the

consideration in what manner and under what circumstances this trial can best be made. * * We ourselves believe that distinct bathing establishments will still be found best for giving full effect to the hydropathic system. * pathic establishment should be, simply, a great A hydrobathing establishment, or water hospital; and of vapour as well as liquid, medicated as well as medicinal forms, hot as well as cold, in the form should contain the means of using water in all its pure. In such an hospital, although drugs would be contrary to all rational proceedings to exclude doubtless be but in slight (!) requisition, it would he adds, "they [drugs] would, for the most their use entirely." A few lines further on of the treatment at least; but no unpreju diced and competent observer can assert that part, be dispensed with at the commencement drugs should be entirely banished from the treat

ment of any case at all times." The water companies will, I fear, raise the price of the pure element when they hear the learned physician's opinion of its value, and that it is to supersede the doctor's bill. But, to be serious, Sir, all hospitals at the present day contain the means of using water as an external application in all its various forms: hot and cold, pure and medicated, tepid, shower, sponge, vapour, and douche baths are among the daily prescriptions of the modern medical practitioner. The external application of water has attained the rank to which it is entitled as a therapeutic agent, and is placed in the list of our ordinary remedies. Carried further, the use of water becomes quackery, and is no longer within the province of a scientific physician. Dr. Forbes admits that drugs should be in slight (!) though “but” in slight requisition! If this be not rampant and stark naked quackery, Mr. Editor, I should like the learned doctor to tell me what is?

But what, I would ask, Sir, can we expect from a distinguished member of the medical profession-a physician in ordinary to her Majesty's household-a physician extraordinary to Prince Albert, when, in his capacity of editor of a medical journal (instead of supporting the honour and dignity of his calling), he writes, or permits to be written under the sanction of his name, and sends forth to the public, with the influence naturally derived from his high position, such a sentence as the following?"A common antibilious pill, retailed for a penny by a druggist, or a patented nostrum of Cockle or Morrison, will generally do as well as the most elaborate prescription." I blush, Sir, for the credit of our order!

have obtained them so late in life that their energies would have been diminished by age, and the time left them would have been so short as not to be available. "True 'tis, 'tis pity, pity 'tis, 'tis true," those who enjoy pre-eminence in physic-in whose hands the bringing forward of young men in great schools must rest-usually prefer omitting to advance those whose promising talents disturb their jealousy; ordinary or low powers are much more comfortable to them, and much more eligible for favour, Talent must be forced upon them from without. Am I not right, then, in hoping that opportunities for genius to solicit appreciation may never be wanting? Is it not a just cause of anxiety that the way to brilliant opportunities may be shut except to those who are incapable of using them to the advantage of our art? These I know are no arguments for students, but they are pleadings in excuse of my troubling you with this letter.

Your contemporaries urge that students should choose a school with a hospital, in order to avoid from the dissecting-room to the hospital. I hope the inconvenience of running through the streets every medical student would have decency enough

towards the poor in the hospitals, to take off his and comb his hair, after dissecting, before he preapron and sleeves, wash his hands, change his coat, sents himself at the bedside. He is fit to be seen

in the streets, or he is not fit to be seen in a hospital; and a run of a few hundred yards or a quarter or half a mile, I should think, would be an agreeable stretching of his legs, after having been cramped over his dissection. There is one small school, at least, in London, the distance from which to the nearest hospital is rather less than that from one of the largest schools to its hospital. They urge, also, that it is beneficial that the student should see the practice of those same physicians and surgeons whose lectures he hears. I rather agree with a popular notion, that the more a man hears and sees of different opinions, the more he gets free from prejudice, and the more likely he is to exercise his own reasoning faculties. When a man has been educated exclusively in a certain set of doctrines, taught as medical doctrineswhich are often of very doubtful truth, and are taught with the greatest positiveness, especially by men advanced in years-his mind suffers an intellectual thraldom, and he hardly dares to think for himself. Now, Sir, the medical profession requires that all its members should use their best and most unprejudiced reasoning powers. In a small school which depends upon its scientific reputation alone for its success, the teachers are more likely to be anxious for the advancement of their pupils, that they may pass their examinations with credit to their school. In a small school, for one of their pupils to be plucked is felt as a severe blow by all the teachers. A school need not necessarily have any connection with a hospital; it ought to be near one, undoubtedly, but that is all.

fulous, the dyspeptic, and the paralytic. Neither mucous membrane nor mesenteric glands, infantile weakness nor senile decrepitude, have stood in their way. To almost all cases, all ages, and all constitutions, their method has been applied. Unless it can be shown that this all but universal administration of the system has produced serious evils, we are actually driven to admit that it is in the same proportion safe. And we are bound to admit-though we have known some instances where the practice has been seriously injurious, and have heard of others of a similar kind-that the proportion of bad consequences has not appeared to us greater than in the ordinary modes of treating similar diseases. The practice of the hydropathists is so open, and their disciples so numerous, that the innocence of their proceedings may be said to be established by the absence of evidence to the contrary. We cannot enter any circle of society without encountering some follower of this method, ready to What, Sir, is the difference between legitimate narrate a series of psuchrolousian miracles, premedicine and quackery? The physician and the pared to defend, and zealous to applaud the quack both use the same drugs-the difference Preissnitzian practice; but few or none come is in their application. The scientific physician forward with satisfactory evidence of anything like modifies and combines his remedies to suit the general mischief having resulted from its general emergencies of the case he is treating; the ig-practice. Judgment must, therefore, be entered norant quack, unconscious of the changes pro- by default against its opponents, and hydropathy duced by disease, or the indications of treatment is entitled to the verdict of harmlessness, since they point out, blunders blindly on ordering his cause has never been shown to the contrary." Dr. universal panacea in all cases, under all circum- Forbes, of course, omits all mention of the cases I stances, and to the exclusion of all other remedies. have before recalled to your notice. Precisely so is it with the so-called system of hydropathy. I maintain that all that is beneficial in that system has been known to the profession for years, and has made way in professional estimation with the advance of physiology and the knowledge of the functions of the skin, until it has reached its present general and wide application, both in public and private practice. Water is accepted by physicians as a valuable item of the matería medica, and, as such, is prescribed in appropriate cases,in common with every other remedy. Such use, however, is widely different from the abuse of the remedy in the hydropathic system of treatment, of the dangers of which we have, even in England, where it is by no means extensively used, already had such fatal proofs; and it is with regret and sorrow at the degradation of our common profession, that I see Dr. Forbes falling into the fatal error of giving such nefarious quackery the support which attaches to his position. But I must go further, Sir, even at the risk of titing your patience and that of your readers. I must notice the plan on which the article on hydropathy in the current number of the "British and Foreign Medical Review" has been written. Instead of seeking the truth of the alleged facts, and inquiring into the credibility of their promoters, Dr. Forbes has preferred to assume their correctMR. EDITOR,-Your two contemporaries, the Lancet and Gazette, in their advice to students, ness without hesitation; and here again I must Knowing, Mr. Editor, your genuine liberality— beg to encroach on your space by a quotation. of medicine, or, as they express themselves, "the influencing your opinions-I address these observaseem determined to write down the small schools knowing how powerless all that is meretricious is in Dr. Forbes says, after describing Priessnitz's sysschools unconnected with hospitals." It seeins tions to you with confidence in your sympathy. I tem, "How are we now to proceed, in order to remarkable to me that a medical journal professing do not want to praise the small schools for excelarrive at a just appreciation of the value of the to be extra-liberal-to be the sworn enemy of pre- lencies which they do not possess. I want to demeans thus briefly enumerated? The more usual course would be to enter into an examination of judice and faction and all that harbours them-fend them from injustice, by asserting that they should take such a course. Ardently wishing, as the practical results, as published by hydropathic I do, for the rapid advancement of our art to give writers. But in the present inquiry this plan us more power over disease, and believing that would scarcely answer; for the means employed prejudice and faction and monopoly tend vastly are so strange, so much at variance with those by to obstruct our onward march, it is my fervent which disease is commonly treated, and not a few of the reporters are so little entitled to claim hope that the time will never arrive when there will not be small medical schools unconnected with credit for even the capacity to report medical re-hospitals in this metropolis. Not only so, but I sults truly, that the greater part of our readers hope the time will never arrive when there will not would disbelieve the alleged facts, rather than adbe some schools in London, of emolument so poor that mit the principles they would carry with them." a lectureship in them will not be worth the attention Dr. Forbes then admits that his readers would of established teachers. If we look at the various not believe the facts when placed before them, on great schools and hospitals, and mark who are the the authority of the authors; and, therefore, he most eminent men in each, we invariably find that judges for the profession, and assumes their being they are those who have commenced their career at sufficiently correct to found his superstructure of some of the minor schools. If the minor schools reasoning on. Speaking of the cases to which had not been open to them, and readily accessible hydropathists have applied their remedy, the as theatres for the trial and display of their powers doctor saysin their youth, these men would never have obtained the opportunities of improving our art which | the practice of large hospitals affords, or would

"They have administered it to the young and the old, the weak, the bilious, the gouty, the scro

Is it, Sir, I would ask, a matter of surprise, when
we consider that Dr. Forbes is one of those who pos-
sess influence with parties in power, that the me-
dical attendants of the people-who in their daily
experience disprove such doctrines as the above
should be systematically degraded and insulted?
I remain, Sir, your obedient servant,
AN OLD PRACTITIONER.

PRIVATE SCHOOLS OF MEDICINE.

have excellencies peculiar to themselves, which is all that can be said in favour of large schools. It is for the student to judge which of these peculiarities best suits his peculiar circumstances, habits,

or turn of mind. To write down small schools

does no good to medical students, and infinite
prejudice to the advance of medical art.

I am, Sir, your obedient servant,
VERITATEM PETO.

We have much pleasure in announcing the appointment of our talented correspondent, Dr. Samuel Wright-so well known to the readers of the Medical Times by his valuable investigations into the pathology of expectoration-to the office of Physician to the Queen's Hospital, Birmingham, vacant by the resignation of Dr. Sandys. Than Dr. Wright, we are sure, none could fill a hospital appointment with greater advantage to the patients or more credit to the Institution.

GOSSIP OF THE WEEK.

WAR-OFFICE, October 2.-7th Dragoon Guards -Staff Surgeon of the Second Class George Northon Foaker to be Surgeon, vice Graves, appointed to the 4th Light Dragoons. 4th Light DragoonsSurgeon J. Stewart Graves, from the 7th Dragoon Guards, to be Surgeon, vice Edward Smith Graham, M.D., who retires upon half-pay. 8th Light Dragoons-Surgeon Gideon Dolmage, from the 54th Foot, to be Surgeon, vice John Squair, M.D., who retires upon half-pay. 18th Foot-O'Connor D'Arcey, M.D., to be Assistant Surgeon, vice Ferguson, promoted to be Staff Surgeon of the Second Class. 49th Foot-Assistant Surgeon Robert Bridgeman Wigstrom, from the 1st West India Regiment, to be Assistant Surgeon, vice Roberts, proto be Staff Surgeon of the Second Class. 76th Foot-Staff Surgeon of the Second Class Robert Thomas Scott to be Surgeon, vice Maclean, who exchanges. 89th Foot-Richard Gilborne, gent., to be Assistant Surgeon, vice Morison, promoted in the 20th Foot. 1st West India Regiment-John Madden, gent., to be Assistant Surgeon, vice Bridgeman Wigstrom, appointed to the 59th Foot.

HOSPITAL STAFF.-Surgeon Andrew Maclean, M.D., from the 76th Foot, to be Staff Surgeon of the Second Class, vice Scott, who exchanges. Surgeon William Robinson, M.D., Supernumerary in the West India Regiments, to be Surgeon of the Second Class, vice Atkinson, promoted. Staff Assistant Surgeon John Loftus Hartwell to be Staff Surgeon of the Second Class, vice Foaker, appointed to the 7th Dragoon Guards.

NAVAL APPOINTMENTS.-Edward Groves, Surgeon, Robert Wylie, Surgeon, Superintendents to the Arabian convict ship; James Davidson, Assistant Surgeon to the Seaflower.

ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS. · Gentlemen admitted members on Friday, October 2.-G. H.oulton, A. Ford, J. Higginbottom, R. C. Shettle, L G. Broadbent, H. Smyth, T. C. Corry, H. Stevens, G. R. Schofield, G. K. Hardie, T. F. Wall, J. M. Joseph, T. F. I'Anson, P. P. Nind.

Dr. Derry has just been appointed Physician to the Royal Metropolitan Free Hospital.

UNIVERSITY OF ERLANGEN.-At the last meeting of the Senate of this Institution, J. Hutchins Baylis, Esq., Surgeon to the Royal South London Mr. John Edye has been elected surgeon to Dispensary, and a Member of the London Col- the Devon and Exeter Hospital, to fill the lege of Surgeons, received the degree of "Medi-vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Mr. cine Doctor." Barnes, which we announced last week.

BIRKENHEAD HOSPITAL AND DISPENSARY.

In order to economise as much as possible the
funds of this institution, it has been determined
by the managing committee to take advantage of
the office of house-surgeon being now vacant, to
make a change in the arrangements, by which it
is expected £40 per annum will be saved. The
present compounder and dispenser of the medi-
cines has received notice, in order that the duties
of his office may be attached in future to those of
the house-surgeon.

On Wednesday the election

of a house-surgeon took place. The candidates
were eleven in number, and considering the one-
rous nature of the duties, and the smallness of the
salary, the high character of the testimonials of
those who have offered for the situation is truly
surprising. One gentleman, in addition to docu-
mentary testimony, produced, as a proof of his
capability, six gold medals, the rewards of acade-
mical triumphs, obtained at various examinations
on medical science.

Malignant smallpox, such as has never before
appeared in the neighbourhood, is causing serious
mortality in the town of Montagnac (Herault).
It attacks indiscrimately all ages and classes of
society. Vaccinated or non-vaccinated, according
to the statement in the Gazette Medicale de Paris,
few escape an attack. Our Parisian contem-
disease in the following terms:-"Each family is
porary expresses the fatality attendant on the

reduced to the assistance its own members are

mutually able to afford each other; and when
death puts an end to the patient's sufferings, the
nearest relations are compelled to perform the
sad rites of burial, from the want of the usual
paid officials."

News received from Teheran up to the 19th ult. inform us that the cholera had lost much of its severity in that town, but that it was spreading ROYAL COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS, Sept. 30.-in two different directions-towards the east and At the Comitia Majora held this day, the following gentlemen received the licence to practise in London, and were admitted members :-Richard Quain, M.D. (Lond.), Gower-street; Willoughby Marshall Burslem, M.D. (Edin.), Chester-place West; Protheroe Smith, M.D. (Aber.), Johnstreet, Bedford-row; William Francis Chorley, M.B. (Cantab.)., Leeds.

APOTHECARIES' HALL, September 24. Chambers Robert George, William Beresford Christy, Frederick Mauger, Francis Smith, and John Rudall Holman. October 1.-George Frederick Jones, Edmund John Barker, and Frederick Eachus Wilkinson.

towards the south. It was making great ravages
at Kavine and Zenginan, and at the same time at
Koum and Cachan. At Tauris the appearance of
the scourge was daily expected, and it was even
affirmed that it had appeared within forty
had been ou the whole less severe than they were
leagues of the town. The ravages at Teheran

in 1835.

DISTRESS IN SCOTLAND.-The potato failure may be described in two words-total, universal, in Scotland. The visitation has fallen most se verely upon the Highland and Island population of Scotland; and in many districts of that exten. sive territory scenes are already begun which are more than sufficient, were they but known, to awaken the sympathies of every feeling heart. Fever has, we understand, already consumed several.

Mr. George Shaw has been appointed Professor of Chemistry, at Queen's College, Birmingham, in the room of Mr. Tilley, resigned.

DEATH OF MR. KING, OF CLIFTON.-Our profession has to regret the loss of one of its most distinguished memhers, John King, Esq., surgeon, of Clifton, Bristol. Mr. King was by birth a Swiss, descended from a family who for many generations had filled the highest offices at Berne, and who were not less remarkable for their ability as magistrates, than for their successful cultivation and patronage of the arts and sciences; and many of them had dedicated themselves to the medical profession. Mr. King, before he came to this country, had attained much distinction as a man of very capacious intellect, expanded and strengthened by assiduous study. Critically acquainted with the Greek, Latin, French, German, Italian, and Spanish languages, the general science and literature of Europe were open to his indefatigable researches, and this variety of acquirement he made subservient to his medical pursuits.

OBITUARY.-Sept. 17, in Edinburgh, Dr. C. Gifford, late of Plymouth, aged 32 years. At St. Leonard's-on-the-Sea, on the 18th ult., Richard Simmons, Esq., M.D., F.R.S., and F.S.A., in his 65th year. At Aska, Ganjam, India, on the 20th of July, Dr. Thomas Duncan, son of the late gowshire. On the 1st instant, at Warwick-square, Alexander Duncan, Esq., Glendevon, LinlithKensington, deeply regretted, R. Heaslop, Esq., late surgeon of the Hon. East India Company's ultimo, George Ferguson, Esq., Staff Surgeon. service. At 1, Carlton-street, Edinburgh, 24th

MORTALITY TABLE.

For the Week ending Saturday, Oct. 10, 1846.
Average of

Causes of Death.

ALL CAUSES...
SPECIFIED CAUSES...

In the Geological and Mineralogical Section
of the Italian Scientific Congress, held at Genoa,
General Marmora communicated some observa-
tions relative to a red dust which had fallen in
May last from the heavens at Genoa, Tunis, Sar-
dinia, Corsica, and Pisa. Signor Moltedo com-
municated the result of an analysis of some of
this substance collected at Genoa, by which it was
demonstrated to contain animal matter, iodine,
bromine, carbonates of lime and iron, alumina, Dropsy, Cancer, and other
and a trace of silica.

THE PHARMACEUTICAL SOCIETY.-The first
meeting for the season was held in this Institution
on Wednesday evening last. The meeting went
off much as usual: the most interesting speci-
men exhibited being some living cochineal insects
on the Cactus opuntia. We heard many gentle-
men wonder at the poorness of the coffee pro- Seven hundred and eighty savans attended the
vided for their refreshment, and sundry were the scientific congress of Genes; and a good many
guesses at its cause: some supposed parsimony were refused admission, the committee having
in the housekeeping department; but no one ap-rigorously demanded the scientific claims of the
peared to suspect the true solution of the pro- applicants. The next Italian scientific congress is
blem-none imagined that, in an institution teach-
to be held at Rome, if the consent of the Pope
ing scientific chemistry, coffee would be allowed can be obtained.
to simmer for an hour or two in a wide evapo.
rating dish over the laboratory fire, thus effectually
driving off its aroma, and at the same time exposing
it to the unpleasant odours of sulphuretted hy.
drogen, &c., which abound in such situations.

LATEST NEWS FROM VIENNA.-A new sect of homoeopathists has arisen at Vienna. These gentlemen use 2, 4, 8, and 900th dilutions; and, not content with this, what, O reader! thinkest thou that the homoeopathists have not only proposed, but carried into practice? Simply this, they permit the patient to smell the remedy-a single globule at a time-and wait four weeks for the action to pass off before they grant another smell! Do these gentlemen take snuff?

M. Berard, professor of chemistry, &c., at the
University of Montpellier, has been appointed the
Dean of the Faculty.

The wine used in the Parisian hospitals is that
called vin de bagnols. It is a rather intoxicating
wine, which contains about 17 per cent. of alcohol,
and the practitioners generally order about four
ounces, though sometimes double that quantity.

KIRKALDY.-FEVER.- Fever, and other diseases of a febrile nature, are still very prevalent in this town and neighbourhood. Few families have escaped the contagion in one shape or another, while cases of a serious and fatal character have now and then occurred during the past week.

Zymotic (or Epidemic, En-
demic, and Contagious)
Diseases..

SPORADIC DISEASES.

Diseases of uncertain or
variable Seat

Total. 5 sum-
5
mers. years.

and

Diseases of the Brain, Spiual
Marrow, Nerves,
Senses...

Diseases of the Lungs, and
of the other Organs of
Respiration
Diseases of the Heart and
Blood-vessels....

.......

Diseases of the Stomach,
Liver, and other organs
of Digestion
Diseases of the Kidneys, &c.
Childbirth, Diseases of the
Uterus, &c.
Rheumatism, Diseases of
the Bones, Joints, &c.
Diseases of the Skin, Cellu-
lar Tissue, &c.
Old Age

Violence, Privation, Cold,
and Intemperance..........

PROCRESS OF MEDICAL SCIENCE,

INCLUDING CHEMISTRY AND PHARMACY.

particularly by nitrate of silver, and no usually leads, without difficulty, to the knowledge
mineral water could act with the same safety of its presence; but it is not, however, by any
or the same promptitude. The caustics modify means so easy to recognise its causes, or to
the local alterations, but do not change the penetrate its nature. The morbidly-exagge
predisposition: this is, on the contrary, effected rated activity of secreting organs is the
by the uee of mineral waters, not only in laryngeal last stage of a rapidly-accomplished progression,
diseases, but in all chronic disorders. Thus we
endeavoured to show that in hypochondriasis, gout
and tubercles, mineral waters are not specifics,
but that they merely modify the morbid or mor-
bidly-predisposed constitution of the patients, and
thus change the nature of their ailments. When
considered as topical applications, they cannot bear
comparison with a hundred agents extracted from
our Pharmacopoeia; but when exhibited with the
view of producing a slow change in the system,
they often enjoy a decided superiority over all
other methods of treatment.

tion.

dence, we will rapidly describe its mode of exhibi-
The water at Nauheim boils out of the Artesian
well, discharging in its escape an immense quantity
of carbonic acid, which is received into a tub; a
metallic tube allows its egress. The douche appa-
ratus is of an equally simple construction, and con-
sists of a flexible pipe, terminated by a quill;
through this the gas passes freely, and the patient
Introducing the quill into his mouth can regulate
the douche and direct it at will upon any particular
region, taking care to avoid deep inspirations.
This application is not only active, but pleasant;
the cool acidulated taste of the gas can only be
compared with itself, and recals that of cham-
pagne wine. Cold or warm sulphureous waters
are also very efficient; in baths they are of no use;
but when drunk they seem to act locally, and slowly
to modify the organs of secretion.
DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM IN
WOMEN. (Section 9.)

but it indicates chiefly the necessity for the use of
alkaline waters. The attack is seldom limited to
such trifling manifestations: a frigid and limited
pain is observed in the head, often compared by
the patient to a sensation of cold, or vacuum, or
burning heat-to a dragging more painful by its
singularity than by its violence, In some the
mouth is parched, and the tongue dry and even
swollen; vain efforts of expectoration are made in
order to remove the burning dryness of the throat.
Occasionally a tremulous movement is observed in
the eyelids; and vision is not disturbed unless
syncope supervenes.

When the larynx or chest are attacked, conges-
tion of the face does not so frequently usher in the
fits; a sense of fulness in the chest, analogous to
that which precedes expectoration of blood, is fol-
lowed by tightness of the thoracic walls and immi-
nent suffocation; convulsive agitation of the upper
extremities occurs, the eyes are closed; hoarse
sounds escape from the throat, and a sort of cata-
leptic rigidity terminates the fit. At first the pulse
becomes weak, but soon recovers its fulness, the
shock to the system having been overcome before
the dyspnoea has passed away.

which progressed slowly, and at last opened into the intestine: it was also necessary to puncture the abscess through the skin. Biliary calculi were at the time frequently rejected with the fæces; the swelling persisted in the epigastric region during seventeen years, and suddenly disappeared after an attack of intestinal hemorrhage. Eleven years since, the hypogastric region swelled, and in the year 1840 an abscess was opened which commanicated with the epigastric fistula. On admission into hospital she was found to present several fistulous orifices on the abdominal wall, and one situated immediately above the clitoris led by a narrow passage to the hypogastric tumour. On opening the fistula it was found to contain two biliary calculi, each of the size of a small hazel-nut.

DESTRUCTION OF CALCULI IN THE BLADDER. In a late communication we forwarded an account of M. Dumesnil's new method for the destruction of the stone within the bladder. MM. Douillet and Deleau both dispute the priority of invention. Their claims have been referred to the commission named by the Institute for the investigation of the question.

LA CHARITÉ.

UTERINE GRANULATIONS AND DEVIATIONS (CLINICAL LECTURES), BY PROFESSOR VELPEAU.

In other cases the womb is affected; deep-seated pain, spasms, and contractions are felt, and even occasional swelling of the os uteri ; leucorrhoea and transitory retention of urine are also observed. Such are the forms which are usually benefited by the waters of Ems; their general character consists Granulation of the os uteri is always attended in partial congestions, either evident or latent. In with a whitish discharge-a diagnostic fact which many women menstruation preserves its regularity, should on no account be forgotten; pain in the and seems but remotely connected with the symp-gradual loss of flesh are also most commonly obstomach, in the inguinal and renal regions, and

toms. The first effects of the alkaline waters in

such cases consist in the production of signs of
fatigue and weakness, which cause some uneasiness
in the beginning, but which must be overlooked.
After a couple of weeks, sleep is less regular; the
appetite is unusually active; in the hands and arms
a sense of dragging is experienced, which exercise
dispels. It would seem as though a nervous attack
was in preparation, but failed in acquiring its full
developinent. The treatment generally lasts one
month; and in proportion as the disease appears
to extend all over the system, it appears to lose in
violence.

When any hypochondriacal complications are
present we find it advantageous to employ the mu-
riate of soda; the strength gradually returns, and
digestion becomes regular.

The irregularity of symptoms in hysteria, and the absence of co-ordination in the manifestations of the malady, do not permit a rational classification; and from the uncertainty of diagnosis arises a great uncertainty in the treatment. If advanced hysteria is still surrounded with so much obscurity, what shall we say of those hysterical conditions which are only anomalies in the most anomalous of disorders? Neither violent convulsions, nor the globus, nor the extreme pain of clavus hystericus are present, but a something which participates of the nature of all three. They do not, it is true, threaten life, but they are not, therefore, to be considered as unimportant: how can we measure the gravity of any disorder if it be not by its degree of curability? A malady which baffles the skill of the most experienced practitioner, which resists all his efforts, and defies the bestconducted treatment, cannot be looked upon as insignificant. Persons who are in pain do not admit our classifications, and cannot be persuaded that they should bear with an enemy which leaves them no rest, and which grants no reprieve. The greatest number of the enjoyments of life they are deprived of; society fatigues and solitude overpowers them; the mind is constantly at work, and its preoccupations are soon productive of bodily pain and derangement. From doubt the physician passes to Indifference; after the long list of antispasmodics, elosed by the inevitable advice of amusement, mineral waters are recommended under the erroneous Of the other forms of nervous disorder we will impression that they are places of enjoyment. But say much less. When anemia or chlorosis are immithe patient takes matters more seriously to heart, nent, the first indication is to restore to the blood and, determined to follow up the treatment, makes its stimulating properties which make it the the waters the principal part, and the enjoyment" moderator nervorum." Steel purgatives are for the accessory, of the cure. How, then, can they be this purpose most generally employed, and, whether prescribed if their therapeutic action be not be dissolved in mineral waters or in any other vehiforehand duly weighed and considered? Ems has cle, they answer this end equally well. In his been for many years the resort of sub-hysterical description of Tunbridge Wells, and those of Bath, patients from all parts of Europe, and we must Sydenham long since laid down rules by which admit that many obtain no relief; but it is equally the physician may still be guided; he advises to undoubted that alkaline spas are often productive drink the water during three days, to bathe, and of benefit. The concealed details of social life, the afterwards to alternate the baths and the internal individual dispositions which keep up the disease, use of the waters. This treatment should be conhave a great share in the success or failure of the tinued during two months at least or rather until treatment, To many (mental suffering main the symptoms have ceased. If ferruginous (protaining the disorder of the nervous system) mineral perly so called) spás do not succeed, waters conwaters will be of no service whatever. There are, taining muriate of soda, together with steel, should however, some general indications which, although in- be tried-those of Bath for instance, which in complete, it may, nevertheless, be useful to consider. Sydenham's day were held to be sulphureous; but We will endeavour to sketch roughly the type of a purgative action should carefully be avoided. In nervous woman to whom the waters of Ems might Germany it is still customary to bathe at the be advantageous. These patients are in general of same time that the ferruginous waters are taken in a high complexion, and of healthy appearance; their wardly; this method appears useful, if not from stoutness sometimes presents a singular contrast with the small quantity of the mineral absorbed, at their continual complaints, and with the frequent least by the soothing influence of the warm bath, faintings against the reality of which their robust by which undue stimulation of the system is aspect seems to protest. The digestive functions promptly allayed. are regular; the bysteriform attacks are most irregular, both as to their seat and as to their nature. The head and chest are most commonly occupied. In the head, all spasmodic fits are preceded by a visible congestion of the face; the nose, forehead, and cheeks, sometimes only one, become suddenly patched with red-but without any increase in the frequency of the pulse, or any apoplectic signs. This first stage of hysterical affections is chiefly interesting for the diagnosis;

served. On examination per vagínam • the pos
tincæ will be found slightly increased in size, and
the finger receives the sensation which it might
be supposed to experience on touching a solid rasp-
berry. We believe that granulations are more easily
recognised by the "toucher" than by the use of
the speculum. When, however, they occupy the
cavity of the neck of the womb, the speculum, by
pressure on the os tincæ, separates its lips, and
causes the exit of a purulent-looking fluid—a cir-
cumstance which leaves no doubt of the presence
of granulations; they destroy the epithelium, but
the tissue of the womb remains healthy. What is
the prognosis of uterine granulations? Some prac-
titioners believe that they can degenerate into
cancer; this is far from being proved. A surgeon
asserts, that since he has pointed out the best means
of treatment for granulations, he hardly ever meets
with cancer of the womb. This only shows that
cancerous subjects do not seek his advice; but in
this hospital, we are sorry to say, they are still too
frequent. The granular condition of the os uteri
may, in almost every instance, be cured by cau-
terization; and of all caustics the nitrate
is the most efficient; it should be applied every
week for six weeks, in order to yield its full benefit.

of n

mercury

Granulations are often met with in combination with deviations of the womb; these are the most frequently observed of all uterine diseases: it is a deformity which exists unperceived in many women, and which is in others submitted to a variety of It is more common to find the uterus in a state of treatments directed against an imaginary disease. inflection than of inversion: thus the os uteri occupies its usual place, but the body of the womb is bent forwards, backwards, or laterally. Some practitioners treat these deviations under the name of uterine congestions, engorgemens de matrice" these appear, however, to have terminated their career, and are gradually losing ground in public opinion.

The most advantageous method for the treatment of deviations must consist in properly-applied mechanical supporters; and we must say that, if in proving that most of the supposed" engorge mens" of the womb are nothing but deviations of the viscus from its natural position, we have not BI-added much to our curative means; still we have obtained the certainty that the prognosis should be far more favourable than it was generally sup posed, particularly if, instead of condemning the patients to immobility and diet, they are made to eat and exercise.ne

HOPITAL DE LOURČINE. HYPOGASTRIC FISTULE CONTAINING LIARY CONCRETIONS; BY DR. HUGUIER.— A woman, sixty-one years of age, of a strong constitution, was lately admitted into hospital for a fistulous affection of the abdominal wall. Twentyfive years ago she fell from a ladder and severely injured the region of the liver; an abcess formed,

Dan. M'CARTHY, D.MP
tiedotdel gob