FOOTNOTES:

FOOTNOTES:[25]Hæc ei generatim videbantur, ex igne omnia constare eodemque interire. Diogenes Laertius.[26]Quatuor æternus genitalia corpora mundusContinet; ex illis duo sunt onerosa, suoquePondere in inferius, tellus atque unda, feruntur,Et totidem gravitate carent, nulloque prementeAlta petunt, aer atque aere purior ignis.—Ovid—Metamorph.[27]Lib. de Carnibus,Hippocratessays: Quod Calidum vocamus, id mihi immortale esse videtur, cunctaque intelligere, videre et audire, sentireque omnia, tum præsentia tum futura: cujus pars maxima cum omnia perturbata essent in supremum ambitum secessit; quod, mihi veteres æthera appellasse videntur. Altera pars locum infimum sortita, terra quidem appellatur, frigida et sicca multas que motiones habens, et in qua multum sane calidi inest. Tertia vero pars medium aeris locum nacta est, calidum quid existens. Quarta pars terræ proximum locum obtinens humidissima et crassissima. His igitur in orbem agitatis cum turbata essent, calidi magna pars alias in terra relicta est, partim quidem magna, partim vero minor, alias etiam valde parva, sed in multas partes divisa. Et temporis successu a calido resiccata est terra, ista in ea tanquam in membranis contenta circumse putredines excitant, ac longo tempore incalescens quod quidem ea terræ putredine pinguedinem sortitum est et minimum humidi habet, id citissime exustum ossa produxit. Quæ vero naturam glutinosiorem sortita sunt et frigidi communionem habent, ea neque calefacta exuri potuerunt, neque etiam humida fieri ideo formam longe ab aliis diversam nacta sunt et nervi solidi exciterint, cum non multum in iis frigidi inesset. At venæ frigidi multum habebant cajus pars circumcirca ambiens et quod erat glutinosissimum, a calido exassatum membrana extitit. Quod vero erat frigidum, a calido superatum, dissolutum est ideoque humidum evasit.[28]K. Sprengel, Hist. de la Medicine.

[25]Hæc ei generatim videbantur, ex igne omnia constare eodemque interire. Diogenes Laertius.

[26]Quatuor æternus genitalia corpora mundusContinet; ex illis duo sunt onerosa, suoquePondere in inferius, tellus atque unda, feruntur,Et totidem gravitate carent, nulloque prementeAlta petunt, aer atque aere purior ignis.—Ovid—Metamorph.

[27]Lib. de Carnibus,Hippocratessays: Quod Calidum vocamus, id mihi immortale esse videtur, cunctaque intelligere, videre et audire, sentireque omnia, tum præsentia tum futura: cujus pars maxima cum omnia perturbata essent in supremum ambitum secessit; quod, mihi veteres æthera appellasse videntur. Altera pars locum infimum sortita, terra quidem appellatur, frigida et sicca multas que motiones habens, et in qua multum sane calidi inest. Tertia vero pars medium aeris locum nacta est, calidum quid existens. Quarta pars terræ proximum locum obtinens humidissima et crassissima. His igitur in orbem agitatis cum turbata essent, calidi magna pars alias in terra relicta est, partim quidem magna, partim vero minor, alias etiam valde parva, sed in multas partes divisa. Et temporis successu a calido resiccata est terra, ista in ea tanquam in membranis contenta circumse putredines excitant, ac longo tempore incalescens quod quidem ea terræ putredine pinguedinem sortitum est et minimum humidi habet, id citissime exustum ossa produxit. Quæ vero naturam glutinosiorem sortita sunt et frigidi communionem habent, ea neque calefacta exuri potuerunt, neque etiam humida fieri ideo formam longe ab aliis diversam nacta sunt et nervi solidi exciterint, cum non multum in iis frigidi inesset. At venæ frigidi multum habebant cajus pars circumcirca ambiens et quod erat glutinosissimum, a calido exassatum membrana extitit. Quod vero erat frigidum, a calido superatum, dissolutum est ideoque humidum evasit.

[28]K. Sprengel, Hist. de la Medicine.

1.Papillæ of the Tongue.—At the upper surface of the tongue, sayMM. LeuretandLassaigne, in their recent work on digestion, the mucous membrane presents projections of three different species; and these are, the sensitive papillæ, the epidermoid papillæ, and the mucous cryptæ. The sensitive papillæ are numerous. They occupy the anterior four-fifths of the tongue, on which they are implanted by a narrow pedicle. The rounded head of these papillæ is much more prominent in the living subject, than after death; but injections are capable of restoring them to their pristine form. Nervous fibres from the lingual branch of the fifth pair have been distinctly traced to their roots. These papillæ are of various sizes; at the root of the tongue they form a V. They are all vascular and nervous. The sense of taste is referred by these writers almost exclusively to the above papillæ.

The epidermoid papillæ are of a nature similar to those retroverted prominences so remarkable on the tongue of the cat; as well as in the lion, and some other animals. They are larger in many species than in man, and, in general, the sensibility of the tongue appears to diminish in proportion to the remoteness of the subject from the human structure. The epidermoid papillæ are separated from the tongue along with the epidermis, or rather, epithelium, by maceration for a few days in vinegar. They are pyramidal in form. They are grouped round the sensitive papillæ, except on the edges and point of the tongue, where they are rare. Their base is perforated, and always gives outlet to a crypta. In an epithelium separated from the tongue, these minute and numerous perforations are easily distinguished from the larger ones left by the sensitive papillæ.

The office of the epidermoid papillæ appears purely mechanical.

The only cryptæ which produce, of themselves, a visible projection on the surface of the tongue, are situated at its base. They are formed by the mucous membrane, like other cryptæ, and are scattered between the sensitive papillæ.

In the tongue of birds, there is always a bone or cartilage; and the external membrane is dense. In reptiles the tongue is soft, possessed of little sensibility, and capable of great elongation. In fishes it is endowed with little motion, and is often wanting.—Bulletin Medicale.

2.Villi of the Stomach and Intestines.—MM. LeuretandLassaignestate that the villi can be easily injected; most conveniently from the vena portæ,though the arteries may be employed. In the latter case, the matter of injection is effused into the intestinal or gastric cavity. The villi are peculiar to these parts; they are inversely conical, adhering to the membrane by their smaller end. The best mode of exhibiting them, is to tie the vena portæ of a living animal, when they erect themselves by the afflux of blood. These diminutive organs, about 3/100 of an inch long, then exhibit distinctly, under the microscope, four red longitudinal lines, being probably vessels.

Injections made retrograde from the thoracic duct, pass through the villi into the intestines. When the stomach of a man, who died of some complaint not deranging its condition, is examined, we sometimes find its lining membrane covered with a multitude of minute white points. These are the villi in a flaccid state. In those who have died during digestion, they are erected, and of a rosy colour.

When the intestine of a living animal is examined under a microscope, after being carefully washed, a great number of orifices are seen, from each of which exudes a minute drop of a transparent fluid. These rapidly disappear; and then the villi attract attention. What these foraminula are, the reviewer, M.Du Fermon, does not tell us.—Ibid.

3.Minute distribution of the Vessels of the Liver.—M.Cruveilhiergives, in his lectures, an account of the results he has obtained from a minute injection of the liver. He finds, 1. The acini surrounded with a dense, cellular texture, paler than themselves; 2. The ramifications of the hepatic artery distributed to this cellular envelope; 3. Those of the vena portæ spread around the acini, or granulations of the liver; and 4. Those of the biliary ducts, and of the hepatic veins, emerging from the cavities of these bodies.

Our readers will observe a great similarity, in this, to the arrangement of the lobules of the kidneys.—Ibid.

4.Trachea perforating the Aorta.—This odd distribution of parts, was observed by M.Zagorsky, at St. Petersburg, in 1802. The aorta divided itself, at its arch, into two branches, which received the trachea between them, and again united, exactly fitting the organ they received. They were found to have compressed the trachea, and probably produced difficulty of breathing.

In another case, in 1808, the right subclavian artery, instead of its usual origin, arose from the left extremity of the arch of the aorta, and crossed behind the trachea, thus including the latter between it and the aorta.

Why do we call the common trunk of the right subclavian and carotid, the arteria innominata? Is coining words so difficult a task, that we cannot find a proper and expressive name for it? The French call itbrachio-cephalic, and this expresses its office and distribution.—Ibid.

5.Monsters.—These productions, hitherto considered as mere objects of wonder, from the study of which no useful inference could be drawn, have recently attracted a good deal of attention in Paris. There seem to besome close affinities discoverable in many of them, not only with the natural and complete forms of animals of various tribes, but even with the actual condition of their own species, while in the fœtal state.

The views ofM. Geoffroy St. Hilaireseem to us rather mystical and vague. Those ofBreschet, and the other practical anatomists, we can understand much better.

6.Malformation of the Heart.—Drs.Baillie,[29]Langstaff,[30]andFarre[31]have each published cases; and M.Tiedemann, in his journal of Physiology, now adds a fourth, in which the aorta and pulmonary artery were found to have changed places. In professorTiedemann'scase, the two circulations were entirely distinct; the systemic blood passing from venæ cavæ to right auricle, from right auricle to right ventricle, and from this, through the aorta, to the body at large; while the pulmonary blood ran through an equally simple circle, by the route of pulmonary veins, left auricle, left ventricle, and pulmonary artery. The only communications between the two circulations, were the foramen ovale, the ductus arteriosus, and, in the opinion of M.Tiedemann, the inosculations between the branches of thepulmonaryandbronchialarteries.

The infant is recorded to have presentedno peculiar appearancestill the ninth day; when attacks of suffocation came on, attended with the blackish blue colour, and followed by death, at the end of twelve days. Similar histories are said to be given of the cases mentioned above, and the references to which we have copied. We have not the time to consult them.—Ibid.

7.Acephalous Mummy.—M.Geoffroy St. Hilairehas read a memoir of some length to the Academy of Sciences, on an acephalous mummy. It was found in a catacomb, destined, with this exception, exclusively to animals. It had an amulet suspended round its neck, being an earthen figure of a cynocephalus, for which it was very probably mistaken by the Egyptians. The collector, M.Passalacqua, who obtained it, showed it to M.G. St. H.as a monkey, of which he wished to know the species. Yet the latter observes that these amulets were only put on human mummies.

M. G. concludes that the monkeys, elephants, &c. said by Livy, Valerius Maximus, Pliny, and others, to have been born of women in their times, and considered as omens of public calamity, were acephala.

8.New Anatomical Plates.—Messrs.E. W. TysonandGeorge Simpsonare publishing anatomical plates, in London. They are spoken of with approbation. The labours of the latter are designed for the use of painters.

9.A Manual of Osteologyhas been undertaken by Dr.Weber, of Bonn, and one volume published.

10.Sœmmering's fine work on the anatomy of the ear, has been translated into French, and his splendid folio plates copied in lithography.

11.Does the conjunctiva run over the cornea?Messrs.Lecoq,Leblanc, andArtus, state that they have each seen a case in which regularskinandhairwere seen, forming a small patch on the cornea of the eye of a quadruped. This is considered as a proof of the existence there of a membrane naturally analogous to the skin; which must, of course, be the conjunctiva. An officer saw another case, in which a hair was seen in the middle of the eye of a horse.—Bulletin.

12.Electro-Galvanic phenomena of Acupuncturation.—M.Pouillet, after making a complete circuit, through a needle introduced in acupuncture, through wires, and through the patient's mouth, found, by means of a multiplier ofSchweigherwith a magnetic needle, that the electro-magnetic rotation could be readily produced; at least so far as to effect small vibrations backwards and forwards. On repeating it with two needles, one of them run into an artery and another into a vein, or one into the medulla spinalis, at the neck, and another into an extremity, in a rabbit, no effect whatever took place.—Magendie's Journ. de Physiologie.

13.Variations in Milk.—Milk, says M.Vallot, in his memoir read to the Academy of Dijon, may bered. The cause of this is unknown, though it has given rise to superstitious fears. Some have observed that the cow's teats are then tender. Whether this be cause or effect has not been ascertained.

Yellow milkis said to have been produced by the cow's eating the caltha palustris, (marygold.)Blue milk, from a cause still unknown, in the departments of Seine-inférieure and Calvados. Some have ascribed it to the hyacinthus comosus; others to butomus umbellatus.

Thegreen milkof some writers is supposed to be only blue.Milk not coagulableis produced by feeding on husks of green peas, and on mint.Bitter milk, from wormwood, sonchus alpinus, and the leaves of the artichoke; and in goats, from eating freely of elder, (sambucus nigra,) and potato-tops;a disagreeable taste, from turnips, in Upper Canada.Garlicky milk, from causes well known.Insipid milk, andlead-coloured butter, from equisetum fluviatile.Milk unnaturally sweet and luscious, (sucré,) from alpine clover, (trifolium alpinum;) andred butter, from the ripe berries of asparagus.—Bulletin.

14.Hyoscyamus dilates the pupils of the eyes, the same manner as stramonium, several Eastern species of datura, and belladonna, which the Europeans use. The strongest species was datura fastuosa.—Oriental Magazine, apud Du Fermon.

15.Worms in the Eye.—Several cases of worms in the eye are mentioned in the Bulletin des Sciences Medicales, for Feb. 1826.Deguillemesaw several in the eye of a cow; and the case was published byGorier, a veterinary teacher, in his memoirs. In the report of the proceedings of the veterinary school at Lyons, in 1822-3, there is the case of a mule, in which a knot of worms (crinons) was seen in one eye.Twowere extracted; (why no more is not said;) and another subsequently. No inflammation was produced; but a violent nervous agitation of the head, and a turning of it to the left side took place. Next follows an account of a memoir read before the Medical Society of Calcutta, but of which the name of the author is not given. He is represented as stating, that the strongylus armatus minor ofRudolphi, and thefiliaris(filaria) papillosa, are frequently found in the eyes of the horses in India, but much more so in the cellular membrane, particularly about the loins. He believes that they make their way into the blood-vessels, and, through them, into the eye. Their most ordinary seat is the cellular membrane of the loins; where they exist for years, producing emaciation, and, at length, paralysis of the hind legs. This last the Calcutta author is represented as ascribing to the penetration of the spinal marrow; but he does not appear to have verified it by dissection.Treuttlersays, he has seen the strongylus armatus inaneurismsof the mesenteric artery of the horse; but the writer in the Bulletin doubts whether any have ever been found in sound arteries.

Dr.Kennedy, in the Edinburgh Philosophical Transactions, describes a worm, which he callsascaris pellucidus, (pellucida,) as being common in the eyes of horses in India. A review ofBremser'swork on worms is expected in our next, and inferences will then be drawn from these singular facts.

16.Digestion.—MM.LeuretandLassaigne, in their very interesting and valuable experimental essay on this subject, have met with many curious results.

They found no remarkable difference in the saliva of carnivorous and herbivorous animals. The purest saliva was obtained for their experiments directly from the parotid duct, in man, the horse, and dog. The composition was as follows:

Water, 99 parts; mucus, traces; albumen, soda, chloride of sodium, chloride of potassium, carbonate of lime, and phosphate of lime, 1 part. Total, 100.

Their experiments on the bile confirmed the results ofThenardandCrevreuil.

The pancreatic juice is of the specific gravity 1.0026; at 15° of the thermometer: (centigrade, we presume.) Its composition is:

Water, 99.1 parts; animal matter soluble in alcohol, animal matter soluble in water, traces of albumen, mucus, soda, chloride of sodium, chloride of potassium, and phosphate of lime, 0.9 parts. Total, 100. This greatlyconfirms the analogy long observed between the pancreatic liquor and the saliva.

In thegastric liquor, there are:

Water, 98 parts;lactic acid, muriate of ammonia, chloride of sodium, animal matter soluble in water, mucus, and phosphate of lime, 2 parts. Total, 100.

Dr.Proutand Mr.Childrenhave announced the gastric acid, of which so much has been said, to be the muriatic, while M.Chevreuilhad stated it to be the lactic. MM.LeuretandLassaigneconfirm the results ofChevreuil, and that with great confidence in their own accuracy. They found the contents of all the four stomachs of ruminating animals acid. MM.PrevostandLeroyerhad stated those of the three first to be alkaline. The observations ofLeuretandLassaigneagree with those ofMontegre, (vide Dict. des Sci. Med.) who believes digestion to produce acidity as a result of the regular process.

Thefæcesbecome alkaline.

Substances which contain no azote, from whatever class they are obtained, cannot serve for nutrition.We cannot understand this, especially when compared with what follows. "If, on the contrary, they are soluble, one part is absorbed and another is expelled, either by urine or by the anus; such are sugar, gum, &c." This seems to us like a contradiction.

It is impossible, in the present state of science, to determine the chemical change which aliments undergo in the digestive organs; both on account of their mixture and the insufficiency of our means of analysis.

"The absorption of chyle takes place by the villi." "These communicate directly with the lacteals and the vena portæ."

"The transference of the chyle takes place by the lacteals; nevertheless, if they are obliterated,this may be done through the vena portæ."

The section of the pneumo-gastric nerves does not stop the dilution of aliments in the stomach, or chylification.

The juices secreted by the liver and pancreas, are poured into the intestines in greater quantity during digestion than at any other period; in consequence of the contact of the acid chyme with the biliary and pancreatic orifices.

The pancreatic juice is analogous to the saliva.

The spleen is an appendage to the liver; it swells during the absorption of liquids by the vena portæ.

Liquid aliments are digested, just as much as solid; but they do not require so great a quantity of gastric and intestinal juices.

Watery drinks are absorbed in the stomach and intestines, by the radicles of the vena portæ. Spirituous drinks occasion an afflux of the gastric juices, become acid, and are absorbed.

Excrements owe their colour and odour to the bile, and their consistenceto the absorption of a portion of the water they contain. They carry off a large amount of the nutriment.

Great obscurity still remains as to the cause of hunger.

Thirst is thought to be produced by the drying which the pharynx undergoes, from the passage through it of the air used in respiration, and at a time when the supply of mucous fluid is scanty.

Our readers will have perceived, long ere this, that here are several propositions at war, not only with our received opinions, but with the experimental researches of some others among the modern physiologists. We do not know what Dr.Wilson Philipwould say to his observations being so cavalierly dismissed: they seem scarcely to condescend to mention his name in France. Not having the original, we could do no better than translate, almost literally, the conclusions of these experimenters, as stated in the Bulletin; and the result of this is what we have just given our readers. From the words "the absorption of chyle," to the end, is nearly verbatim the language of the review.

17.Dothinenteria. Pustules of the small Intestines.—From δοθη, a pustule, and εντερον, an intestine. This name is given to a disease which has been described by M.Bretonneau, of Tours, and, after him, bySerres,Broussais,Andral, and several others, and consists in pustules, generally situated at the lower end of the ileum.

We are constantly lamenting to ourselves the contracted bounds allotted to our Quarterly Summary. Indeed, were it not for other objects, it might occupy, with advantage, half of the number, and most of the time employed in the preparation of the work. Every thing must be curtailed, though cut off at the most interesting and valuable point; and the painful exertion of the attention, necessary to condense information for our readers' use, of the amount of which they cannot possibly be aware, can only be equalled by the constant feeling of disappointment at rejecting so much important matter.

We are told that this pustular disease is as common and as destructive as thesmall pox, (indeed!) the measles or the scarlatina; that few persons spend the whole of their lives without having, at some period, suffered by it; that it never affects individuals but once; and that it is suspected of being contagious.

M.Bretonneauhas prepared a set of specimens, taken from the bodies of those who have died in various stages of this complaint. He traces the malady day by day, with a precision which we will not copy here. Theseat of this affection is the glands ofPeyerandBrunner. The former are found in groups, throughout the lower half of the jejunum and the whole of the ileum, gradually increasing in the size and number of their clusters, till they reach the valve of the colon, where they cease. They have been mistaken by some dissectors of the modern school for the effects of inflammation. They are found in honey-combed patches; which are agglomerations of mucous glands. The glands ofBrunnerare thinly dispersed mucous follicles which are scattered singly throughout the whole length of the small intestines, with nearly equal frequency. These organs are well described byHallerin the great Physiology. They are not seen well, unless in a young subject, and by cutting into the intestine very close to the mesentery.

When inflamed, they swell and thicken, and, after some days, the membrane around them assumes a reddish tint. The mesenteric glands are enlarged. M.Bretonneauhas seen one as large as a hen's egg: they generally equal in size that of a pigeon. The disease spreads and affects an additional number of glands. It reaches its acme generally on the 9th day; after which sometimes all, and always a part of the affected glands return to their natural condition, by resolution of the inflammation. Those which are to run the full course of the disease continue to augment in size and projection into the intestine. On the 13th and 14th days they are discovered tinged with bile, which penetrates their substance, and thus proves the occurrence of disorganization. On the 15th and 16th, the sloughs separate, and leave from one to six ulcers. These penetrate the gland, and with it the mucous membrane, of which it forms a part, and next, the cellular tissue of the intestine. In numerous instances they perforate the muscular coat, leaving nothing but peritoneum at the bottom; and frequently, passing this, they induce inflammation of the cavity of the belly, and death.

The cases of simple resolution terminate in three weeks: those in which sloughs are formed, in from 30 to 40 days, if not fatal. If death be from peritonitis, it is of course soon after the 15th and 16th days; if from exhaustion, at periods varying according to the strength of the sufferer. Dothinenteria occurs in many of the cases commonly called typhus fever, gastro enteritis, &c. It is proper to remark that both the author and the journal are in opposition to Dr.Broussais.—Archives.

18.Dr. Broussais.—While the opinions of this celebrated reformer have been gradually becoming more extensively known among our countrymen, the war has prevailed with increased heat in his native land. The most vehement attacks are made, from various quarters, upon his system ofmedicine physiologique. No one appears to deny that he has clearly proved the existence of mucous gastritis and enteritis in many or most fevers, or the propriety of directing a part of the remedies to them. Criticisms and invectives are freely emitted: but they are only levelled against the too extensive application of this doctrine, and the inconsistencies, unquestionablyoften real, of the system of which he has made it the foundation. Indeed, if the quotations given are correct, we think no one who has not assumed a party, can refrain from concurring in their condemnation.

"Those who understand our doctrine never attack it; they speak of it only to express their admiration: above all, they never think of wishing to modify it, because they know that its fundamental dogmas are unshakeable." "Surtout ils ne s'avisent jamais de vouloir la modifier," &c. A man who assumes such ground as this, had need be very careful in assuming his positions, indeed; and should particularly avoid any thing like self-contradiction.

TheLettres a un medecin de province, in a style of lively criticism, labour to show a great variety of inconsistencies in this immoveable doctrine. The review of this publication in the Revue Medicale, including copious extracts, coincides with, and evidently wishes to aid, the author's satire. In the same journal are a series of criticisms on some of the elementary propositions of Dr.Broussais, published in a late edition of his Examen; (nearly the same which were published here, some time since, in the American Medical Recorder, having been translated by Dr.Atkins.) In these critiques, great severity is shown, in dealing with the new dogmas, and the doctrine is treated as one of dangerous tendency; while, at the same time, high praise is awarded to their author, for his discoveries in the diseases of the alimentary mucous membranes.

In the other journals, there is a division; some favouring the new opinions, while others oppose them with more or less of vehemence.

That the doctrine of gastritis has made a great impression at Paris, that almost every one believes in it, to a greater or less extent, appears undeniable; but there, as well as here, most of the more rational, and moderate minded men are evidently of the only school a physician ought to belong to, theeclectic. Borrowing largely fromBroussais, and having had their minds powerfully stimulated by the succession of striking and novel ideas which he has introduced, they think it unmanly to "bind themselves to his chariot-wheel," but form conclusions for themselves from every resource within their power. If the great French reformer really wishes to establish as absolute a power over the minds of his followers, asMahometorPythagorasdid, and as the above-quoted extract seems pretty fairly to indicate, he must certainly undergo many mortifications. Notwithstanding the "inebranlable" nature of his dogmas, M.Miquelhas furnished us with several variations from them, in the writings of Messrs.Boisseau,Roche,Sanson,Remusat,Richond, andBegin; and the last-named individual has had a public dispute with his preceptor.

M.Beginhas produced his promised work on surgery, according to the principles of the new school. We have not seen the volume, but have read a review of it in the Revue Medicale, by M.Bellanger. The latter describes it as a cursory work, having for its object the adaptation of surgeryto a set of general principles, rather than a detailed system of instructions how to proceed in each individual case. It contains only what is easy to be remembered, and omits those matters for which it is usual to refer to books. Thus two pages only are appropriated to fractures of the body and neck of the femur! and twenty-six for the whole subject of fractures, wounds, and six or eight of the most important diseases, of bones! Yet all this criticism is not without a compliment, well-merited at least by the former productions of the same author, to his talents and ingenuity.

19.Whooping-cough.—"There is no disease of children, in which the resources of medicine are more manifestly serviceable than in an obstinate whooping-cough." Such, in amount, was the opinion of Dr.Underwood, and Dr.Wattuses language almost equally strong. Certainly, we are not at all times equally successful or equally sanguine in America.

Dr. A.Cavenneconsiders whooping-cough a true bronchitis, a pulmonary catarrh; accompanied with greatly heightened nervous symptoms, owing to the irritable period of life at which it occurs, and particularly to its frequent existence in nervous constitutions. ProfessorTourtellecalls it a pneumo-gastric, pituitous catarrh; and certainly, the pupils of a modern school will find no difficulty in recognizing symptoms of gastritis in its severer forms. The further inferences drawn by Dr.Cavenne, are as follows:

1. That the whooping-cough, in an individual of a sanguine temperament, requires, in general, the use of bleeding, and a debilitating regimen.

2. That bleeding and a debilitating treatment are equally necessary, whatever be the temperament, in whooping-cough of the chronic form.

3. The antispasmodics are necessary in nervous constitutions.

4. That blood-letting and the debilitating treatment should be rejected, when the subject is endowed with a lymphatic temperament. This observation, says our author, is equally applicable to early infancy, in which lymph predominates over the red blood, and the fluids are more diluted.

Finally, if the disease be obstinate and there be disturbance in several functions, there is certainly reason to believe that a lung, a viscus of the abdomen, or the brain, is in an unfavourable condition; (the author means of the inflammatory kind;) and this is ground for the moderate abstraction of blood.—Journ. Univ. Feb.

20.Antiperistaltic globus. Globus hystericus.—Dr.Trolliet, of Lyons, observes that hysteria cannot, with propriety, be said to exist in the male sex; that it arises, as its name imports, from derangement of the uterus, and thatCullenandSydenhamhave done wrong, and stand alone, in teaching the contrary. When there exists a real hysteria, the contractions are not confined to the intestinal regions, but invade the neighbouring parts; (quere, which of them contract?) they are always accompanied, when existing in a high degree, with convulsions and loss of the mental powers. In the intervals, the patients affected can satisfy their appetite.

Antiperistaltic globus may occur from various causes; and either in the intestines or the œsophagus.

That of the intestines is met with chiefly in advancing age; and is generally produced by daily and often-repeated pressure on the abdomen, as practised in various professions. Hard labour and bad diet also greatly aggravate it. At first pain in the intestines occurs, aggravated by labour; together with derangement of digestion.

The sensation of a globe then appears on the lower and left side of the abdomen; and, after performing various circuits, finally reaches the stomach; from which is soon after discharged, with great relief, a quantity of gas, issuing from the mouth. Vomiting of an acid and burning fluid, as also of the food, is not uncommon as an accompaniment. This ball is about the size of a man's fist, and is sensible to the external touch, and even to the sight. The patients possess the power, to a certain extent, of controlling its motions, and relieving the pain, which is often extremely violent, by pressure.

Indigestible food always aggravated the disease. Some could only tolerate milk, broth, and other fluids. A weaver was obliged to quit his profession, from the pressure on the abdomen which it required, occasioning the paroxysms.

The treatment consisted in

1. Avoiding the original causes.

2. The use of a species of corslet, (plastron,) to prevent future pressure on the abdomen.

3. A rigid diet. We do not understand why, firstly, articles containing a great deal of fecula, and, as it is said, "requiring a great action of the intestines," are forbidden, while, in the second place, rice is recommended. "Bouillon aux herbes," (a laxative decoction,) rice-cream, and milk, were found the best. Wine was injurious. Assafœtida and camphor were useful, and were administered in boluses. Purgatives were injurious. Emolient enemas were useful.

Of antiperistaltic globus in the œsophagus our author saw only two cases, which were not complicated with hysteria. The patients had both been subject to rheumatism; and, in one of them, this had been supplanted by an eruption Of tetter: on the disappearance of which last the globus appeared. These cases were cured, the latter by a severe, light diet, and some antispasmodics, the names of which are not mentioned; the other by curing the rheumatism.

Dissections are somewhat difficult to obtain; unless where some other more mortal disease exists. In one, scirrhus of the pylorus was found; the stomach greatly enlarged; the small intestines contracted,red outside and gray within. (Where was the redness situated; in the peritoneal or the muscular coat? We mustguessthe latter.) The stomach was pale gray, and thickened. The large intestines were dilated, and gray.—Journ. Univ.

21.Non-contagion of Yellow Fever.—Dr.Valentine, of Nancy, has printed a pamphlet of a single sheet, in which he finds himself involved in all the turmoil, through which American physicians passed during the period which intervened between 1793 and 1805. Dr. V. gives his authority decidedly in favour of the non-existence of a contagion in this disease; and grounds his opinion upon the innumerable cases of patients affected with the disease and otherwise, who have escaped from infected districts, without communicating the malady in any instance, to the persons with whom they lived; upon the healthiness of ports, from which it has been said to have been introduced, &c. Dr. V. is not, as some of his countrymen have been, unwilling, from some unimaginable cause, to make use of the immense mass of American evidence; though he observes, and with justice, that experiments should be repeated in France, in order to set the public mind at rest in that kingdom. He proposes the employment of criminals for this purpose; and recommends every mode of the most close contact which his imagination could suggest. He mentions experiments of this kind having been made in the United States; and by M.Guyon, of Martinique, on his own person.

He quotes Dr.Chervin's labours, with great and just applause. This indefatigable and daring physician has now spent upwards of ten years in accumulating proofs upon this single question.

At the commencement of the pamphlet, the arrangement of which does not seem to us to be quite clear and easy, Dr. V. gives a sketch of the situation and localities of Leghorn. He traces the fevers of that place to putrid matters, perceptible by the sense of smell; and principally to obstructed drains. He does not give the exact degree of heat, but merely states that it was excessive, and followed by heavy rains.

22.Iodine.—In the former numbers of this journal, we offered some observations respecting the medicinal properties of iodine, intending then to present in one of our future numbers an elaborate analysis of a valuable work on this subject, by Dr. Manson, which appeared in England sometime last year.[32]Fearing, however, that the want of room and time will prevent us from fulfilling this task, as soon as soon as might be desired, we have thought that a condensed notice of its contents would be acceptable in this place.

It appears that previously to the discovery of iodine as a medicinal agent, our author used the burnt sponge in bronchocele, a disease very commonin the neighbourhood of Nottingham, where he practices. But when the effects of the former remedy was announced, Dr. M. prepared a tincture composed of one drachm of iodine to two ounces and a half of rectified spirit, (spec. grav. 916.) and prescribed it very extensively in doses of from 10 to 30 drops three times a day, according to the age and strength of the patient. Dr.Mansonhas presented a tabular view of 116 cases of bronchocele treated by iodine, and also a detailed account of 15 more cases, with appropriate remarks. Of the former, there were, viz:—

Males—Cured,10Much relieved,1Discharged for non-attendance,1Improving under treatment,3—Total 15Females—Cured,66Much relieved,9Not relieved,2Discharged for non-attendance,10Improving under treatment,14—101—116

Whilst using the tincture internally, Dr.Mansonoccasionally had recourse externally to a liniment composed of

Liniment. Sap. Comp.℥iTinct. Iodinæ,℥im.

Some patients can bear this quantity rubbed into the tumour once, and sometimes twice a day; though in some, the skin is so tender, that the liniment cannot be so frequently used. Dr. M. prefers this liniment to the common iodine ointment, as less liable to evaporation. In France, we believe Dr.Richondprefers rubbing in the tincture itself. The following remarks are useful:

"In someindividuals, after the preparations of iodine have been given internally for some time, they are apt to occasion headach, giddiness, sickness of stomach, with some degree of nausea, langour, and inaptitude for exertion; when these unpleasant sensations and effects occur, the best plan to remove or obviate them is to suspend, for a time, the use of the medicine, or to reduce the dose, as may seem most expedient." A reduction of dose, from fifteen to twelve drops, was the plan adopted by our author on this occasion.

2d.Paralysis.—Want of success with the ordinary modes of treating this disease, induced Dr.Mansonto try the effects of iodine.

"The wonderful powers of iodine, which I had recently witnessed; and a long previous acquaintance with the same remedy as it exists in burnt sponge, in reducing morbid enlargements of the thyroid gland, led me from analogy, to think, that in cases of palsy, from tumours or fluids pressing on the brain or spinal cord, or from morbid thickening of the investing membrane of the cord itself, iodine might prove a useful remedy not only by stimulating the nervous system, and removing morbid tumefaction andeffusion, but also by correcting the strumous state of the constitution that often gives rise to the disease."

The following interesting case as abridged in the Medico-Chirurgical Review, for January 1826, we take the liberty to transcribe.

"J. Watterton, aged 19, was admitted into the General Hospital of Nottingham, on the 27th of March, 1821, having been ailing since October, 1819. Stated that he had at first been attacked with pain in the bowels, which having ceased, the lower extremities became swelled and painful.

"After this, his neck became stiff and painful, with shooting pains from the neck into the left side of the head. These also disappeared, and did not afterwards return. This was about nine months ago, and, at that time, he suddenly lost the power of the left arm, and in a short time afterwards, that of the left lower extremity. Some time after this, he recovered, partially, the use of the left arm; the leg remaining paralytic. About this time, therighthalf of the body was instantaneously and completely palsied. He has continued ever since in this wretched state, getting worse rather than better, passing his stools and urine, involuntarily. He lies on his back, and, with the exception of the left arm, he is completely paralytic on both sides, from the neck downwards. The sense of feeling is very much impaired—there is no distortion of the face, nor impediment of speech. Is troubled with twitchings in the lower extremities.Purgatives—blisters to the nape of the neck, and to be kept open.

"It appears that, about two years ago, he had a bloody purulent discharge from both ears. The left still continues to discharge a purulent looking matter. Purgatives were continued till the 6th of April, when the tincture of iodine, in doses of 15 drops, was given thrice a day. April 9, can raise the right arm nearly to the head; but the power of the lower limbs has not improved. The twitchings have decreased. Purgatives—the tincture of iodine to be increased to 20 drops ter in die. 10th. Evinces some muscular power in the lower extremities to day—feels stronger—can retain his urine for some time. 14th. Continues to improve. The left foot is become exquisitely sensible, and that extremity is often drawn up spasmodically towards the body. The iodine to be increased to 25 drops. 16th. The paralytic symptoms continue to yield to the powerful influence of the iodine. When his meat is cut, he can now feed himself with the left hand;—can raise the right hand to the chin, and draw the right upper extremity up towards the body. He continues to hold his water. The iodine is increased to 30 drops, thrice a day—from this date to the 7th of May, the medicine was occasionally obliged to be intermitted and again commenced in smaller doses. At this period, however, the patient could walk from his bed room to the day ward with very little assistance. 19th. He can walk without any assistance, except that of a stick to steady him. June 9th, can walk without a stick. He is gradually recovering the power of motion and senseof feeling. Drops agree. Appetite good, and is allowed full diet. July 3d, the patient was discharged cured."

Besides this highly interesting case, 24 more of paraplegia, hemiplegia, and partial paralysis, are given in detail, in which the iodine was exhibited with various success. In his prefatory remarks to this chapter, Dr.Mansonobserves, that although he has been able to cure only a proportion of the cases of palsy that have come under his care since April 1821, yet he has been much more successful in his practice since that time, than he was previously with the use of all the ordinary means.

Having succeeded so well in paralysis, Dr.Mansonwas induced to try the effects of iodine in chorea, which he thinks is more closely allied to palsy than is supposed, and is linked to it by that species of the disease called shaking palsy. Of chorea treated with iodine, and showing the efficacy of the remedy, Dr.Mansondetails eleven cases, and concludes this section with a tabular view of 72 cases treated at the General Hospital near Nottingham, between the 6th of October, 1812, and the 5th of October, 1824. In all the cases detailed by our author, the iodine was administered after purgatives, and throughout the treatment, the bowels were carefully regulated by aperient medicines.

Dr.Mansonnext records the results of his experience with iodine in scrofula—detailing three cases of scrofulous enlargement of the conglobate glands—two of scrofulous ulcers, and four of scrofulous ophthalmia; in all of which, the most beneficial effects were obtained. Our author details eleven cases of fistula lachrymalis, in which iodine produced the happiest results. He was led to prescribe iodine in this disease from the circumstance, that one of the individuals to whom he gave it for paralysis, laboured under the fistula, and was promptly relieved of it, whilst under the use of the remedy.

Dr.Mansonhas likewise detailed nine cases of deafness cured, or greatly relieved, by iodine. In most of these cases, the disease originated from obstruction of the Eustachian tube, the consequence of swelling of the tonsils, or of the membrane of the tube itself, from previous inflammation.

Seven cases of dysphagia, eleven of white swelling, four of morbus coxarius, and eleven of distortion, form the subjects of the four succeeding sections. The medicine in all these cases, manifested so very decided a power in arresting the progress, and even in curing the disease, that we think ourselves safe in recommending a trial of it in similar cases. As the iodine, however, is a powerful stimulant, we would advise it not to be prescribed when there exists any fever, and especially when there are any decided signs of gastric irritation, as it would be likely to aggravate it.

23.Non-mercurial treatment of Syphilis.—In the first number of this Journal, we inserted an essay on this subject, by Dr.Thomas Harris, of this city, in which the author confirms, by the results of his public and private practice, the statements of the British army surgeons respecting theefficacy and safety of the non-mercurial treatment. Since that period, having noticed that, by the worthy editor of a respected cotemporary, it is asserted that though mercury fails, "yet from the most ample experience in Europe, the present practice of Paris, England, Ireland, and the Continent generally, we must lean to the idea, that its use, under proper regulations, must be always adopted, as the only safe mode of cure in these diseases," we deem it but justice towards Dr. H. to call the attention of our readers to the result of the extensive experience of some physicians on the continent of Europe. Not to mentionBroussaishimself, who appears to have rejected mercury almost entirely in the treatment of primary or secondary symptoms, we may cite Mr.Richond, who reports that he treated, at the military hospital of Strasburgh, nearly 3000 cases of syphilis in all its grades, the vast majority of which were completely cured without mercury, and simply by means of antiphlogistics, emollients, and revulsives. Mr.Richond, besides some essays in the Archives Medicales, and a summary of his experience in the preface to his work on apoplexy, has lately published an elaborate work on the subject. In the October number of the Annales de la Médecine Physiologique, Mr.Becquartof the military hospital of Bayonne, details twenty-six cases of gonorrhœa, inflammation of the testicles, chancres on the glans and lips, buboes, excrescences around the anus, &c., all of which were cured without mercury, and with the same remedies as were employed by Mr.Richond. We might adduce the testimony of other French physicians, and particularly of M.Begin, but we deem it unnecessary, as the above will be sufficient to show that in France the practice meets with the support of many very intelligent physicians. We annex the conclusions of Dr.Ottoof Copenhagen, drawn from an extended personal experience, and from his researches on the subject. Dr.Otto'sessay is contained in a late number of Gräafe's and Walther's Journal, and the conclusions are published in the Edinburgh Medical and Surgical Journal. Dr. O. remarks:

1. That the cure of syphilis, without mercury, has been asserted by so many authorities, that the fact can no longer be doubted. If, then, the disease could formerly be cured without mercury, it may certainly now be much easier, as it has lost much of its violence and obstinacy.

2. Syphilis can undoubtedly be radically cured in this manner; but then the cure is of longer duration, and the diet requires considerable restriction.

3. The secondary symptoms, and a return of the complaint, are certainly more frequent; but the symptoms are not so difficult of removal; and the treatment has a much more speedy effect.

4. As the treatment without mercury requires a longer time, it appears more practicable in hospital than in private practice; and on the other hand, the patient can be better watched in a hospital, which, on account of the diet, is of great importance.

5. As ulcers on the genitals are often not syphilitic, and the use of mercury is contraindicated from a predisposition to scrofula or phthisis existing in the individual, it is consolatory to learn from the results of experience, that this medicine is not always necessary, and that a radical cure, by more simple and innocent means, can sometimes be effected. Where, however, the physician is anxious to avoid the possible evils which mercury is capable of producing, and also to prevent loss of time, there remains a middle way, namely, to employ mercury, whose specific action can scarcely be denied, in moderate doses.

It results from a report of the cases of syphilis admitted into the public institutions of Sweden, that 3,574 were treated in 1822; 3,465 in 1823, and 3,355 in 1824. During the course of this last year, 55-3/10 per centum of all the patients were treated by the mercurial method, and 35-1/10 per centum by the non-mercurial method, and by low diet; 2-1/2 per centum by means of fumigations. MM.Kessler,Wurster,Ronberg, andSandmark, prefer the dietetic method, and consider it as the surest of all those hitherto employed. Relapses are rare. In 1822 they amounted in relation to the whole number of cases, to 11-2/3 per centum; in 1823 to 10-1/4, and in 1824 to 10-2/3. After the treatment by starvation, they amounted in 1822 to 7-3/4 per centum; to 7-1/3 in 1823; and to 8-1/3 in 1824. After the mercurial treatment, in 1822 to 17-1/2 per centum; in 1823 to 14-1/16; and in 1824 to 14-1/2.Bulletin des Sci. Med.

We hope to lay before our readers at some future period, an analysis of Mr.Richond's work above alluded to, as well as of one on the same subject by Mr.Jourdanof Paris, author of some essays on the origin of syphilis, translated and published here a few years ago.

24.Cancer treated by Antiphlogistics.—Of all diseases classed among the opprobria medicorum, cancer has hitherto been justly viewed as holding the most conspicuous rank, and it is only within a short time, that it appears to have been treated on correct principles, and that cures have been detailed by individuals of undoubted veracity. The idea of the inflammatory nature of cancer, and of the propriety of treating it by means of antiphlogistics, has been held many years ago, and supported byVasalvain Italy,Fearonin England,Hufelandin Germany,PouteauandVacherin France, not to mention other high authorities. But, notwithstanding the success attending this practice, it was too simple for the supporters of cancerous humours and specific inflammations, and seemed, in consequence, to have been abandoned by them, in their search after anti-cancerous or specific remedies; and little was heard of it, until revived by the disciples of the physiological school of France, and particularly by its founder professorBroussais, and by professorLallemandof Montpellier, the result of whose experience is published in a thesis, lately defended at Montpellier by Dr.Mareschel.

We have been led to these reflections from reading the above essay, and another on the same subject, published by Dr. J. A.Puel, in a late numberof the Archives Générales de Medecine. Dr. P. details many cases, which were treated by his father, by means of leeches, emollients, purgatives, &c. so early as 1807. In most of these cases, the practice appears to have been very successful. As it is our wish to impress our readers with the propriety of making a fair trial of this method, in cases of scirrhus and cancer, we shall select and translate a few cases from the latter essay. It is proper to premise, however, that the practice must not be viewed as completely successful ineverycase, and that the older the complaint, the less confident we ought to be, in respect to the happy results of the case. Nor is it to be expected, thatboldnessin the employment of the lancet and leeches, will answer as well as a perseverant, constant, but moderate use of these means. Chronic inflammations are not to be removed by storm, but by achronicuse of remedies, and particularly by attention to diet.

We cannot at present determine precisely the proportion of cures effected, by this method, of scirrhus or cancer, in a given number of cases, and how far it will surpass, in point of success, the common method of treatment byspecificnarcotics and escharotics; but, even supposing that it is not more successful, (which we are disposed to deny,) it has at least the vast advantage of being morecomfortable, and much less painful to the patient.

Mrs. D. enjoying good health, and mother of three children, was brought to bed in 1823, of a healthy child, which, however, she did not suckle. With a view of suppressing the secretion of milk, irritating applications to the breast were resorted to, which brought on an inflammation of that organ. Emollient poultices were now applied; these, however, did not prevent the formation of an abscess, which was opened by means of caustic potash. The suppuration, for a few days, was abundant and the matter discharged healthy. Purgatives were prescribed, with the view of suppressing the discharge, and mercurial ointment was rubbed on the tumour, to produce its absorption. These remedies were not successful, because no means were employed to arrest the inflammation, which gave rise to the suppuration.

When the patient applied for advice, she had been sick already four months, and presented the following symptoms. She was very much emaciated, and laboured under fever, resulting from a gastro-enteritic inflammation, kept up by purgatives and deostruents, (fondans,) which, from the commencement of the attack, were prescribed for her. The ulceration of the mamma was of the size of a five frank piece, unequal and gray, and gave issue to an ichorous and fœtid purulent matter. The edges were thick and everted, and surrounded with an erysipelatous inflammation. The whole mamma was large and hard, and the seat of lancinating pain. Thirty-five leeches were applied around the tumour, and gave rise to a profuse hæmorrhage, which continued many hours. From this, the patient experienced so much relief from pain, as to be able to take some repose, of which she had been deprived for some weeks. Emollient poultices and drinks were prescribed, and a low diet enjoined. By all these means, thepain was lessened, and the swelling much diminished. Leeches were again applied, and the other remedies continued. The wound gradually improved, and in forty five days, was completely healed.

Mr. P. was called on the 25th of September, 1817, to attend a lady, who had been affected for two days with uterine hæmorrhage, which he succeeded in arresting. The following history of her complaint was given to him: she had aborted about 18 months before, and since that time, had experienced every fortnight an uterine hæmorrhage, which generally lasted five or six days. During the intervals, she complained of deep seated pain, numbness and cramps, in the lower part of the abdomen, in the thighs and groins. The pain was much aggravated when she had a stool—walking, especially when long continued, was painful, and attended with a sense of dragging, which was only relieved by repose. From the same period, her disposition had changed from gay and lively, to melancholy and morose—her digestive functions were slow and painful—she was affected with leucorrhea, and during coition, felt much pain, and often lost some blood. On examination per vaginam, it was found, that the neck of the uterus was elongated—the anterior lip of the same organ was soft to the feel—the orifice somewhat enlarged, and painful when the finger was introduced into it. On the inferior lip there was a small unequal and painful spot, which was regarded as a superficial ulceration; the uterus was a little prolapsed, and somewhat enlarged; the pulse small and frequent; febrile exacerbations every evening; sleep not refreshing, and interrupted by short lancinating pain in the uterus.

The disease was judged by Mr. P. to be a chronic metrites, with ulceration, and all the symptoms usually attending incipient cancer. Guided by this belief, and notwithstanding the already long duration of the disease, and the debility of the patient, the following treatment was adopted—complete repose in the horizontal posture—leeches to the vulva, repeated several times—vaginal injections, with emollient decoctions—hip baths—very low diet. After persevering in this plan twenty days, the patient appeared much better, and was allowed to sit up. General baths were substituted for the partial ones. The same treatment was continued, with the exception of the leeches, and at the end of thirty days more, all the symptoms of the disease had completely disappeared. Mrs. P. was allowed to spend the following spring in the country, from whence she returned in very excellent health. She has since continued to enjoy it, and has borne several children.

Cases nearly similar, are detailed by Mr.Mareschal, as having occurred in the practice of professorLallemand. The same gentleman, also gives the history of two cases of external cancerous sores, in which the same treatment was adopted. The patients having died during the progress of the cure, of other diseases, an opportunity was offered, of examining by dissection, the changes that had occurred in the parts. We cannotenlarge on the subject in this place, and can only remark, that these changes were such, as to lead us to hope, that less difficulty will be experienced in the treatment of sores reputed cancerous, by the local antiphlogistic plan, than is commonly supposed. At any rate, recommended by such high authorities, the practice deserves a trial.

The Revue Medicale for February 1826, contains the details of a case lately cured at La Pitié, by Mr.Lisfranc. The patient, a woman, aged 36 years, of a strong and good constitution, had suffered the removal of a cancerous breast, 18 months previous to her admission into the Hospital, on the 10th October, 1825. The following symptoms were observed. On the whole surface of the cicatrix were felt a number of engorged ganglia, and an induration situated on the large and small pectoral muscles, and spreading from the clavicle to all the external and superior part of the thorax, and as far as the axilla, where other swollen ganglia were felt. The enlarged surface was elevated about half an inch above the level of the chest. Severe lancinating pains were at short intervals felt by the patient—which came on without any evident cause, and were particularly severe on the least pressure of the swollen part.

This patient was treated by means of frequent and copious bleeding from the arm—the very frequent application of leeches to the inflamed part, and to the upper and interior part of the thighs, to bring on the menstrual discharge—digitalis to remedy the frequent palpitations—emollient applications, and low diet. On the 10th of January, she was considered well;—the swellings and pain having disappeared—the menstrual discharge being well established, and the movement of the arm (which during the progress of the disease had been impeded from the swelling in the axilla) perfectly free.

We are happy to learn that this practice is pursued with success by the Spanish physicians, as may be readily found by a reference to a late number of the Periodico de la Sociedad Medico Quirurgica de Cadiz, which contains cases of scirrhous mamma cured by the repeated application of leeches.

25.Essential oil of Male Fern, as, a remedy in Cases of Tænia.—The male fern has long been regarded as a valuable anthelmintic medicine; but, as every powder administered in large doses, its exhibition is difficult and disagreeable; so much so, indeed, that many patients refuse to make a sufficiently constant use of it to ensure its beneficial effects. Struck with this inconvenience, M.Perchier, a pharmaceutist of Geneva, has lately made some experiments with a view of discovering its active principle, and to see whether this latter may be administered with equal success with the powder or infusion of the plant. We are happy to learn that the result of his experiments are very satisfactory. We translate the following observations from a memoir on the subject, read on the 7th of October last, by Mr.Gendrin, before the medical society of the department of the Seine. "Thismedicine, which is a fatty oil extracted by distillation from the æther, in which the powder of the root of the male fern has been macerated, has caused in many cases, the expulsion of the tænia, without occasioning nausea, colics, or any other morbid phenomena." "It is exhibited at bed time, either in an oily potion, in pills, or incorporated in an electuary, in doses of 18 or 20 drops. On the following morning, a similar dose is given, and two hours after, two ounces of castor oil are administered. In most cases, the tænia is expelled in the course of the day, but if this does not occur, the same doses of the oil are given in the same way, and followed by a similar quantity of the castor oil. The fatty oil of fern, has an æthereal and empyreumatic smell; its colour is brown, and its consistence rather greater than that of castor oil; it is, however, easier to separate in drops. Its taste is acrid, pungent, empyreumatic, and very disagreeable."—Propagateur des Sciences Medicales, Janvier 1826.

26.Tincture of Bastard Saffron[33]for the expulsion of Tænia.—Dr.Chisholm, of Canterbury, has lately used with success, in a case of tænia of many years standing, the vinous tincture of bastard saffron. The patient had already undergone various plans of treatment, and had especially used the oil of turpentine in very large doses. Dr. C. was induced to try the above remedy, from having noticed, that in a case in which it had been prescribed for the cure of rheumatism, a large portion of tænia had been expelled. He consequently administered two ounces of the tincture; advising the patient to take a table spoonful more of it mixed in a little water, two or three times a day. On the third or fourth day after commencing the use of this remedy, the patient voided a large portion of the worm, and has since been free from the usual symptoms of the disease.

27.Oil of Turpentine in Tænia.—Although the oil of turpentine is used in many parts of this country, in cases of tænia, we have good reasons for believing, that some physicians continue, notwithstanding the testimony in its favour, to hesitate exhibiting it in doses sufficiently large to destroy and promote the expulsion of the worm. Such being our opinion, we are induced to offer here a few remarks on the subject, and to notice a memoir published by Dr.De Pommer, in a late number of Hufeland's Journal. The employment of this remedy in such cases, is not of recent origin, having been resorted to many years ago by the Swedish practitioners, and subsequently revived by the English. In Germany it has recently been used by ProfessorOsan, and we believe particularly by Dr.De Pommer, who appears to have prescribed it boldly in very many instances, and in some, after the ineffectual employment of all other anthelmintics. Dr. P. adds, that he never saw any bad effects resulting from its use, and that patients are very little liable to relapses when treated by it.

Among the cases detailed by Dr.De Pommer, we select the following, as calculated to show the manner in which the Dr. uses the remedy.

"G.K..., a soldier aged 21 years, thin, tall, and who during his infancy had been subject to ascarides, has occasionally voided during more than 10 years past, portions of tænia. He had used several purgative medicines, by which several yards of this worm had been expelled; but annoyed with so many attempts at obtaining its total expulsion, he had ceased, three years before, the use of all sorts of anthelmintics. But the phenomena resulting from the presence of the animal being aggravated, the patient applied for advice to Dr.De Pommer, who found him labouring under the following symptoms:—Frequent pain in the abdomen, and especially in the umbilical region, accompanied with a sense of burning heat, and alternate distension and depression of the abdomen. Appetite sometimes keener than in health; at others nearly lost. In the morning before breakfast, the patient was seized with extraordinary weakness, and general uneasiness, accompanied with trembling of the limbs, ineffectual attempts to vomit, a sense of constriction in the throat, and a profuse salivation. All these symptoms disappeared after K... had taken food; but reappeared two hours after. Milk and farinaceous aliments were the only articles of which he could make use without an aggravation of his disease. The pulse was febrile; sleep good, but attended with dreams. The pupils were in the natural state. From the symptoms, and from the history of the case, Dr. P. was induced to make use of the oil of turpentine in the following manner. The patient was ordered in the morning, before breakfast, three table spoonsfuls of the remedy, at half an hour's interval. The first doses produced only a few borborygma. Two more table spoonfuls occasioned a vomiting of mucous matter. Three more table spoonfuls were exhibited, and followed by a stool of solid fæces, mixed with which were five small pieces of tænia. The patient not finding himself incommoded, took in the space of an hour, three more table spoonfuls of the remedy, after which he experienced some pain in the head, and vomited about one pint of bilious liquid. An hour after, the same quantity of the medicine was taken, and followed again by vomiting, but after a repose of half an hour K... discharged, per anum, firm and greenish fæces, and with them five ells of tænia. The urine discharged had the smell of violets. He again took a few spoonfuls of the vermifuge, which were not followed, however, with any fæcal discharge, and only with some vomiting of mucus, and slight vertigo. In the afternoon the patient felt well, and experienced a great appetite, in which he indulged. From this moment he recovered, and has ever since enjoyed good health. The quantity of the remedy used was six ounces."

It appears, from the observations of Dr. P., that the gastric irritation occasioned by the spirits of turpentine, has never amounted to phlogosis, and has generally subsided after the remedy had been discontinued. Nevertheless, as the spirit of turpentine is a very powerful stimulant, we would not venture to recommend its use, when there exists an inflammation in thegastro-enteritic system. We are aware that it is resorted to in burns, and highly eulogized in puerperal and yellow fever. In the first, it is certainly very useful, but on what principle we know not, except perhaps that its stimulus is different from that existing in the diseased part. But in the second case, it acts, not on the diseased surface, but by revulsion, on the mucous membrane; and as regards its virtues in yellow fever, we are rather sceptical in respect to what has been said on the subject. In this opinion we are supported by the testimony of our friend ProfessorRhees, whose situation of house surgeon to the fever hospital, during the epidemic of 1820, afforded him ample opportunities of testing the propriety of the practice.

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