Yet

ilar properties to those possessed by other muscles. there are poisons which destroy the contractility of the muscles of the heart, leaving that of the other muscles unaffected. Will any one from this fact conclude that the two muscles are essentially different?

This fact is cited as an introduction to one still more conclusive. The woorara poison paralyzes the limbs of an animal, but (in the dog or reptile) does not paralyze the tail. The nerves which move the muscles of the limbs are found to be completely lamed, while the nerves which move the muscles of the tail act as vigorously as ever.

Now, here are two groups of motor nerves identical in all respects, one of which the poison acts upon, the other remaining unaffected. Unless, to defend an hypothesis, we rush to the extravagant supposition that the properties of these two groups of nerves are essentially different, and that the motion of the tail is affected by a different kind of agency from the motion of the limbs, we cannot resist the conclusion that the conditions which enable the sensory nerves to resist the action of woorara, are similar to the conditions which enable the motor nerves of the tail to resist it.

It may be further added that, although the woorara paralyzes the limbs, it does not paralyze the heart and intestines; yet they are also moved by motor nerves. Moreover, even the motor nerves which are affected by woorara, are only affected in their peripheral terminations, not in their trunks, as Kölliker proved experimentally.

Without, therefore, adducing any arguments against the supposed bearing of the toxicological facts on the question of the alleged distinction in the functions of the anterior and posterior nerves, I think the mere opposition of other toxi

cological facts sufficient to set aside the objection which was raised to my criticism of the current hypothesis. I am, sir, your obedient servant,

G. H. LEWES.

TREATMENT OF SPINA BIFIDA BY INJECTIONS OF IODINE.We can scarcely imagine more unpromising subjects, for hopeful medical or surgical treatment, that the victims of spina bifida, which have fallen under our observation during a somewhat active practice of more than thirty years. Having but little confidence in the remedies usually proposed for the removal of this strange malady, we merely allude to the subject in order to inform our readers that in the September number of the Chicago Medical Journal, Prof. Brainard reports the cure of five out of seven cases of spina bifida, by means of iodine injections. Five of these cases were operated on by himself, and two by Dr. Crawford, under his direction. Two of the cases described as follows, by Dr. Brainard, will serve to illustrate his practice:

Its

"CASE 1.-The subject was a girl thirteen years of age. The tumor, situated at the top of the sacrum, was nine inches in circumference, and three inches in heighth. surface, and the skin adjoining, presented numerous cicatrics, marks apparently of former ulcerations. The child was partially paralytic in the lower extremeties, idiotic, and passed the urine and foeces involuntarily. The head was small and the bones perfectly formed.

"The first injection was performed on the 2d December, 1847. A puncture was made with the point of the lancet, half an inch distant from the point of the base of the tumor, and a small-sized exploring trochar carried thence into the sac. Through the canula, a solution of half a grain of iodine, with one grain of iodide of potassium, in

one ounce of distilled water, was injected. The canula was immediately withdrawn, and a compress and bandage applied so as to prevent the escape of the liquid.

"The injection produced a sharp pain which soon subsided. Redness, heat, and tenderness of the tumor followed, for which a cathartic was administered, and evaporating lotions applied to the part. Compression was resorted to as the heat and tension subsided, and, December 27th, the tumor was about half its former size.

"At this time, a second injection was resorted to, of half the strength of the first. This produced little inflammation. The compression was continued. January 15, 1848, the fluid was so far absorbed as to render it easy to press most of it within the spine, and a common spring truss for hernia was applied, the pad upon the opening.

"The case then passed from under my observation, but fell under the care of Dr. Huber, who had at that time charge of the county poor at Chicago. The following is his account of the case and his treatment:

"I injected the tumor thirteen times, viz: May 3, 10, 20--June 15,22-July 14-August 10, 15, 25-September 5, 16, 26, and October 20, 1848. The injection for the first four times was of the strength of four grains of iodine and sixteen grains of iodide of potassium to the ounee of distilled water, beginning with one and a-half, and increasing to three ounces at the fourth injection.

"The sac was then much contracted, and I therefore doubled the strength of the solution, and injected but half an ounce. After the first two operations, the child had some slight febrile symptoms, but not since. I consider the cure complete. She has improved in the use of

her lower extremeties, being now able to walk across the

room.'

"Two years after the operation the child remained cured, and much improved in every respect."

"CASE 2.-This case occurred to me April 12, 1849. The tumor was of the size of a closed fist, and had been ruptured during labor.

"By the application of artificial heat, the first ill effects of the rupture were dissipated. A reddish serum was discharged from the sac and canal, which, on the 17th, became copious and offensive. Injected a solution of iodine, four grains, iodide of potassium, twelve grains, to the ounce of distilled water. The solution escaped as fast as injected. "30th. Repeated injection: discharge purulent.

"May 2d. Injected with solution of sulphate of copper, and applied compression over the opening. The sac was contracted down to a hard tubercle, with a small opening in the centre.

"The injection was repeated on the 4th and 6th, and the child seemed well in every respect.

May 12th. Opening quite closed head noticed to be enlarging: bones separated. This continued till June 1st, when the child died in a paroxysm of convulsion.

"This case resulted fatally from closing the fistulous opening in the skin too soon, but it illustrates in a striking manner, the beneficial effect of injectiens into the spinal canal, and the little danger to be apprehended from their use. The child lived over six weeks.

"I was not aware, at the time, of the danger of making compression over such an opening, but held, in common with the whole profession, the erroneous opinion, that the danger in cases of inflammation of the meninges of the cord and brain was greatest when an opening existed.

"This is an error which has recently been pointed out by Dr. Thompson, of Columbus, Ohio. Far from closing such an opening, the sac should be punctured if acute inflammation results from treatment, and the liquid drawn off." As Dr. Brainard's successful cases date back several years, it would be interesting to know the present physical and intellectual state of the subjects thus rescued, apparently, from a most pitiable condition.-Peninsular and Ind. Medical Journal.

TREATMENT OF ASCARIDES.-I am glad that your vrey intelligent correspondent has again called the attention of your readers to this subject, which is as he states, one of considerable importance to a great number of individuals. I can fully bear testimony to the correctness of his assertion, that, although the complaint a priori appears to be a curable one, many persons are tormented with these animals from infancy to their graves; although many medicines appear for a time to exercise a curative influence, no remedy has hitherto been discovered that in every particular can be looked upon as a specific. I am unable to throw any light upon the inquiry in what portion of the intestines these parasites live and breed, or whether their ova are deposited high up, and the animals are developed as they pass down, making their presence known only as they enter the rectum, and approach an exit into the outer world; but setting aside this investigation for other inquirers who are doubtless now fully alive to its importance, and who have time and inclination to enter upon the task, I beg to recommend for the use of those who are at present laboring under the complaint, two substances, from the employment of which I have seen incalculable benefit, and succeeded in eradicating intestinal worms, and in many instances effect