our next.

PROSTATIC ATROPHY AND MUMPS

Editor Medical Summary:

The close connection between the parotid gland and the testes is well known. That an attack of parotitis may result in atrophy of the testes, in aspermia or azoospermia with complete sterility is also well known. Hardly known, however, is the connection between the parotid and the prostate, and still less known is the fact that an attack of parotitis may cause atrophy of the prostate without apparent involvement of the testicles and the spermatogenetic function. The sterility may, however, be just as absolute nevertheless, for a normal prostatic secretion is an important constituent of normal seminal fluid, and its absence seems in many instances to be alone responsible for the lack of fertilizing power of the latter.

The writer has had seven cases of partial or complete (so complete that not a vestige of prostatic tissue could be made out) atrophy of the prostate, in which an antecedent parotitis seemed to be the sole etiologic factor; in some of these cases (five) the atrophy was accompanied by atrophy of the testicles; in two the testicles seemed to be unaffected. These interesting cases will be reported in detail later on. But the object of these lines is to call the attention of the profession to the connection between the parotid and the prostate and to ask them to report either in the pages of your journal or to me directly, any cases of prostatic atrophy in which parotitis was the positive or probable etiologic factor.

The relationship existing between far distant glands, organs and the tissues and the genital organs forms a fascinating field of study and research.

WM. J. ROBINSON, M. D. 12 Mt. Morris Park, W., New York City.

ABRASIONS OF THE SKIN

Editor Medical Summary:

Abrasions of the skin may be made in various ways and by different things, such as the edge of a knife of some kind, the point of a pin or needle, the edge of a razor while shaving, and by the claws or teeth of dogs, cats, squirrels, etc. They may also be made by pieces of glass and sometimes by falls on the ground, or in other ways as from barbed wire. An abrasion may be superficial, just a mere scratch on the surface, or it may be a little deeper so that blood is drawn, and then it is more painful and harder to heal. Sometimes a great deal of trouble may be caused by a slight scratch, more often in an unhealthy person, if it becomes infected, and this, of course, makes it more difficult to treat.

Abrasions of the skin are perhaps more common on some parts of the hands or fingers, more so than on other parts of the body, on account of their being so much exposed and utilized for all kinds of work. The face and neck are also frequently subjected to abrasions, because they are also exposed, while the covered parts of the body for obvious reasons are less frequently bruised. When an abrasion of the skin occurs, it may not be known just what is the proper thing to do, and more so, if it is bleeding to a great extent. If it is a jagged scratch and occurs on the face or neck, it is, of course, necessary to heal it up as neatly and quickly as possible. There are a number of things that can be put on a scratch, such as solutions and various ointments. Carbolic, tincture iodine and alcohol, equal parts have been tried; tincture iodine has been tried alone, but these are not so good to put on abrasions.

One of the best solutions to use on a superficial abrasion, or a deeper one, to heal it quickly and check any bleeding, no matter

where it occurs, is equal parts of tincture perchloride of iron and water or glycerin: or the tincture muriate of iron may be used. The next best thing that is useful in such instances is tincture benzoin compound; silver nitrate is also good, in solution or stick to apply to an abrasion. Witch hazel having some healing properties may also be used as a household remedy. In the order named, the above solutions seem to have value as applications. Of course, before using it is always better to cleanse the abrasion with an antiseptic solution, but in mere scratches this is hardly necessary.

JOHN C. WARBRICK, M.D. Suite 29, 306 E. Forty-third St., Chicago, Ill.

COMPULSORY VACCINATION

Editor Medical Summary:

One hundred and sixteen years have passed since vaccination was introduced to be tested by experience and observation, in order to verify its supposed analogy to kine-pox or variola and its apparent prevention of the latter. It seems as though the length of time for clinical observation would have removed all doubts from scientific observers as to its absolute reliability as a prophylactic to small-pox and also as a modifier of its fatal and disagreeable ravages where it fails to prevent it altogether; but it has not yet presented itself to the people nor the profession in such a way as to secure the universal approval thereof.

There is a difference of opinion as to the period for which it will give immunity, and also the respective potency of the bovine and human virus, for a great many seem to think it is void altogether of prophylactic power and that it is dangerous, promoting toxemia and generating cancer. This want of harmony in the minds of observers is rather peculiar in relation to the above pathological fact, and shows the connection between disease and treatment and natural immunity which exists in many as a result of physiologic integrity.

Some people have a natural immunity from all contagions, seemingly, which must be due to the fact that they have good digestion and make good blood, which is the life from wholesome food. This accordingly imparts to them a sense of security, through the sensory apparatus, which leaves them without fear.

I have been a moderate believer in vaccination myself, but, I must admit, in order to be candid, that my observations in my professional career, have not confirmed me in favor of its reliability, for I have known people to contract the disease, though they have been thoroughly vaccinated. Therefore, my personal observations forbid me to join in promoting compulsary vaccination, and to make that a test for admission to schools. And some even desire to compel this arbitrary legislation to be enforced every year. In California, I am informed, that the Court has given a decision that every student registered there must submit to it. Now this is onesided; if the State demands, as one of the conditions of entering that institution, compulsary vaccination, then, I believe it should be held responsible for any of the damages done to the personal liberty and the consequences incidental to the practice of this tyrannical law.

Who is to give the student compensation if he becomes a victim of cancer, or is so maimed that he cannot obtain his university education, through submitting to this law and being deprived of the personal liberty of every American citizen?

I wish to remark here, that as to the period of immunity supposed to be afforded by vaccination, those who advocate yearly vaccination are unreasonable, unless it is indicated. It may be of some interest to a doctor who has pull enough to promote his financial prospects by being in the field as a vaccinator; but as a physiological theory worthy at least of consideration, in relation to the length of time that vaccination will give immunity, I would suggest that as there is a physiological process going on all the time normally, and which results in the complete renewal of our body-the removal of the old cells and the replacing by new-and this process requiring seven years, I naturally call it the physiological Septennial Cycle and would conceive this to be a safe period to allow for vaccination to be considered protective, if protective at all. Therefore, we should not make an effort to revaccinate, when accurate data is obtainable of a scar, which would indicate a successful vaccination within the period of seven years.

England, Ark.

W. M. ALTER, M.D.

A PLEA FOR THE OLD DOCTOR

Editor Medical Summary:

I have read with great interest the letter from Dr. Albert Bjornson in the February issue of The Summary giving a plan in brief outline for assisting the old doctor in his indigent dependent old age. The plea has been made before, and will again be made before a perfected plan is adopted by an interested profession. Any thing, any plan, any idea, no matter how interesting, must be brought time and again before the profession in order to develop that interest. We read, we reflect, we agree, in thought at least, but fail to help along the plan by personal discussion. It is the prerogative of the great A.M.A. to see the need of some action being taken and agitating the matter so strongly that action will be taken.

It is not enough to say that all doctors should so arrange their affairs during the heyday of their youth and mature years that the approach of old age should find them with a coffer well-lined with the means to offset dependency. That is true enough, we do often neglect the coming time when our earning ability must necessarily grow less, and fail to make preparation for this period of life. Also it is true that our financial investments are often failures through lack of proper attention, and the savings of years may be swept away in a moment. No matter what the cause, there are many who are forced to become dependent by reason of ill-health or what-not, and deserve our support. The fraternal orders recognize this obligation and prepare for it by founding homes for the old members of their order, and it has been suggested that the members of the greatest fraternal order be brought more closely in touch by founding lodges where this fraternal feeling can be more adequately developed and make

of our

profession an organization worthy of the name, an organization for good, where concentrated effort will produce the most effective results.

It is a fascinating and far-reaching enterprise, worthy of our best efforts, and calling for individual support. It is one of the greatest problems now seeking solution by an organized medical profession, and it is to be hoped that those occupying positions of authority, whose interested support will give the plea for the old doctor the necessary impetus to

[Some of us, no doubt, will get old some day, and perhaps not all of us may be able to keep the wolf from the door, as the saying goes; in such a case, those members of the profession should in some way be taken care of for the balance of their lives; therefore, this "Plea for the Old Doctor" is certainly an interesting subject and we invite the profession to discuss, in The Summary columns the pros and cons. It will be interesting and in harmony with advanced ideas on the practical solution of the problem, which now faces the medical profession relative to superannuated seniors.-Ed.]

"THROW MEDICINE TO THE DOGS"

Editor Medical Summary:

Shakespeare's Macbeth said: "Throw medicine to the dogs-I'll have none of it." There are people to-day who pretend to think that there is no efficacy in medicine. That any one suffering from pneumonia, typhoid fever, acute rheumatism, or any other painful or dangerous disease, should ignore the palliative and curative effects of medicine, is virtually a suicide.

Christian Scientists may thus go on to their physical undoing and die, but when it comes to withholding the means of relief and cure from others, this is simply a crime and should be punished with the law's limit. I was for a good while bored by a friend who kept laying Christian Science literature on my office table, and some two months ago, he was seized with a vertiginous attack-falling in his office. He said that when he regained his senses (?) he got in communication with a Christian Science practitioner (?) and she dispelled the trouble promptly. He didn't know that he would have done just the same if he had never communicated with her. The

attack was a threatened apoplexy, for not many weeks later, while in his buggy, he was

Editor Medical Summary:

Medicus in omne aevum nobilis; and if there is among men and in the learned professions one to which the word devine may justly be used as a qualifying word, that calling, that vocation, and that profession is-Medicine. In it there is no room for weaklings, but the firstlings of the flock-those with hearts within them and God overhead.

Brother, "read not to criticise, but to accept, or reject, or to consider."

Remember, Brother, the cowl does not always make a monk (Cucullunon facit monachum), nor the title M. D. always make the ideal doctor. Be yourself, the ideal which you want others in medicine to become, and console yourself with the words:

"That I spent I had;
That I give I have;
That I left I lost."

and that to be the ideal doctor, one must possess Soloman's wisdom, the patience of Job, the strength of Samson, the bravery of Joshua, the eloquence of St. Paul, the meekness of Moses, the faith of Abraham, the charity of Dorcas, the executive ability of Jezebel, and to be a hunter like Nimrod, a fisher like Peter, a climber like Zaccheus, and a driver like Jehu. He should be free of Asa's gout, the melancholy of Saul, the gastric infelicity of Timothy, and have all the virtues of the most virtuous, and the religion of "All Saints." He should have the finest conception of duty, responsibility, kindness manual skill, beauty and sociability, and these may be defined as "moral senses," which his profession encourages and experience fully develops.

"Ideals are not for those only whose heads tower above ours and the very soles of whose

feet seem to walk over the clouds, but for all of us, who take pride in admiring great examples and try to follow them," are the words of Abraham Jacobi, M. D. LL.D., New York City, who is the most venerable and worthy "master mind" in America, and a "Father in Medicine." He will be known in the centuries to come, as he is now known. He of the cheap medical college and he who is known as "Doc" cannot be influenced by any Ideal.

JAMES S. SPRAGUE, M. D. 187 George St., Belleville, Ont.