lumbar, but less pronounced. The infiltration, however, here extended rather further in a posterior direction; and, moreover, the lesions were slightly more marked in the left than in the right half. In the filum terminale the vessels were dilated in the anterior horns, and a few nerve cells in the outer part had their processes somewhat obscured. In all parts the changes were most marked at the point of entrance of the antero-lateral artery. Micro-organism were sought for, but not found. Some degenerate fibers were found in the trunks of the ulnar and sciatic nerves.-London Lancet.

EFFECT OF CERTAIN SUBSTANCES ON THE RED CORPUSCLES.-M. Mayet, of Lyons, read an interesting paper at the recent meeting of the French Association for the Advancement of Science, in which he gave an account of the effects of various neutral salts and of chloral on the red corpuscles of the blood. Solutions of the strength of 1 or 2 per cent of chloride of sodium, chloride of potassium, sulphate of soda, pho-phate of soda, bicarbonate of soda, and sulphate of magnesia, all at first temporarily destroy the elasticity of the corpuscles, and then dissolve or disintegrate the stroma. Solutions of the strength of five per cent or more diminish the size of the corpuscles and harden them. The chloride of sodium has the most preservative primary action, but is most destructive on prolonged contact As is well known it has been reccommended for washing the blood (in a 0.6 per cent solution) in certain cases of poisoning. Sulphate of soda has a great tendency to preserve the chemical properties of the corpuscles, but make them much more rigid than does chloride of sodium. It is not suited for intravenous injections, but is very useful in the laboratory for washing the corpuscles before preparing hemoglobin from them. For this purpose it is better than the 3-per-cent solution of chloride of sodium, which is commonly employed, but which has a considerable tendency to dissolve the corpuscles. Chloride of potas-ium has a great preservative action, but can not be used for intravenous injections, owing to its toxicity. Carbonate of soda in weak solutions is very preservative. Phosphate of soda in weak solutions renders the corpuscles rigid for a long time; it preserves their form well, and so is useful in diluting the blood for the purpose of counting the corpuscles. Sulphate of magnesia does not dissolve them, but changes their shape more than any of the other salts. Hydrate of chloral is very destructive to the corpuscles when it is in a concentrated solution, but not when it is of le-s strength than 5 per cent. Inravenous injections of the latter, which may

be repeated several times daily, are very val uable in tetanus, in uremic convulsions, to calm the violent spasmodic attacks in rabies, and in some painful diseases where hypodermic injections of morphia are inefficacious or badly borne. The effects on the heart, respiration, and urine must be carefully watched.-Ibid.

Dr.

PROFESSOR DENNIS ON RECURRENT APPENDICITIS. The propriety of removing the appendix vermiformis during the intervals of recurrent attacks of appendicitis is the subject of a very carefully written paper by Dr. Fred S. Dennis, surgeon to Bellevue and St. Vincent's Hospitals, New York, published in the Medical News Dr. Dennis is well known to have large views of the powers of surgery, practiced under antiseptic precautions, in the observance of which he is most precise. Nevertheless he decidedly discourages the removal of the appendix in cases of recurrent appendicitis. He maintains that the operation should not be regarded as either easy or trivial. He shows that in the great majority of cases the disease does not recur. In the eleven per cent in which it does recur, and even in the majority of these, the termination of the disease is in resolution. The other two modes of termination are the formation of pus and the evacuation of the abscess, or in perforation and general peritonitis. The question of the removal of the appendix can only arise in recurrent cases. Dennis strongly objects to it in the interval of attacks, because he considers it dangerous to the patient, and because, for various reasons, the latter may never again be endangered by the disease. Either the attacks may have destroyed the lumen of the appendix, or have so surrounded the parts by adhesions as to make abscess and even perforation comparatively sate. Even in the emergency of a general peritonitis from perforation laparotomy may save life. In preference to removal of the appendix in the interval of attacks he would recommend early incision and, if necessary, excision at an early stage, say the second or third day of an actual attack. It is gratifying to find the boldest surgeons, and those most confident in their antiseptic methods, speaking in terms of warning and conservatism as to unnecessary surgical interference, and especially removal of parts, and we feel sure that Dr. Dennis in these views expres-es the general feeling of the best surgeons. The most obvious fact to practitioners is the large number of such cases that r solve and remain permanently quiescent.-Ibid.

AMOUNT OF SUGAR IN BLOOD IN DISEASE. Dr. N. P. Tinkler recently read before the Kharkoff Medical Society a paper on the Diag

no-tic Significance of the quantity of Sugar and Reducing Substances in the blood, in which he detailed a number of observations he had carried out on patients in Professor Grube's surgical clinic, the majority of whom were suffering from cancer. The blood of some was taken for examination during an operation, that of the rest being only obtained after death. The examination was in all cases made by means of two processes, that of Fehling Soxhlet and that of Knapp (Knapp's solution consists of cyanide of mercury di-solved in caustic alkali), the mean of the two results being taken. He found that the blood during life always contains less sugar than after death, and that that of persons suffering from cancer contains a larger proportion of sugar and reducing substances than that of healthy persons or of persons suffering from other diseases. Affections of internal organs appeared to be accompanied by a greater percentage of sugar in the blood than diseases of the skin or of external parts. degree of emaciation produced by cancer did not seem to have any direct effect upon the quantity of sugar in the blood. There did not seem to be any real correspondence between the amounts of sugar and other reducing substances; the sugar was much more constant in its amount, the quantity of the other reducing substances being liable to very considerable variations. In the observations made on various diseased conditions the following were the amounts of sugar found: Cancer 0 1678 per cent to 0 2037 per cent; typhoid fever, 0.0950 per cent; pneumonia, 0.0943 per cent; dysentery, 0.0838 per cent; organic diseases of the heart, 0.0737 per cent; peritonitis, 0.701 per cent; phthisis, 0.0653 per cent; syphilis, 0.0553 per cent; nephritis, 0.0489 per cent; hematuria, 0.0375 per cent.-Ibid.

The

STERILIZED MILK. So-called "sterilized milk" by no means always deserves its name, in some cases being much fuller of germs than ordinary unboiled milk fresh from the cow. Herr Kohlmann, of Leipsic, on subjecting two specimens of milk sold as sterilized to exami nation, found that one of them really was so, no germs being discoverable, while the other specimen contained 350,000 germs per cubic centimeter. For the purpose of comparison other examinations were made, and it was found that a sample of fresh milk bought in the street contained about 160,000 germs per cubic centimeter; that is to say, less than half the number in the second sample of so-called sterilized milk. Milk boiled in the kitchen contained 158 germs per cubic centimeter; distilled water kept in an open vessel, 430; water

works water, 1,064, and water from the Hofbrunnen, 12,000. Herr Kohlmann suggests that the failure of whatever process was used to sterilize the milk may have been due either to water having been mixed with the milk before the process was commenced, or perhaps to too long a time having been allowed to elapse between milking and sterilizing. This last point exercises a very great effect, as is shown by Freudenreich's observations. He found that milk which, when received, contained only 9,300 germs to the cubic centimeter, after being kept for three hours at 60°F. contained 10,000; after six hours, 250,000. and after twenty-four hours no less than 5,700,000. It would, the refore, appear that our knowledge of the conditions under which milk may be really sterilized is at present somewhat insufficient, and that reports of the results of the feeding of infants with milk which is reputed to be sterilized must always be received with a good deal of skepticism unless specimens of the milk have been frequently examined by a competent person.—

1bid.

THEOBROMINE AND DIURETIN.-It will be remembered that early in the year Dr. Christian Gram, of Copenhagen, published some results of his experience of theobromine as a diuretic, and his conclusions that in diuretin, the sodio-theobromine salicylate, a salt had been obtained which was easily absorbed and strongly diuretic. Under the direction of Dr. Dujardin-Beaumetz, further ob-ervations have been made by Mme. K Pomerantz, which, in the main, confirm the statements originally made by Gram. The results she has obtained are briefly as follows: (1) When given in doses of fifteen grains every two or three hours diuretin is a much stronger diuretic than caffeine; (2) when there is considerable cardiac degeneration it should be employed with some caution, especially when there is albuminuria; (3) under the influence of diuretin the force of the cardiac contractions is scarcely affected; (4) diuretin rapidly increases the quantity of urine passed, and the diuretic effect lasts twice or three times as long as that produced by caffeine; (5) the activity does not wear off readily as the patient becomes accustomed to the drug; (6) micturition is not rendered difficult or painful; and (7) diuretin has no action on the central nervous system. Both theobromine and diuretin give good results in cases of dropsy when diuresis is possible; but as the action appears to consist of direct stimulation of the renal epithelium, it is obvious that the activity of the drug is seriously interfered with in cases of advanced kidney disease.-Ibid.

DR. HERMAN STIEDA (Beitrazur pathol.Anat. und allg. pa hol., vii, 1890) has confirmed the observations upon rabbits, made by Nauwerck in 1888, that these animals bear extirpation of the thyroid when cats and dogs are destroyed by the operation. The relation in weight of the petuitary body in rabbits he found to be 1:3.3, while in dogs the thyroid is 15: 20 times the weight of the petuitary body. Stieda found that there was an increase in weight and volume of the p-tuitary body after extirpation of the thyroid gland. The enlargement consisted of vacuolation and an increase in the large cells. Stieda is of the opinion that this enlargement corresponds with an increase in function that in part takes the place of the extirpated thyroid.

Rich and Ewald (A ch. f. d. ges. Physiol) have found that the removal of the thyroid causes no perceptible alteration in the health of pigeons Their work was undertaken with reference to the earlier observations of Langendorff and Ewald, in which they referred the difference in the loss of the thyroid observed in dogs and rabbits to the difference in diet. They, therefore, chose pigeons as representing a pure vegetable feeder, and found that the loss of this gland did not in any way affect the health of the animal.

It would have been of great interest in the light of Stied's communication if these later authors had observed the condition of the hypophysis in the operated birds, and the relation of this organ to the size of the thyroid in birds generally. While so much has been added to our knowledge of the thyroid in the last few years, a careful study of recent literature only shows how much regarding its functional relations still remains to be explored.

MAGGOTS IN THE STOMACH.-In the Deutsche Medicinische Wochenschrift, June 26, 1890, Dr. Landon, of Elbing, reports the case of a child, six and a half years old, who was attacked with vomiting and diarrhea after vaccination. The stools contained a large number of worms. The mother stated positively that the di-charge of worms did not occur every day, and that these were only present in the stools and not in the vomit. The child died in eight weeks, with manifestations of extreme exhaustion. robust and healthy at birth. and had been ted with artificial food, flour and milk, prepared the day before using. Through carelessness and lack of cleanliness, it is possible the disease resulted from the presence of the ova of flies in the food, a condition referred to by Kichenmeister in his text book. The parasites were examined by Virchow and Chun. The latter called the larva that of the horse fly-tabanus

It was

which lays its eggs in the nasal cavity of the horse. Displaced larvæ find their way through the pharynx into the stomach and fasten themselves to the mucous membrane by means of a pair of hooks situated on the head, so that the stomach of a horse may be literally studded with the parasites. A similar state of affairs might be present in the human stomach.

Autopsies in such cases are rare on account of the generally favorable course of the disease, and none was made in Landon's case; so that it is not as complete or as conclusive as might be wished.

SCARLATINA WITHOUT PYREXIA.-Dr. Wertheimer mentions in the Münchener Medicinische Wochenschrift a case of scarlatina occurring in a child seven years of age, in whom, though the eruption was well marked, and the tonsils and tongue presented their characteristic appearance, there was absolutely no pyrexia either morning or evening, the highest point reached being 99 6° F. The pulse, however, was rapid, being from 116 to 120 during the first three days. There was no albuminuria; desquamation began on the ninth day. Dr. Wertheimer also mentions a second case occurring in a child of about the same age, where, though all the di-tinctive signs of scarlatina were present, the only time there was any abnormal temperature was the evening of the second day; then it was 100.6°. Here, too, there was marked rapidity of pulse, and he suggests that this is probably an important sign in diagnosing the rare ca-es of apyrexial scarlatina. His opinion is confirmed by Dr. Beetz, who, immediately after the appearance of the article, reported two other apyrexial cases where the pulse was also very rapid.-London Lancet.

ACTION OF ALKALINE CHLORIDES ON CALOMEL. -As the theory of Malhe, which affirms that calomel is decomposed by alkaline chlorides at the temperature of the body, although denied by many authors, is still taught in many chemical works, M. Adam has subjected the question, which of course is a most important one from a medical point of view, to a searching examination, and comes to the following conclusions: In contact with air at a high temperature calomel may be changed into the perchloride by the alkaline chlorid s, more especially by ammonium chloride; but in the absence of air, even in the presence of organic matter, this change is so slight as to be practically nil, and unless calomel is prescribed on an empty stomach it is of no consequence whether the food taken is salted or not. He also concludes that chloride of sodium is not incompatible with calomel.-1 bid.

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THREE MEDICAL SOCIETIES.

On the night of the 31st ult. the Louisville Medico-Chirurgical, the Louisville Clinical, and the Louisville Surgical societies met in joint session for the purpose of good cheer and the mutual interchange of medical society opinions. Each society was represented by the best part of its actual working force; but in view of the fact that not a few of the persons present were members of two of the societies, and some of all three, the number was something less than fifty.

The proceedings were of unusual interest. Dr. John A. Ouchterlony, just returned from a tour of Europe, read an essay upon the medical practitioners, medical teachers, and hospitals of the Continent. The subject was treated in the distinguished author's best style, and was delivered to the entertainment and instruction of the Fellows. Our next issue will contain the paper in full text.

After the essay the Fellows sat down to supper at the Pendennis. The host was Dr. William Cheatham, an active member of the three societies, and president of the Clinical. The menu more than sustained this gentleman's high reputation as a contributor to social good cheer.

Under the administration of that prince of toast-masters, Dr. E R. Palmer, the listeners were treated to numerous well-timed speeches upon matters medical but not technical. When this oratorical effervescence had subsided matters took a serious turn, and ways and means for the establishment of a physician's club or institute upon a permanent basis were vigorously discus-ed.

Without a dissenting voice it was agreed that the societies repre-ented in the meeting take the initial step in what promises to be the medico-social event of the city.

A committee was appointed to take the work in hand, and the sum of $3,500 was subscribed

for the purpose on the spot. When this sum is increased, as it may easily be, to $15.000 or $20 000, the profession will find itself in possession of a commodious place where medical societies may meet, and medical entertainments be given under the best possible surroundings.

A library will be provided, where books, ancient and modern, may be found, and where full files of all the medical journals of the world will be at the service of the members.

Such

an in-titute must become the focus of medical influence for the region of which Louisville is the center, while the benefits derivable from it by the profession of this city will multiply with the coming years.

In view of this almost certain result, it goes without the saying that the joint session of the three societies for the year 1890 was the most important meeting of medical men held in this locality in recent years.

THE CONSUMPTION CURE CRAZE.

The paper of Dr. Robert Koch, read at the recent meeting of the International Medical Congress, which stated that his recent investigation had led him to believe that he had discovered or was about to di-cover a substance which would prevent or cure tuberculosis in animals, and probably in man, made a profound impression upon the medical mind; but the later statement that the specific had been successfully applied in man has spread like wild-fire through circles medical and non-medial, and now in the

secular press is dividing attention with the great political questions of the day.

If any man of less reputation for soundness and solidity than Dr. Koch were behind the scenes, we should vote the question "a nine day's wonder," but as it is we must suspend judgment and wait for the developments, which we hope will come with time. As might have been expected, the quacks (in and out of the profession) are making ready their little boats in the hope that the coming wave will carry them into the haven of public favor. The conscientious physician, however, will await the openings of the future, and put the alleged remedy to the careful test of experience before hazarding an opinion of its worth or worthlessness. No a priori logic will be found competent here. Our next issue will contain the full text of Dr. Koch's original paper, with comments by our Paris and Berlin correspondents.

Let us suppress enthusiasm and calmly await the denouement. That the stamping out of phthisis is a hygienic possibility we sincerely believe. That the disease may be arrested in. its incipiency is not at this date too much for professional credulity.

Notes and Queries.

HYPNOTISM AND CRIME.-The sentence in Paris, not long ago, of a hypnotist to penal servitude for procuring from a somnambulist a check for 10,000 francs brings home to us, says the New York Times, as a practical matter the possibilities for crime which the facts of hypnotism offer. A writer in the current Contemporary Review cites a number of cases which apparently show it to be possible that the greatest crimes may be committed by hypnotists, or at any rate upon hypnotized persons.

The writer in the Times adds that it sees no harm in public exhibitions of hypnotism, while the suggestion that an investigation of its phenomena be limited to the medical profession is not satisfactory; for it adds: "The attitude of the profession to the subject has not been historically very satisfactory. They have ridiculed it in the past, and the fear has been expressed that if in the future it should

be given over entirely into their hands they might turn the lock upon investigation. Such a limitation, furthermore, would be extremely difficult to carry out in practice."

Since the Times sees no harm in public exhibitions of hypnotism, but does see objections to limiting its investigations to physicians, we would submit to it the reasons for suppressing them recently set forth by the Russian medical department. It announces that, "In consideration (1) that public exhibitions of hypnotism cause considerable injury to the health of subjects experimented upon, as well as of spectators witnessing the experiments, the performances being apt to give rise to the development in hypnotized persons of various hysterical, nervous, and even mental affections, which may sometimes amount to a genuine epidemic of hypnotic mania; (2) that such public hypnotic entertainments offer to evil-minded subjects a good opportunity for studying methods of hyp notizing, and for subsequently practicing them for various immoral or criminal purposes; (3) that generally such hypnotic performances, being not accompanied by any rational explanaation, can breed in the public only erroneous notions, and even implant superstitions, while post-hypnotic suggestions can constitute a source of disturbance of order and the peace of the community by hypnotized persons, and even of committing criminal deeds by the same, the Medical Council has resolved, (1) that henceforward any public séances of hypnotism and magnetism are strictly prohibited; and (2) that the application of hypnotism for medical purposes can be permitted solely to medical practitioners, under the condition that the operation is to be practiced invariably in the presence of other medical men."-Medical Record.

CORRELATIONS OF THE SEXUAL FUNCTIONS AND MENTAL DISORDERS OF WOMEN.-Barnes (Medical Press) thus concludes a paper on this subject:

I may conclude this imperfect presentment of a great theme by stating what seems to be the logical sequence of the facts and arguments set forth.

The proposition I present is, indeed, self-evi