We think this change will have a happy effect in calling out the talent of the profession, and will doubtless produce a volume of valuable original matter. We think, however, that the standing committees on Practical Medicine and Medical Literature should have been retained, as a resumé of what is done in these departments during the year is generally read with interest, and is valuable for reference.

We may take this occasion to express our grateful acknowledgments for the kind notice taken of our humble labors, as well by the able reporter on medical literature, as by the Association in a body.

The reports read before this meeting were drawn up with much ability, and do honor to their respective authors. We wonder that the volume annually published by this Association is not more eagerly sought for by the profession. It is highly valuable and very cheap. Having taken part in the first organization which led to the establishment of this great Medical Society, we can never cease to feel a deep interest in its success, and can assure our Southern friends that they can promise themselves no higher enjoyment than is to be met with at its annual meetings. The next is to be held in the heart of the Old Dominion,'—in a city and State renowned for their cordial and elegant hospitality, and there, if anywhere within this great Union, may the members in attendanee expect to enjoy 'the feast of reason and the flow of soul.'

After the highly complimentary resolutions passed by the Associaciation, we deem it useless to say anything more respecting the series of magnificent entertainments given by the leading physicians of Charleston; suffice it to say, they combined every luxury and pleasure that heart could desire-in fact, were but little short of our democratic conception of princely munificence.

LITERARY NOTICES.

Our grateful acknowledgments are hereby tendered for the following medical journals and pamphlets, which we have received since the publication of our last volume.

The New Orleans Medical and Surgical Journal. Bi-monthly. Edited and published by A. HESTER, M.D. (In exchange.) Hardly any journal in the country contains more original matter than this; and as it relates chiefly to diseases of the South, the Work is worthy the especial attention of Southern physicians. Among the contributors are some of the ablest writers of the south. Dr. Hester is now sole proprietor of this journal, and deserves much credit for his persevering efforts to sustain it. After an arduous struggle of seven years' duration, the Work seems, at length, to be established on a firm and durable basis.

The Charleston Medical Journal and Reviewv. Bi-monthly. Edited by Drs. CAIN & PORCHER. (In exchange.) The Southern Medical and Surgical Journal. Monthly. Edited by I. P. GARVIN, M.D. Augusta, Ga. (In exchange.) The two last-named Works are ably sustained by their editors and contributors, and do honor to the South. They too, as we learn, have had great difficulties to contend with, but are now established on a safe foundation.

The Medical Examiner and Record of Medical Science. Monthly. Edited by Drs. F. GURNEY SMITH & J. B. BIDDLE. Philadelphia. (In exchange.)

An able and excellent journal.

New York Journal of Medicine and the Collateral Sciences. Bi-monthly. Edited by S. S. PURPLE, M.D. New York. (In exchange.) This Work abounds in valuable original communications, and its critiques are inferior to none.

The New York Medical Gazette and Journal of Health. Semimonthly. Edited by D. M. REESE, M. D. New York. (In exchange.)

This is a new journal-commenced weekly, but now semi-monthly. It abounds in medical news and racy critiques. Its editor is one of the best writers in the country.

The Buffalo Medical Journal and Monthly Review of Medical and Surgical Science. Monthly. Edited by AUSTIN FLINT, M.D. Buffalo, N.Y. (In exchange.)

Dr. Fiint is one of the best writers in the profession, and his journal stands deservedly high,

The Western Lancet and Hospital Reporter. Monthly. Edited by Drs. L. M. LAWSON & GEORGE MENDENHALL. Cincinnati. (In exchange.)

The North-Western Medical and Surgical Journal. Bi-monthly. Edited by John EVANS, M.D. Chicago and Indianopolis. (In exchange.)

From the ability and cheapness of the two last-named Works, they certainly must have an extensive circulation.

The Boston Medical and Surgical Journal. Weekly. Edited by J. V. C. SMITH, M.D. Boston. (In exchange.)

This Work is among the oldest journals now published, and has ever been noted for its useful practical articles and its medical news. The indefatigable editor has been traveling in Europe and the East, for a year past, and has enriched his journal with highly interesting letters from Egypt, Turkey, Greece, Italy, etc.

The Stethoscope; and Virginia Medical Gazette. Monthly. Edited by P. C. GOOCH, A. M., M.D. Richmond, Va. (In exchange.) A new Work, very neatly gotten up, and promises to be highly useful.

The British and Foreign Medico-Chirurgical Review, a Quarterly Journal of Practical Medicine and Surgery. Republished in New York, by R. & G. S. WOOD. (In exchange.)

A Work of the highest rank, and we are pleased to say, extensively circulated in the Southern States.

The Dublin Quarterly Journal of Medical Science. Dublin. May, 1851. (In exchange.)

We have been honored by the reception of this valuable Work from headquarters, and will gladly continue the exchange. The medical faculty of Dublin is not excelled by any in the world, and as this Work contains many of its ablest productions, we would recommend it to all American physicians.

Ranking's Half Yearly Abstract of the Medical Sciences, No. 2. January to July, 1850. By LINDSAY & BLAKISTON. Philadelphia. (In exchange.)

We have been favored with but one number of this valuable Work. It contains the largest amount of medical information for the price, (75 cents a number) that is any where to be found. It should be taken by every physician in the country.

DOCUMENTS OF THE GENERAL BOARD OF HEALTH OF ENGLAND.

1. Report of the General Board of Health, on the Supply of Water in the Metropolis.

2. Report on Quarantine.

3. Report of the General Board of Health on the Epidemic Cholera of 1818 and 1819.

All presented to both Houses of Parliament by command of Her Majesty.
(From Mr. CHADWICK, a Member of the Board.)

We return Mr. Chadwick our most grateful acknowledgments for these important and valuable documents. The first extends the length of 325 pages, and furnishes a minute, and, at the same time, compre. hensive view of everything that relates to the quality and quantity of water supplied to the city of London. The nature and sources of its various impurities, together with the serious injuries that arise from the defective supply, are pointed out in the most convincing manner, accompanied by the most rational suggestions of correction. Every bearing of the subject, whether upon the health and vitality of the people, or the protection of property from destruction by fire, is plainly presented to view.

The second presents a most philosophical view of the nature and origin of epidemic and contagious diseases, and the value of quarantine. The erroneous opinions of the past and present are ably reviewed, and the Board shows most conclusively that it is far better for governments to expend money in removing the causes and preventing the origin of diseases, than in attempting to limit their progress when once generated. The Board sets its face against all quarantine

regulations in the following emphatic language: It follows that we propose the entire discontinuance of the existing quarantine establishments in this country, and the substitution of sanitary regulations. By such substitution, the most effectual security which the present state of knowledge affords, would be taken against the importation of foreign contagion, the maintenance of infection, and the origin and spread of epidemic disease."

The third report occupies 156 pages, with a number of important diagrams and tables, presenting in the most concise and lucid style all the information that can be desired respecting the introduction, progress, mortality, prevention and treatment of epidemic cholera. These important reports emanate from the distinguished names of Carlisle, Ashley, Edwin Chadwick, and T. Southwood Smith; and it would be well if fifty thousand copies were distributed among the people of these United States, so that they might learn the great lesson that the neglect of sanitary measures is the neglect of pecuniary economy, and their adoption not more the duty than the interest of a community.'

De Bow's Review of the Southern and South-Western States. A monthly industrial and literary journal of commerce, agriculture, manufactures, internal improvements, statistics, home and foreign, etc. (In exchange.)

This spirited journal is truly a treat for every body; whether he reside in the North, South, East or West; whether he be merchant, mechanic, manufacturer, planter, farmer, lawyer, doctor, political economist, scholar or what not. Prof. De Bow is completely devoted to the interests of the South, and is indefatigable in his efforts to promote and sustain its literature.

Quarterly Summary of the Transactions of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia. From November 5, 1850, to January 6, 1851, inclusive.

Proceedings of the Medical Society of the State of Pennsylvania, at its Annual Session, held in the city of Philadelphia, April, 1850.

Thermal Ventilation, and other Sanitary Improvements, applicable to Public Buildings, and recently adopted at the New York Hospital: A Discourse delivered at the Hospital, February 8, By JOHN WATSON, M.D. (Froin the author.)

1851.