cult to understand in the light of our present knowledge.

ted by climate, who leave home, friends and many comforts to battle with disease under new conditions, any valuable It has been well shown that the putrecontribution to this subject must attract factive processes within the pulmonary attention. At the meeting of the Ameri- tissue are due to or accompanied by the can Climatological Association, held in presence of bacteria, which by their presthis city a few months back, a paper was ence induce a destruction of tissue and a read (see Medical News, July 23, septic poisoning which sooner or later de1887) by Dr. A. L. Loomis, of New stroy life. Any agent which will destroy York, having the title given to this ar- these bacteria, render them inert or article. In this paper Dr. Loomis ex- rest the putrefactive changes which are presses the opinion, which is based upon going on will exercise a beneficial inhis own observations, that evergreen for- fluence upon the disease. Antiseptic inests have a powerful purifying effect halations act in this way; they virtually upon the surrounding atmosphere and wash out the septic lung cavities, arrest septhat it is rendered antiseptic by the tic absorption and for the time being stay chemical combinations which are con- the progress of the disease. It is in keepstantly going on in them. The belief ing with this theory of treatment that the in the curative effects of the atmosphere of Bergeon method has latterly somewhat pine forests, Dr. Loomis well observes, revolutionized the treatment of tubercular is an old one and has long been held phthisis. Dr. Loomis is convinced that not only by physicians, but the non-pro- we have in the atmosphere of the pine fessional public. Whilst various at- forest a most valuable antiseptic and tempts have been made to explain how corrective agent for cleaning lung the beneficial effects of these forests are cavities, correcting putrefactive changes secured, the probable explanation is and arresting the multiplication of bacfound in the emanations from such forests teria. The views of so high an authority which render the air not only aseptic are entitled to eminent consideration. but antiseptic. What this antiseptic It may be pertinent to inquire whether agent is the chemical laboratory has not we may not be able to surround our been able to supply, but it is probable tubercular patients with a pine forest that it is the product of the atmospheric atmosphere within their own homes? In oxidization of turpentine. In support a measure we believe we can. of this view Dr. Loomis cites the fact various instruments at our command that the turpentines alone have been re- make it possible to atomize antiseptic garded as of special service in the treat- agents to such an extent as to render ment of all forms of catarrh, especially them possible of complete inhalation. catarrh of the respiratory surfaces. It is In this way turpentine, eucalyptol oil quite well-known that the atomised and other such antiseptics may be emsolutions and vapors of turpentine are ployed to decided advantage. Indeed of decided value in diseases of the res-such substances are now freely employed piratory organs and have been constant- by the specialist and we would suggest ly used in this class of cases. Turpen- their universal adoption by the general tine is not only a powerful deodorizer practitioner and by all who undertake and antiseptic, but its local and consti- to treat phthisis. tutional effects are those of a powerful

The

germicide as well as stimulant. The THE INFLUENCE OF SALICYLIC ACID presence of this turpentine vapor in oN NORMAL AND ABNORMAL TEMPERAthe pine forest cannot be questioned. TURE.-In a series of experiments conWhatever benefit is derived from the inhalation of this pine forest atmosphere must in the absence of any other known cause be referred to the presence of the turpentine vapor. How this atmosphere can arrest tubercular processes is not diffi

ducted by Dr. H. A. Hare, of Philadelphia (Therapeutic Gazette, July, 1887), the author observes that salicylic acid does reduce normal bodily temperature although these results are directly opposed to those obtained by Professors

See and Fürbringer. Dr. Hare observed, food difficult of digestion, are much however, that the drug has but little more to be dreaded than those due to power over pyretic temperature. He abstinence from food. 7. That stimuconcludes (1) that salicylic acid, when lants are of great value, where needed, acting on either normal or abnormal to meet special indications, but may be temperature, does not seem to have generally discontinued as soon as food much influence on the circulation either can be digested. It will be found as a in regard to pulse-rate or arterial pressure. rule, Dr. Hunter states, that after proAny change, when it occurs, seems longed anæsthesia the stomach is proto be an increase of arterial pressure portionately longer in recovering its rather than a decrease, and this increase tone. It is held that, when the stomach occurred more markedly in the normal continues to reject food, systematic recthan in the pyretic animal. (2) Salicy-tal alimentation should be resorted to lic acid in reducing normal temperature, after the second day. Dr. Hunter has probably acts on both functions, namely, not much faith in milk in this form of production and dissipation, while it nourishment, but prefers some preparaseems to act very uncertainly, and ir- tion of beef, such as strong peptonized regularly when reducing high tempera- beef tea, beef peptonoids, and especially ture, failing frequently, as before stated in critical cases in which nourishment to prevent an increase of bodily heat. by the rectum is the chief depeneence, a mixture of pulp made by scraping rew beef with half of its bulk of pancreatic emulsion. This mixture is alFREDING AFTER SURGICAL OPERA-lowed to stand in water considerably beTIONS.-Dr. Jas. B. Hunter, of New low the boiling point until it liquefies York, holds that the surgeon should not and assumes an homogeneous chocolateconsider his responsibilities at an end like appearance. Two fluid ounces of with the performance of a given opera- this mixture should be administered not tion, but should extend his care and more frequently than every four or five supervision to all the details of the after-hours.-Med. Age treatment, the first and chief of which

Miscellany.

ELECTRICITY IN THE TREATMENT OF

is the proper nourishment of the patient until convalescence is established. The TEDIOUS LABOR AND POST-PARTUM HEMpoint emphasized by the author (Medi- ORRHAGE.-Dr. Fayette reports the folcal Record) are these: lowing case: The patient was a primi1. That personal attention should be para, twenty-three years of age. Twelve given, with precise directions, to the days before labor came on he was ennourishment of the patient after all surgi-gaged to attend her, and on examining cal operations, and that too much should her urine he found it contained a large not be entrusted to the nurse, who can quantity of albumen. When labor comhave no means of knowing the varying menced the woman's face was oedemarequirements of individual cases. 2. tous, pulse 110. Head presented in the That vomiting is to be avoided by every first position. The os uteri was at first means in our power, even if it requires rigid, but gave way after a dose of 30 absolute rest of the stomach for several grains of chloral-hydrate. Uterine condays. 3. That even appropriate food, traction was feeble and ineffectual. where it can be borne, should be given After working twelve hours, a strong in very small quantities, and at regular and rapidly interrupted current of elec intervals. 4. That systematic nourish- tricity was brought to bear on the inert ment by the rectum should be resorted uterus. When the head came down on to promptly if other means fail or are to the perineum the current was stop insufficient. 5. That less food and more ped. After delivery, as the uterus did water should be given if the patient not contract well, a dose of ergot was suffers from fever. 6. That the dangers given. About an hour later the doctor caused by vomiting, by flatulence, or by was called hurriedly upstairs and found

his patient flooding. He at once passed art retained three doctors at an aggrehis hand into the uterus, but did not gate cost of at least $40,000, and called succeed in setting up contraction; he in one of them nearly every day. Mrs. then removed the clots and injected Wm. Astor pays to Dr. Fordyce Barker vinegar, but still no effectual contrac- annually an average of $20,000, always tion took place. The injection of hot sending a check for double or treble the water was equally in vain. The battery amount of each bill rendered. Her idea was then requisitioned, and, with the is that by rewarding his skill and vigipositive electrode in the patient's hand lance liberally she will get the very and the doctor holding the negative best service of which he is capable. electrode in his left hand, he grasped Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt's physician is the flaccid uterus through the abdominal Dr. W. S. Belden, and although her walls with his right hand; the effect health is excellent he is consulted often, was instantaneous, the uterus at once prevention being preferable to cure, becoming powerfully contracted, and doubtless, and the belief is that the the hemorrhage ceased. After a few prevention costs not less than $10,000 minutes the current was discontinued annually.-Exchange. and the bleeding did not recur.-Med. Rec.

NAPHTHOL IN THE TREATMENT OF ENURESIS.-Dr. S. J. Wright, of TallTHE TREATMENT OF ALOPECIA AREATA. madge, O., writes to the Med. Rec.: “I --Schachmann has found the treatment had a case of enuresis, without cystitis of this disease with blisters to be the or calculus or any pain, occurring in a most efficient, and reports ("Ann. derm. neurotic lady thirty-four years old. The et de syph.") twenty-nine cases treated condition had existed since childhood. by him in this way. The duration of No relief had been found in local or his treatment was never more than general treatment. She had been three months; and generally less than obliged to rise many times every night two. In no case were the blisters fol- for years. The quantity of urine passed lowed by erysipelas or other complica- each time was small, the total amount tions. His mode of employing blister for the twenty-four hours being about ing was as follows: A blister as large three pints. A nervous cough had lastas the denuded area is applied upon the ed a year in spite of treatment, and, patch and left on until the bullæ form, fearing bacterial infection, I gave her a then removed, and the blister dressed. No. 2 capsule filled with naphthol, also When the skin is dry, usually on the using the drug in the form of a spray. third day, a new blister is applied, and The enuresis rapidly subsided during so on up to three, six, or even ten blis- this treatment, although no change was ters. The remainder of the head is rub- visible in the appearance of the urine. bed morning and night with oil of tur- A temporary cessation of the naphthol pentine 20 parts, ammonia-water 5 parts, for a few days was promptly followed by and water 100 parts. If there is but a return of the enuresis, which again left one moderate-sized patch or a few small on resuming the drug. She is now free ones, blisters are applied to all simul- from enuresis, and can sleep better than taneously. But if the patch is very ever before. Her throat gives her no large, or when the whole scalp is affect- pain, her cough is nearly gone, and she ed, the head is divided into districts, and can omit naphthol without a return of these are attacked successively. The her enuresis." hair is shaved from about the patches.N. Y. Med. Jour.

TROUBLE AMONG WASHINGTON PHYSICIANS. The daily papers give publicity DOCTORS FEES.-Miss Wolfe, owner of to the following: Last spring Dr. $10,000,000, who lately died, paid Dr. Sowers, of Washington, criticised, William Tod Helmuth $5,000 a year to through the newspapers, the President's doctor her. Mrs. Alexander T. Stew-manner of living, trom a medical point

of view. Surgeon General Hamilton, I have taken pains to gather such partiof the Marine Hospital Service, prefer- culars as I could from others similarly red charges against Dr. Sowers before affected; and, while some have found the Medical Association in Washington relief from tea, caffeine, guarana, merfor unprofessional conduct. These charges curials, podophyllin, the bromides, purwere not sustained by the majority of gatives, emetics, or hot-water draughts, the committee appointed to investigate a considerable proportion have settled Dr. Sowers' case, although a minority down in despairful content to bear their report was prepared convicting him of periodical cross with such resignation as unprofessional conduct. Dr. Sowers they could muster. has now filed charges with the Associa- My object in writing this is to bring tion against Dr. Hamilton. He states to notice a remedy which in my exthat Dr. Hamilton has violated two ar- perience has been wonderfully potent not ticles of the Association regulations in only in cutting short the attack, but in having shown ex-Representative sensibly lessening the frequency of reHazelton the charges which he was currence. I simply give the prescription about to prefer against Dr. Sowers last (empirically), leaving to others the exApril. This was done, it is charged, planation of its action: R Antipyrin with the full knowledge that Mr. Hazel-gr. viij. This, either made into a ton and family were patients of Dr. capsule or simply dissolved in a little Sowers, and was intended to lower him water, should be taken on the recogniin the estimation of his patients.-Med. tion of the attack, the patient lying Rec. down in a quiet darkened room, and resigning himself to rest. After an hour AN AMPUTATION BY A SQUIRREL.-The another similar dose should be brought San Francisco Examiner tells a curi- to the patient and administered. It may ous story of a pet squirrel that had one be that a third or fourth is required, but of its feet so strangulated, in conse- generally sleep or a pleasant langour quence of its becoming entangled in a follows the first or second dose, acstrand of thread, that sloughing took companied by gradual relief from headplace, whereupon the animal gnawed ache. No unpleasant after-effect of any the bones apart at a joint, thus complet-kind is felt, but, on the contrary, the ing the amputation. But in the course appetite at once returns and the sufferer of a few days it became evident that is well. there was not enough flap to cover the bone, and then the squirrel pushed aside the soft parts with its nose, and gnawed off the bone at a higher point. The result of this was, that in a fortnight the stump had healed and looked "as perfect as if a surgeon had done the work."-N. Y. Med. Journal.

I have noticed also that railway traveling, heated rooms, and other usually exciting causes of the headache can be afterwards borne with more impunity than before, and I would suggest a water to be taken by sufferers, before subjecting themselves to such conditions, as a prophylactic.

In this context I have not tried the ANTIPYRIN IN BILIOUS HEADACHE.-newer, cheaper, and more potent antiDr. John Ogilvy, British Medical Jour- febrin, but experiment might be made nal, July 16th, 1887, says: I have been in this direction also, and a further step struck with the want of success that has taken to relieve one of the commonest attended the treatment of a large number and most worrying of the "slighter ailof cases of what is popularly termed ments" which our advanced civilisa"bilious headache"-a distressing and re-tion (?) has brought upon us. current condition from which so many

suffer. The predisposing and exciting THE TREATMENT OF HYDROCELE.-Dr. causes are legion, and are tolerably well Teden at has followed one hundred and recognised both by the victims and their fifty patients, whom he has treated by medical attendants. Myself a sufferer, iodine injection, for from six months to

THE MECHANICAL TREATMENT OF SKIN

five years or more; there were eight plunged into pails containing a 1 per recurrences in the first four months, and cent. solution of corrosive sublimate. A in all twelve per cent. But if, instead teaspoonful of a 2 per cent. solution of of the more attenuated solutions, pure lactic acid should be given to the infant tincture of iodine is introduced, the per- a quarter of an hour before putting it to centage of the recurrence is reduced to the breast. From five to eight doses are two or three per cent. According to given in twenty-four hours, which reprethe partisans of incision of the scrotum sents about 40 to 60 centigrammes of and excision of the tunica vaginalis, re- pure lactic acid. - British Medical currence should never occur; but as a Journal. matter of fact it does, sometimes, at least. Bergmann excises the entire tunica vaginalis. The author has performed DISEASES.-In the treatment of acne this operation fifteen times, and all the vulgaris, rosacea, sycosis in its chronic cases were cured. While he does not form, trichophytosis barbe with nodular know of a death from iodine injections, lesions, and lupus erythematosus, Rosenan accident, which is not rare, consists thal ("Vrtljsschr. f. Derm. u. Syph.") in losing a drop of the fluid in the recommends multiple scarifications folscrotum, giving rise to the phlegmon; lowed by massage. The scarifications besides infiltration of iodine into the should be made in all directions, and scrotum there may be suppurating peri- with a small, fine, sharp scalpel. He vaginalitis; however, these accidents are of little gravity. Incision doubtless perfers this to any multiple-bladed inought to obviate these accidents if it is the scarifications has ceased, he strokes After the bleeding following aseptic, but asepsis is particularly diffi- the part in a centripetal direction for cult to insure in this region. The true five or ten minutes, using one or two danger of iodine injection is hemor- fingers or a piece of dry lint. Then the rhagic perivaginalitis; accordingly, he believes that excision should be per- He thinks that he has produced better repart is to be washed and left uncovered. formed in case of ancient hydrocele with sults with this method than with the thick and but slightly transparent walls; parallel incisions commonly employed in ordinary hydrocele, translucid, with alone.-N. Y. Medical Journal. thin walls and without calcification, the treatment of election is iodine injection; a small quantity of tincture of iodine should be injected and allowed to remain in the tunica vaginalis.-Annals of Surgery, May, 1887.

strument.

BINIODIDE OF MERCURY AS AN ANTI

SEPTIC.-Dr. L. M. Cheifetz, of Professor Grube's surgical clinique, in Kharkov, fully supports (Vratch, No. 22, 1887, p. 448) Dr. Bolshesolsky's statements as to INFANTILE DYSPEPSIA.-At a recent the powerful antiseptic properties of binmeeting of the Académie de Médecine, iodide of mercury (see JOURNAL, April M. Hayem read a paper on the treat- 9th, 1887, p. 789). He used the binment of dyspepsia in infancy, and espe- iodide dressing in sixty cases (including cially that form of it which is accompain- ovariotomy, lithotomy, hernitomy, reseced by green-colored diarrhoea. He tion of the kneejoint, removal of the points out that the green color seen in breast, etc.), in all with most satisfactory diarrhoea of infants at the breast is due results. The salt was employed in much to a substance produced by a particular less quantity than is necessary in the case bacillus. He maintains that the disease of corrosive sublimate. The sole drawis contagious, and that the germs de- back of the biniodide is said to be its posited on the napkins from the stools price. Among the sixty cases eczema are contaminating agents. All linen or was developed in five, and symptoms of flannel, therefore, which is soiled either gastric disorder appeared in by vomited matter or dejecta should be during the treatment. - Brit. Med. removed as quickly as possible, and Jour.

three