PRACTICAL THERAPEUTICS. A New Anesthetic from which excellent results have been obtained, was described in a recent issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. It consists of a chemical compound of chloroform, acetone, and caustic potash, and is known as chloretone. Those who have experimented with it show that it does not weaken the heart, as the coal-tar products are suspected of doing, while on the other hand it exercises no disturbing influence on the digestive organs, which makes it preferable to opium derivatives. A Century of Progress in Surgery.-The Norwich Pharmacal Company has lately issued a book under the above title, which is full of valuable information, the subject-matter is in the main a reproduction of clinical reports, from authors of the highest repute, which have appeared in various of the medical journals of the country. The use of ointments, and especially of unguentine in surgery is very clearly demonstrated. The topics are arranged alphabetically and are made, by the use of display type, ready for quick reference; the illustrations are excellent, and add much to the worth of the book. The Norwich Pharmacal Company will send a copy of the book to those of our readers who make application, mentioning the FORTNIGHTLY. Coca and Its Therapeutic Application (Mariani).—A third edition of this little book is sure to be appreciated by the profession. Coca has become so essentially a part of our every-day therapy and so much that is ostensibly coca, but in reality innocent of the presence of real coca is urged on the man of medicine that it is quite necessary to be informed as to the nature and characteristics of the real thing; that is the mission of this book. No one is better fitted to speak as an authority on the subject than is Mariani, his work has made coca its place as a therapeutic agent, and no higher recommendation can be given the book than the information that it comes from his pen. It will be sent to physicians who make their desire known to Messrs. Mariani & Co., New York. The Antikamnia Calendar for 1900.-The profession of the English speaking world has during the last two years been favored with a most unique and attractive calendar, which has been issued by the Antikamnia Chemical Company; the Crusius skeleton sketches have excited admiration wherever they have been seen, and their use by the Antikamnia Co. has introduced them to many who might never else have had the opportunity of seeing them. The death of that gifted artist-physician was most sincerely regretted by the profession for the many reasons which are always. felt when an able co-worker is called to his reward, but there was an additional sorrow in the loss of an artist, whose place no one can fill. It is indeed a satisfaction to find that there are still some of his inimitable sketches which have not, up to the present time, been published, Some of these have been utilized by the Antikamnia Co. in their calendar for 1900; it is a certainty that all who have seen the previous issues, or who are familiar with Crusius work, which has appeared elsewhere, will most gladly welcome this calendar. The plan of issue has been arranged on the same generous basis that has been followed in previous years, so it is safe to say each and all of our readers will receive and enjoy a copy. "THE OREGON" medicine case is one of the most practical and convenient we have ever examined. The bottles are held in place by silverplated springs, and owing to the metal covered flanges at head of bottles, the contents are positively non-spillable. Write the Western Leather Mfg. Co., Chicago, for complete catalogue and prices. Their goods are the best on the market. The Alma Sanitarium, Alma, Mich.-Alma and rest have grown to be synonymous terms from association with that incomparable institution, The Alma Sanitarium. Situated in a salubrious climate, with the most carefully arranged hygienic surroundings, this institution offers advantages which are indispensable in the management of many cases, particularly those of nervous origin. It is a home for the weary, those suffering from neurasthenia, and the long train of resultant affections. PHYSICIANS' PARTY FOR PARIS.-Preparations are in progress for the organization of a select party of physicians and their families for a trip to the Paris Exposition and the International Medical Congress, which is to be held in Paris next summer. On account of the heavy travel across the Atlantic, and the consequent difficulty of securing proper and adequate accommodations in Paris, this party is being organized with a view to making reservations in advance and thus provide for the comfort and pleasure of all who join the club. The arrangements are in the hands of Dr. J. W. Cokenower of Iowa, Dr. J. W. Pettit of Illinois and Chas. Wood Fassett of Missouri, who will accompany the club from their respective states. Already nearly 200 have registered, thus assuring the success of the expedition, and sufficient to justify them in chartering two elegant steamships, the "City of Rome" and the "Nebraska," both sailing on June 30. A very low club rate will be obtained by all those who register early, and all expenses guaranteed, thus affording protection against extortionate charges so prevalent in foreign countries. Since chartering these boats, the ocean rates have advanced, and will go higher after March 1st, so that those who do not register at once cannot depend upon obtaining the rates prevailing at the present time. This party will be under the guidance of one of the most experienced tourist guides in the country, who will attend to all details, baggage, transportation, etc. Side trips will be made to Italy, Ireland, Holland and Ober-Ammergau, where the "Passion Play" will be produced during June, July and August. Delegations are being made up from the various state medical societies, and arrangements will be perfected early in the new year for a central meeting-place, from which to start on the journey. Full information and itineraries may be obtained of either of the undersigned. J. W. COKENOWER, Des Moines, Iowa. CHAS. WOOD FASSETT, St. Joseph, Mo. Issued First and Fifteenth of Every Month by the Fortnightly Press Co. UNDER THE EDITORIAL DIRECTION OF FRANK PARSONS NORBURY, M. D. AND THOS. A. HOPKINS, M. D. Secretary: CHarles Wood Fassett. A COSMOPOLITAN BIWEEKLY FOR THE GENERAL PRACTITIONER Editorial Offices in St. Louis, Chicago, Cincinnati, Jacksonville, St. Joseph, Kansas City, and Pueblo, where specimen copies may be obtained and subscriptions will be taken. Address all business communications to the Fortnightly Press Company. Address all contributions and books for review to the Editors, Century Building, Saint Louis. Volume XVII JANUARY FIFTEENTH Editorial Department. Number 2 IN A paper read in the Section on Children's Diseases, American Medical Association, by Dr. Edwin Rosenthal, of Philadelphia, blood poisoning, by The Septic which the writer means the septic condition of the blood, known as Septicæma, is said to exist primarily, as a disease alone, or secondarily, as a complication to other diseases, most notably the contagious diseases. The cause in either case is the presence in the blood of a septic germ, known as the streptococcus pyogenes aureus. This may not be alone the cause as other germs, as the staphylococcus may be present. Whether the disease be a primary one, or a complication of a disease or a condition, the treatment is the same. The infection is at first a local disease, it is later that it becomes a blood infection. The chief and certain rule to follow in all cases is prophylaxis. The writer describes the different manifestations of the primary disease, and said that in the new-born can be seen the purest variety of the disease. The modern treatment was similar to the treatment now in vogue in diphtheria, and was divided into a local and a constitutional. The local treatment is essentially that of the principles of surgery If there be pus, it must be removed at the first and earliest opportunity. As the knowledge of the origin of septic conditions is shown, it thus exerts an influence upon the treatment. This treatment is the use of the antistreptococcic serum, which is used similar to the antitoxin, by injec tion into the tissues of the body. Whilst the mode is similar, the method of its further use is different. With the antitoxin, a minimum dose is given, and continued with a larger dose. In the serum, a larger maximum dose is begun and continued with a smaller or the same dose. The remedy is free from any danger, and any quantity can be given. Collateral treatment must in all cases be continued and must be such as is indicated, and with which the operator is most familiar. As of the antitoxin, so with this serum, the earlier it is begun, the most certain its result, and favorable reaction-known by a decline in the pulse rate and fever-should be shown on the third day. The time of adminis tering the remedy: In antitoxin any time will do; with this serum, early in the mornings, or when the fever begins to rise. The commencing dose is 10 cubic-centimeter, repeated on a recurrence of fever. AS greatly as we admire the vigorous policy of many medical journals in going after sham practices, false gods and frauds of every hue, we would Better Late be pleased to have them not appropriate to themselves honors to which they are not by priority entitled. Recently several good journals have awakened to the fact that osteopathy is an evil, and are vigorous in their condemnation of it, others have suddenly become conscious of the existence of christian science as a disturbing factor of quack practice, while others, among them some prominent journals, have just learned of the fraudulent St. Luke's Hospital, of Niles, Michigan, when its character was exposed fully a year, and we, the humble MEDICAL FORTNIGHTLY, wrote it up months ago. We are glad to have these good journals awakened; it it better late than never, but when the "sleeper awakes" please be kind enough to note that "there are others," who have been awake and who have scooped the glory which is selfishly claimed to belong to the recently awakened sleepers. F. P. N. THE death of Dr. J. C. Mulhall, which occurred on the 11th inst., is a matter of profoundest regret to his many friends and admirers. Only his family and intimate friends knew of the suffering through which he has gone during the past five or six years, Dr. J. C. Mulhall to the rest of the world he was a man in average health, and we are only beginning to realize that in ending his life he but ended years of torture in a climax of its severity, which had made him irresponsible for the act. Dr. Mulhall was one of the foremost laryngologists of America, in St. Louis he was considered the final authority in this special branch of medicine. He was born in St. Louis in 1851; his collegiate and medical studies were pursued in St. Louis institutions up to his graduation from the medical department of Washington University. After graduation he studied some years in the medical centers of England and Continental Europe, returning to America he located in our city, where he resided up to the time of his death. In practice he was phenomenally successful; early in his career he had gained the enviable reputation which he merited to the end. In medical education he took an active interest, and for many years he had held the chair of Diseases of the Nose, Throat and Chest in Beaumont Hospital Medical College He was President of the St. Louis Medical Society in 1898, which position is the highest honor it is possible for the local profession to confer. He had contributed numerous articles to the medical press, most of which were distinctly in the line of his special work, and all were valuable. As a man Dr. Mulhall was a delightful person to meet, among his associates he was most popular, and the passing acquaintance was always pleasantly impressed, in fact it was difficult to feel that you were not more than a "passing acquaintance," because of his natural cordiality. The Doctor's family, a wife and three children, have the heartfelt sympathy of the entire profession in their time of sorrow. T. A. H. |