and since this coast borders the wide Pacific ocean, it follows that the air which it receives will be more or less humid during the entire year, which, according to physical laws, causes an equable temperature.

Humidity of the atmosphere means more oxygen and hydrogen, which, inhaled by the lungs, will exercise its influence upon the system. Oxygen is a stimulant to all the bodily functions, while the saline particles, which are suspended in the air, may possibly stimulate the function of the kidneys sometimes unduly.

To be short, my experience teaches me, that decided rheumatic cases, and also organic heart and kidney troubles had better shun this coast entirely, while, owing to its stimulating influence, this climate is decidedly beneficial for all other cases, more or less. Weak and cachectic subjects, with a fair amount of digestive power, will improve rapidly. So will consumptives, if not too far gone, in an altitude of 2000 to 3000 feet above sea-level. There are many beautiful valleys, so located, not too far from the coast. Yet I believe Arizona and Nevada still better suited for them. If too far gone, they ought to stay at home.

Asthmatics generally do well, but the most decided benefit will be derived by chronic malarial cases.

One year's residence at the coast, or not too far from it, will cure almost any case of this kind besides stimulating and strengthening the entire system. No bacteria can withstand the chlo rine contained in the air, which may account for the general rarity of Zymotic diseases.

To be candid, for many cases of malarial poisoning, there is no cure but through change of climate, and while the majority of patients, unfortunately for themselves, cannot afford it, some would gladly take the opportunity.

I believe that the consideration of climate as a factor, and its influence upon disease, has so far not received sufficient attention, and might go hand in hand with the description of springs, found in this country.

D. C. DRANSFIELD.

Kelsyville, Lake Co., Cal.

Sexual Apathy.

Editor MEDICAL WORLD:

My attention was called to an article in the January issue of THE MEDICAL WORLD, entitled "An Anomalous Case," by "An Old Subscriber," and also, in the February number, the reply to it.

Even at this late date allow me to also reply. To cite the case briefly: "The wife of a loving

husband has never experienced any pleasure or gratification from sexual congress; she submits to his sexual appetite as a matter of form, and to gratify him; that she does not enjoy coitus at all, but in fact it is repulsive to her; and she has not the slightest conception of the orgasm experienced during the sexual relation."

In the February issue we find this reply to the appeal for aid: “An Old Subscriber' will find that about fifty per cent, of the female race are in the same predicament as his patient. Civilization has for so many centuries made women ashamed of sexuality that the sex has largely lost it. We would advise her husband to keep her time fully occupied with the care of the babies, and she will never miss it. Perhaps, in the course of years, she may develop a sexual instinct; if not, she is that much better off than her sisters. Women who really have the capacity for experiencing the sexual orgasm are apt to take entirely too much interest in it for their own good or their husband's."

In regard to this reply, I wish to take exceptions: first, in that civilization has not made women ashamed of sexuality; but rather has had a tendency to elevate them in regarding the marital relation as a desirable sphere in life; and to be queen over a home of their own, and a wife to the man they honor and love, is a position looked forward to by all the young women of civilization.

"Civilization has made women ashamed of sexuality, that the sex has largely lost it." Lost it! How? Can they lose that which they never had? The assertion that from shame they have lost sexuality is a very broad one; if lost at all (which I have reason to deny), it is not from advancing civilization or shame, but from woman's abuse to herself.

Next: "We would advise her husband to keep her time fully occupied with the care of her babies, and she will never miss it." Now in this particular case the lady in question has no babies; and, for the benefit of cases of this kind, why not add: Keep her time fully occupied at any cost; take in washing, ironing, scrubbing, and, if there is time left unoccupied, let her go to the fields and assist her lord and master, so that she will never miss that which civilization has made her ashamed of. Step into a home where there is concord and harmony, everything tasty and neat, the woman fond of her home and surroundings, the bosom companion of her husband. There it is certain you find mutual enjoyment of the marriage relation; if not, it is from some undeveloped part of the sexual organs.

Perhaps in the course of years she may develop the sexual instinct." True it is, in time the organs may become developed. Why not

develop them now? For fear "she will take too much interest in it for her own good or her husband's?" If that is the reason, why are we as physicians importuned time and time again by the husbands of the unfortunate women for aid and relief? Shall we say to them: "You are a lucky fellow; you have drawn a jewel in the matrimonial lottery; she will never miss it;' she is that much better off than her sisters,' and will all the more readily become the slave to your passions and desires; she will be better fitted for a wife, a better mother of 'your children, a better companion, and nearer and dearer to you for this defect?'

No; a thousand times no. As physicians and surgeons, let us relieve these cases when it is in our power.

Again: "Women who experience the sexual orgasm are apt to take too much interest in it for their own good or their husband's." This is a fact in some cases I admit; but can we hope that, in the rapid advance of civilization, woman will become a slave to man's passion and lust, a tool, a slave to do his work, rear his family? Far be it! Let us seek to aid in all cases, and realize the truth of the beautiful illustration of the marriage vow in the sturdy oak and the entwining vine, rather than that the vine should become as the fallen and decaying leaves, from which the oak draws but a slight amount of nourishment for its greatness. Woman is man's equal in her sphere as maiden, wife and mother; and the Creator of all things, in my belief, intended that woman should derive the same enjoyment from the marriage relation that man does in the propagation of the human

that justify us in adopting a "let alone" policy? It is poor consolation to an afflicted person to be assured that there are hundreds of others in the same condition.

In considering this subject the question suggests itself, Is it a physiological condition? The laws of nature which are supposed to bear equally upon the "just and the unjust," teach us that it is not. Reasoning from analogy we find that in the brute creation nature throws a barrier about the female that protects her from the advances of the male when she is not in a condition to appreciate and respond to his amorous desires.

From this we have absolute proof that it is a violation of a positive law of nature for the male to force his advances upon the female in opposition to her desire and wish. Is it at all likely that Nature would be less considerate of the human female than the brute? We are therefore forced to the conclusion that the absence of sexual instinct in the female is a pathological and not a physiological condition, and this being the case is it not our duty as physicians to endeavor by all the means at our command to correct that condition? Certainly it would seem so to all thinking men.

If a man suspects that he is failing in virile power, or that his capacity of appreciating and enjoying sexual intercourse is lessening, how quickly he flies to a physician for assistance. And who amongst us would tell him that Science had nothing to offer for his relief? Certainly not one, until he had exhausted the whole materia medica in his behalf.

Let us consider the subject from a moral standpoint. I believe there is more unhappiness in the marriage relation resulting from sexual than mental incompatibility. Platonic love is very nice in romance and poetry, but when it comes to real practical every-day life, it does not exist. A man may be married to a woman possessing all the charms of mind and person possible, and yet if she be devoid of sexual instinct and feeling their marriage is a failure. If the man possess considerable moral strength, they may drag out their existence together, and to the outside world appear well mated. most likely the man will seek for that sexual sympathy and affinity denied him at home, at other places. How often do we see in the daily papers, where men have deserted lovely and accomplished wives for women much inferior in in mental and physical charms. Their friends cannot understand what influence could prompt them to take such a step. Is not the subject under discussion a plausable explanation of many such?

But

I cannot think that Prof. Waugh (for whose opinions as seen in THE WORLD I have the

greatest respect) was really serious in his short comment on the subject, and I hope he will give it the consideration that it really deserves from the profession, and then give his views through THE WORLD. J. W. PIERSON, M. D. Del Rio, Tex.

Sexual Instinct in Females. ' Editor MEDICAL WORLD:

In answer to Old Subscriber" in Feb. number of THE WORLD, Dr. Waugh makes some observations with reference to the sexual proclivities of the female sex, which while they are doubtless the result of his observation, yet I think all medical men will not agree with the Professor. It is that fifty per cent. of women do not care for the sexual act per se, and that they submit to the mantal embrace simply to satisfy the husband. As the Professor very truly says it has so long been the custom to consider the desire for sexual congress in women low and degrading, that the sex as a whole has come to agree with the verdict of the age, and even among prostitutes and women who desert good houses for brothels and houses of prostitution; the great majority declare (except when the declaration interferes with the trade), that they do not care for or enjoy sexual congress, and yet there can be no question but that they violate the truth every time they say so. It has become so common to regard a woman who expresses herself in a truthful manner on the sub ject, as a wild monster, that without regard to the truth not one woman in ten will hesisitate to dodge the question, or if she answers it at all she will tell an untruth. While we are prepared to grant that woman is the greatest self sacrificing being that ever blessed man in his hour of trial or triumph, yet I for one am not yet prepared to believe that the great bulk of women have no sexual passion and submit to their husbands simply because they think it a duty. The women of our age have come to think that children are a care, and are to be avoided when possible. It is not to be doubted that many women refuse the sexual congress frequently, but the refusal is indefinitely oftener made because of the fears of maternity than because of any abhorrence for the act.

In every city of any size in the country there are homes for unfortunate women. And yet it is a notorious fact that comparatively few women who once enter a life of shame ever reform. This is not as so many believe, because a woman once down is never allowed to rise. In many places the so called victims of man's perfidy are offered homes of almost splendor, but the old life, albeit, the women do not care

for, or know the sexual feeling, claims the most of them back again. This is all the evidence that most people care for, that it is the ungoverned desire that prompts the action after all.

The sexual instinct is as natural in the healthy male and female as is any other instinct. It underlies the preservation and propagation of the race. If let go unbridled, it makes a brute of a man and unsexes a woman. But that is no reason why as Dr. Waugh suggests, that a woman is the better for not having the sexual propensity developed. The man ur woman who has not the sexual instinct lacks just that much of being a full man or woman. Its possession is as necessary as is the sensation of hunger to the normal system.

The presence of the desire for the sexual act is no more derogatory to the woman than is the presence of a good appetite. In the wisdom of a Creator we are given certain instincts, many in common with all animals, and we are taught by example and precept that a sound mind in a sound body can only come from such care as we know we need.

The crying evil of our time is not that the sexual propensity is too great, but it is that the home teaching and the home information that is so necessary for the guidance of the rising generation is neglected. The girls do not need to be taught that it is indelicate to enjoy the marital embrace so much as they need to be taught that the holiest of missions is motherhood, and that no function or instinct can be abused with impunity.

What fools mock modesty makes of us all! Underlying all the great questions concerning the appetites and desires of the people is education, and to it must we look for relief. Teach the people how to live aright, and fewer will find the wrong road by experimenting. When the great question of temperance is taught at the fireside and in the nursery, and all the victims of drink, and other appetites run mad are treated as diseased people, then may be the glory of a redeemed people will appear, and then will the other question of sex and its derangements not be tabooed so systematically. J. A. DEARMOND, M.D.

Southern Atlantic States.

The Fluid Extract is prepared with a menstruum of alcohol three parts, water one part, and is used almost altogether in making cough syrups, being rarely used alone. It is not known to possess other than expectorant properties; but for that purpose seems to be growing in favor, judging from demand.

I notice, however, that quite all the formulas in which it enters contain several other "good old reliable" expectorants, and it is a question in my mind whether used alone it would be of Yours very truly,

value.

JOSIAH K. LILLY, Ph. G. Of Eli Lilly & Co., Indianapolis, Ind.

Parenchymatous Nephritis.

Editor MEDICAL WORLD:

I have never before ventured to raise my voice in the World's Medical Society," but Dr. Witherspoon's case (page 128) attracted my attention.

From the doctor's description, his patient undoubtedly has parenchymatous nephritis whether acute or chronic his article gives no clue. Hence, if he will stop treating dyspnea and treat the cause the symptoms will more surely disappear.

There is undoubtedly edema of the lungs. What is indicated? Diuretics, infusion of digitalis with acetate of potassium, convalaria, strophanthus, etc., or cholagogue cathartics, sulphate of magnesia, etc.

Stop your valerinate of ammonia, asafetida, etc. There is not the slightest indication for their use.

Build your patient up with tonics, good nutritious food and guard against sudden changes of temperature and meet all indications as they arise, but keep the disease constantly before you. Give a guarded prognosis.

I take four other journals' but would not give up the WORLD for all the rest, for the simple

Editor MEDICAL WORLD:

In reply to Dr. Windsor in the March number, with regard to the best formula to relieve hoarseness caused from an excess of speaking or singing, I would advise him to try ten mimin doses of dilute nitric acid, and for his No. 2 case for nocturnal emissions I would suggest the following prescription:

Nevi, as is well known, are prone to rapid development, through any exciting cause, and therefore I should urge Dr. F. E. Johnston, p. 128 March WORLD to insist on early operative measures. The nevus of which he speaks can be readily and completely removed now, leaving very little scar, whereas, by delay it may necessitate a more formidable operation, with quite different results. The situation of the tumor is such, and the tissues are so lax, that after removal the parts can be brought into close apposition, all favorable for immediate union and no cicatrix left, with its ultimate results. WILLIAM J. MAYBURY, M. D.

Springvale, Me.

Infantile Constipation-Goitre-Ergot--Removal of Placenta-Medical Societies. Editor MEDICAL WORLD:

When a correspondent refers to a formula. given in a previous number of THE MEDICAL WORLD, why not give the formula instead? All who now read THE WORLD, have not been subscribers from its first number. It is the young tyros who most need the counsel of its

columns, answers to questions asked and opinions on some subjects discussed.

Infantile constipation. One drop doses of W. S.M. Drug Company's preparation of fluid hydrastis three times daily, has anwered better than anything else.

Goitre. Muriate of Ammonia grs. x., iodide of potass grs. iij, in one half glass water three times daily, used in conjunction with an ointment of iodine grs. iij, iodide of potass. grs. ij, to diiss of vaseline and Ass of cera alba, cured an obstinate case in my practice some years ago. When called to treat such a case, explain to them that it will be only by faithful persistence in apylying the ointment, and taking the other remedy that they can hope for any improvement. It usually takes six weeks or two months before you can see any improvement.

In regard to Ergot in obstetrical practice never go without it! and seldom or almost never use it!! When first beginning to practice, I gave it to every woman at the end of the second stage of labor. Had six case sof retained placenta in succession. I meet with them now, once in a while, but know that Ergot has noth. ing to do with it.

If the placenta does not come away in thirty minutes after the child is born, wash your hands in water as hot as you can bear it, (if you have not done it before) and take it away. Then give Ergot. With clean hands there is no more danger of causing septic poisoning, than there would be in the extraction of a tooth.

I have notes of over twenty cases in which I have removed them, and in none was there any rise of temperature, womb tenderness, or fetor more than is usual in such cases. In one case, a woman six months pregnant was leading a cow that ran and dragged her on her belly in a field of corn stubble. She was sick for a day or two, but went on to full time. In removing this placenta which took me fully an hour, I can compare it to nothing but picking the nap off a woolen bed spread, so closely did it adhere to the womb. In four days this woman against my commands, was up attending to her household duties. So I say remove the after-birth, but with cleanliness and gentleness. To dry up a woman's milk, tincture of belladonna, ten drops internally, three times daily. To prevent mammary abscess, fluid extract of phytolacca decandra internally, externally and eternally.

By the way, every physician should belong to a medical society, and attend the meetings thereof. Apropos of medical societies, the South Kansas Medical Society meets at Wichita, Kan. May 7th, this year. It is composed of about two hundred members, its district comprises one-third of the state, and all of the wide

"Gonorrhoea. A Failure."

Editor MEDICAL WORLD:

"Southern California," on page 158 of the April number, invites criticism and asks advice. I think he needs both, for most certainly his treatment of that poor railroad man was not only very unscientific, but decidedly unkind. Hydrarg. bichlor. was wrong, argent. nit. was wrong, sulph. zinc and plumbi acet. were wrong, and especially wrong were the time honored balsam, cop., nit., etc. No wonder the patient had orchitis and a "terrible time" generally. I have probably one hundred to one hundred and twenty-five cases a year to treat, and I would advise our Western friend, when the next case comes in, to try the following, whether the symptoms are "urgent" or

not: