It gives us pleasure to notice the fourth edition of this standard work on physiology. The present edition has been rewritten, and while the general arrangement of subjects is retained but little remains of the original text. The improvements to be noticed are the curtailment of the historical references which were a feature of the other editions, and the avoidance of unsettled and disputed questions, all of which will be appreciated by the reader and student. The new chemical nomenclature has been adopted and the recent advance in the knowledge of muscular anatomy is largely due to the improved instruments and methods which have been considered. One new plate and sixty-one new figures have been introduced, and two plates and sixty-three figures discarded. Taken altogether this is now the best text book extant

on physiology

com

The

and we can most cordially mend it to our readers. publishers have put it before the profession in an attractive as well as a substantial manner.

REPORT OF THE MURDOCK FREE SUR GICAL HOSPITAL FOR WOMEN, for the year ending July 1, 1888. Boston, Rockwell & Churchill, 1888.

The object as stated in the preface of the report of this institution is to relieve and cure in the simplest, safest and quickest way the numerous surgical ailments to which women are subject, and is supported entirely from the private resources of the founder, Mr.

A. L. Murdock, whose substantial liberality is doing an amount of good that would do credit to our millionaires.

We find that there has been per

formed 261 operations of all kinds, 280

nmates have received the benefits of the hospital with only 9 deaths, a most remarkable showing which reflects great credit on the surgeon, Dr. E. W. Cushing. The report is illustrated with eight elegant engravings, of pathological conditions of peculiar and unusual cases. Mr. Murdock is to be warmly congratulated on the practical success of his great charity.

A SYSTEM OF GYNECOLOGY, BY AMERICAN AUTHORS. Edited by Mathew

D. Mann, A. M., M. D., Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology in the Medical Department of the University of Buffalo, N. Y., Volume II, illustrated with four colored plates and three hundred and sixty-one engravings on wood. Philadelphia, Lea Brothers & Co., 1888.

This volume is no wise inferior to its predecessor's noticed in our columns some months ago. From an American standpoint it is complete as the following list of contributors will show: Drs. Wm. H. Baker, of Boston; D. Robert Batty, Rome, Ga.; Samuel C. Busey, Washington, D. C.; Henry C. Coe and Bache. McEemmet, New York; George J. Englemann, St. Louis, Mo.; William Goodell and Samuel W. Gross, of Philadelphia; George Tucker Harrison, New York; Stephen Y. Howell, Buffalo: Edward W. Jenks, Detroit; Howard A. Kelley, Philadelphia; Charles Carroll Lee and William T. Lusk, New York; Mathew D. Mann, Buffalo; R. Stransbury Sutton, Pittsburgh, Pa.; T. Gaillard Thomas and W. Gill. Wylie, of New York. The volume is divided into chapters as follows: "Diseases of the Vagina," "The Hysteria Neuroses." "Extra Uterine Gestation," "Tumors of the Breast," "Diseases of the Breast Other Than Tumors," "Fistula,” "Diseases of the Bladder and Urethra," "Non-Malignant Tumors of the Uterus,"

"The Malignant Diseases of the Uterus," "Lacerations of the Cervix Uteri," "Chronic Inversion of the Uterus," "Injuries and Lacerations of the Pereneum and Pelvic Floor," "The Treatment of Ovarian and Extra Ovarian Tumors," "Diseases of the Ovaries," "Diseases of the Fallopian Tubes," "The Pathology of Ovarian Tumors," "The Clinical History and Diagnosis of Pelvic Tumors, Other Than Uterine and Tubal," "Displacements of the Uterus."

Each chapter is well written by the authority mentioned above and are fully abreast of the times and exceedingly interesting. The series cannot fail to prove popular. TRANSACTIONS OF THE TEXAS STATE MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Twentieth Annual Session, held at Galveston, Texas, April 24, 25, 26, and 27, 1888. Austin, Texas, 1888.

This volume besides containing a full report of the business of the association contains many valuable papers which shows a most healthy state of affairs among the Texas doctors. It is a most creditable production, and we congratulate its efficient secretary, Dr. F. E. Daniels, the popular and able editor of Daniels' Teras Medical Journal, on the very excellent and prompt manner in which he has presented to the profession the doings of his society. TRANSACTIONS OF THE MEDICAL ASSOCIATION OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI, at its Thirty-first Annual Session, held at Kansas City, Mo., April 17, 1888. St. Louis, 1888.

If this large book is an index this meeting must have been a very busy one. We note forty-one papers as being read and discussed, all of which would do credit to any State Society in the United States. One of the most interesting is that by the associate editor of THE NEW ENGLAND MEDICAL MONTHLY, Dr. I. N. Love, of St. Louis, on "Some Points in the Mangement of Typhoid Fever," another on "The Effects of Syphilis on the Lungs," by Dr. William

Porter of St. Louis; another entitled "The Nervous System in Disease," by Dr. C. H. Hughes of St. Louis; and still another by Dr. Y. H. Bond of St. Louis, entitled, "Some Observations Respecting the Cause and Treatment of Uterine Displacement." PHYSICIAN'S INTERPRETER IN FOUR LANGUAGES, specially arranged for diagnosis by M. Von V. F. A. Davis, publisher, 281 Filbert St., Philadelphia, 1888. Price $1.00, net.

This is certainly a very useful little book, and easily fits the vest pocket. It is nicely bound with the questions and answers in English, French, German and Italian, all on the same page opposite each other.

It is often difficult for the practitioner to make himself known to patients or understand what they say to him when neither understand the language of the other, but with this little book as a companion all or at least most of the difficulties will be obviated. We believe it will prove very popular. THE THEORY AND PRACTICE OF THE OPTHALMISCOPE, a hand book for students, by John Herbert Claiborne, Jr., M. D., 1888. George S. Davis, Detroit, Mich.

This terse and well written brochure, presents in a clear and brief manner the plain unvarnished facts in opthalmiscopy and the method of using the opthalmiscope. It is one of the best of the series of the Physician's Leisure Library. THE MODERN TREATISE OF DISEASES OF THE LIVER, by Professor Dujardin Beaumetz of Paris. Translated from the fifth French edition by E. P. Hurd, M. D., of Newburyport, Mass. George S. Davis, Detroit, Mich., 1888. This little book presents to the medcal profession of America that part of the second volume of Lecous de Clinique Therapeutic, written by Prof. Beaumetz, which pertains to the treatment of diseases of the liver. It treats only of those diseases of the hepatic gland, which are observed in cooler climates, ignoring entirely those due to

tropical influence. It is a valuable contribution to this subject by a man well known to American readers. EXCESSIVE VENERY, MASTURBATION AND CONTINENCE. The etiology, pathology and treatment of the diseases resulting from venereal excessesses, masturbation and continence, by Joseph W. Howe, M. D., of New York, author of "Emergen cies," etc., etc., New York, E. B. Treat, 771 Broadway, 1888. Price $2.75.

This volume consists in substance of

a very interesting course of lectures, delivered in the Medical Department of the University of New York on the results of excessive venery, masturbation and continence. Besides embodying in this lecture the results of his own ex

perience the author has added the peculiar methods employed by various authorities in Europe and America, thus making a most complete volume on this very interesting subject. As a reference both to the student and practition it will prove invaluable, and we predict for it a warm reception. INDEX CATALOGUE OF THE LIBRARY OF THE SURGEONS GENERALS OFFICE UNITED STATES ARMY. Authors and Subjects Vol. IX. Washington Government Printing Office, 1888. This elegant volume in keeping Typographically and value like its predecessors, includes 13,151 authors titles representing 6,834 volumes and 12,818 pamphlets. It also includes 9,999 separate subject titles of separate books and pamphlets and 20,120 titles of articles in periodicals. The immense value of these books to the profession of the world we begin to appreciate more and more as the volumes increase. The volume commences with medicine and ends with nywelt. DISINFECTION

AND DISINFECTANTS; their application and use in the prevention and treatment of disease and in public and private sanitation by the committee on disinfectants appointed by the American Public Health Association. Concord N. H. Republican Press Association, 1888.

In 1883 the American Public Health Association appointed a committee on disinfectants, composed of Dr. Geo. M. Sternberg, U. S. A., Joseph H. Raymond, M. D., of Brooklyn, N. Y., Chas. Smart, M. D., U. S. A., Victor C, Vaughn, M. D., Ph. D. of Ann Arbor, Mich, A. R. Leeds, M. D., of New Jersey, W. H. Watkins, M. D., of New Orleans and Dr. Geo. H. Rohe, of Baltimore, to examine the subject of disinfectants, antiseptics and gemicides, in their relation to preventive medicine and sanitation and they were instructed to formulate a table of these agents for the information of those interested, the deemed advisable according to agents to be classified so far as might be their and economy of use, and how well this specific virtues, facility of application most able committee performed that duty is evident in the most excellent

volume of two hundred and fifty pages which is now presented to the profession. About five years ago the committee made a preliminary report, which was disseminated through the Medical press, which received considerable criticism at that time, but with all that has been said, the volume before us presents a most valuable array of facts, and declarations, which makes it to-day the most useful book of its kind published in the English language.

It should be in the hands of every practitioner in the county, young or old, rich or poor. The active practitioner cannot keep house without it.

CURRENT LITERATURE.

Herbert Spencer is working again, though with difficulty, for he says it took him from the middle of March to the first of June to write the article on "The Ethics of Kant," which he will contribute to the August Popular Science Monthly. Mr. Spencer combats Kant's idea that only right things done in obedience to duty have moral worth, while the same things done from

love of the right in and for itself are morally valueless.

"Prize Studies of Tornadoes," The American Meteorological Journal, desiring to direct the attention of students to tornadoes, in hopes that valuable results may be obtained, offers the following prizes:

For the best original essay on tornadoes or description of a tornado, $200 will be given.

For the second hest, $50.

progress has recently been made in the direction of giving the United States a navy. A feature of the article is a description of Captain Zalinski's dynamite cruiser, the "Vesuvius." cruisers are fully described.

The new

mention $50 will be divided.

The essays must be sent to either of the editors, Professor Harrington, Astronomical Observatory, Ann Arbor, Michigan, or A. Lawrence Rotch, Blue Hill Meteorological Observatory, Readville, Mass., U. S. A., before the first day of July, 1889. They must be signed by a nom de plume and be accompanied by a sealed envelope addresseed with same nom de plume and enclosing the real name and address of the author. Three independent and capable judges will be selected to award the prizes; and the papers receiving them will be the property of the Journal offering the prizes. A circular giving fuller details can be obtained by application to Professor Harrington.

The September issue of The American Magazine is a noteworthy one. In addition to an interesting and varied collection of choice literary features, are two very forcible articles on questions of the day-one on "The President's Error," by James G. Blaine, and the other by Governor Foraker, on "Tariff and Labor." Mr. Blaine takes Mr. Cleveland severely to task for many of the assertions made in his message of last December, and Governor Foraker handles his subject in his usual clear style.

The Magazine opens with a fine illustrated article on "The American Navy of To-day," by Lieutenant Wm. F. Fullam, U. S. A. The writer shows what

valuable by illustrations of the famous "Picture Rocks," and other features of interest to the readers of Longfellow's beautiful poem.

Other poems are by Bessie Chandler, Jessie F. O'Donnel, Aubrey De Vere and Frances L. Mace.

The September installment of Mary Agnes Tinchers' novel "To Coronets," is particularly brilliant.

Ex-Governor Rodman M. Price has a paper on "A Moonlight Duel on the San Juan," describing an exciting incident of the war with Mexico.

The Departments are, as usual, very complete. Dr. Hutchinson gives some valuable health advice for September. Literature and Book Reviews receive some special treatment. Timely Topics, Home Department, and the American Pulpit are all filled with interesting matter, and the Portfolio is this month devoted to an amusing sketch.

The October Century closes the 36th volume and 18th year of that periodical. The frontispiece of the number is a portrait of the late Emma Lazarus, the Jewish poet of New York; and in the body of the magazine appears a sympathetic study of the genius and personality of this most interesting woman.

The opening illustrated article of the number is a paper by Richard Jefferies, on "An English Deer Park," with illustrations by Alfred Parsons and Bryan Hook. Theodore Roosevelt closes his Ranch series with an anecdoted paper

On "Frontier Types," the text being expanded by a number of Remington's studies of Western character and incidents. Another illustrated article is on "American Machine Cannon and Dynamite Guns."

"The Prolongation of Human Life" will be treated in an article by G. M. Hammond in the Popular Sceince Monthly for November. Mr. Hammond has collected a large amount of information which shows what have been the habits, occupation, diet, and physique of over 3,500 persons who have reached advanced age.

The October number of the Interna

tional Journal of Surgery and Antisep

tics contains an excellent likeness of the late Dr. C. R. Agnew of New York. The subscription of the Journal is $1.00 a year; single copy 30cts. D. F. King, Manager, P. O. Box 587, New York.

The first number of the University Medical Magazine, edited and published in the interests of the University of Pennsylvania has been issued. Typographically it is very handsome and reflects great credit on the publisher, Dr. Hummell. Its contents are varied and interesting and we predict for it phenomenal success.

"General Announcement of the Philadelphia Dental College and Hospital of Oral Surgery," Philadelphia, Pa.

"A Eulogy Upon Cornelius Rea Agnew," read before the New York Academy of Medicine, by T. Gaillard Thomas, by appointment of the Council.

"The Oxygen Treatment," by John Aulde, M. D., reprint from the Philadelphia Medical Times.

"The Sanitary Value of Pure Water. The Artesian Supply at Memphis, Tenn.," by J.M. Keating's reprint from the Memphis Medical Monthly.

"Session of 1888-9, Annual Announcement of the New York Polyclinic and Hospital," a Clinical School for Graduates in Medicine and Surgery.

"Exopthlalinic Goitre," by Augustus A. Eshner, A. M., M. D. Prize Essay, Jefferson Medical College, 1888.

"Electricity vs. Tait, or the Use of Electricity in Inflammation as Found in Gynecology," by George F. Hulbert, M. D., St. Louis. Reprint from the St. Louis Courier of Medicine.

"Suicide and Legislation," by Clark Bell, Esq. Reprinted from the Medico Legal Journal.

"The Philosophy of Hepatic Affections," by John Aulde, M. D., of Philadelphia. Reprint from the Medical Register.

"Hydriodic Acid, Hypophosphites in Sixth edition. Phthisis." Compliments of R. W. Gardner, New York. "Position, Medication," by J. R. Uhler, M. D., of Baltimore, Md.

"Writing Machines for Doctors," by John Aulde, M. D., of Philadelphia. Reprint from the Medical Register.

"Transactions Medico Legal Society," April session.

"Annual Report of the Commissioner of Pensions for 1888." Washington Government Printing Office, 1888.

"The American Hip Splint," by Dr. A. B. Judson, of New York. Reprint from the transactions of the Ninth International Medical Congress, Vol. III.

"Texas Medical College and Hospital." Announcement of reopening. Session of 1888-89.

SOCIETY REPORTS.

ALLEGHENY COUNTY MEDICAL
SOCIETY.
SPECIAL MEETING, AUGUST 21ST, 1888.
W. M. Brinton, M. D., President, in the Chair.

Dr. T. W. Shaw read the report of committee on the death of Dr. Thomas J. Gallaher:

It is with feelings of profound sorrow that we record the death of Dr. Thomas J. Gallaher, one of our oldest and most efficient members. The death of such