Gentle inflation was continued once a week for three months. By this time the membrana tympani had completely united, leaving little evidence of cicatrix, the appearance being quite normal, except some slight opacity, and hearing power being 44-50. Hygiene. AN ATTEMPT, TO RENDER TOBACCO HARMLESS.Science.--Smokers may be pleased to learn that Dr. Gautrelet, of Vinchy, claims to have discovered a method of rendering tobacco harmless to mouth, heart and nerves, without detriment to its aroma. According to him, a piece of cotton wool steeped in a solution (five to ten per cent) of pyrogallic acid, inserted in the pipe or cigar holder, will neutralize any possible effects of the nicotine. In this way not only may the generally admitted evils of smoking be prevented, but cirrhosis of the liver, which in Dr. Gautrelet's experience is sometimes caused by tobacco, and such lighter penalties of over-indulgence as headache and furring of the tongue, may be avoided. Citric acid, which was recommended by Vigier for the same purpose, has the serious disadvantage of spoiling the taste of the tobacco. THE PHYSIOLOGICAL RELATION OF ALCOHOL TO FOOD, Med. and Surg. Reporter.--Dr. W. H. Porter (MedRecord) says: Three classes of proximate principles are necessary to maintain life, and must be supplied as food-stuffs. That the term food-stuff should be limited to those substances which contain at least one element from each of these three classes in its composition, viz., an inorganic, a CHO, and a CHNOS element. That the first act mechanically, the second as nonnutritive stimulants, and the third as true nutritive elements which enter into the essential construction of all the tissues and glands of the body. That the use of the second class or CHO compounds--including alcohol--when taken in excess of the absolute demands of nature, all tend to overtax the oxygenating capacity of the system and prevent a complete oxidation of the proteids or CHNOS bodies. That this continued overstimulation and the halfstarved condition arising through this excessive use of the CHO or nonnutritive and alcoholforming compound, tend most decidedly to weaken the vital forces, develop diseased conditions, and create the habit on the part of the system to take to alcoholic stimulation. That alcohol per se is no more poisonous than fat, sugar, and starch, but they are all factors in depriv ing the system of its full quota of oxygen to act upon the proteids, and from this incomplete transformation of the latter or CHNOS elements, nutrition is impaired and an almost unlimited number of toxic bodies produced. That alcohol and the chemical elements which enter into its atomic construction, and the transformation they undergo in passing through the system, and the final products eliminated from the body are practically the same as follow upon the introduction of fat, sugar and starch. That alcohol should only be classed as a medicinal agent, and never be used in health as a common article of food. That to combat most satisfactorily and successfully the alcoholic habit, the proteids or CHNOS food-ele ments should be the principal substances used, and the CHO compounds of all kinds should be avoided as much as possible. That there is a common tendency to feed improperly the animal economy from infancy to the grave, and to this false habit all the ills of the human race are largely traceable, and in it we find the chief factor in producing and maintaining the alcoholic habit. VEGETARIAN DIET. Dujardin Beaumetz claims that this diet thoroughly subserves alimentation of the organism; the best proof of which is furnished by the poor peasants, who do not eat meat, yet they are strong and healthy. This diet is of therapeutic im portance in certain diseases. A vegetable diet limits to a minimum the production of toxines, such as neurin, muscarian, etc. It is indicated by insufficient functional activity of the kidneys and alimentary canal, indeed, in all similar conditions where an accumulation of ptomaines in the blood might prove dangerous. It is also indicated in putrid diarrhea. In diseases of the stomach, a vegetable diet is especially indicated, as the intestines are principally employed in its digestion, thus affording the stomach considerable rest. In the uric acid diathesis, this diet is also recommended.-N. Y. Med. Times. Rhinology. In DISEASE OF THE BRAIN FOLLOWING A SIMPLE NASAL OPERATION.-N. Y. Med. Journal.-The Journal of Laryngology, Rhinology, and Otology gives an abstract of an account of an unfortunate accident described by Wagner in the Münchener medicinische Wochenschrift. The author performed a galvano-cauterization of the left turbinated body in a patient twenty years of age, on account of headache. There was no special pain and there was no bleeding. The next day the patient had a severe headache, and on the third day there was hæmorrhage from both nasal cavities. This was treated first with ice water, then by tamponing the anterior and posterior nares. the evening the patient became feverish, and Cheyne Stokes respiration appeared. The tampons were removed, but the temperature did not fall and symptoms of a severe affection of the brain appeared. Seven days later death occurred. A post-mortem examination was not allowed. The author concludes that the bleeding could not have been the direct consequence of the operation, because it followed some days afterward, and because parts bled which had not been operated on. He believes that thrombosis of a sinus occurred, which disturbed the circulation in the nose. In some other published case operative treatment of the middle turbinated body was followed by meningeal disease. ITEMS. A MEDICAL PRAYER.--The New York correspond ent of the New England Medical Monthly writes that a New York clergyman, asked to offer prayer at the graduation of a medical class awhile ago, got off some sensible ideas, as a verbatim report contains the fol lowing: "May this high calling never be cheapened and vulgarized by the admission of those who are intellectually incompetent or morally unfit, desirous to make a livlihood out of the credulity of the ignorant and the fears of the superstitious. May the career of each who leaves to-night be long and luminous, reflecting honor on this institution and the fellowship of medical men the world over. May the law of health and happiness be more widely recognized and obeyed and our personal habits and daily example ever teach sobriety, temperance, cleanliness and purity of life. May we live this life so nobly that we shall finally, through Christ, become citizens of that happy country where no inhabitant shall ever say that he is sick." NEW BUILDINGS FOR THE JEFFERSON MEDICAL COLLEGE OF PHILADELPHIA.-The Board of Trustees and the Faculty of the Jefferson Medical College have just completed the purchase of two large lots on Broad Street, giving them a frontage of about 300 feet and a dept of 150 feet, upon which they will proceed to erect at once a handsome hospital, lecture hall and laboratory building. The estimated cost of the buildings is $500,000. The hospital will be built not only as a suitable building in which to care for the sick and injured, but also will be provided with a large amphitheater for clinical lectures. The basement of the hospital building will be given over to the various dispensaries, each of which will be provided with large waiting and physicians room as well as rooms for direct teaching of the students. The buildings will be absolutely fire proof. DIMINUTION OF VIRILE POWER BY THE INTERNAL USE OF ANTISEPTICS.-Dr. Van Den Corput, of Brussels, calls attention (Rev. De Thérap), to the diminution of virile power which he has observed in patients to whom he had prescribed antiseptics, such as salicylic. acid, quinine, menthol, carbolic acid. The author supposes that these antiseptics act on the blood elements, and on the seminal cells as on inferior organisms. The spermatozoids become in effect completely immobile under the microscope, like all the leucocytes, which lose their ameboid movements, and can no longer effect their migrations. Salicylic acid acts in the same manner upon the ovary, and causes the lengthening of the menstrual period.-N. Y. Med. Times. ENGLAND'S TITLED DOCTORS.-The rapidly succeeding deaths of Sir James Bennet, Sir Morell Mackenzie, Sir George Paget and Sir Oscar Clayton reduce the number of the titled physicians and surgeons in England to forty-nine. Of these, one, Sir John Tomes, is a dentist, twelve are military surgeons, and two belong to the navy. Seven others are public officials, mostly connected with lunacy and botany, both at home and in the colonies. Two, Sir John Kirk and Sir Rutherford Alcock, owe their honors to their diplomatic services. Another, Sir Charles Cameron, is a celebrated analyst and chemist. One veterinary surgeon alone has been so distinguished. He lives at Windsor and doctors the Queen's horses. The importance of the profession has developed since Punch suggested the title of "Lord Deliverus " for the Queen's accoucheur.-Exchange. WHERE WOMEN FAIL. In the Open Court, Dr. Clevenger calls attention to the failure of women as watchmakers. It is said that while women are efficient in the delicate manipulations required in this work, when it comes to the assembling of the pieces together and the minute adjustment and general horological judgment, they have proven themselves incapable. Times and Register. MORPHINE AND ATROPINE.---Bartholow says that in small doses atropine increases the hypnotic power of morphine, causing a less disturbed and more normal sleep than morphine alone; the pain-relieving power is increased by atropine, while the after headache, vertigo, and depression of heart's action, caused by morphine, are to a large extent prevented by its combination with atropine. MEDICO-CHIRURGICAL COLLEGE.-Dr. E. E. Montgomery has resigned the Chair of Obstetrics in the Medico-Chirurgical College of Philadelphia, and will devote all his attention to the Chair of Gynecology. IMPREGNATION OF ONE SEXUAL PERVERT FEMALE BY ANOTHER. Med. Standard.—Duhousset (Moll's "Contrare Sexualempfindung") reports the case of two sexual pervert females which come under his observation. One of them at length married but kept up her relations with the other. The unmarried female had an enlarged clitoris by which coitus was performed. The unmarried pervert became pregnant to her own astonishment. The matter was later explained by the admission of the married pervert that, immediately after coitus with her husband, she had indulged with her "friend," who thereby impregnated herself. Make a strong concentrated infusion of senna leaves; strain this through a muslin cloth, and boil in the strained liquid as many prunes of good quality as can be well boiled in the quantity of infusion. Stew the prunes in the liquor thoroughly, in the same manner as if for the table, properly seasoning. When well cooked put in a glass jar, screw the top down tightly and set away in a cool place. Two or three or four of these prunes eaten during the day will overcome some of the severest cases of constipation. There is no suggestion whatever of the senna in the taste of the prunes, and the effect is most desirable. If taken at bed time, when a laxative is desired, the bowels will move nicely in the morning. They can be taken on the most sensitive stomach, and when other laxatives would produce undesirable resuits. With the deepest regret we learn that the doors of the insane asylum have closed upon Roberts Bartholow. What an ending for such a life! To the very last no evidence of mental alienation appeared in his lectures or his writings. The habit of a lifetime's assiduous labor carried him along in the well-worn grooves, although cutside of them his malady was easily discernible. Hard work, no rest, no Sabbath, no vacation; by such means his powerful intellect carried him to the forefront of his profession; but at last outraged Nature reached her limit of endurance, and the breakdown was complete. - Times and Register. The death of Dr. D. Hayes Agnew of Philadelphia, is announced as having taken place March 22, at the age of seventy-four years. He was well known both in this country and abroad and his demise is generally regretted by the entire profession. Iron Iodide in pill forın, either alone or in combination with Zinc Phosphide, is extolled by Dr. Lavrand as an efficient remedy to prevent or arrest leadpoisoning in those who work in the white-lead manufacture. The author has found that, although his patients continued to work in positions where they were likely to suffer, they improved in general health. The peculiar earthy complexion and anemia characteristic of saturnism disappeared under their use, and the amount of hemoglobin in the blood increased. The Board of Trustees and the Faculty of the Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, have purchased two large lots with frontage of about 300 feet and a depth of 150 feet, upon which they will erect at once a handsome hospital, lecture hall and laboratory building. The estimated cost of the buildings is $500,000. Dr. Glasgow says that endocarditis affects the right heart in the foetus; the left in the adult. Distention in the left auricle due to mitral insufficiency, constitutes the peculiar form of heart disease which causes sudden death. Medical Fortnightly. A medical man in Rome recently brought to light some interesting specimens of ancient dentistry and artificial teeth in skulls from different Etruscan tombs, dating back as far as six centuries B. C. Times. Med. A post-mortem examination held in St. Louis, Mo., on a negro woman, whose death was presumably from meningitis, the skull was found one inch thick in its anterior portion and two inches at the occiput. The University of Pennsylvania Press has purchased The Annals of Surgery, and in the future will publish it in Philadephia. Dr. Lewis Pilcher continues as editor. One thousand epileptics are expected to enter the Asylum for Epileptics now being erected at Gallipolis, Ohio. This is the first institution of the kind erected in America. Seventeen mummies were recently purchased by the Berlin Museum at a cost of $200,000, and upon a careful examination proved to be of recent manufacture. Dr. Brouarbel conducts a clinic at the Paris morgue, where instruction is given in all the branches of medicine which touch on suicide and crime. The American Lancet says that a five per cent solution of chloral hydrate will clear the hair of dandruff and prevent alopecia from that cause. It is said that one-half the population of Edinburgh is treated gratuitously. Book Reviews. "The Practice of Medicine." By William Osler, Professor of Medicine in Johns Hopkins University, etc. Prof. Osler has placed before the profession the most compact and comprehensive work on practice that has yet appeared. It is a book which shows the work of a man who is not only an expert pathologist but also a practical clinician to good advantage. There is certainly no better book for the student, and we have none in mind at the present time that can be compared with it. As the work is one of the volumes of Appleton's medical library, it is unnecessary to state that it is gotten up in a most attractive style. "Syphilis in Ancient and Prehistoric Times." By F. Buret. Translated from the French by Prof. A. O. H. Dumesnil. F. A. Davis & Co., Phila. This little work while unique is a most important contribution to medical literature. Some of the deductions from biblical history as to syphilis in bible times are a bit overdrawn perhaps, but the arguments advanced are so fascinating that one is tempted to accept them all without question. Dr. Dumesnil's notes add greatly to the value of the work. AGE OF THE DOMESTIC ANIMALS. Being a complete Treatise on dentition of the horse, ox, sheep, hog, and dog, and on the various other means of determining the age of these animals. By RUSH SHIPPEN HUIDEKOPER, M. D., Late Dean of Veterinary Department, University of Pennsylvania, Professor of Sanitary Medicine and Veterinary Jurisprudence, American Veterinary College, New York, etc. Illustrated with 205 engravings. Philadelphia and London: F. A. Davis, Publisher, 1891. Cloth, 12mo. Pp. 217. Price, $1.75. The author of this work presents careful study of all that has been written on the subject, including his own views and opinions based on personal observation. In the preface he states, that he has attempted to prepare a book such as he felt would be of interest and service to himself in his association with animals as a layman, and aid his studies and appreciation of the anatomy of the teeth, dentition, and the means of determining the age. As there has been issued extensive literature on this subject, in French, German and Italian the author has drawn freely from this source, both in quotation and translations and used old drawings? not believing that there could be much improvements on the old ones. We can recomment this book both to the teachers of veterinary medicine and the student at home, as one in which they can find much of value. THE GREATER Diseases of the Liver, JAUNDICE, GALL-STONES, ENLARGEMENTS, TUMORS AND CANCER, WITH THEIR TREATBy J. Compton Burnert, M. D. Philadelphia: Hahneman Publishing House; 1891. MENT. The object of this book is to place in the hands of the active practitioner in a condensed form a new method of treating all cases of gastric, intestinal and hepatic derangements, with complications and chronic states of tissues which result therefrom. The book has been divided into two parts for greater brevity and usefulness. Part First gives a concise outline of the leading symptoms of each disease, with the dietetic and medicinal treatment most effectual in relieving or curing these conditions, while in Part Second, an account of food is given together with the methods by which many of the diseased conditions are developed. The whole is the result of thorough investigation and clinical tests, and the busy professor or practitioner can at a moment's notice, by reference to index, find anything that he wishes in the work. SYPHILIS IN ANCIENT AND PREhistoric Times. By Dr. F. Buret, Paris, France. Translated from the French, with notes, by A. H. Ohmann-Dumesnil, M. D., Professor of Dermatology and Syphilology in the St. Louis College of Physicians and Surgeons, etc. Published by F. A. Davis, Philadelphia and London, 1891. Vol. I., No. 12, of the Physicians' and Students' Ready-Reference Series. This work is one of the additions to the Physicians and Students' Ready-Reference Series and is well arranged in a compact form, placing before the medical profession much valuable information upon syphilis. Most Americans object to the idea that this disease was introduced into Europe in consequence of the discovery of this continent by Columbus during the fifteenth century. The author shows that syphilis is as ancient as prostitution, and begins by taking the pathological lesions found upon the bones and teeth of prehistoric races as evidence of its early origin. A large portion of the work is devoted to quotations from the Chinese, Japanese, Assyrian, Babylonion, Egyptian, Hebraic, Hindoo, Grecian and Roman writings, and the author has given much of his time to research. As a whole, the volume is very valuable to have in the medical library on account of its early historical contents. LESSONS IN THE DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF EYE DISEASES By Casey A. Wood, C. M., M. D., formerly Clinical Assistan Royal London Ophthalmic Hospital, etc., with numerous wood cuts. Geo. S. Davis, Detroit, Mich.; 1891. Many general practitioners of medicine are too busy to take time to post themselves upon diseases of the eye from the text-books and exhaustive treatises on account of the valuable hours that would have to be devoted to the subject of ophthalmology, consequently a small volume like the above will prove an excellent opportunity to those who desire to be posted on principal eye affections. Chapter I. treats of the normal eye, while Chapter II. gives the eye in disease. Then on through the entire book we are given diseases of the eyelids, conjunctiva, lachrymal apparatus, cornea and sclerotic, iris and anomalies of the pupil. Cataract and other affections of the crystalline lens and glaucoma are each dwelt upon fully in separate chapters. The manual makes no pretensions to being a complete treatise upon the subjects, but practical hints and useful information is given in the hope that it will prove of benefit to the nonspecialist in aiding him to diagnose the various diseases that would fall to the specialist's care, and also to enable them to treat the less serious cases intelligently. If you want to know how that Russian influenza acts, you have only to undertake to pronunce the name of some of the characters in Tolstoi's novels. St. Louis Globe-Democrat. Caller "How is Mr. Flexible?" Servant- "A little worse to-day, sir." Caller Can I see him for a few minutes ?" Servant " No, sir. He told me that he wasn't to be disturbed, as he wants to finish an article on 'how to get strong' for the magazine, Wit and Humor. The Complaint of the Dissected. An interne, visiting us yesterday, For the evil purpose I heard him state, Ah! happy those with a coffin-lid, Blest "Cities of the Dead!" A cross for company, night and day; Beneath warm, grassy coverlid green 'Mid the brave, the good, the true; Alas! had I wedded some old millionaire, But 'was peritonitis in hospital ward, I am lying naked as a church wall, Cinn. Lancet and Clinic A School-Boy's Composition on Bones. The following composition was actually written. for a school exercise, and is so amusing and bright that it was handed me by the teacher. (Science News). The writer is not a member of the Agassiz Association, but ought to be. BONES. If I had Bones are the framework of the body. no bones in me I should not have as much shape as I have now. If I had no bones in me I should not have so much motion, and grandmother would be glad, but I like to have the motion. Bones give me motion because they are something hard for motion to cling to. If I had no bones my brains, lungs, heart and large blood-vessels would be lying around in me and might get hurted, but now the bones gets hurted, but not much unless it is a hard hit. If my bones were burned I should be brittle, because it would take the animal out of me. If I was soaked in a acid I should be limber. Teacher showed us a bone that had been soaked, I could bend it easily. I would rather be soaked than burned. Some of my bones don't .grow close to my body, snug, like the branches of a tree, and I am glad they don't, for if they did I could not play leap frog or other nice games I know. The reason why they don't grow that way is because they have joints. Joints is good things to have in bones. There are two kinds. The ball and socket, like my shoulder, is the best. Teacher showed it to me, only it was the thigh bone of an ox. One end was round, smooth and whitish. That is the ball end. The other end was hollowed in deep. That is the socket, and it oils itself. It is the only machine that oils itself. Another joint is the hinge joint, like my elbow. swings back and forth and oils itself. It never creaks like the school-room door. There is another joint that don't seem like a joint. That is in the skull. It don't have no motion. All my bones put together in their right places make a skeleton. If I leave any out, or put any in their wrong places, it arn't no skeleton. Cripples and deformed people don't have no skeleton. Some animals have their skeletons on the outside. I am glad I ain't them animals, for my skeleton like it is on the chart would not look well on the outside. Weekly Medical Review. Worth makes the Man. BY PERSEUS. I. The pharmacist's clerk must be human perfection, II. Paracelsus and Galen and every old sinner, Who wrestled the pestle while Rome was at dinner; Whose body grew thin and whose fame has grown thinner, Must be the delight of each ardent beginner! III. With the patience of Job and the wisdom of Solomon, He must work night and day like a wound up automaton ! IV. Keep aloof from all habits in morals injurious, V. With his attitude regal while humble and meek, Rev. Mr. Choker.--"Sometimes I think it is strange, doctor, that you visit people so often when they are not sick." Dr. Calomel. - "I never think it strange when you visit people often that they are sick."-Exchange. Mr. Winks (looking over the paper).-"Cheap, Drugg & Co. are selling all sorts of patent medicines at half price." Mrs. Winks."Just our luck. There isn't anything the matter with any of us."-Exchange. The Power of Imagination.--Dr. F., one of our readers, relates that quite recently he had occasion to use the stethoscope upon an old lady who had called to consult him with a companion. Having completed his examination of the patient he turned aside to get the medicine indicated, and as he did so he heard the old woman saying to her companion: "That thing the doctor put on me has already did me lots o' good. Where he rested it on my chist there is a spot as big's a silver dollar that burns like fire, an' my back's all in a sweat." "Is that so?" said her companion, lost in admiration of the wonderful instrument.-- The Clinical Reporter. Sir Morell Mackenzie. The master rests. After the day of toil Who knew thee well-and knowing loved thee more, |