Chapter M: J. DEROSSET, M. D., New York City, Editors

THOMAS F. WOOD, M. D., Wilmington, N. C.

☞ _Original communications are solicited from all parts of the country, and especially from the medical profession of The Carolinas. Articles requiring illustrations can be promptly supplied by previous arrangement with the Editors. Any subscriber can have a specimen number sent free of cost to a friend whose attention he desires to call to our_ JOURNAL, _by sending the address to this office. Prompt remittances from subscribers are absolutely necessary to enable us to maintain our work with vigor and acceptability. All remittances must be made payable to_ DEROSSET & WOOD, _P. O. Box 535, Wilmington, N. C._

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THE APPROACHING MAY MEETINGS.

We ask the attention of the members of the North Carolina Medical Society, at the request of Dr. Charles Duffy, Jr., President, to their obligation as Chairmen and members of Committees and Sections.

The sections as instituted at the last meeting of the Society are as follows:

_Surgery and Anatomy._—Dr. Charles J. O’Hagan, Greenville. _Obstetrics Gynæcology._—Dr. H. Otis Hyatt, Kinston. _Practice of Medicine._—Dr. W. A. B. Norcom, Edenton. _Materia Medica and Therapeutics._—Dr. G. G. Smith, Mill Hill. _Microscopy and Pathology._—Dr. G. G. Thomas, Wilmington.

It will be remembered that the resolution creating the Sections offered by Dr. Shaffner, of Salem, designed that all papers coming under the above heads should be presented to the Chairman of that section, and through him papers are to be presented to the Society. It is highly desirable, therefore, that papers intended to be presented should be sent forward to their proper chairman, that they may get early attention. The ultimate design of this method is to promote a systematic and orderly presentation of papers, and to induce every contributor to the literature of the Society to put his paper in a way to be properly shaped before being read to the Society. Sometimes papers are too long to be read during the session, and still are too important to be neglected. These papers should be passed upon by the Section to which they belong, and given to the publication committee.

As desirable as this plan is, it must not be understood to exclude papers prepared too late to be reviewed by the section, for literary laziness and procrastination is the prominent failing of members of our State Medical Society. (We are now speaking as editors).

With the additional work now devolving upon our State Society, every effort will have to be made to economize time. It is desirable that the Board of Medical Examiners meet a day in advance of the Society, in order that candidates passing the Board can at once enter into the duties of full membership, and enable the members of the Board also, to take active part in the proceedings. This we understand to be the plan agreed upon by the Board, and it may be officially announced in this JOURNAL.

All these matters should be thought over before the meeting is right upon us, if we intend to make the best use of the opportunities presented, and not embarrass the presiding officer by a jumble of ill-digested work, or bring disrepute upon the Society by presenting papers put together without due study.

Another matter of vital importance should be carefully considered by every member of the Society. It is the amendment proposed by Dr. T. D. Haigh, of Fayetteville. He proposes to amend the Constitution (Art. IV, Sec. 2,) so that the officers are elected by ballot. This is not a new feature. It has been tried before in the Society but was found to consume a great deal of time. This is the only objection we have heard against it, and this should not be considered insuperable, if the amendment corrects abuses of which we have heard complaints.

We would like to see the office of President filled for a longer term than one year. A good presiding officer is not so easy to get that we ought to be willing to let him go out of office as soon as he has shown his capacity, and this remark applies with peculiar force to the present incumbent. To affect this change though, there must be a further amendment of the Constitution.

YELLOW FEVER POISON SURVIVES A WINTER.

“The U. S. Steamer Plymouth, Captain Hanning, which left Boston
March 15th, for a cruise to the West Indies, returned to Vineyard
Sound on account of two cases of yellow fever occurring on board
when about 80 miles south-east of Bermuda Islands.

“The ship had been in Boston during the winter, and as she had come
from the West Indies last autumn with yellow fever on board she had
been frozen out and fumigated. As she had not called into any port
since leaving Boston, this development showed that the germs of
yellow fever still existed in her, and she was headed north, being
deemed, under the circumstances, unfit for cruising in the tropics.
On the 31st of March, Peter Eagan, the boatswain’s mate, was buried,
having died from yellow fever on the previous day.”—_Wilmington
Sun’s_ associated press telegram.

The above dispatch has since been verified and the minute details will no doubt be investigated most thoroughly. Notwithstanding this case is not without a parallel, it comes in uncomfortable collision with the theories we cherish of the killing power of low temperature on the yellow fever poison.

In the most dismal times of a ravaging epidemic the heart turned with anxious longings for the arrival of frost! This was the line of demarcation between the pestilence and recovery from it! But in this case we are informed that the Plymouth spent the winter in Boston harbor with open hatches, the cold being intense enough to freeze the water in the boilers. Every means for thorough disinfection had been applied that could suggest itself to the minds of the well educated medical officers in the service of a government lavish in its supplies. With all this, a short cruise develops the fever in a form intense enough to cause the death of one of the two seized with the disease.

We will await the detailed accounts of the investigation which is to follow with peculiar interest. It is a starting point for the National Board of Health, and a difficult one.

We append the following from the Surgeon-General of the Navy, received through the Bulletin of the Public Health, from Surgeon General Hamilton, U. S. M. H. S.:

“The Surgeon-General of the U. S. Navy has furnished the following facts in regard to the recent outbreak of yellow fever on the U. S. Steamer ‘Plymouth:’ On November 7th last, four cases of yellow fever occurred on board the vessel while lying in the harbor of Santa Cruz; these were removed to hospital on shore and the ship sailed for Norfolk. Three mild cases occurred during the voyage and the ‘Plymouth’ was ordered to Portsmouth, N. H., thence to Boston. At the latter port everything was removed from the ship and all parts of the interior freely exposed to a temperature which frequently fell below zero, the exposure continuing for more than a month. During this time the water in the tanks, bilges, and in vessels placed in the store rooms was frozen, 100 pounds of sulphur was burned below decks, this fumigation continuing for two days, and the berth-decks, holds and store rooms were thoroughly whitewashed. On March 15th, the ship sailed from Boston southward; on the 19th, during a severe gale, the hatches had to be battened down, and the berth deck became very close and damp. On the 23d two men showed decided symptoms of yellow fever, and on the recommendation of the Surgeon, the vessel headed northward. The sick men were isolated, and measures adopted for improving the hygienic condition of the vessel and crew. The surgeon reported that he believed the infection to be confined to the hull of the ship, especially to the unsound wood about the berth deck, all the cases but one having occurred within a limited area, and that while the ‘Plymouth’ is in good sanitary condition for service in temperate climates, should she be sent to a tropical station, probably no precautionary measures whatever, would avail to prevent an outbreak of yellow fever.”

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_Charcoal for Burns._—A retired foundryman claims that powdered pine charcoal thickly dusted over a burn is a never-failing and speedy remedy.

THE NATIONAL BOARD OF HEALTH.

This body as now composed includes fairly representative men. As far as we can learn it is as follows:

Dr. James L. Cabell, University of Virginia, President. Dr. John S. Billings, U. S. A., Washington, Vice-President. Dr. Henry J. Bowditch, Boston, Mass. Dr. Henry A. Johnson, Chicago, Illinois. Solicitor-General, Samuel Phillips, North Carolina. Dr. S. M. Bemiss, New Orleans. Dr. Th. Turner, Surgeon U. S. N., Washington, Secretary. Dr. P. H. Bailhache, U. S. Marine Hospital. Dr. Robert W. Mitchell, Memphis, Tenn.

A committee of experts has been sent to Havana to study the disease where it is endemic, and where it can be seen for many months in the year.

“The system [adopted by the new National Health bill] contemplates a national sanitary supervision of all vessels engaged in the transportation of goods or persons from any foreign port where any contagious or infectious disease exists, to any port of the United States. All such vessels shall be required to obtain from the consul, vice-consul, or other consular officer of the United States at the port of departure, a certificate in duplicate, setting forth that said vessel has complied with all the necessary regulations and possesses a clean bill of health. This provision applies with particular and special force to vessels from Havana, a clause in the bill defining in detail the duties of the medical officer in charge of the port. The said inspector must issue a certificate setting forth ‘that he has personally inspected said vessel, her cargo, crew, and passengers; that the rules and regulations prescribed by the National Board of Health in respect thereto have been fully complied with, and that in his opinion the said vessel may be allowed to enter any port of the United States and land its cargo and passengers without danger to the health thereof on account of any contagious or infectious disease.’ Any vessels from such port entering any port of the United States without such certificate shall in each instance forfeit the sum of five hundred dollars. The execution of these provisions is entrusted to the National Board of Health. The latter is also charged with the duty of obtaining information of the sanitary condition of foreign ports and places from which contagious diseases are or may be imported into the United States, and also similar information from home ports. It is also provided that the National Board of Health ‘shall correspond with similar local officers, boards and authorities acting under laws of the States in sanitary matters, to prevent the introduction and spread of contagious and infectious diseases from foreign countries into the United States and from one State into any other State by means of commercial intercourse, or upon and along the lines of inter-State trade and travel.’ To such an end it shall be lawful in times of emergency for said board of health to confer upon any such local officer or board within or near the locality where his provisions of this act, and any rules or regulations made in pursuance thereof.”—_Medical Record._

SYMES ON THYMOL AND THYMOL-CAMPHOR.

Dr. Symes, in the _Pharmaceutical Journal_ of January 10, publishes the results of his researches on the combination of thymol, chloral-hydrate, and camphor, acting as an antiseptic. The two former drugs are rubbed together in a mortar, and an equal quantity of camphor added, which liquefies the whole, and produces a powerful antiseptic. Its virtues were immediately tested on some urine containing pus, and which was already beginning to decompose. Two drops of the compound being added to it, the putrefaction was arrested. If thymol and camphor alone are rubbed together, they also become liquid, and this a convenient form from which to prepare the ointment. Thymol-camphor can be mixed in almost any proportion with vaseline, _ung. petrolei_, or ozokerine, and the thymol will not separate, as in crystals, when thymol alone is used. A solution of thymol in water (1 in 1000) is sufficiently strong for the spray in surgical operations. If used for the throat, milk and glacial acetic acid will be found to be good solvents for it.—_London Medical Record._

REVIEWS AND BOOK NOTICES.

MODERN SURGICAL THERAPEUTICS: A Compendium of Current Formulæ,
Approved Dressings, and Specific Methods for the Treatment of
Surgical Diseases and Injuries. By George H. Napheys, A. M., M. D.,
etc. Sixth Edition. Revised to the most recent date. Philadelphia:
D. G. Brinton, 115 South Seventh Street. 1879. Pp. 605. Price $4.00,
in cloth.

This is a companion volume to Napheys’ Medical Therapeutics which we noticed in our January issue.

The design of this work is to give a careful digest of surgical therapeutics up to the latest date, and the author has succeeded in carrying it out. As a work of ready reference it may be compared favorably with any of a similar character. Discrimination in selections, however, does not seem to be the aim of the author, but rather to bring all matters under their heads, leaving the reader to select those best suited to his needs.

In divesting surgery of its operative procedures, it leaves a comparatively indifferent number of resources, but the therapeutical branch is by no means at a stand still.

We are pleased to see that under the head of anæsthetics, chloroform has been allowed its proper place at the head of the list.

Chloroform “is the most potent of all anæsthetics,” he says, “and its use is still advocated by many eminent surgeons. Only the alleged dangers attending it, prevent its exclusive employment. Many of these arise from its ignorant or heedless administration.” The directions for its use are given, as also the means of combatting dangers arising from it. Dr. Napheys might have added with a great deal of truth, that chloroform should not be administered by any surgeon who is not habitually on his guard as to the dangers of the anæsthetic state.

The dressing of wounds after the new processes of antiseptic practice receives a great deal of attention. To one familiar with the dressings during our civil war, on examination of the present multitudinous plans to exclude “germs” would bring back the days of our grand-fathers in surgery with their balms and balsams and salves; and some of the dressing is not more rational. According to Esmarch (p. 151 and 152) the dressing of gun-shot wounds should be purely antiseptic. “Do not examine the wound at all, rather than examine it with unclean fingers—and everything is unclean, in the strict sense that is not antiseptic.

“* * * * To avoid pernicious putrefactive influences the wounds must not be touched by the hands, but closed rapidly by antiseptic plugs, in order to preserve them from the contact of putrefactive agents until they can undergo the Lister treatment in the hospitals if necessary. He proposes that every soldier should carry in the lining of his uniform two balls of _salicylated jute_ wrapped in gauze.”

We make this particular quotation to show to what old-maidish precision the antiseptic idea is leading good surgeons. This ever-present inextinguishable “germ” is the evil spirit hovering over every wound. Nets of gauze are set to protect it; strong odors from the witches cauldron are summoned to stifle and destroy the malicious fiend.

We are thankful though that the civil surgeon still sees “union by adhesion,” and “first intention,” and “granulation,” in regions so far remote from Listerism that there is little hope it will enter there, and if it does it will hardly captivate the even-minded country surgeon. When the days of probationary Listerism have ended, we will not be surprised if the verdict is against it.

But we have digressed from our book. It is the XVIth chapter on “Diseases of the Skin” that will be often consulted by the busy doctor. Having made his diagnosis, here is a goodly array of remedial agents, from the most eminent teachers to help him out of difficulties. We miss chrysophanic acid in the composition of his formulæ for the treatment of psoriasis. It certainly has made as much headway in the favor of the general practitioner as any of the more recent agents.

But why say anything about a book which has made its way through the world, and has now come to its sixth edition? The hundreds of medical men who will read it, will traverse a field of surgical treatment far beyond the facilities of those possessed of the best private libraries. As long as the author keeps up with the current of surgical treatment, his book will be sought after. We congratulate the author, and Dr. Brinton, on the success of this book, and advise our friends to buy it.

A CLINICAL TREATISE ON DISEASES OF THE LIVER. By Fried-Theod.
Frerichs. Prof. of Clin. Med. Uni. of Berlin, &c., &c. In three
volumes. Translated by Charles Murchison, M. D., F. R. C. P.
Physician to the London Fever Hospital. New York: Wm. Wood & Co. 27
Great Jones Street. 1879. 8vo. Pp. 224.

This is the third volume of Wood’s Library of Standard Medical Authors.

For many years this work of Frerich’s has been a classic, although only known popularly to the American profession by the large number of quotations made from it by writers on diseases of the liver. Although the word “Clinical” appears on the title page, it is nevertheless a systematic treatise which traverses the entire field of clinical pathology, and embraces also lucid historical accounts of the phases of change which medical men have passed through on their way to the knowledge of the present day.

This book, more than any we have been called upon to review, shows how much German authors rely upon the authority of their own people. References everywhere abound, but for the most part to German works. We do not mention this as a fault, but to make the contrast with American authors who seem to glory in going far away from home for authority among the unspeakable names of the Russian and German gentry.

Prof. Frerich’s work for this reason will be more valuable to American students who wish to know the state of pathology in Germany in regard to “the great gland.”

As, of course, no American physician can now forego the pleasure and duty of making Frerich’s on the Liver one of his working tools, we leave them to judge if we are mistaken in saying that it is a master-piece.

Dr. Charles Murchison is the translator, and his preface serves to elucidate many points, and to bring the work up to the present advanced state of pathological and physiological knowledge. It is not necessary to say anything commendatory of the author of Functional Diseases of the Liver, as every Southern physician will have found a good friend and counsellor in this volume already.

To subscribers this work is sold at $1.00, a very low price!

THE DISEASES OF LIVE STOCK and their most efficient remedies:
Including Horses, Cattle, Sheep and Swine. By Lloyd V. Tellor, M. D.
Philadelphia: D. G. Brinton, 115 South Seventh St. 1879. Pp. 469.
Price $2.50.

Diseases of the domestic animals deserve more study from the medical profession than they receive. Medical men even now submit their horses to the treatment of the neighborhood blacksmith and farrier, whose ignorance and brutality is all but universal, rather than inform themselves of the phenomena of brute diseases; in fact, some medical men hold it as beneath their dignified calling to give their attention to such affairs. Fortunately now a better day is dawning, and books like this will do a great deal towards enticing physicians into this neglected field. There is no practice that promises such profitable returns as the educated and skillful management of diseases of domestic animals.

We advise our friends in the country to put this volume side by side on their book-shelves with Youatt, and soon the latter would be but a shelf-keeper alongside their new acquaintance.

The point of view from which the study of the diseases of domestic animals is growing in importance, is the relation of their diseases to ours.

To be able to detect measly beef and mutton is an accomplishment that every physician should acquire, now that we know that tape-worm has its origin there. And we should also be stimulated to earnest enquiry when we remember what great results JENNER brought out of the study of cow-pox.

BIENNIAL REPORT OF THE NORTH CAROLINA INSTITUTION FOR THE DEAF AND
DUMB AND THE BLIND. From January 1st, 1877 to January 1879. 32d and
33d Sessions. Raleigh: Published by order of the Board of Trustees.

The last Legislature was famous for fault-finding, but had nothing but praise for the Institution presided over by Mr. Gudger. His report shows good work done, and common sense ideas of the theories of the methods of teaching of those unfortunates under his care.

Mr. Gudger reviews the arguments of the advocates of the Manual method, and the Articulation method, of instructing deaf mutes as follows:

“There is a ground, however, upon which the advocates of each system can meet and agree. In most of the larger institutions articulation has been introduced and is a success, when the class to be instructed consists of those who, having heard in childhood and learnt to speak, have become deaf (and so are in danger of losing what speech they have) or of those who are partly deaf and consequently not able to catch the delicate shades of sound in different words similar to each other. As these persons have some language to build upon, and an idea of sound, it is comparatively easy, by means of the skillful methods in use, to improve and advance their knowledge in this particular, especially as the teacher may use the _known_ in getting at the _unknown_; but to attempt to teach articulation to an ordinary congenital deaf-mute, is to spend valuable time in that which gives promise of little fruit. In other words, as our matter-of-fact American people would express it, ‘_It does not pay._’”

The entire report shows that the management is in the hands of a courageous and enthusiastic worker,—one not too much engrossed with the beautiful theories of his profession—who shows practical results instead of learned dissertations.

LECTURES ON PRACTICAL SURGERY. By H. H. Toland, M. D. Professor of the
Principles and Practice of Surgery, &c., &c., in the University of
California. Second Edition. Illustrated. Philadelphia: Lindsay &
Blakiston. 1879.

This is a handsome volume of 520 pages, written by a teacher of surgery of great celebrity on the Pacific slope. It consists of lectures as delivered in the Medical College of the University of California, reported by a stenographer. The first edition of this book, although it was treated rather severely by the critics has found ready sale, the present being the second edition.

It is not difficult to see that Dr. Toland is an original teacher of merit, bound down by no school, nor easily captivated by innovations. He is confident of his powers and does not speak with uncertain meaning.

Under the head of fractures of the thigh, the apparatus in favor with the author is the double inclined plane with some modifications, and with which he has had admirable results.

“When you engage in practice,” he says p. 284, “you will soon be convinced that the double inclined plane and short splints are generally better than a more complicated apparatus.”

Again—“If physicians relied more on their common sense than on the rules of authorities in the treatment of fractures, there would not be so many cases of deformity resulting from such injuries as are daily presented. I would as soon think of committing suicide as of placing an oblique fracture of the tibia in an ordinary fracture-box, filled with either sand, sawdust, or any of the other substances used for that purpose,” p. 279.

A case of aneurism of the left iliac artery is given and illustrated, (p. 515). “In aneurism of the external iliac artery” the author says “I never open the sheath, and consequently apply a single ligature; the sheath of the vessel not being disturbed, there is scarcely a possibility of the occurrence of secondary hemorrhages. I have ligated the external iliac nine times, and my success is the best evidence of the correctness of the theory upon which it is based. One patient died from gangrene of the extremity, and the other from internal hemorrhage which proceeded from the small vessels that were lacerated when the peritoneum was detached from the iliac fossa,” p. 516.

The volume is well illustrated by fresh designs,—all of them original—a matter of sincere congratulation to the author and publishers.

A book possessed of so much originality and individuality as this, will be sure to find a large number of readers among the former students of the author, and will also make its way into favor with the student of American surgery.

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_Syphilis by Vaccination with Human Virus._—The virus was taken
from the arm of a child aged seven months, apparently in perfect
health. Twenty-five girls were vaccinated from this infant. At the
end of six weeks, twelve of the girls were taken with symptoms of
syphilis, ulcerations at point of inoculation followed by
exanthema, ulcerations in mouth and pharynx, condylomata of anus,
syphilitic ozœena, etc.; three others of the group suffered from
suspicious ulceration near the vaccine sore, which failed to be
followed by constitutional symptoms. Later it was discovered that
the mother of the child was suffering from syphilis.—_Hosp. Med.
Gazette._—_Louisville Med. News._

NEW JOURNALS.

INDEX MEDICUS.—We hardly know which to admire most in this new journal—its typographical excellence, or its editorial management. It is no surprise to the medical public that it begins its existence as an accomplished success, as Dr. Billings had long ago shown his capacity in his official position as librarian, and has shown his taste also in the typographical selections in the specimen fasciculus of the catalogue of the National Medical Library.

The two numbers now before us demonstrate as it could be done in no other way, the necessity for some guide to the medical literature of the world. The student will be helped in pursuing any special research, and the general reader will be able to know what is going on in the medical world, and be saved very much irksome reading by following his inclinations. The careless and uninformed “discoverer” of new things, may be saved the trouble of re-discovering, by looking out into the field upon what others are doing.

Twice we have written notices of this periodical, and each time it was overlooked. Our notice though tardy is none the less earnest.

The subscription price is $3.00 a year, and intending subscribers should commence at once with the first number. Address, F. Leypoldt, 37 Park Row, N. Y.

THE COURIER OF MEDICINE AND COLLATERAL SCIENCES is the title of a new monthly journal of exceptional excellence, commencing its career with the January number, in St. Louis. This city had already in the field a brilliant array of medical journals, and while we cannot think any less of our old friends we welcome the new one.

The printer’s art has cleverly served up the literary matter in a style which will commend itself to all readers, and especially those who are beginning to hold their books at arm’s length. The effigy of John Hunter on the outside cover is a faithful copy of the celebrated Sharpe engraving, and is in good taste.

What a clever faculty there must be in St. Louis to sustain so many good journals by purse and pen! We wish for the journal a most hearty appreciation.

NORTH CAROLINA FARMER.—An examination of the April number of this periodical was a pleasant surprise. It abounds in practical matters suited to the necessity of our farmers, and should be read and supported by the pen and pockets of the entire agricultural community.

We make one suggestion to the editors, and that is, that if they are to have a column for diseases and remedies (a questionable matter for all non-medical publications), that it should be in the hands of a competent medical man. We congratulate the publishers that they have no nostrum advertisements. Large quarto of 18 pp. at $1.00 a year. Jas. H. Enniss, Editor and Publisher, Raleigh, N. C.

GROSS ON THE TREATMENT OF CYSTIC GOITRE.

In a clinical lecture delivered by M. Gross, of Nancy, reported in the _Revue Médicale de l’Est_, of November 15, he describes the treatment of cystic goitre, known as Michel’s “mixed method,” as extremely useful, and furnishes a case illustrating its advantages. Giving a rather extended review of the various modes hitherto proposed for removal of these growths, he points out their drawbacks, and the superiority of Michel’s method over them. Briefly the latter consists in making a vertical incision in the skin over the most prominent cyst, and then dissecting carefully down through the various structures, until the wall of the cavity is reached. A very fine trocar is then pushed into the cavity with a canula, and through the latter the fluid is withdrawn. After this a plaque of pâte de Canquoin, about three centimètres broad, is applied to the cyst, the sides of the wound being protected by a circular piece of diachylon. This is left on a day or two until an eschar is formed, which soon after comes away, leaving a free opening through, which the cyst can discharge, until it shrinks up, after suppurating for a time.

It is claimed for this method that it is less likely to give rise to dangerous hemorrhage than several others, while, the caustic only being applied to the surface of the cyst, severe inflammation of the tissues around is avoided. Other cysts, if present, are similarly treated through the aperture of the first.—ARTHUR E. BARKER, in _London Medical Record_.

CURRENT LITERATURE.

REMEDIAL AND FATAL EFFECTS OF CHLORATE OF POTASSA.

In a paper read before the Medical Society of the State of New York, (_Medical Record_, March 5th), Dr. Jacobi reviews in a very careful manner the remedial effects of chlorate of potash, and calls attention also to what he considers the dangers of large dosages so commonly employed by physicians and patients.

Sir James Y. Simpson, introduced chlorate of potash on the theoretical ground of its employment in chemistry to develop oxygen, to supply oxygen to the blood on the part of the fœtus in cases of placentitis.

Many years ago, Isambert and Honie, found chlorate of potash eliminated without any change, and in large quantities, even as much as 95 or 99 per cent. of the amount administered, in the various secretions of the body; that is in the urine, the saliva, the tears, the perspiration, the bile, and now and then even in the milk; no oxygen was developed at all. The theory of Simpson was long ago given up, because it was found out that the same redness was produced in the blood by other alkalies.

Its principle value consists in its effect upon catarrhal and follicular stomatitis; further, in mercurial stomatitis, the former being a frequent and the latter a rare disease in infancy and childhood.

“In regard to [the employment of chlorate of potash] diphtheria, I can give [my position] in a few words. It is this: that chlorate of potassa is a valuable remedy in diphtheria, but that it is not _the_ remedy for diphtheria. There are very few cases of diphtheria which do not exhibit larger surfaces of either pharyngitis or stomatitis than of diphtheritic exudation.”

There are also a number of cases of stomatitis and pharyngitis, during every epidemic of diphtheria, which must be referred to the epidemic, perhaps as introductory stages, but which still do not show the characteristic symptoms of the disease. * * * *

The dose of chlorate of potassa for a child two or three years old should not be larger than half a drachm in twenty-four hours. A baby of one year or less should not take more than one scruple a day. The dose for an adult should not be more than a drachm and one-half, or at most two drachms, in the course of twenty-four hours.

The general effect might be obtained by the use of occasional larger doses; but it is best not to strain the eliminating powers of the system. The local effect cannot be obtained with occasional doses, but only by doses so frequently repeated that the remedy is in almost constant contact with the diseased surface. Thus the dose, to produce the local effect should be very small and frequently administered. It is better that the daily quantity of twenty grains should be given in fifty or sixty doses than in eight or ten: that is, the solution should be weak, and a drachm or a half-drachm of such solution can be given every hour or every half hour, or every fifteen or twenty minutes, care being taken that no water is given soon after the remedy has been administered for obvious reasons. He referred to these facts with so much emphasis because of late an attempt has been made to introduce chlorate of potassa as the main remedy in bad cases of diphtheria—and, what is worst, in large doses.

As early as 1860, Dr. Jacobi advised strongly against the use of large doses of chlorate of potassa. * * * * The treatment is dangerous and because of the largeness of the dose of the chlorate given.

After reviewing the opinions of several writers who have extolled chlorate of potassa in large doses, and having pointed out the real solution of so many having succumbed to nephritis or similar symptoms, he concludes:

“The practical point I wish to make is this, that chlorate of potassa is by no means an indifferent remedy; that it can prove and has proved dangerous and fatal in a number of instances, producing one of the most dangerous diseases—acute nephritis. We are not very careful in regard to doses of alkalies in general, but in regard to the chlorate we ought to be very particular. The more so as the drug, from its well-known either authentic or alleged effects, has arisen or descended into the ranks of popular medicines. Chlorate of potassa or soda is used perhaps more than any other drug I am aware of. Its doses in domestic administration are not weighed but estimated; it is not bought by the drachm or ounce; but the ten or twenty cents worth. It is given indiscriminately to young and old, for days or even weeks, for the public are more given to _taking hold_ of a remedy than to _heed warnings_, and the profession are no better in many respects. Besides, it has appeared to me, acute nephritis is a much more frequent occurrence now than it was twenty years ago. Chronic nephritis is certainly met with much oftener than formerly, and I know that many a death certificate ought to bear the inscription of nephritis instead of meningitis, convulsions or acute pulmonary œdema. Why is that? Partly, assuredly, because for twenty years past diphtheria has given rise to numerous cases of nephritis; partly however, I am afraid, because of the recklessness with which chlorate of potassa has become a popular remedy. Having often met medical men unaware of the possible dangers connected with the indiscriminate use of chlorate of potassa or soda, I thought this Society would excuse my bringing up this subject. It may appear trifling, but you who deal with individual lives, which often are lost or recovered by trifles, will understand that I was anxious to impress the dangers of an important and popular drug on my colleagues, and through them on the public.”

DEMANGE ON AZOTURIA.

The importance of the study of urology has of late been more fully realized by Medical practitioners, and M. Demange in his thesis (_Thése de Paris_, 1878) has undertaken to give a full account of the progress of this branch of medical science, being also fortunate enough to be able to enrich it by several new or very little known observations on azoturia. The latter seem the most interesting part of his thesis; we give them here briefly. The normal quantity of urea which must be contained in the urine in the space of twenty-four hours is from nineteen to fourteen grammes. If more or less is excreted, this is caused either by some local or general affection. Some years ago, Bouchard, in studying the causes of loss of flesh in patients suffering from diabetes insipidus, discovered that a large number among them lost an enormous quantity of urea. Having thoroughly examined their symptoms he thought himself fully justified in describing azoturia as a special disease, having peculiar clinical symptoms. The affection begins with a sensation of ravenous hunger, polydipsia or profuse sweating. The thirst is excessive, and the urine passed is generally in proportion with the quantity of drink swallowed by the patient. Its density is from 1000 to 1002. In order to be able to calculate justly the amount of urea lost in twenty-four hours, all the urine passed in twenty-four hours, all the urine passed in this time must be kept and mixed. In some cases it has reached the amount of eighty-seven grammes, a most enormous quantity, which proves that nutrition is very much impaired. Senator Kien and M. Bouchard have shown that what is called extractive matter is eliminated, corresponding to urea in such cases, and that chlorates and phosphates are ejected in a similar proportion. We must, therefore, not be astonished if the patients present general symptoms which are analogous to those of diabetic patients, with the exception of the visual troubles of the latter. Both the crystalline lens and the retina remain intact, and the sight is only influenced by the anæmic state of the brain, which is caused by the dyscrasia, and which in certain cases produces a torpor of the intellect verging on imbecility. As in cases of diabetes mellitus and albuminuria, sometimes the quantity of urea decreases, and even falls below the normal amount.

In order to be able to make an exact diagnosis, it is necessary to examine carefully, both the urea and the other excreta, for several days consecutively. As a rule, persons attacked by simple polyuria, or who are suffering from interstitial nephritis, beginning with polyuria, do not present the symptoms which we have enumerated.

Disturbances of the nervous symptom and alcoholism claim the first place in the etiology of this affection, and indicate the treatment which has to be adopted. It consists in administering drugs to calm the nervous erethism (opium and valerian), and to put a stop to the excessive and progressive impoverishment of the tissues (arsenic, a suitable diet, etc.) Valerian has proved specially successful in different cases, even effecting a complete cure. Besides these cases of azoturia, combined with polydipsia, Bouchard thought that there was another form of the same disease, in which there was no abnormal excretion of urine, although the latter contained an excessive amount of urea. However, as his observations in that respect are far from being satisfactory, and as these are evidently cases of cachexia, the etiology of which is very obscure, it will be wiser to leave them alone for the present. The author then goes on to consider the much-debated question on the varying amount of urea in glycosuria. In some patients suffering from the latter affection, as much urea is eliminated as the general amount in azoturic patients. It is true, however, that there may be something more than a simple coincidence between these two affections, and several authors have tried to link them together. Lécorché, who admits the hepatic theory of the formation of urea, thinks that this is only the double result of hyper-activity of the functions of the liver. Bouchard, on the contrary, considers it as a true complication of the existing affection, where troubles of nutrition are added to those resulting from insufficient respiratory combustion. According to him, the difference between melitæmia and azotæmia consists in the first resulting from the accumulation of a product of secretion, while the second results from the accumulation of a product of secretion. Azoturia is, therefore, as we said, only a complication, an accessory element which must, however, be considered as being a most important prognostic symptom. According to the same author the abundance of sugar in diabetes is owing more to a want of combustion than an exaggerated production of this substance in the organisms. If this be the case, how can we explain the coincidence of an abnormally low temperature with the production of an exaggerated quantity of urea, such as has been observed in every case without exception? This is the weak point of M. Bouchard’s theory, and it would perhaps be better to refrain from giving a decided opinion on the subject until it has been more thoroughly studied. In short, whenever there is an excessive excretion of urea we may consider it as a symptom of incipient cachexia, followed by loss of flesh. The most important question, however, for the medical practitioner is the following: are these two affections to be considered as belonging to two different groups, but having been developed incidentally at the same time in the same patient; or are they connected through a link which is still unknown to us, thereby forming one affection or disease? If these questions could be solved, there might be some hope of discovering some rational mode of treatment, so as to prevent albuminuria from setting in, in which case all is lost. In another chapter we find the calculation of the amount of urea excreted in several chronic diseases, such as obesity, syphilis and athrepsy. Here it is easy to make a mistake, and still more so to err in trying to interpret the results obtained, because here the nourishment taken by the patient plays an important part, which is easily overlooked, e. g., in fleshy persons. Azoturia may be produced either by excess of food, or by abstaining from farinaceous food. The only way of ascertaining if the combustive functions are really exaggerated in a patient would be to compare the amount of chlorates contained in the secretions with the weight of the patient. Since Brouardel published his paper, on what he termed the uropoietic functions of the liver, several experiments have been made to ascertain the amount of urea excreted in diseases of this organ. The results have been very contradictory, but it is certain that large quantities of urea have been found in the urine of patients whose liver was completely degenerated.—_London Medical Record._

EXPERIMENTS CONCERNING ERYSIPELAS.

Observations “were undertaken” by H. Fillman, of Leipzig, “in order, if possible to obtain further and more accurate information upon some contested points regarding erysipelas.” The experimenter has addressed himself here, especially to the answering of the four following questions:

I. Is it possible to convey erysipelas by inoculation from a diseased to a healthy individual? In other words, do those fluids obtained from the tissues of an erysipelatous part and employed for inoculation (_e. g._, lymph, blood, the contents of bullæ, pus, etc.,) exercise a specific, _i. e._, contagious action on healthy individuals when inoculated, or do they not?

II. What is the action of carbolic acid upon those erysipelatous animal fluids which produced the same disease on being inoculated into healthy individuals, and therefore in all probability contained the erysipelas poison?

III. In what way is it possible (apart from direct conveyance) to produce erysipelas in healthy animals by the application of different morbid matters?

IV. What do we learn from the results of anatomical and experimental investigation regarding the presence and significance of bacteria? What relation have they to erysipelas?

It would be difficult for four more interesting or important questions for the practical and scientific surgeon than these. But in proportion to their importance are the difficulties which surround them. These, however, are grappled with by the author courageously, patiently, and honestly, and the result is at all events a series of experiments of extreme interest, whatever be the conclusion, we may feel disposed to draw from them. Indeed, the writer himself seems to have set out upon his investigation purely with the desire to learn whatever is to be learned on the points stated, by careful and patient anatomical research, and without being wedded to any particular theory in regard to them, or desiring to force any conclusion.

Recognizing the great importance of the subject, and the efforts that have been made by others in the same direction to throw light upon it, notably by William, Ponfick, Orth, Bellien, Zuelzer, and Lukomsky, he has recognized many points in which these observers have failed, and has endeavored, in following out somewhat similar lines of research, to avoid their, and other, errors.

To the danger of one great source of possible error the author seems specially alive, the introduction of other matters into the system of the animal operated on than the mere morbid fluid inoculated, and this he has endeavored to guard against by the most scrupulous cleanliness in obtaining, preparing and introducing such fluids into the bodies of animals.

In touching upon the first question his first case is to define as clearly as possible what are the clinical features which characterize erysipelas in the human subject. He then details in all his experiments, and, from the kind of success of five out of twenty-five inoculations he believes there can be no doubt “that erysipelas is inoculable in rare cases; that fluids from an erysipelatous part, display a specific contagious action.” In three cases he inoculated animals from the human subject successfully with erysipelas, and in two cases animals were infected from other animals. He believes, too, that one human subject might be inoculated from another.

In regard to the second question propounded, four experiments were made with erysipelatous inoculation material, which had been potent in other cases, but here a portion of 2–4 per cent. solution of carbolic acid was added. In none of these cases was there any appearance of either local or general symptoms of any disease.

In answer to question III, all the author’s results were negative. In no case was erysipelas produced by even the most putrid inoculations, when they were not taken from an erysipelatous part. In several cases, however, the animals died of distinct septicæmia.

The observations on the last point which are related in detail, point to the conclusion that bacteria are present in some cases of erysipelas and absent in others, so that we may infer that the advance of the disease does not depend upon their presence.—_London Medical Record._

CHOLERA INFANTUM.

A contribution to the etiology, pathology, and therapeutics of cholera infantum,[4] by Dr. T. Clarke, Miller, opens fairly and clearly a theme which will be uppermost in the thoughts of physicians in the approaching hot weather.

The writer begins by pointing out how differently the name _Cholera Infantum_ has been applied, including every phase of choleraic diseases. But, “Classification of these diseases to be practical, must of necessity be rather coarse in order to adopt itself to the grain of the great mass—the rank and file—who in the main observe well, though not so systematically as we could wish. The great office-workers do not contribute largely to our mortality statistics, but we will derive great comfort as we proceed, in finding that the figures of these common men are stupendously significant—that the bullet and bayonet are in the aggregate little less important than the epaulette and the gold lace.” He supposed that in the large majority of cases reported as cholera infantum that the choleraic feature was present at some time during the illness, though very likely not at or very near the time of death. For these reasons he considers that the statistics presented are not materially impaired.

“The onset of cholera infantum is characterized by copious watery evacuations from the bowels, often attended by nausea and free vomiting. Attending upon this or even sometimes preceding it, or rapidly succeeding upon it, is the extreme muscular prostration and great depression of the respiratory functions; there is generally more or less griping pain and restlessness, and a rapid appearance of all the symptoms of collapse, coldness of the surface and tongue, feeble rapid pulse, and partial or total loss of voice. Cholera infantum proper, lasts but a few hours—hardly a few days—when it ends in recovery, death, or inflammatory disease of some portion of the intestinal tract; in the latter case the choleraic disease is rapidly rekindled by conditions similar to those which brought about the first attack.

“The condition under which cholera infantum appears, and the _only_ condition essential to its development, is continued high temperature day and night—a mean thermometer above 75°, with small daily range. This high and slightly varying temperature continued from six to ten days, will invariably, in our climate, bring cholera infantum (together with the bowel trouble symptomatically more or less distinct, but pathologically akin to cholera infantum), and the longer this condition of things continues the more numerous and the more intractable the cases become. This is as true in the country as in the city, though we are led to think, as we read the books, that this is a disease of the city especially. Deaths are registered, to be sure, and the books are made in the cities, but if the conditions above mentioned exist in the country, the disease appears there—of course, not a great many cases, for the susceptible bodies furnished by a single block in the city would outnumber those of two or three square miles in the country—yet I am glad to admit that the _conditions_ for obvious reasons are not so likely to be present in the country; the contrast, in point of green grass, shade, cool water, and moving air, is no less marked than is the percentage of mortality, and it is _no more_ marked.

“Few, if any, recoveries take place until the temperature falls; this fall is usually attended by rain; but this does not seem to be essential, the fall of temperature alone being sufficient to bring about a better state of things. When the temperature falls, cases improve and new cases cease to appear. Sewer emanations do not seem to have anything directly to do with the production of disease, except so far as they tend to impair the general health, and thus diminish the power of the system to resist any disease producing influence, and sewer poisons are no less abundant and deadly at other times than they are when cholera infantum cases are most numerous, and this is the time of year above others when the sewers are abundantly ‘flushed.’”

Filth he does not consider is any more abundant in the summer, and the disease declines with the increase of the very rains that favor increased decomposition. He does not attach much importance to unripe fruits as a causative element. “For whoever saw a youngster who would not exchange all his earthly possessions for a green apple, and whoever saw a child in good health injured by an unripe apple or by any quantity not altogether unreasonable?” And then the sufferers from cholera infantum are all under two years, and hence have not arrived at the green-fruit eating stage of their existence.

Nine tables are constructed, showing the weekly mortality from cholera infantum in Philadelphia, New York, Boston, Baltimore, Cincinnati and Chicago, and also as far as possible the record of thermometric range. An analysis of the table bears out the author’s views as regards the causative influence of continued high temperature.

He thinks there are some points of striking resemblance between this disease and sunstroke, so much as to suggest a pathological relationship. 1st. The same conditions seem to be sufficient for and essential to the development of each. 2. They come and go together. 3. The development is gradual and the recovery is slow in each, showing a profound impression made on the living-power of the patient. 4. The explosive character of the attack under the cumulative effects of continued high temperature with the sudden severe or fatal prostration consequent.

“Wash your children well with _cold water_ twice a day, and _oftener_ in the hot season,” is the direction of the New York Board of Health, and Dr. Miller thinks if this one prescription were carried out, cholera infantum cases could be well nigh eliminated from the mortality reports. He thinks it worth while to inculcate among our patrons that however important it may be to take special care in feeling, this will not be sufficient alone, to carry the infant safely through the high temperature of July and August; and we would try to have the people study to keep the little ones _cool_, and the means recommended is cool-bathing or cool-sponging. Medicines are not of much use if the surroundings are cool.

SOCIETY MATTERS.

The subject selected by the Medical Society at the last meeting in Goldsborough, was SPONDYLITIS. They were fortunate in selecting Dr. M. Whitehead as the essayist. It seems to us it would be more agreeable to the essayist, to allow him to select his own theme, and provided he announced it in advance of the meeting, it would answer the same purpose.

The annual oration will be delivered by Dr. W. W. Lane, of Wilmington, upon a subject not announced.

The Society expects from these gentlemen rare entertainment and instruction.

* * * * *

In our quotation from the _Nation’s_ Berlin letter on “The Discovery of the Soul,” the printers made the mistake of not ending the paragraph with quotation marks, and our northern neighbors who copied it from the Journal entire without acknowledgement, have incorporated Sambo’s philosophy in a way that we considered original with ourselves. It would be news to the _Nation’s_ correspondent that he is versed in the mysteries of the philosophy involved in the “folk lore” of our Southern negroes.

TO OUR READERS.

THE VALUE OF PURE WINE IN SICKNESS.

The chief difficulty with reliable wines has been their scarcity and exorbitant price, but this has been removed by the introduction of a Pure Native Wine, produced from the Oporto grape by Mr. Alfred Speer, of New Jersey. We understand he has submitted his Wine to the test of many of our celebrated physicians, and all concur in its purity, medicinal properties, and superiority to the best imported Port Wine. Most of them prescribe it in cases of debility, affections of the kidneys, and chronic complaints, requiring a tonic, sudorific or diuretic treatment.—_Examiner._ Salesroom 34 Warren street; N. Y.

MALTINE.

This above preparation is attracting the attention of the medical profession of Great Britain and the reputation it has acquired as one of our best nutritive agents is recognized and established, as the following extracts will show:

From the _British Medical Journal_, October 10th, 1878:—“At the late meeting of the British Medical Association, at Bath, in August last, among the visits of Pharmaceutical and Medical preparations, much interest was shown in one called _Maltine_, which may be described as a highly concentrated extract of _malted barley_, _wheat_ and _oats_.

“Extracts of Malt (i. e., Malted barley) are pretty widely known, but this is the first example of a combination of the nutritious principles of these three cereals that we have seen, and the greater value of this combination is apparent, as wheat and oats are especially rich in muscular and fat-producing elements. This preparation is entirely free from the products of fermentation, such as alcohol and carbonic acid, and is very agreeable to the taste.

“Clinical experience enables us to recommend it as a nutritive and digestive agent, in virtue of its albuminoid contents, and its richness in phosphates and diastase, likely to prove an important remedy in pulmonary affections, debility, many forms of indigestion, imperfect nutrition, and deficient lactation. It will in many cases take the place of Cod Liver Oil and pancreatic emulsions, where these are not readily accepted by the stomach.”

From the _Medical Times and Gazette_, November 2d, 1878:—“We have received a sample of a preparation called Maltine, which is described as being a concentrated extract of _malted barley_, _wheat_ and _oats_. It is prepared with great care by a process fully described by the manufacturers (Reed & Carnrick) in a pamphlet which they will, we believe, willingly supply to any medical practitioner. The preparation possesses many qualities of great importance. It is non-alcoholic; it is agreeable to the taste; from its being so concentrated it is more portable than the liquid known as Malt Extract; and it possesses the virtues of that preparation in a much higher degree, inasmuch as it combines the principles of the three cereals above named, and wheat and oats are especially rich in bone, fat, and muscle-producing elements. We have very good reasons for believing that it has been very carefully analyzed and examined by a competent authority, and proved to be very rich in diastase, in phosphates, and in albuminoid matters. It is very likely, therefore, to have considerable value as a digestive and nutritive agent in many wasting diseases, and cases of debility and imperfect assimilation. _Maltine_ at any rate is well worthy of being put to the test practically by medical men, and it may be taken pure or mixed with water, wine or milk.”

UTERINE DISEASES.

By E. H. MURRELL, M. D., Lynchburg, Va.

It has been asserted that life is the most mysterious problem in nature, and that its duration is circumscribed by the laws of disease; consequently the incessant conflict which is waged between health and its insidious destroyer can never cease, but will ever continue to engage the attention of the chemist and pathologist in their profound researches of the best means of its preservation. Therefore, we need not be amazed or inquire why it is that the power of preserving life is held in such high estimation, or that the loss of it should be deemed a private misfortune or a public calamity.

Whatever may be the cause of constitutional debility and whenever prolonged, it must of necessity impair the healthy nutrition of the tissues, and lead to a low, inflammatory condition of the mucous membranes. The uterus and its appendages constitute no exception to the general rule, for whenever inflammation is lighted up in this organ, functional disturbance, accompanied by ulceration and hypertrophy follow as a natural consequence. On the other hand, it has been clearly demonstrated that constitutional debility of the gravest import and prolonged duration has its origin in those causes which induce sanguineous and muco-purulent discharges, continued pain, great despondency, and a general inability to partake of the accustomed food and exercise.

In the consideration of uterine diseases, including leucorrhœa, dysmenorrhœa, suppressed catamenia, menorrhagic and vaginal inflammation, it is proposed briefly to allude to the efficacy of the Bedford Alum and Iron Springs Mass as a curative agent, and to call attention to its tonic properties, which act most beneficially in their healthful restoration. By reference to the analysis of this Mass, it will be seen that it contains all the constituent properties most essential to the relief of morbid disease, namely by restraining the secretion while combining the tonic properties alike conducive to the improvement of the circulation and removing the causes which influence constitutional debility. For this reason, the water appears to exert a specific influence over the female organism, and often displays its wonderful power of relief after the unsuccessful employment of all other remedial agents.

A brief synopsis of the treatment of suppressed catamenia by the Bedford Alum and Iron Springs Mass which came under the immediate attention of the writer, will suffice to attest its virtues:

Miss. J. S., a resident of this city, aged 20 years, of delicate constitution; had for months suffered from suppression of the catamenia which resulted in anæmia and great emaciation, attended with extreme nervousness, loss of appetite, constant cough, pain in the chest, night sweats, closely bordering on phthisis pulmonalis. After the exhaustion of numerous emmagogue agents which had been employed for months unsuccessfully, medical counsel was sought, and apparently with little hope of recovery. She was at once placed upon the free use of the Bedford Alum and Iron Springs Mass, which was continued for the space of three months, at the expiration of which time all organic disturbance was removed, with a complete subsidence of the symptoms before detailed, and a perfect restoration of her health, which has continued unimpaired to the present date.

Other cases might be adduced in testimony of the great efficacy of the Bedford Alum and Iron Springs Mass in the treatment of uterine diseases generally; but enjoying as it does so largely the public confidence and endorsed by the well-tested experience of the medical profession, any additional evidence in support of its virtues and wide-spread reputation would only prove superfluous and uncalled-for by the most skeptical.

OBITUARY.

ISAAC HAYS, M. D.

Dr. Isaac Hays, editor of the American Journal of Medical Sciences for 52 years, died in Philadelphia, Saturday, April 12th, 1879, 83 years of age.

WILLIAM A. DICK, M. D.

Dr. William A. Dick, formerly of Greensborough, N. C., and a son of the late Judge J. M. Dick, died in the town of Lumberton, N. C., on the 27th of March, 1879. Dr. Dick was no ordinary man. He was educated at the University of North Carolina, this institution conferring the degree of A. M. upon him in 1853. He graduated in Medicine at the University of New York, March, 1852; and began the practice of his profession in Lumberton in 1852. The medical profession has lost a bright light, and the community in which he lived a useful and honored citizen.

L.

GEORGE B. WOOD, M. D.

On the 30th ult., George B. Wood, M. D., of Philadelphia, died, in the 83d year of his age.

Dr. Wood was born at Greenwich, N. J., March 13th, 1797; graduated from the University of Pennsylvania as long ago as 1818. His extended career has been full of work, diligently pursued and successfully achieved. He was for many years Professor of Materia Medica in the Medical Department of the University of Pennsylvania, and from 1850 to 1860 was Professor of the Theory and Practice of Medicine in the same institution. At the time of his death he was President of the American Philosophical Society. He is the author of many important medical works, those by which he is best known being the “Dispensatory of the United States,” written in collaboration with Franklin Bache, and first published in 1833, and his “Practice of Medicine,” which long enjoyed great popularity. He also wrote much on historical subjects beyond the limits of his profession.

CARL F. BURKHARDT, M. D.

At a called meeting of the New Hanover County Medical Society to take suitable action in regard to the death of Dr. Carl F. Burkhardt.

The meeting was called to order by Dr. W. G. Thomas, President, and the following members were appointed to draft suitable resolutions: Drs. Love, Lane, and Wood.

It was resolved that the Society attend the funeral in a body.

* * * * *

WHEREAS, Dr. Carl Frederick Burkhardt has this day been stricken by the pitiless hand of death, we, the members of the New Hanover Medical Society, in honor of his memory and as an evidence of our esteem, adopt the following resolutions:

_Resolved_, That his professional attainments, his cultivated mind, his kind heart, his genial manners, deservedly won for him, who came among us a stranger, our respect and affection.

_Resolved_, That in his decease we lament a valued member of our profession, a good citizen and a gallant friend.

_Resolved_, That these resolutions be spread upon our minutes; that they be published in the NORTH CAROLINA MEDICAL JOURNAL, and in the daily press of this city; and that a copy duly attested, be presented to his family with assurance of our sympathy,

WM. J. LOVE,
WM. W. LANE,
THOMAS F. WOOD.

Wilmington, N. C., April 10th, 1878.

BOARD OF MEDICAL EXAMINERS.

_To the Editors of the North Carolina Medical Journal_:

In order to regulate the practice of Medicine and Surgery in the State of North Carolina, the General Assembly at the Sessions of 1858 and 1859, passed an Act to establish a Board of Medical Examiners.

Without a license from this Board, no physician who has commenced the practice of his profession in this State, “after the 15th of April, 1859, shall practice Medicine or Surgery, or any of the branches thereof, or in any case prescribe for the cure of disease, for fee or reward,” nor “shall he be entitled to sue for or recover, before any magistrate or court in this State, any medical bill for services rèndered.” (See Laws of North Carolina, 1858–59.)

In conformity with the provisions of this Act, the State Board of Medical Examiners will meet in the city of Greensborough, on Monday, May 19th, 1879.

By authority of the Board.
PETER E. HINES, M. D., President.

HENRY T. BAHNSON, M. D., Secretary. Salem, N. C., April 15th, 1879.

* * * * *

_Medical Remuneration._—Doctor: “Um! most insolent!” (To his wife), “Listen to this my dear.” (reads letter aloud) “Sir, I inclose P. O. order for thirteen shillings and six pence, hoping it will do you as little good as your two small bottles of ‘physic’ did me.”—_Chicago Journal and Examiner._—_Punch._

BOOKS AND PERIODICALS RECEIVED.

Fern Etchings. By John Williamson. Specimen fasciculus.

A Clinical Treatise on Diseases of the Liver. By Dr. Freid. Theod. Frerichs. Vol. 2. Wm. Wood & Co.

Difficulties and Dangers of Battey’s Operation. By George J. Engelmann, M. D., St. Louis, Mo. From Trans. Am. Med. Association, 1878.

Reports with Analyses of the Apollinaris Spring Neuenaha, Rhenish, Prussia. 1872. (Private and confidential).

Lectures on Practical Surgery. By H. H. Toland, M. D. Prof. of the Principles and Practice of Surgery. Second edition. Philadelphia. Lindsay & Blakiston, 25 South 6th Street.

Valedictory Address to the Graduating Class of Jefferson Medical College, at the Commencement March 12, 1879. By Prof. J. Aitken Meigs, M. D. 1879.

Ninth and Tenth Annual Reports of the Maryland Eye and Ear Institute. No. 66. N. Charles Street. Baltimore, Md. George Reuling, M. D. Surgeon in charge.

An Address upon the Life and Character of Lunsford Pitts Yandell, M. D. Delivered before the Kentucky Medical Society at the meeting held in Frankfort, April, 1878. By Richard O. Cowling, A. M., M. D.

Ringworm in Public Institutions. From Trans. Am. Medical Association. Rosacea. Extracted from the Transactions of the Medical Society of Pennsylvania. By John V. Shoemaker, M. D. Philadelphia, 1878.

The Causes of Sudden Death of Puerperal Women. An Address delivered before the American Medical Association, June 5th, 1878. By Edward W. Jenks, M. D. Chairman of Obstetrics and Diseases of Women and Children. Reprint from Trans. Am. Med. Association. 1878.

Maternal Impressions: Mothers Marks. An Exposé of a Popular Fallacy. By Roswell Park, A. M., M. D. Dem. of Anat. Chicago Medical College. Reprint from Southern Clinic. 1879.

A Manual of the Examination of the Eyes. A course of Lectures delivered at the “Ecole Pratique,” by E. Landolt, Directeur, Adjoint, &c. Translated by Swan M. Burnett, M. D. Philadelphia. D. G. Brinton, 115 South Seventh Street. 1879. Price $3.

-----

Footnote 1:

Supposing the rain-fall to average thirty-six inches per annum, there
is a fall of three cubic feet on every square foot of ground, or an
acre receives twenty thousand nine hundred and eight (20,908) gallons
of water per year.

Footnote 2:

In the river Loka in Sweden, and the Dead Sea, respectively; the
latter containing four hundred thousand times more solid matter than
the former. Ocean water has about 2,500 grains per gallon.

Footnote 3:

N. C. Medical Journal, Vol. 1. p. 177.

Footnote 4:

The American Journal of Obstetrics and Diseases of Women and Children,
April 1879, p. 236–51.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES

1. Silently corrected typographical errors and variations in spelling. 2. Retained anachronistic, non-standard, and uncertain spellings as printed. 3. Footnotes have been re-indexed using numbers and collected together at the end of the last chapter. 4. Enclosed italics font in _underscores_.