Art. 20. A Treatise on Brown's System of Medicine. Translated from the German of H. C. Pfaff, M. D. By John Richardson. 8vo. 2s. 6d. Jones. 1802.

While the physicians of this country have emancipated themselves from the chains of systems, and are attentive only to useful facts and applicable improvements, we are concerned to observe that there is yet, on the Continent, a proneness to intellectual slavery. The specious arrangement of some well-known facts in a jargon apparently new, or the bold substitution of a new word for a general principle, is still capable of creating followers and admirers amid our neighbours. The delusion, however, has not been general; and among other asserters of the independence of medicine, we have to rank the author of the present pamphlet. His objections to the Brunonian doctrine may be seen in the following summary, given by himself:

1. The excitability is a power not every where equal, but differently modified in different organs and systems.

2. The stimuli, which act on the excitability, do not affect it entirely in the same way, and their effect is various.

3. The relation of stimulation is not the only one in which the external things stand to the excitability.

4. The common natural stimuli, upon whose influence or operation life and good health depend, make up but a small insignificant part of the stimuli which act as causes of disease.

5. The remote causes of disease act proximately or immediately, not only on the solid animated parts, but on the fluids.

6. Increased or diminished excitement by no means constitutes the essence of diseases, which is rather determined by the united state of the solids and fluids in regard to motion, structure, and mix

ture.

7. In diseases the excitement is seldom merely strengthened or merely weakened in the whole system, and the division into two principal forms of diseases is by consequence a wrong one.'

This treatise is translated from a dissertation prefixed to Dr. Pfaff's editions of Brown's Elements. Having formerly noticed the original*, we shall not dwell longer on the present publication.

Art. 21. Cases of Cancer, with Observations on the Use of Carbonate of Lime in that Disease. By Edward Kentish, M.D. 8vo. IS. Mawman. 1802.

Two cases are here related, (more diffusely, perhaps, than was requisite,) in one of which an apparently cancerous sore was healed by the application of carbonate of lime; in the other, a tendency to cicatrization was produced, for a time. Any new proposal merits attention, in so hopeless a disease: but we are sorry to say that the proofs of the efficacy of this plan rest properly on one case only; for there are other means by which cancerous sores are known to be palliated, and even partially healed.

Dr. Kentish has attempted to shew a connexion between rheumatism and cancer, at a certain age, in females :-but the instances

* See Rev. Vol. xxi. N. S. p. 524.

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which he cites we should reckon mere examples of coincidence, from
which no satisfactory conclusion can be drawn.

Art. 22. An Inquiry into some of the Effects of the Venereal Poison on
the Human Body; with an occasional Application of Physiology,
Observations on some of the Opinions of Mr. John Hunter and
Mr.Benjamin Bell, and Practical Remarks. By S. Sawrey, Surgeon.
8vo. pp. 201. 5s. Boards. Lackington and Co. 1802.
The author of this publication adopts the opinion of Mr. John
Hunter, respecting the similarity of the matter of gonorrhea and
chancre but, instead of supposing with him that the difference in
the effects arises from the surface to which the one is applied being
secreting, and the other non-secreting, he considers the fact as ex-
plicable on the idea of the urethra possessing open-mouthed vessels,
fitted for exhalation, and capable of throwing out their contents
without any breach in their texture. This, however, is nothing more
than the ordinary function of the secreting vessels of cavities, and
seems to us only a variation of Mr. Hunter's language.-Mr. Sawrey
examines minutely the well-known arguments of Mr. Bell on this sub-
ject, and deems himself justified (frequently without conclusive evi-
dence) in pronouncing the opinions of that author to be extravagant or
ill founded. His principal deviation from the doctrines of Mr. Hunter
consists in supposing that the venereal virus is not kept up by a
specific action of a part, but by the matter secreted from it, which
he thinks may acquire its poisonous quality after secretion; that the
effects of the venereal poison, when taken into the blood, are vene-
real; that the poison increases in the blood; that the product of
sores in lues venerea is poisonous; that the foetus in utero may be
infected by the mother; that the secretions may also be contaminated;
and that the venereal disease seldom becomes the cause of other com-
plaints.

Art. 23. An Inquiry into the Effects of Oxygen in the Cure of Syphilis ;
to which are subjoined a few general Observations on its Applica
tion in various other Disorders. By Charles Platt, Surgeon of the
New Finsbury Dispensary. 8vo. 25. Mawman.

After the very ample evidence which has already been laid before the public, on the subject of this essay, it seems to us perfectly unnecessary to multiply documents; particularly as the great body of discerning medical men have long ceased to entertain any doubts on the points in discussion. The present author's observations and experiments are judicious and conclusive: but, as they are in no material respect different from those which we have before had occasion to notice, we shall only state that his experience goes to shew the inefficacy of the acids and their combinations in the cure of syphilis ; and that, from a review of the cases in which gaseous fluids have been employed, he is induced to regard this class of remedies with consi derable distrust.

In the course of this essay, the author touches upon the celebrated controversy on the identity of the poisons of gonorrhea and chancre, and seems inclined to agree with Mr. John Hunter in his-ideas on that subject.

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Art,

Art. 24. Medical and Physical Memoirs; containing, among other
Subjects, a particular Inquiry into the Origin and Nature of the
late Pestilential Epidemics of the United States. By Charles
Caldwell, M.D. 8vo. pp. 350. Printed at Philadelphia. Sold
in London by Wynne and Scholey. Price 8s. Boards.

This work consists of four memoirs, the first and second of which,
together with an occasional address to the Philadelphia Medical So-
ciety, are occupied in giving a physical sketch of the natural history
of Philadelphia, with an investigation of the origin and nature of the
yellow fever, and its connection with other diseases.-The author is
a zealous supporter of the opinion that the yellow fever is of domes-
tic origin. He professes to examine the question with the most
candid spirit of philosophical inquiry; but he too frequently consi-
ders his adversaries as having acted, if not contrary to conviction, at
least with partiality and prejudice; and he assumes to his own posi
tions a degree of force and consequence, to which we do not con-
ceive them to be intitled. As, in his facts and reasoning, he does
little more than repeat the arguments which have been frequently
stated by others who adopt the same opinions, we deem it unneces-
sary to enter into a particular detail or examination of them. In his
plan of cure, he only points out some general indications, and the
means by which he thinks that they may be fulfilled, without giving
any results from his own experience on this very important subject.

His third memoir treats on the Winter Retreat of Swallows; in which, after having stated the different theories, with their relative arguments, Dr. Caldwell concludes by being decidedly in favour of migration to distant climates.

In the fourth memoir, the author urges several arguments against
the opinion of Dr. Barton, that the remote cause of Goitre is the
same miasm which produces intermittent and remittent fevers, and
dysenteries.

Art. 25. A Description of the Muscles of the Human Body as they appear
on Dissection; with Prints and Maps shewing the Insertions of
Muscles. By Jos. Constantine Carpue, Surgeon to his Majesty's
Forces, and Teacher of Anatomy. 4to. 10s. 6d. Boards.
Longman and Co.

The object of this publication is to facilitate the study of myology,
by describing the muscles in the order in which they appear on dis-
section, and referring to maps and plates for their situation. The
maps have an engraving of the bones on one side, and on the
other an outline only, with lines of different colours shewing the in-
sertions and course of the muscles, and with appropriate marginal
references: but where it was impracticable to form maps of this kind,
as in the muscles of the face, abdomen, feet, &c. the author has
given small and ill executed, though distinct plates, from Duver
ney, Cowper, or Albinus. To his descriptions, which are full and
accurate, he subjoins the synoyma of Innes, Albinus, Douglas,
Winslow, Cowper, and the new nomenclature of Dumas, Professor
of Anatomy at Montpellier.-On the whole, the plan seems likely
to answer the purpose which Mr. Carpue had in view, viz. that of
facilitating the study of a very important part of anatomy.

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RELIGIOUS.

Art. 26. Plain Thoughts on the New Testament Doctrine of Atonement. By John Simpson, of Hackney. 8vo. 2s. Johnson. 1802. Aware of the nature of the enterprize in which he is embarked, Mr. S. endeavours to fortify his mind by some prefatory remarks against the assault of calumny. Those (says he) who profess to step forward as reformers in any degree, either of sentiments or manners, must expect a slender share of good nature from the friends of existing abuses. But those who act for God, and truth, must put on all their Christian armour, and be prepared for events. Contempt, and hard names, are not among the most serious evils. He who fears to encounter a small degree of opposition in a good cause, has not yet made up his accounts. That must be a bad cause which is not worth encountering a frown, or a reproachful name in its support. Had not we ourselves been long in the habit of meeting with equal apathy the censure of vulgar ignorance and senseless prejudice, we might deem it prudent, knowing the ground which we shall occupy on the present occasion, to "skrew up our courage" by a similar declaration. We shall pass on, however, without pretending that any peculiar fortitude or self-possession is necessary to the discharge of our duty. We declare, without hesitation, that we cherish no respect for any doctrines merely because some may declare them to be "fundamental of the gospel;" nor are we hence restrained from rejecting them, if we have good reason for considering them as fundamentally erroneous. Let Ithuriel's spear be applied to every article of what is called Orthodoxy and Heterodoxy.

Considering the serious difficulties which oppress the commonly received notion of Atonement and Satisfaction, we desire for the sake of truth to have it submitted to the fullest examination; and perhaps, if, in the discussion of this and of other tenets attached to religious creeds, the different synonymous terms which contain the essence or supposed essence of the subjects in debate were arranged in the form of an algebraical equation, controversies would be shortened, and the cause of truth promoted. Thus, for instance:

Original sin the sinfulness of Adam's posterity in Adam's sin= transgression before existence-guilt attached to non-entity-thinking and acting when thought and action were impossible=a manifest absurdity or contradiction in terms. Again,

Atonement, as commonly understood, Satisfaction an equivalent for the debt due the exoneration or discharge of the original creditor exemption from farther demand a complete discharge.

If the atonement or satisfaction be for the sin of the world, or of the human race, by the suffering of a righteous person, the satisfaction a transfer of punishment on the one hand; and, taking from the person offended all right of punishing on the other, the abroga. tion of all claim on the sinner for the future annihilation of religious duty or obligation.

Allowing these to be just equations, have we not reason to suspect the propriety of the first terms? On the subject of the pamphlet before us, Mr. Simpson has suggested a variety of judicious reflections,

which tend to place it in a clear and rational point of view. If he will consult Dr. John Taylor's Key to the Apostolic Writings prefixed to his Paraphrase on the Epistle to the Romans, we think that Mr. S. will find that he has mistaken the Doctor's meaning: but, in other respects, so far from having any objection to his pamphlet, we highly approve its object and tendency. If (as he observes) the mere term for us proves that Christ suffered as a substitute, and if it necessarily signifies in our stead, then Christ has been our substitute in a way, which even those who so vehemently contend for the doctrine, would scarcely be thankful for. For, besides dying for us, he is said also to have entered into heaven for us. Surely no man in his senses would contend that Christ is entered into glory as our proxy or substitute, or in our place and stead; and therefore that we ourselves shall not be admitted there.'

He farther remarks that, had satisfaction for sin been the object for which the Son of God "endured the cross," the language of the Scriptures on this subject must have been cast in a different mould; so that, instead of reading that Christ has suffered for sin, that be might bring us to God, we should read, Christ has suffered for sin, that he might bring God to us.

After having pointed out how completely at variance the doctrine which he combats is with the whole tenor of Scripture, and with the very idea of divine justice, he thus concludes: If there are in nature any such monsters as can wish for a religion, contemptible for its absurdities, detestable for its consequences, and as unlike as we can possibly conceive to every thing derived from the source of infinite purity, wisdom, goodness, and truth, can any thing present itself to meet such a wish, moré fully than the doctrine of Satisfaction?"

As this is not a mere speculative doctrine, but involves the essential interests of morality, we recommend it to the serious consideration of Christians; and we hope that preachers will endeavour to correct popular misconceptions relative to the scripture doctrine of reconciliation through Christ, which is not that of God to man, but of man to God.

Art. 27. Proposals for a New Arrangement of the Revenues and Resi dence of the Clergy. By Edward Poulter, M. A. Prebendary of Winchester. 8vo. pp. 38.

Under a serious persuasion that some reform both in the revenues and residence of the clergy is indispensably required, Mr. P. offers his sentiments on these subjects with great manliness, and with an equitable attention to the interests of all parties. His proposal respecting a New Arrangment of Tithes is,

A survey and valuation to be procured under general sworn Commissioners (partly lay, partly clerical) appointed by an act, for each county, of the tithes in each parish; to the amount of which, a com position in rent to be established by them, binding on both parties, until either, on account of supposed change in the value of the said tithes, shall demand a similar re-survey, at the expence of the party. so of right, and at will, demanding it. The Special Commissioners in each instance (being not less than three of the General Commis sioners) to be nominated jointly by the parties concerned; that is,

one

Mo-y.