of prostitution. Hard names are poor mate- Dr. J. Milner Fothergill, in the Phil. Med. rials out of which to construct a better Times, describes as follows a group of well"backbone." With the results in France, known English physicians: "There was John England and St. Louis, Mo., we are some- Charles Bucknill, tall, erect, stalwart, with what familiar, and in our judgment these his face beaming with good nature, condo not afford any ground for a rational spicuous from his stature; beside him stood belief in the efficacy of laws controlling his co-editor of the famous "Manual on prostitution. None would welcome more Psychological Medicine," Hack Tuke, a heartily than ourselves the enactment of any laws that would obviate the horrors of venereal diseases. Our study of the matter has led us to despair of healing up a discharging sore while dead bone lies beneath. The only way to cure the former is to remove the dead bone. So to prevent venereal diseases illicit coition must be stopped. John W. Kales, of Binghampton, N. Y., took his first course of lectures at Detroit Medical College, beginning October 1st, 1878. He left in January, 1879, so long before the close of the term that he could not obtain a certificate of attendance for the required twenty weeks. In June, 1879, we learn that he has received the degree of M. D. from the Long Island Hospital Medical College, He begins to attend lectures October 1st, 1878, and receives his diploma within nine months from the time he entered college. At small, slight man. At some distance stood Crichton Brown, the Lord Chancellor's visitor in lunacy, unique, with his long, blonde hirsute appendages and pale face, looking very much more like a dandified man about town than anything else, were it not for the broad brow, the keen look about the eyes and the sparkle of his conversation. some distance stood W. B. Carpenter, the physiologist, and author of the "Principles of Mental Physiology," just lifting his hat, showing the lofty, furrowed brow of the sage. The centre of another group is W. H. Broadbent, best known as the editor of “Tanner's Medicine," but really an authority on diseases of the nervous system-the coming man as a physician; of medium height, with a well-knit figure well poised, with his hand whether in his trowsers' pocket or on his hip may not be affirmed; his hat conceals his well-domed head, and his eyes see more than Richet, in his work on "Poisons, of the his spectacles will permit them to reveal. There he stands, brimful of good humor, Intelligence," says of alcohol that "the first effects of intoxication are loss of attention, observing, but scarcely conscious of being a sur-excitation of the imagination and observed. Not far away is the tall, militarya diminution of the judgment." looking figure of Arange, the superintendent are some men whose will power is so strong lunatics, with a grand, dark, scrutinizing of the Broadmoor Asylum for criminal that they never experience this stage, but lunatics, with a grand, dark, scrutinizing pass at once into a state of profound intoxi- eye of inquiring, indeed, penetrating charcation. Sometimes the intention is equiva- acter, telling of his experience and the material he has to handle. Near him is the slight lent to the act itself, and one may become drunk without drinking. This effect and nattily-attired Ferrier, with a lean face be produced by good news, unexpected for- and also a very remarkable eye, flicking the tune, unhoped for success. Certain persons ash from his cigarette and looking meditaare nervous so far as the brain is concerned. tively at it, just as he looked when perform The slightest accident upsets their judgment, ing his experiments with their imperishable the smallest emotion or least annoyance troys at once their presence of mind and courage. In their normal state they lack neither judgment nor will power; but let an unforseen accident happen, and they lose their heads, and their condition is equivalent to that produced by intoxication. In such persons the slightest excess of fever brings delirium. They are weak-headed, and unless careful they may become intoxicated with deplorable facility. There may des revelations. A Dutch hotel-keeper in the Transvaal clarifies the turbid water of the district in the following way: Half a dozen peach kernels are slightly cracked and thrown into a large butt of water. In an hour or two the muddiest will be found beautifully clear. In Georgia, they are in favor of removing the tax on quinine and putting it on dogs. Charging the duty to the bark, as it were. Habershon on Dyspepsia.* whitish fur; if the secretions be disordered, the fur is thicker and more distinct; if Strength be impaired and the epithelial covering readily undergo degenerative changes, the fur becomes browner in color, and in This is one of the really good books- great prostration it becomes even black, as containing the best results of a life devoted in typhoid states of the system. Then, if the mucous membrane be in an irritable largely to the study of its subject matter. and congested state, the papillæ of the While it is solely devoted to clinical observations upon the various forms of gastric tongue become congested and often stand diseases, it regards these in their general out distinctly from a whitish fur; the subrelation to other parts of the system. It stance of the tongue is also rather smaller than thus emphasizes the importance of curing the normal. In more severe cases, the sides and patient by a removal of the cause, rather tip of the tongue are redder than usual and are than relieving the patient by an attempt to preternaturally congested. In more chronic forms of irritation and ulceration, especially alleviate some isolated symptom or symptoms. when the small intestine is affected, this conBetter than in any other one work the author concentrates all present knowledge in gestion of the tongue is very marked; sometimes it is merely the center which presents its relations to dyspepsia. He who carefully studies this little book will henceforth under a clear reddened stripe, or there are reddened stand that dyspepsia is one of the most intri- patches, or the whole tongue has a red, beefy cate of all disorders, and its comprehension appearance; this state is often well marked in typhoid ulceration of the small intestine possible only to him who combines an exand in strumous peritoneal disease. haustive knowledge of physiology, pathology and clinical medicine. The author groups the several varieties of dyspepsia under ten different heads, according to its origin, viz: (1) Atonic, whether from general imperfect nutrition and diseased vessels or from exhaustion of the cerebro-spinal nervous system, or from failure of the organic nerves. (2) Congestive dyspepsia, as observed in chronic disease of the lungs, heart and bronchi, and chronic diseases of the liver. (3) Inflammatory dyspepsia, whether arising from irritants, excesses or improper diet. (4) Hepatic dys pepsia. (5) Rheumatic and gouty dyspepsia. (6) Dyspepsia from disease of the kidneys. (7) Dyspepsia from mechanical interference with the muscular movements of the stomach. (8) Nervous dyspepsia. (9) Dyspepsia from improper chemical changes in the stomach. (10) Duodenal dyspepsia. The several clinical varieties are discussed in a very satis. factory manner, giving diagnosis and rational "In irritable conditions, the tongue is contracted; but in atonic dyspepsia, in feebleness of the system generally such as we find in anæ. mia with loaded colon, the tongue appears pale and is indented by the teeth." The remedies that are useful in treating dyspepsia, he groups under four heads: (1) Those which regulate the work the stomach has to perform. (2) Those which increase the digestive power by the addition of some of those agents, chemical or otherwise, which are naturally in operation during the digestive the impediments of digestion. (4) Those process. (3) Those remedies which remove general remedies which only act upon the stomach in a secondary manner. Very happily has the author exhibited the details in selecting and applying these remedies. In the interests of the sick, we could hope that this little work may be carefully studied by every practitioner. Richet on the Cerebral Convolutions.* As the translator suggests, this work is a natural ally to Charcot's "Localization in Diseases of the Brain," since it adds to our more precise knowledge of normal cerebral anatomy and physiology. We know of no *PHYSIOLOGY and Pathology of the Cerebral Convolutions, also Poisons of the Intellect. By Charles Richet, A. M. M. D., Ph. D. Translated by E. P. Fowler, M. D. Cloth; pages 170. York: Wm Wood & Co. 1879. New creased heat in the brain is produced by sensible irritation of the peripheric nerves-by excitation of the special senses, and by any mental activity. Experiments show that cerebral activity increases the production of carbonic acid, urea, and probably cholesterine. Hence the activity of nerve cells increases temperature and chemical combustion. The same activity absolutely reverses the electrical currents between the white substance and the cortex cerebri. other work containing the latest views in this the physiology of the convolutions. This also rapidly changing science. No part of the is introduced by an historical account of the body requires for its intelligent comprehen- contributions of the several investigators sion so extensive a knowledge of physiology, As to the excitability our present knowledge medical and surgical pathology, physics, is stated as follows: (1) The white subanatomy, anthropology and psychology. If stance of the brain is certainly excitable. in his statements the author has at all erred, (2) The cortex cerebri is probably excitable it is on the side of an intelligent skepticism. by electricity. (3) In the order of electric In this we think he has done well, as so many excitability of the nervous system, we may incomplete statements have been put forward admit (a) nerve terminations; (b) nerve as complete truths, that those unable to verify trunks; (c) central gray substance; (d) white them are sure to be led into error. The substance of the nerve centers. A large clearness of the text is enhanced by a con- number of facts demonstrate "that an insiderable number of wood cuts. An excellent historical account of the structure of the cerebral convolutions opens the work, From this we learn that Malpeghi discovered the cells and nerve fibres of the cerebral cortex; that Vicq. d'Azyr and Baillarger have described the gross appearance of the convolutions, and that Meynert, Luys and Betz have made known the microscopic structure. Next are given the general arrangement of the convolutions, their organized elements and their structure. An interesting anatomical difference between motor and sensitive convolutions is found in the size of the cells -these being large in the former and small in the latter although the two gradually run into one another. An interesting com. parison is made between the structure of the posterior sensorial convolutions and the retina of the eye. Owing to the curve of the retinal layer, and to the atrophy of the posterior lamina which forms the pigmentary layer, the anterior lamina becomes the homologue of the superficial encephalic layer in such a way that the most superficial portion of the convolutions is morphologically represented by the most profound layers of the retina. The structure of the gray and white substance of the convolutions is admirably given. Concerning the relative independence space for further quotations, nor can we alof the different vascular territories of gray lude to the discussion of poisons of the incortex, he is content with stating the various telligence. Those interested in these subviews of the several investigators. Two jects will find a rare satisfaction in studying important facts are given with the develop- this admirable little work. ment of the convolutions. (1) The existence of transitory convolutions found in the embryon of four or five months, and which disappear towards the seventh or eight month. (2) The cortical cells of an eight-month fœtus have the appearance of round cells. Nerve prolongations also are lost in advanced age. The second part of the work deals with The facts relative to arterial tension of the brain are: (1) In repose, in absence of all effort, movements of the brain do not correspond to the respiratory rythm only to the arterial rythm. (2) Each systole of the heart increases the volume of the brain, a kind of congestion. (3) Inspiratory and exspiratory efforts greatly change the movements and volume of the brain. Expiration and effort augment its volume, inspiration greatly diminishes it. Compression upon the veins of the neck increases it. (4) The cepilo-rachidian liquid is the moderator or safety valve which protects the distended cerebral pulp from pressure against the skull walls. Of the functions of the convolutions in detail, the results of Hitzig and Ferrier are in the main approved. We have not Galabin on Diseases of Women.* This is the fifth work on this subject, covering about the same ground, and issued at about the same price, issued by this one firm. Other firms have published many others of *THE STUDENT'S GUIDE to the Diseases of Women By Alfred Lewis Galabin. Cloth; pages 370. 1879Philadelphia: Lindsay & Blakiston. Price, $2. the same character, so that in our view of his mouth. I certainly had mine, but they the case there are, to say the least, too many were the struggles of early life and I thank books of this peculiar sort. No reason that God for them, for they taught me patience has a connection with professional good oc- and perseverance, and self reliance—those curs to us to account for their existence. In powerful aids in developing character. These fact, we believe the profession would have struggles did not discourage me. On the been better off had each of the entire lot contrary, I felt as Sheridan felt when he perished ere delivery. We can recommend made his maiden speech in the British House them to such as desire a smattering of the of Commons, that it was in me and would subject without the expense of buying and come out of me; or as Erskine expressed it the labor of reading books of greater price on a similar occasion: 'I felt as if my and broader scope. But those who want to children were tugging at my coat and thoroughly know the subjects treated are urging me on to industry and perseverance recommended to obtain a work that discusses that I might supply their necessities.' A the several topics with adequate fullness. brave man never yields to despair. His motto Of its kind the volume before us is a good is "Perseverantia omnia vincit.' This has been one. Clearly it states the facts which have my motto, and whatever success I may have been selected with judicious care. It omits achieved is due to persistent effort and to the discussion of female diseases that are a definite aim in life, without any faltering treated in the works on obstetrics and surgery. or misgiving in regard to the final issue. I The arrangement of the book is essentially have never lost sight of the fact that what based on pathological anatomy. Mechanic. a man soweth he shall reap, or that if the ally it reflects the habitual good taste of its enterprising publishers. The Gross Complimentary Dinner.* To few professional men is it permitted to reach the fifty-first year of their active service. But to none other, in so far as we are aware, has it been permitted to reach it in the full tide of professional activity, respec. ted, reverenced and honored alike by the laity, the medical profession of two worlds and even by his own personal rivals. The dinner, of which the elegant book before us gives an entertaining history, was creditable alike to the heads and hearts of the active movers in its execution. The details are well *COMPLIMENTARY DINNER, given to Prof. S. D. Gross by his medical friends in commemoration of his fifty-first year in the profession, April 10, 1879. Cloth, pages 42. Philadelphia: Lindsay & Blakis ton. spring show no blossoms autumn will show no fruit." Respecting the inspiration of genius, he says that the greatest efforts of ancient or modern times are the result of words, the fruit of a long and unusually suchard study and patient labor. These wise cessful career, are worthy of careful reflection by the younger members of the profession. Wilson on Summer and its Diseases.* This little work is the fourth of Keen's series of American health primers. With pleasing diction it tells the non-professional reader somewhat of the dangers of summer and of the methods for avoiding them; of the nature of sunstroke, and the methods of treating it; of summer diarrhoea, dysentery and cholera infantum, and the best ways to avoid their occurrence; of summer colds, fevers, asthma and skin disorders, with simple directions for their prevention and non-medical treatment. The evils of summer are due primarily to its elevated temthem must include either the escape to a perature, and all plans for avoiding or curing lower temperature, natural or artificial, or the render it impossible for the heat to act harmperfection of such arrangements as shall fully. In the presence of so much organic matter as constitutes the essence and sur *THE SUMMER AND ITS DISEASES. By James C. Wilson, M. D. Cloth; pages 160. 1879. Philadelphia: Lindsay & Blakiston. Price, 50 cents. roundings of the essentials of life, the making Rosenthal on Diseases of the Nervous System.* Of the list of works thus far issued in the Wood library series, this, in our estimation, ranks among the best. So highly was it esteemed by Prof. Charcot that in 1877 he pre of such arrangements involves the combina tion of a high grade of knowledge, skill, energy and tact. Hence the more practical way of obviating these evils is to fly to cooler regions. Of these, in their infinite varia- pared a French translation for French stutions, the author gives a brief but correct dents, which was very favorably received. account, such as will greatly aid those de- While not neglecting other portions of the sirous of selecting such a place as a summer study, this work is essentially clinical in resort. Most heartily do we commend the character-dwelling largely upon symptomacareful reading of this little primer to all tology and treatment. Therapeutics comes who desire for themselves and those depend- in for more than its usual share of attenent upon them the greatest physical good in Special advocacy of hydro-therapeutic summer with a minimum of evil. measures is one prominent feature in the treatment of chronic nervous diseases. The present edition surpasses the German and English ones in that a considerable number Tanner's Memoranda of Poisons.* This little work has been so long before the profession that it is unnecessary to more than state that in this edition are collected all the more recent facts which bear directly upon the detection and treatment of cases of poisoning. Believing that cases of secret poisoning were more frequent than is usually supposed, the author's object was to facilitate their detection and treatment by the average practitioner. It is an admirable book, and should be in the hands of all. tion. of illustrative wood cuts have been introduced by the American editor. Playter's Elementary Anatomy, Physiology and in the motor ganglia, paralysis of that por Hygiene.+ That the public, old and young, should be taught something of the subjects of this book, we are ready to admit. We are also well aware of the difficulties of such teach. ing. Hence we heartily welcome every effort to surmount them. Doubtless the one before us may reach and benefit many, but we fear that its usefulness will prove rather limited. One reason for this fear is based upon the fact that the book is a product of machine rather than love work. Teaching of this sort, to be effective, needs to be animated by all the fire of a soul enthusiastic and overflowing with a yearning to have others know and believe these vital truths. Exact, careful and sedate sentences rarely electrify the stupid and indifferent. *MEMORANDA OF POISONS. By Thomas Hawkes Tanner, M. D., F. L. S. Fourth American from the last English enlarged edition. 1879. Philadelphia: Lindsay & Blakiston. Pages 200. Price 25 tion of the fibres of the facial nerve which passes through the foot of the cerebral peduncle will occur upon the same side as the hemiplegia, and the paralysis will therefore only involve the inferior or respiratory muscles of the face. In lesions of hemorrhage or encephalitis, the paresis of the ocular muscles is accompanied by deviation of the eye-ball, with rotation of the head to the side opposite the hemiplegia. "In isolated lesions of the cerebral peduncle. incomplete paralysis of the oculo-motor nerve occurs upon the side opposite the hemiplegia, with incomplete paralysis of the face and tongue. In lesions of the pons alternate hemiplegia is almost always produced, that is to say, facial paralysis upon one side and paralysis of the limbs on the opposite side. When the lesion is situated above the decussation of the fibres of the facial, the facial paralysis is observed upon the same side as *A CLINICAL TREATISE on the Diseases of the Nervous System, by M. Rosenthal, with preface by Prof. Charcot. Translated from the author's revised edition by L. Pretzel, M. D. Cloth; pages 278. New York, Wm. Wood & Co., 1879. |