extensor muscles become shortened, and the flexors stretched, and the muscular equilibrium become, more directly restored than by any other treatment.

GENERAL MEDICINE.

PNEUMONIA AFTER TYPHOID FEVER.— The "Analectic" states that in about two years' practice Munn has lost six convalescent typhoid patients from a pneumonia developing in the side of the chest nearest the window, and thinking the exposure caused it, he took the temperature in his own room .warmed by a heater in the cellar, with the following results. It was Jan. 29, 1889; on the inside windowsill it was 612°; three feet from the windowsill it was 644°, eight feet from the same place it was 68°. For a considerable time now he has not permitted a typhoid patient's bed to be parallel with the wall containing any windows, and he has had no pneumonia since.

SURFACE TEMPERATURE IN DISEASE.Dr. A. Montefusco, Naples ("Satellite") states that in cholera there is an increase of temperature in the splenic regions and the abdominal walls, as compared with other cutaneous surfaces. The abdominal temperature is constantly lower by several tenths of a degree than the splenic, but the difference rarely reaches half a degree. On the contrary, the difference between the splenic and abdominal temperature and that of other regions of the body is very noticeable, being frequently of a degree or a degree and a half. He has often observed a constant relation between the local temperature and that in the axilla. The splenic temperature is generally a degree or more lower than the axillary; sometimes the difference is reduced to several tenths of a degree. The local temperature in cholera is subject to the same oscillations as the axillary temperature. It is usually elevated at night in nearly the same proportion as the axillary. In typhoid fever, augmentation of the temperature in the region of the kidneys and the right iliac fossa is always present. This augmentation is, in the majority of cases, nearly one degree higher than the temperature of other regions of the body, and may rise to two degrees. The maximum is observed during the first two weeks, and in severe cases during the last few days of the disease. In cases characterized by a regular course, as the axillary temperature approaches the normal, the difference between the splenic and the right iliac temperature, with that of the rest of the cutaneous surface, tends notably to diminish. Important differences exist between the splenic temperature and that of the right iliac fossa. In general, the splenic

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temperature is always higher than that of the iliac fossa, and this difference ranges from two and three-tenths of a degree to nearly one degree. He has but rarely observed the inverse, and then always to the extent of only one or two-tenths of a degree. Sometimes the two temperatures reach the same height. As to the relation between the axillary and local temperatures, the local temperature is always lower, the difference being sometimes nearly two degrees. The local temperature, however, does not correspond to the axillary. In typhoid fever the local temperature is slightly higher in the evening than in the morning.

"BILIOUS ATTACKS" IN NEUROTIC SUBJECTS.-Dr. Angel Money, ("Lancet,") says that "bilious attacks in neurotic individuals are very different paroxysms from those seen in habitual or occasional over-feeders. A clean tongue-often 'geographical,' or desquamating too freely in patches,-a scanty high-colored lithatic urine, a sallow face, white motions, dilated pupils, low spirits, and absence of energy, constitute the clinical entity in many cases of bilious attacks.' These are very common in neurotic children with dainty appetites, in whom to suppose that irritation and vascular engorgement of the viscera, from overfeeding, exist, would be ridiculous. A sharp purge to these patients may do more harm than good, though it is possible to set the viscera working again by such sudden means. An inadequate liver may be the cause of a toxæmia, which exerts a selective action on the mental centers originating melancholia; a view most favored by the laity, but as often incorrect. In truth, a mutual tension between the viscera and the brain exists-reciprocity rules the realms of the human body as it does the social organism. The truth appears to be that the viscera may go wrong as the result of being undercharged with nervous energy, and they simply cease to work effectively because of defective nervous energization. The correct treatment is not a dose of castoroil, but a tablespoonful of wine at once, and a teaspoonful of syrup of the hypophosphites thrice a day for one week.

PILOCARPINE IN PULMONARY CEDEMA.

[To the Editor]: After reading Dr. Moyer's article on "Pilocarpine in Pulmonary Edema," in the September MEDICAL STANDARD, I feel it my duty to attempt to reinforce his opinions. Last year, owing to the great mortality from pneumonia, I was forced to search for some other means of mitigating its ravages, and although jaborandi was asserted to be contraindicated, owing to its power of dilating the capillaries and further congesting the pulmonary mucus membrane, yet on further reasoning I find that it does not exert its effects upon the pulmonary mucus membrane alone, but upon the entire vascular system, and that in every case of pneumonia, with a high, tense, bounding and irrepressible pulse, high temperature and intense chest pains, and hurried respiration, the symptoms will be surprisingly relieved within from one to three hours under the jaborandi treatment.

On being called to a case of pneumonia, I at once administer one-fifth grain of solution of pilocarpine, and if patient is somewhat cyanosed include one to two drops of glonoinum (hypodermically), after which I apply rubber water bags, holding hot water, over the affected lung-which is followed by immediate relief in every case. This is at once followed by a great reduction of blood tension and temperature, producing profuse diaphoresis and free expectoration, relief of dyspnoea and pain. The pulse becomes soft and compressible. I then prescribe: fl. ext. jaborandi m x, vini ipecac m x, every two hours; accompanied, if chest pain is severe, by capsules three grains of Dover's powder, every four hours. I continue this treatment generally about five to seven days, modifying the quantity to each case, according to the results, which should be a mild and protracted diaphoresis. This continued diaphoresis will be followed by an intense thirst, which should not be fully satisfied if you wish to obtain the full benefits of osmasis. The above treatment should be substituted by a combination of vini antimonii, vini ipecac, tr. digitalis, spirits amm. arom., as indicated in each case, ommitting the antimonii as soon as the compressibility of the pulse will permit. The heart must be carefully watched and stimulated. I substitute the antimonii with small tonic doses of quinia. Keep a close watch over the nurses and see that the patients are not left alone, and that

they are kept well covered, and you will be surprised at the results.

Since adopting the above method I have treated twenty-nine cases, with a mortality of three, and these were miners, who are generally very intemperate and their blood very much deteriorated by long occupation in powder smoke underground and sleeping in crowded "bunk houses." The three who died were old inebriates, and manifested cardiac failure from the incipiency of the attack. I have been so confident of the good effects from pilocarpine that, where pain was unbearable and breathing difficult, I boldly injected a solution of pilocarpine (4 per cent.), m vii. Magendie's solution m vii, and nitroglycerin (1 per cent.) m ii, with the happiest results. The above cases were treated at an altitude of 8,500 feet.

W. C. PEASLEE, M. D.

TELLURIDE, COLO., Sept. 15.

THE ELIXIR OF LIFE.

[To the Editor:]-I have been thinking a good deal lately about the Elixir of Life, and some questions have arisen that are very interesting to me, and possibly may be to many of your readers; and the solution might result in untold good for the human family. I do wish Drs. Brown-Sequard and Hammond had experimented, or would experiment, with human testicles instead of those of Guinea pigs and rabbits.

It almost takes my breath to think of the grand possibilities that lie in this inviting field of investigation. I feel as if we were about entering upon one of the grandest discoveries that ever fell to the lot of man, or woman either!

If old age and infirmity are overcome in the human family by the use of the testicle of the Guinea pig, what grander effect might be witnessed by that of the human testicle!

Instead of lynching rapists, the emasculation would not only lessen, if not destroy the erratic propensity, but would, by the proper preservation and preparation of the testicles afford the means of treating a great many cases in which such a remedy was indicated.

Just think of the wonderful transformation that would be effected in an old or infirm man by the injection of such a vitalizing principle. But if grand results would be likely to follow its use in the case of old men the imagination staggers at the effect upon the opposite sex. Take for example women who had departed

from the path of virtue, and to whom old age had come, and from whom the ability to successfully ply their vocation had gone because of the departure of youthful charms, and inject some of this rejuvenating principle subcutaneously, and lo what a change!

Not only would their youth be renewed, but in accordance with the immutable law of similia similibus curanter, their depraved tastes would be cured, and they would become, not alone youthful, but virtuous as well.

But this is only designed to be suggestive to the eminent physicians named, of the rich fields of exploration opening up before the prying genius of this age.

Then should these investigations prove suc

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cessful, a splendid industry would be developed. To secure an adequate supply for the great demand that would be made for this new therapeutic agent would tax the ingenuity of mankind, and it would be discovered that many men heretofore considered worthless would possess at once a commercial value.

So from a physical, moral, commercial and sanitary standpoint, this question possesses vital importance.

But the tension is too great to pursue this pleasing subject further. Let us at once have more light. Will not some one given to such investigations enter at once upon this sure road to fortune and to fame ? READER. DES MOINES, Iowa.

THE MIDDLE CHEROKEE MEDICAL ASSOCIATION elected Dr. J. W. Bowdoin, president and Dr. J. P. Bowdoin, secretary and treasurer.

THE PASADENA (CALIF.) MEDICAL SOCIETY.Dr. F J. Poley read a paper at the Aug. 27, meeting on "Ancient History of the Nervous System."

THE ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY (N. Y.) MEDICAL SOCIETY elected the following officers: Dr. A. C. Drury, president; Dr. S. S. W. Close, secretary, and Dr. C. C. Bartholomew, treasurer.

CINCINNATI MEDICAL SOCIETY. - Sept. 17, Dr. Wm. L. Mussey reported "A Death from Chloroform." Dr. F. W. Langdon read a paper on "Antiseptic Solutions

Sept. 24, Dr. Dan Milliken read a paper on "Fever"

THE KALAMAZOO ACADEMY OF MEDICINE met Sept. 17. Papers were read on "Anæsthetics in Labor," by G. W. Nihart, Mendon; on "Puerperal Convulsions," P. T. Butler, Alamo; on "Empyema," by H, S. Smith, Schoolcraft; and on "Cholera Infantum," by Rush McNair, Kalamazoo.

CAYUGA COUNTY (N. Y.) MEDICAL SOCIETY.— At its August meeting, Dr. Jenkins read a paper on "Cholera Infantum," which was discussed by Drs. Greene, Gerin, Hamlin, Howard, N. E Jenkins, Morse, Otis, Auburn; Dr. S. Buckland of Fleming, Dr. Cummings of Cayuga, Dr. Fordyce of Union Springs and Dr. Hoag of Sherwood

THE AMERICAN MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY held its annual meeting, August 21 to 23 in Buffalo, N. Y. The following officers were elected: Dr. Geo, E. Fell, of Buffalo, president; Vice-president, F. W. Kuhne of Ft. Wayne, Ind; Second vice-president, W. H. Seaman, Washington, D. C.; Treasurer, C.

C. Miller, Pittsburg, Pa.; Secretary, Prof. Burrill, Champaign, Ill.; Executive committee, Dr. James, St. Louis; William H. Walmsley, Philadelphia; W. P. Manton, Detroit.

CENTRAL OHIO MEDICAL SOCIETY met Sept 6, at Columbus. Dr. C. K. Vanderburg exhibited an artificial respiration apparatus. Dr. J. F. Baldwin reported a successful Cæsarean section; mother and child surviving. Dr. J. W. Wright read a paper on "Ocular Rheumatism." Dr. F. W. Lawrence reported a laparotomy for disease of the gall bladder.

THE WEST VIRGINIA STATE MEDICAL SOCIETY at its annual meeting elected the following officers for the ensuing year: President, Dr S. H. Austin, of Lewisburg; first vice-president, Dr. T. R. Evans; Second vice-president. Dr. J. D. Mayer, of Charleston; Third vice-president, Dr. Moss, of Cabell county. Dr Fullerton of Charleston, was re-elected secretary. Dr. Campbell of Wheeling, was reelected treasurer. Board of censors-Drs. McDonald, Enslow, Putney, Traval, Rupert, Hughait and Wagner.

THE MISSISSIPPI VALLEY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION held its fifteenth annual meeting at Evansville, Ind., September 10, 11 and 12, with the President, Dr. Geo. J. Cook of Indianapolis, in the chair.

TUESDAY MORNING SESSION.-After the usual address of welcome the President made a few remarks, saying that on account of the press of work he would not present the usual presidential address. The first paper was by Dr. G. V. Woolen of Indianapolis, on "Nasal Differentiation,"

Dr. Wm Porter thought that clinically there were often exceptions to the conclusions arrived at.

Dr. D. S. Reynolds said that many persons had hypertrophy of the turbinated bones without asthma, and in many cases of asthma there was to be found no hypertrophied tissue.

Dr. Woolen in closing the discussion said that it is not the magnitude of the hypertrophy but the fact that hypertrophy exists, that causes the disorders, and the thorough removal of every portion of the hypertrophic tissue was in every instance followed by complete recovery.

Dr J. M. Mathews read a paper on "A Simpler Method of Treating Fistula in Ano," and showed a fistulatome, an instrument of his own invention, for use in cases where patients would not submit to operation by the knife.

Dr. Murdock thought that but for a small and very select class of cases the instrument and method of treatment would be of little avail. The fact that the sphincter could not be put to rest was the chief objection to all non-cutting methods. If the sphincter can be divided and thorough drainage secured, fistulous tracts heal as readily as any other.

Dr. Grant thought that the use of ligatures was to be condemned, and in but few cases would the method of treatment be of practical benefit on account of the lack of perfect drainage.

Dr. Wathen said that the contraction of the sphincters was probably the cause of irritation, but does not prevent union. The securing of primary union can almost always be obtained by using the deep buried animal sutures. Divulsion of the sphincter renders its division necessary.

Dr. Dixon believed that the method of Dr. Mathews could not be compared with the advantages to be gained by the thorough use of the knife. The knife is the only radical cure.

Dr. Mathews in closing the discussion agreed that the use of the knife constituted the best method of treatment, but there are many cases where the patient will not submit to the knife, and in these the method of dilatation and drainage had proved beneficial in many cases.

On motion the Society adjourned to 2 P. M. AFTERNOON SESSION.-Dr. A. S. Barnes read a paper on "The Accoucheur and His Forceps." The author advocated the more frequent use of the forceps in difficult or delayed labor, believing that by their use the comfort of the mother and the safety of the child are promoted. He never uses ergot after delivery, and disapproves of the use of anæsthetics in labor.

Dr. Wathen asked as to the percentage of stillborn children in forceps cases He believed that the statistics of Cæsarean section (93 per cent. of living children) were as good as those of forceps delivery.

Dr. Bell said that there were two indications for interference with forceps, the danger to the mother, and the danger to the child The danger to the child can always be determined by the location of the foetal heart sounds. Real danger to the child should be the rule in every case for the use of forceps.

Dr. Murdock believed that forceps had contributed very much to the lessening of the pains of la

bor.

Dr. Barnes in closing the discussion said that the use of chloroform complicated labor, that both the long and short forceps should be a part of the armamentarium of every obstetrician.

Dr B. Merrill Ricketts of Cincinnati, read a pa per on "Plasto-Cosmetics in Surgery of the Face The paper was discussed by Drs. I. N. Bloom and G. H. Rohè.

Dr. Mumford read a paper on "Perineorrhaphyits Immediate Operation," in which he advocated the early operation, not later than twenty-four to thirty-six hours after delivery.

Dr. Worsham believed that the immediate operation was of decided advantage in the majority of

cases.

Dr. Eastman said there were at times conditions present which made immediate operation impossi

ble.

Dr. Bell thought that in conditions of uræmia, oedema and the like, immediate operation was not advisable. In his opinion the most frequent cause of laceration of the perineum was the shoulder.

Dr. Wathen believed that it was impossible to avoid occasional ruptures of the perineum. He advises in cases of complete rupture the use of the kangaroo tendon sutures.

Dr. Love read a paper on "Antipyretics, Analgesics and Sedatives," referring especially to antipyrin, antifebrin, and exalgin, as the most recent additions to the list. He prefers acetanilid (antifebrin) to antipyrin, and had most happy results from the use of exalgin.

Dr. Mumford warned physicians against the use of antipyrin in the continued fevers, believing that its continuous administration was detrimental.

Dr. Smythe of Greencastle, Ind., insisted on the necessity of the high temperature being controlled by antipyrin, to prevent fatty and parenchymatous degeneration taking place. He believes that the continued use of acetanilid and similar agents in continued fevers is detrimental.

Dr. Linthicum has had an unfavorable experience with exalgin, believing it inferior to the other agents of its class.

Dr. Hollister has had occasion to regret the use of antipyrin in decided pyrexia He has used acetanilid and quinine with decided benefit. Dr. Gray has used acetanilid in epilepsy with de cided benefit, and believes it superior to the bro mides in the majority of cases.

Dr. Reynolds believed that the use of agents which merely reduce temperature was not a scientific treatment of disease.

The Association adjourned to 9 A. M., Wednesday.

WEDNESDAY MORNING SESSION -The first paper was by Dr. Chapman on "Prognosis in Pulmonary Diseases;" Dr. McGahan followed with a paper on "Treatment of Pulmonary Phthisis;" Dr. Wilson read a paper on "Differential Respiration," ex hibiting a new apparatus for systematic lung exer

cise; Dr. Ricketts reported a case of "Tubercular Peritonitis with Tubercular Fallopian Tubes;" and Dr. Porter read a paper on "Contagiousness of Tuberculosis."

The first paper was a plea for more energetic treatment as a local disease, believing that thereby a more favorable prognosis was possible. Dr. Mc-Gahan believes that the climatic treatment of phthisis offers the best results. Dr. Porter believes that the latest opinions uphold the theory of the contagiousness of tuberculosis.

Discussion was had upon all the papers bearing on the subject.

Dr. Potter said that the disease is not commonly hereditary; it is a local disease and only accidentally becomes a general disease Statistics are very unreliable as to heredity, and are easily misinter. preted.

Dr. Woolen said that until the question of heredity was settled no conclusion could be arrived at. Disease cannot be hereditary. But there is a type of constitution which may be transmitted.

Dr. Reynolds believes that the choicest food for the development of the bacillus is the lymph corpuscle.

Latent

Dr. Eastman thinks the most important treatment is the improvement of the vital forces syphilis is the cause of many cases of tubercular peritonitis

Dr. Larrabee said that as to the theory of microorganisms, they are present everywhere. They are not essentially the disease. He does not believe it is a case of tuberculosis unless the bacilli are present. The matter of lung exercise is of the greatest importance, giving, as it does, apex expansion.

Dr. Chapman said that the question of heredity was not one of transmission of disease, but of constitution. This is proved by the fact that the disorder skips one generation frequently.

Dr. McGahan does not believe in heredity in consumption.

Dr. Porter does not believe that the direct inheritance of tuberculosis is proven. Chest exercise is of the greatest importance.

Dr. Bauer read a paper on "Recto-Vesical Lithotomy," after which the Association adjourned to 2

P. M.

WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON SESSION.-Dr. A. B. Shaw of St. Louis, read a paper on "Suspension in Affections of the Spinal Cord," and exhibited a Suspension Apparatus which he has devised. The apparatus is a modification of the Sayre and Verity apparatus.

Dr. Lewis had seen many suspensions at Hot Springs, and had himself undergone the treatment with beneficial results.

Dr. Ryan does not believe that any stretching of the cord takes place.

Dr. Vance thought that any stretching which might occur would be ligamentous, that the cord could hardly be affected.

Dr. Shaw said that cases of locomotor ataxia, of

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cerebro-spinal sclerosis, and old cases of myelitis were benefited by the treatment. Paralysis agitans was not benefited.

Dr. Dalton read a paper on the subject "Is Senn's Hydrogen Gas Test Infallible?" He reported several cases in which the gas test failed.

Dr. Eastman said that he had used the sulphuretted hydrogen gas in preference to the ordinary hydrogen, as its odor was more persistent, and seemed to better answer the demands. He has had a number of failures of the gas to ignite.

Dr. Pantzer read a paper on "Rupture of Ovarian Cyst." (See p. 108).

Dr. Cartlege presented a paper on "A Case of Ovarian Tumor."

In the discussion that followed the two papers Dr. Eastman said that he had seen the twisted pedicle case before death, in consultation, and considered the diagnosis one of extreme difficulty.

Dr. Ricketts said that the twisted pedicle was to be explained by the fact that before the tumor became adherent there was pressure upon the colon, and in the passage of fæes the tumor was gradually turned to the left.

pedicle is long. faulty.

This can occur only where the Senn's test he frequently found

Dr. Vance indorsed the views of Dr. Dalton as to the unreliability of the gas test.

Dr. Steele said that he had a case in which the gas test was applied. It would not ignite. The patient asked to have laparotomy performed. It was done, and eleven holes were found in the small intestines.

Dr. Bransford Lewis read a paper on the "Rational Treatment of Gonorrhoea," which was followed by a paper on "Excision of the Knee for Convenience," by Dr. Ap Morgan Vance. Dr. G. W. Ryan presented a paper on "Orthopaedics in Infantile Paralysis," after which the Association adjourned to 9 A. M. Thursday.

THURSDAY MORNING SESSION.-The Committee on Nominations reported the following officers for the ensuing year: President, Dr. J. M. Mathews, Louisville, Ky.; 1st Vice-President, Dr. C. R. Early, Ridgway, Penn.; 2d Vice President, Dr. T. B. Harvey, Indianapolis, Ind; Secretary, Dr. ‘E S. McKee, Cincinnati, O.; Treasurer, Dr. F. McGahan, Chattanooga, Tenn.

The next meeting will be held in Louisville, Ky., the second Tuesday in September, 1890.

Papers were read by Dr. A. J. Thomas on "The Insane of Indiana-their Care and Treatment;" by Dr. D A Thompson on "Some Forms of Eye Trouble;" by Dr. S. S. Bishop on "The Abortive Treatment of Acute Naso-Pharyngeal Catarrh;" by Dr. O. Everts on "The Treatment of the Insane as Related to other Conditions of Society;" by Dr. G. F. Lydston on "Apparent Concretions, Transformations of Syphiloma of the Tongue."

After adopting resolutions of thanks for courtesies extended by the profession of Evansville, the Association adjourned.