MEDICO-LEGAL ASPECTS OF HYPNOTISM.-At a meeting of the Medico-Legal Society, New York, Dr. E. P. Thwing, in behalf of the Committee on Hypnotics reported some facts indicative of progress in scientific inquiry in this line of research. He said: "The literature of the subject is growing opulent-a thousand titles are now recorded. The number of reputable investigators increases. Taken out of the hands of those whose aims and methods cast discredit on it, Hypnotism is studied by members of each of the learned professions, vitally related as it is to the interests of which they are the natural custodians. It is safe to say that these facts are established: 1. Hypnosis, or artificial trance-sleep, is a subjective phenomenon. Here modern science joins issue with old-time. Mesmerism, the theory of some mysterious efflux from the operator.. Hypnosis may be self-induced from expectation alone, through fright, by religious ecstasy or any enrapturing emotion. 2. Hypnosis is not in itself a disease. Neurotic conditions predispose one to the trance sleep, but the strongest minds have also been enthralled. Their recorded visions have been an open book for centuries. 3. Hypnosis is recognized in three stages-Lethargy, Somnambulism and Catalepsy. The transition may be immediate. The second is instantly in duced in trained sensitives. 4. Hypnosis has been serviceable in medical and surgical practice, both as a therapeutic agent, and in some cases as an efficient and safe anæsthetic. 5. The illusory impressions created by Hypnosis may be made to dominate and tyrannize the subsequent actions of the subject. The following LEGAL ASPECTS present themselves: 1. Has the sensitive sought the operator, or has the operator used undue influence to gain control of him? 2. Are proper witnesses present? 3. Are possible elements of error eliminated, such as self-deception, simulation and malingering? 4. Is Hypnosis a justifiable inquisitorial agent? No. 5. Do we need a reconstruction of the laws of evidence, in view of the perversion, visual and otherwise, created by the trance? No. 6. Is any revision of the Penal Code desirable in view of these facts? No. Finally, should there be legal surveillance over private experiments or publie exhibitions? This he answers, yes, but some legal and medical men present thought it would only advertise and extend the evil it sought to limit, if such legal interference were attempted. HYDRATE OF AMYL IN EPILEPSY.The experience of the use of this drug in doses of from five to eight grams per day, in the cases of seven epileptics, is related. Two of the patients, previously subject to from nine to eleven attacks per month, remained free from them as long as the drug was taken; in a third improvement seemed to take place at first; in the remaining four no appreciable effect was produced on the number or severity of the fits. In all seven there was produced by the drug a great desire for sleep, and after it was left off the rest was disturbed; and in cases in which previously sleep had been sound and undisturbed, it now became light and broken. In three patients, also, after the medicine was left off, there were for several days series of fits, although those patients previously had not, as a rule, had more than one or two convulsions in the day.-Therapeutische Monatshefte. THE ACTIVE PRINCIPLE OF PARSLEY IN AMENORRHEA AND DYSMENORRHOEA. -Various methods for the extraction of the active principles of parsley have been proposed from time to time, but there has always been a want of uniformity in the therapeutic results obtained with the so-called Apiol preparations, hitherto found in commerce. With a view to obtain a reliable product, M. Chapoteaut recommenced a study of the plant and finally adopted a new process for the extraction of a thick, reddish liquid boiling at 275° C. (527° F.) specific gravity 1.113. This is a product totally different from true Apiol (Von Gerichten), since the latter is a solid melting at 30° and boiling at 300° C., and different from the Essence of the Oil of Parsley, boiling at 160° C., while its reddish color indicates that it cannot be confounded with ordinary so-called commercial Apiol, which is a yellow or green liquid having an approximate specific gravity of 1.07. This new substance therefore has been named Apioline (Apiolinum) by M. Chapoteaut, and clinical experiments show it to be the true active principle of the plant. Dr. Laborde* has made an exhaustive study of the action of apioline and its derivatives, cariol, etc., on animals, which indicates that it stimulates the circulatory system of the intestines and genitals, causing vascular congestion of the uterus and ovaries, and exciting contraction of the smooth muscular fibres of the genital organs, especially of the uterus and ovaries. Experiments made on female guinea pigs, and dogs, demonstrated this special action in a very decided manner and corresponding genital excitement was also observed in males. These results have been remarkably confirmed by their therapeutic application in the French Hospitals. Apioline Chapoteaut administered in spherical capsules 20 centigrammes each, always relieved the pain in spasmodic and congestive dysmenorrhoea, cases in which principal reliance should be placed on equalizing the circulation and *J. Laborde, directeur des Travaux Physiologiques a la Faculte de Medicine de Paris.-Tribune Medicale, January 8, 1891. increasing the power of the ovarian nisus. In amenorrhoea, where the menses had been suppressed even for a considerable length of time, the flow promptly reappeared. In fact, all cases depending on uterine troubles amenable to internal treatment, and where a correct diagnostis of the symptoms had been made and suitable hygienic treatment observed, this drug relieved the suppression, regulated and prevented or removed the accompanying pain, and proved to be the most powerful emmenagogue with which we are familiar. In cases of scanty or deficient menstruation with pain, etc., one capsule can be given after meals, thrice daily for a week before the expected period, as recommended by Dr. Fordyce Barker.† R-Apoliini, grm. iv, (about zj). ft. Capsule, No. xx. (Chapoteaut.) Sig., take three each day during the week preceding menstruation. It is especially appropriate when amenorrhoea depends upon anemia. The same authority suggests the administration of aloine or podophyllotoxin when amenorrhoea and dysmenorrhea are complicated with constipation. Although apioline is looked on as a specific for menstrual disorders by many gynecologists, it must not be forgotten that these troubles are often subordinate or associated with a general atony of the system, which requires tonics, hematics (Ferrum Sanguinis) and suitable hygienic agents. Finally, Apioline Chapoteaut cannot be expected to remove dysmenorrhoea depending on mechanical obstruction of the cervical canal-causes of failure which are sometimes overlooked. Dr. Vadeboncoeur, after a series of trials with Apioline, writes: "I have obtained excellent results in painful cases of dysmenorrhoea. One lady patient who was an hysterical subject, +See Shoemaker's Materia Medica and Therapeutics, Vol. II, page 447. and who was obliged to use injections of morphine to relieve the pain, has found this unnecessary since I prescribed Apioline." Dr. C. Hewson Bradford, of Philadel. phia, November 21, 1890, reports: "I have used it successfully in amenorrhoea, Miss H., at 19 years, had always been irregular; her menses were always scanty and for the last two months they had been absent. She expected her menses on November 17th, so on the 12th instant I gave her the Apioline Capsules and requested her to take one morning and evening until after her sickness had appeared to-day I visited her and found her much improved. She stated that menstruation had begun early on the morning of the 18th inst."-Kansas City Medical Record. Dr. C. T. Parkes, of Chicago, is dead. Dr. Parkes had attained to the front rank of American surgeons. His death resulted from pneumonia following an attack of influenza. A Doctor's, Dispute-Dr. George Baird, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was shot and killed by Dr. G. I. Garrison, on account of a misunderstanding arising out of a death certificate. FRAULINA SCORBILIS IN DYSENTERY.-Dr. Aphel employs the power of fraulina scorbilis in doses of seven grains every two or three hours. It is indicated chiefly in adynamic forms of the disease.Los Avisos Sanitarios. CONGRESS OF AMERICAN PHYSICIANS AND SURGEONS.-The meetings of the Congress of American Physicians and Surgeons will be held in Washinton from 3 to 6 P. M., September 22nd, 23rd, 24th, and 25th, 1891. William Pepper, Chairman of the Executive Committee. The price of quinine has declined to such an extent that manufacturers have organized a gigantic trust to advance it. One German firm has refused to cooper ate, and until it is crushed from exist ence there will be strife as bitter as the drug. The price will remain low until the refractory firm is disposed of and then fever and chills will be in luxnry. thinks there is no evidence to show that PASTEURISM. Dr. Frank S. Billings hydrophobia is non-recurrent, that we have no report of a recovery in an undoubted case. He thinks Pasteur's statistics dishonest and that Pasteurism is itself a regular mania to which rabbies bears direct relation. The statistics of mad-stones and Pasteur's plaster are par nobile fratrem.-Ex. Dr. H. Augustus Wilson, Professor of General and Orthopedic Surgery in the Philadelphia Polyclinic and College for Graduates in Medicine, has been elected Lecturer on Orthopedics in the Jefferson Medical College and Surgeon in charge of the Orthopedic Department. of the Jefferson Medical College Hospital, in the place of Dr. O. H. Allis, resigned. Dr. Bransford Lewis has resigned the editorship of the St. Louis Weekly Medical Review, and will soon leave for an extensive and protracted trip in Europe. Dr. Lewis will act as special correspondent for the St. Joseph Medical Herald during his absence, furnishing monthly letters. Dr. G. W. Broome will succeed Dr. Lewis as editor of the Review. -Med. Age. Dr. Waugh has been a member of the Faculty of the Philadelphia MedicoChirurgical College ever since it opened its doors as a teaching institution, in 1881. During the first term he gave the first course on therapeutics, and was then transferred to the chair of Practice, which he has since occupied. His resignation takes effect at the end of the present term.-Med. Age. Prof. Holland directs that in making ferric hydrate, the antidote for arsenic, calcined magnesia or aqua ammonia in excess should be added to tincture of chloride of iron, both being well shaken up together. In this way, fiij of the tincture of chloride of iron yield enough of the ferric-hydrate to be an antidote. for ten grains of arsenious acid.-C. and C. Record. In the examination of urine, Prof. Holland states that the healthy standard of specific gravity is between 1015 and 1025. If the specific gravity remains persistently below the former figure, there may be reason to suspect albuminuria or diabetes insipidus. If it remains persistently about 1030 diabetes mellitus may be suspected. In either case the urine should be carefully examined.-C. and C. Record. Prof. Da Costa states that the temperature in fevers ranges from 100° to 106°, but in typhoid fever a temperature of 105° indicates a very serious condition of the patient; but recovery has been known to take place in other diseases, such as cerebral rheumatism, neuralgia, etc., where the temperature registered was much higher than the temperatures above mentioned.-C. and C. Record. PUNCTURE AND COLLODION IN HYDROCELE. For the treatment of hydrocele Leroy recommends that one-third or one-fourth of the fluid be withdrawn by means of an aspirator, after which the whole scrotum is painted with a thick layer of collodion, which is to be renewed every 24 hours. A cure results in from 12 to 15 days. M. Broquet also has employed this treatment with suc cess in three cases. RAORI RESIN.-A report from Noumea, by M. Formet, speaks favorably of the use of Raori resin-otherwise called Sydney gum or Caledonian balsam—as a suitable medium for the external application of antiseptics. It forms a coating over the wounded surfaces. In cutaneous affections it is of great service; and also in the treatment of sprains and fractures when the limb must be kept rigid.-The Druggists' Circular. Medical Examiner and Surgeon for the B. & O. S. W. R. R. says: I am not in the habit of giving testimonials, yet unsolicited, I desire to say to the Medical Profession that in all forms of heart complications, Cactina Pillets (Sultan) will not disappoint them. It is to the heart what Quinine is to malaria. My extensive use of the drug as prepared DR. W. S. Hoy, of Wellston, O. by the Sultan Drug Co., fully warrants me in saying that it has no equal in the treatment of tobacco heart, angina pectoris, intermittent pulse, cardiac palpitation, anæmia, dropsy resulting from heart disease-heart failure, cerebral neuralgia and as a certain heart nutrient and strengthener, it will not disagree with the stomach and is entirely devoid of accumulative action. BORIC ACID IN ENDOMETRITIS.-Dr. A. Duke, advises the treatment of endometritis by boric acid, locally applied, by means of a curved hard rubber tube, fitted with a piston. The boric acid is blown into the uterine canal thereby, and is also dusted on the vaginal walls. The procedure in its essence has been anticipated by Drs. H. N. Moyer and Harriet C. B. Alexander in their treatment of leucorrhoea.-Brit. Med. Jour. COUGH.-Dr. Beck gives for troublesome cough of a violent paroxysmal nature, the following mixture: B Coacin. hydrochlorat., gr. ij. aa mxx. Aquæ, q. s. ad. fziv. M. Sig., one dessertspoonful every two hours, till the cough is relived, then less frequently. To be swallowed slowly. Ex. A SYMPATHETIC DOCTOR:-Dr. Hill, a well known physician down East had usually an aristocratic air, which gave no hint to the real tenderness of his heart. A gentleman once entering suddenly the doctor's office was surprised to find him weeping aloud. The intruder was about to retire, when Dr. H. remarked, “sit down, I was thinking of Willie who has been sick with scarlet fever, it was a severe case, but I had it under control, when his aunt gave him a hot doughnut to eat. He is now at death's door, with not one chance in a hundred, of living." The visitor expressed sorrow at the probable issue, when the impatient doctor, regaining something of his natural equilibrium exclaimed, "I don't particularly care about the boy, but I'm sorry that this aunt cannot be put out of the way before she murders another patient with her doughnuts! " E VOSWINKEL.-Hydrocele at surgical clinic in Heidelberg. Author reports on upward of 90 cases, with brief histories. Forty-eight cases were treated by aspiration and injection of iodine solution. Average duration of recovery, 7 to 8 days, with 6 recurrences. Several cases of simple paracentesis, and some in which carbolic acid and corrosive sublimate were injected. Twenty-five cases with radical operation; average time of recovery, 23 days; one recurrence. In four cases, tests were removed.-Gavie, Tubingen. ALASKAN OBSTETRICS.-The natives put a woman out of doors when she is about to be a mother. The sufferings, of such can easily be imagined and the ill health of the children understood. Dr. Clarance Thwing, son of Professor Thwing of Brooklyn, in charge of Sitka hospital, has begun work at his own private expense, on a retreat which he names the St. John's Maternity. Here he will receive and care for native women in childbirth whom heathenism their supremest need. neglects and maltreats in the hour of MAYERS OINTMENT, according to J. U. Lloyd, is made as follows: To olive oil, 2 pounds, add white turpentine, pound; beeswax, unsalted butter, of each 4 ounces: melt them together and heat to nearly a boiling point. Then add gradually red lead 1 pound and stir constantly until the mixture becomes black or brown; then remove from the fire, and when it has become somewhat cool, add to it a mixture of honey, 12 ounces, and powered camphor, pound. Lard can be used instead of butter. - Western Druggist. - |