surgeons used chloroform, at the instance of Dr. Guthrie, antecedent to 1840. The "article" quoted by Dr. Brown was a "hack" publication gotten up without due attention to proper research.-ED. M. S.]

A GALVANIC BATTERY FOR FIVE DOLLARS.

[To the Editor:] Many physicians need a reliable galvanic battery for office use, who cannot invest from thirty-five to fifty dollars. Any physician who has the least mechanical talent can manufacture as good a battery, for a few dollars, as one costing thirty-five to fifty dollars. I have a cabinet battery of that kind in my office which answers all purposes. Almost every young physician has spare moments, when the steady stream of suffering callers is interrupted. At times when reading is impossible, because of the great strain imposed on the nervous organization by overwork, a few minutes devoted to some mechanical work will be a panacea to many mentally fatigued medical men, and to these my method of making a battery will be of pecuniary as well as physical benefit. Get 8 or 10 pounds old zinc plates. Roll them up into rolls. Mix the zinc with the wood in the kitchen stove, and in this way reduce the plates. The zinc will be found in large lumps in the ashes. On a windy day expose the ashes containing the zinc on a roof or board. The zinc will be left pure, and is now ready for the ladle.

When the zinc is remelted and cast in bars of any length, about 11⁄2 inches in width and 4 in thickness, cut the bars 4 inches long and drill a hole through the end of each one. Twenty to twenty-four cells will give as strong a current as needed. Then get carbon sticks, not coppered if possible. Old ones can be obtained in any amount for almost nothing. If coppered remove the plating with some acid. A hole is drilled in each; they are ready for use. Use two carbons for each zinc, separated by a piece of wood, and held firmly together by a rubber band.

The cells I used were five-cent glass tumblers. Connect all the cells by copper wire, large enough not to offer any resistance. Connect each zinc with a carbon and when finished the positive pole will be at the carbon and the negative at the zinc, not connected. The cabinet can be made of a simple box, with two or four shelves for the jars. Attach by strings all the cells to a cross-bar so made that it can be deftly lifted out of the jars when not in use. Fill the jars three-fourths full of a fluid containing 11⁄2 to 2 parts sulph. acid, 2 parts pot. bichromate and 61⁄2 parts water. Conducting cords can be ob

tained at any electrical supply house. Four yards gilded cord will cost from sixty to seventyfive cents. Sponge holders and electrodes can be made by any one who has the least mechanical skill. The battery can be placed in some hall or out-of-the-way place, and the current conducted to the office through insulated copper wire; the larger the wire the better. Fine wire offers resistance in ohms in proportion to its gauge; the smaller the gauge the greater the resistance. J. E. ENGSTAD, M. D.

GRAND FORKS, DAK.

AXILLARY MAMMARY GLANDS.

[To the Editor:] December 26, 1887, I attended a lady in her third confinement. A few days after she called my attention to a profuse perspiration under the armpits, which had been present also in her previous confinements. On investigation this was found to be milk from two small mammæ destitute of nipples, which were elevations about as large around as a silver halfdollar; the rounded eminences being perforated by the milk ducts. The patient had but a limited supply of milk from her pectoral glands and had never been able to nurse her children long, In a few weeks the secretion of the glands dried up. She was a delicate brunette in ordinary health. MORTIMER WILLSON. M. D.

PORT HURON, MICH.

A MEDICAL EXPERT COMMISSION.

[To the Editor:] I would like to obtain the opinion of the profession as to the expediency of securing the formation of a board of medicolegal experts to pass upon all medical matters, particularly the question of insanity, which may come before the courts for adjudication. As things are,proper weight is not given the testimony of even reputable capable physicians, because of a supposed bias in favor of the side on which they were engaged. It seems to me a board composed of medical men of known integrity might be appointed, with the proper authority, to whom all such cases could be referred for an unbiased opinion. At all events such a board would state the facts in a much more satisfactory manner than seems possible under the existing state of things. "LEX."

EVANSTON, ILL., May 22.

[The question raised by our correspondent is a decidedly inte resting and practicable one. For the present we reserve our opinion, while inviting the fullest discussion of the subject by both lawyers and physicians, since the question involves mostly issues related to the right to trial by a jury of one's peers, which underlies the whole Anglo-Saxon system of judicature.-ED. M. S.]

CINCINNATI LETTER.

The past two weeks have been weeks of joy and weeks of sorrow in Cincinnati. We have rejoiced in the presence of the American Medical Association, and witnessed one of the most successful and harmonious meetings the Association has experienced. The city of Cincinnati did herself proud in her efforts to entertain her distinguished guests. We have at this season, when the fates should have looked on us with favor, been subject to sorrow treading upon the heels of joy. Dr. Charles Sidney Muscroft, one of the fathers of the profession in Cincinnati, died in the harness while administering to the wants of an office patient, on May 5, of heart disease. Dr. Muscroft was born in England in 1820, but came to this country in 1822. He was the first health officer appointed in Cincinnati, which was in the cholera epidemic of 1848. His special line of work was surgery, and he expected to read a paper before the section on surgery, American Medical Association, on "An Ingenious Method of Controlling Hæmorrhages in Capital Operations.” He was a delegate from the Academy of Medicine, and had taken a lively interest in the preparations for the meeting, as well as subscribing liberally for the entertainment of the Assoclation. He was at one time President of the Academy of Medicine, formerly on the surgical staff of the Cincinnati Hospital, since 1865 chief of the staff of St. Mary's Hospital, President of the Board of Pension Examiners, and served with distinction as surgeon in the late war. He left a wife and son, Dr. C. S. Muscroft, Jr. Dr. C. D. Palmer, Professor of Gynecology and Obstetrics in the Medical College of Ohio, while returning from making professional calls on Walnut Hills, on May 6, met with a most serious accident, which came near costing his life, and may yet prove fatal. Just starting down a long hill, his horse took fright and ran away,

throwing the doctor out with a terrible force. He was rendered unconscious, and remained in that conndion for two days, only having partially regained his consciousness during the two weeks which have followed. The many friends of the doctor heard of his misfortune with the greatest sorrow Having attained a large and lucrative practice, and filling many posts of professional honor, among others, the presidency of the Academy of Medicine, his disability is much felt. As he is a man of great endurance, perfect habits, with a history of twenty years' arduous practice of medicine, without one day spent in bed, hopes are entertained for his recovery which would be untenable in others. His wife and sons have had their sorrows not a little lessened by the great number of testimonials of sympathy and esteem showered upon them by all, especially by the medical profession.

Dr. Joseph Aub, one of Cincinnati's most distinguished ophthalmologists, died May 14, of heart disease. His health, generally good, had not been quite as usual for some months past, but seemed to improve during a short Southern trip. On his return he was able to take quite an active part in ar rangements for the American Medical Association. Just on the eve of its assemblage in this city he was taken seriously ill, and died after a brief illness. He was an extensive contributor to ophthalmological literature, and was one of the first to remove foreign bodies from the eye by means of the electro-magnet. He was ophthalmologist to the Cincinnati Hospital, and for many years Professor of Ophthalmology in the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery. Dr. Aub's death and Dr. Williams' retirement leave a large vacancy in ophthalmology in this city. Dr. Aub left a wife and daughter, and an estate valued at $250,000.

THE COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS AND SURGEONS of Chicago recently made the following changes in its faculty: Dr. D. A. K Steele succeeds Dr. N. Senn in the Chair of Principles and Practice of Surgery; Dr. A E. Hoadley succeeds Dr. Steele in the Chair of Orthopedics; Dr F. E. Waxham has been elected Professor of Laryngology—a merited recognition of his arduous attempts to place intubation on a scientific basis. Dr. H. P. Newman succeeds Dr. Waxham in the Chair of Pediatrics. Dr. F. B. Earle succeeds Dr. Bowser as Lecturer on Practice of Medicine. The Spring Class numbered 66 - the largest in the history of the institution.

THE MICHIGAN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE AND SURGERY lately organized in Detroit has the following faculty: Dr. E. W. Jenks, President and Professor of Gynecology; Dr. C. Gilbert, Professor of Ob. stetrics and Diseases of Children; Dr. W. H Long,

E. S. MCKEE, M. D.

Professor of Clinical and Military Surgery; Dr. J. J. Mulheron, Secretary and Professor of Pathology and Practical Medicine; Dr. H. C. Wyman, Treas urer and Professor of Principles of Surgery and Operative Surgery; Dr. J. W Robertson, Professor of Laryngology and Hygiene; Dr. L E Maire, Professor of Ophthalmology and Physiology; Dr.O.S; J. Armstrong, Lecturer on Anatomy and Venereal Diseases; Dr. W. I. Hamlen, Lecturer on Chemistry and Physics; Dr. Z. Pitcher, Lecturer on Materia Medica and Therapeutics; Dr. D. Parker, Demonstrator of Anatomy.

THE CENTRAL KANSAS DISTRICT MEDICAL SOCIETY recently elected the following officers: Presi dent, J. W. Robb, Russell; vice-presidents, R. L. Doig, Ellsworth, and R. N. Bartleson, Bunker Hill; Secretary, W. E. Fowler, Russell; Treasurer, D. W. McKeen, Russell.

cary-treasurer, Dr. J. W. Hanley. Dr. W. B. Young was appointed to deliver the next annual address.

THE AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION met at Cincinnati May 8. There were about Soo physicians in attendance. The meeting was called to order by Dr. W. W. Dawson, after which prayer was offered by the Rev. C. A. Gibson, who made an eloquent allusion to "Luke, the beloved physician." Mayor Amos Smith gave the Association the freedom of the city in a witty address of welcome.

Dr. C. G. Comegys, in the address of welcome from the local profession, alluded to the fact that this was the third time the Association had honored Cincinnati with its presence; 1850, 1867, 1888. He gave a history of the Northwestern Territory, and then spoke of the first organization of a medical school at Lexington, the Athens of the West. paid a glowing tribute to Drake and his "History of the Diseases of the Ohio Valley." He also eulogized Dr. B. W. Dudley, the "Knight of the Roller," who anticipated Esmarch in the use of the bandage as a hæmostatic.

He

President Garnett then delivered his address, which was entitled the "Mission of the American Medical Association."

In connection with the question of medical education he submitted the following propositions:

"Proposition 1. That a standing committee of legislation of five members of the medical profession be appointed from each State and Territory for the purpose of (1) reducing the number of medical schools in the United States by passing a law requiring a term of four years, and that no student be allowed to matriculate who has not passed both oral and written examination in his medical studies; (2) to secure an ordinance creating a board of medical examiners who shall have exclusive power to license for the practice of medicine.

"Proposition 2. That the faculties of the various medical institutions shall call a convention for the purpose of adopting a more uniform system requiring some knowledge of classics and a four years' course of study; that any school refusing to enter into such scheme shall be excluded from the American Medical Association and its a'umni not recognized as members of the profession." He referred to the International Medical Congress, and denounced the apathy concerning the Rush Monument Committee.

The usual votes of reference and thanks were then passed. The sections were, on motion, permitted to hold morning sessions.

On motion of Dr. N S. Davis the resignation of the Secretary of the Judicial Council was accepted.

At the second day's session Dr. Roberts Bartholow delivered the address on "General Medicine," in which he dealt with the position of the press toward the profession. He also discussed the deceptive homoeopathic statistics of growth. Alkaloidal therapeusis was eulogized. The dosimetric system based on this was not new, was crude and unscientific. The opposing principles found in crude drugs rendered the action of these uncertain. The varying amount of jaborine and pilo

carpine in jarborandi made this drug uncertain. The same fact was to be noted in opium, nux vomica and other drugs. The true therapeutic ac tion of drugs was that of antagonism.

Secretary Hollister, of the Board of Journal Trustees, read the report, representing that the unusual prosperity of the Journal required the usual appropriation and prevented the payment of the usual honorarium to Dr. Atkinson.

Dr. Wood read the report of the Committee on Dietetics, and Dr. Woodbury the report of the Sub-Committee on Infant Foods On motion of The Dr. Sayre the committees were continued. amendments to the constitution requiring for members by application the same credentials as permanent members, and giving the same privileges, was adopted. The amendment creating a Board of Trustees to do the work of the Committee on Publication, with power to appoint an editor, was adopted. There are nine trustees; three of whom go out annually. The proposed amendment substituting a "General Standing Committee," a portion of whom should hold over from year to year, to serve in place of the Committee on Nominations, was deservedly denounced by Dr. Vaughan of Ann Arbor, as creating a ring, and was on motion of Dr. NS Davis laid over to next meeting of the Association. A very cordial reception of the Association was held at the Art Museum by the citizens of Cincinnati

The Nominating Committee, consisting of one delegate from each State and Territory, and one each from the army and navy, met in the evening There were three candidates for Presidency of the Assocition-Dr. W. W. Dawson, Cincinnati; Dr. E. M. Moore, Rochester, N Y., and Dr. J. M. Matthews, Louisville. The committee decided on Dr. Dawson, since to nominate Dr. Moore would be to fan the embers of the code war in New York, as Dr. Moore belonged to the Didama faction which, while consulting surreptitiously with homoeopathists, forced on a code war which might have been averted by proper mediation.

At the third day's session, on motion of Dr Keller of Arkansas, the resolutions of the Arkansas Medical Society, condemning religious publications which endorse nostrums, were adopted as expressing the views of the association.

A resolution, presented by Dr. Quimby for the W C. TU, requesting the Association to condemn the use of alcohol in the treatment of disease, was almost unanimously and deservedly laid on the table. The following resolution, offered by Dr. Keller of Arkansas, was then adopted: "Resolved, that in future each delegate or permanent member shall, when he registers, give the name of the section, if any, he will attend, and in which he will cast his vote for section officers."

Dr. E. M. Moore of Rochester, then delivered the Address on Surgery, which gave an eloquent history of the art.

The Rush Monument Committee reported having received $709. The Treasurer reported a bal

ance of $2,407 83 The Librarian reported that there were 7,500 volumes in the library. The Committee on Nominations then made the following report:

President-Dr. W. W Dawson of Ohio. Vice Presidents-W. L. Schenck, Kansas; Frank Woodbury, Pennsylvania; H O. Walker, Michigan; J. W. Bailey, Georgia. Treasurer-RJ Dunglison, Pennsylvania Secretary-W. B Atkinson, Penn sylvania Librarian-C. H. A Kleinschmidt, District of Columbia. Trustees-E. M. Moore, New York; John H Hollister, Illinois; Joseph M Toner, District of Columbia. Members of the Judicial Council-M. A Phillips, Kansas; A M Pollock, Pennsylvania; W. C. Van Bibber, Maryland; J. F. Hibberd, Indiana; Chas S Wood, New York; J. McF. Gaston, Georgia; W. H. Q Taylor, New York; George S Porter, Connecticut.

Newport, R I., and June 13, 1889, were selected as the place and time of the next meeting.

Dr. W. Pepper of Philadelphia, was chosen to deliver the Address on General Medicine; Dr. P. S. Conner of Cincinnati, that on Surgery, and Dr. W. H. Welch of Baltimore, that on State Medicine

The old Board of Journal Trustees were elected, with the understanding that the "Journal" must be greatly improved during the coming year. On motion of Dr. N. S Davis the rule requiring signature of the code was repealed.

Dr. G. M. Brown read a communication urging the creation of a neurological section.

The Apollo Club, the elite musical organization of Cincinnati, assisted by the Cincinnati Orchestra, Mrs. Corinne Moore Lawson, soprano, and Mr. W. S. Sterling, organist, were the mediums through which the Committee of Arrangements tendered the American Medical Association the closing public courtesy of the session

On the fourth day Dr. H. P. Walcott of Boston delivered the "Address on State Medicine," in which he dealt with preventable diseases, eulogized the National Board of Health, and denounced the attacks made upon it. It had done good service and its extinction was due to the influence of the Army, Navy, and Marine Hospital Service cliques. He urged the creation of some central health authority.

Drs. R. H Plummer, San Francisco, J. V. Shoemaker, and H. A. Kelly of Philadelphia; N. S. Davis, D. A. K Steele, A. E Hoadley, S. J Jones, F. E. Waxham and J E. Owens of Chicago; W. H. Myers, Fort Wayne, Ind.; A McAlister, Camden, N. J.; J. J. Chisholm, Baltimore; E. C. Cutter and L. A. Sayre of New York, and Vaughan of Ann Arbor, were appointed delegates to European societies.

The report of the Standing Committee on Meteo rological Conditions and Their Relations to the Prevalence of Acute Diseases being called for, Dr. Nathan S. Davis, the Chairman, asked to be excused from reading the report, as it would take about four hours, and the most apparent results would be the utter exhaustion of himself and his hearers.

The report of the "Special Committee on Criminality of Foeticide and Measures for its Prevention,"

advocated more stringent laws in regard to punishment of all concerned in procuring or producing abortions and that the crime be classed as murder or manslaughter at the very least. After considerable discussion it was laid on the table.

The report of the "Special Committee on Duties Commonly Exercised by Coroners" recommended the medical examiner system of Massachusetts. It was approved.

The following was unanimously adopted:

"The American Medical Association urges upon the House of Representatives of the Congress of the United States the necessity and importance of the immediate passage of Senate Bill No. 2,493, to perfect the quarantine service of the United States," which bill has passed the Senate and is now pending in the House of Representatives, in order to make provisions for protection against the introduc tion of contagious diseases before the approaching

summer.

An amendment to the Constitution offered by Dr. Carl Seiler of Philadelphia, separating the Section of Laryngology and Otology from that of Ophthal mology, was adopted.

On motion of Dr. Frank Woodbury of Philadelphia, the following was adopted:

Resolved, That the heartfelt acknowledgment of this meeting be tendered to the physicians of the city, to the Apollo Club and to all who have con tributed toward the great success of this session; and especially are our thanks due, and we take pleasure in this manner to express them, to the rare coterie of ladies who have given brilliance to the social entertainments by their charming presence. They are the best jewels in the crown of this metropolis, which is destined to be the Queen City of the East as well as the West.

Dr. Brodie of Detroit, offered a motion to exclude all exhibits from future meetings of the Association, on the ground that they interfered with the scientific work. Drs Love of St. Louis, and M. H. Henry of New York, denounced this as opposed to the welfare of the industries related to the profession, after which the motion was defeated.

Dr H. N. Moyer of Chicago announced that he would introduce an amendment to the Constitution which creates a Section on Pharmacy and Materia Medica with its own autonomy like the Dental Section To this section reputable members of State Pharmaceutical Associations are eligible as delegates. The proposed amendment also creates Sections on Anatomy and Physiology, Obstetrics and Pædiatrics. Surgery and Gynecology, State Medicine and Medical Jurisprudence, Nervous and Mental Disease. Dermatology and Genito-Urinary Disease, by changing the titles of some sections and creating new ones. The title of the Section on Practice is changed to that of "Internal Medicine." The resolution was then adopted:

"That the American Medical Association ap proves of the movement looking to the celebration in Washington in 1892 of the 40th anniversary of the discovery by Columbus, and the establishment there of a museum of the arts, industries and an tiquities of the three Americas, and hereby request