almost universal as the specific, the sine qua non for miasmatic fevers or periodics.

Its use has grown into a mania among the people and profession. It is quinine, first and last-the alpha and omega in

treatment.

However, the last few years, a chosen few have been awakened to a consideration of the article, and some prejudices have arisen unfavorable to its merits.

And we are happy to record, that it is yielding to legitimate medicine and inductive philosophy. That persistence in error does not always continue to sway the world. I would not be understood as totally discarding quinine in medicine or in intermittents. But that it has been overrated, been rode as a hobby, and hobbyism I detest. That there are equally as good and better remedies than Cinchona, or its alkaloids, for fever and ague, is what I would inculcate; that this is not the specific par excellence; that we have indigenous remedies far preferable as a curative, as feasible preparations, and at less expense. Quinine will certainly stop the chill; but sure as fate, it will again return upon slight exposure. In primary agues, it does very well, but in secondary protracted cases, other remedies are more certain and reliable.

Quinine is mobile in its effect, not imparting tone and vigor to the nervous centres; hence the great proclivity to relapses. Let us not persist in its use, when our understandings are enlightened as to its inferiority in comparison with others. Wherever intermittents prevail, I have no doubt as to indigenous specifics. Let me furnish you a brief sketch of a few of the indigenous remedies of Illinois, equally as powerful and certain as quinine, dispensing with the trouble and expense beside of going to South America for an antidote, for we have it at home within our reach.

The Hickory, (Juglans) so common, is an excellent antiperiodic the inner bark of either varieties in decoction. Hickory tea can be recommended as a safe and effectual remedy in cases of simple and confirmed agues.

The Wild Crab Apple, (Pyrus malus) is another, growing so plentifully in the West. A decoction of the root forms a good remedy for chills.

The Poplar (Populus tremuloides) is a superior remedy, and can be much relied upon.

Dogwood (Cornus sericea) is another powerful antidote, superseding by far the use of Cinchona, or any of its preparations, in cases of long standing.

The Branch Willow, (Salix alba) found along the margins of our creeks. The root or inner bark, in decoction, is an old and well-known remedy in fevers of the South, and cures chronics more effectually than quinine. Its alkaloid (salicin) is being much used.

The Chestnut, especially Horse-Chestnut, (Esculus Lippocastanum) furnishes another remedy in the list.

Decoction of the corn blade and of corn meal will cure simple intermittents.

A decoction of Hickory, Willow, and Dogwood barks, onehalf ounce each to a pint of water, taking a half glassful every two hours between the paroxysms, will cause them to succumb to its herculean powers! Or a decoction of any one single bark, one ounce to the pint of water, and dose one-half glassful, will fulfil its prescribed mission, that of curing as many, if not more, intermittents as Cinchona or Quinine.

If I were to select a foreign remedy for obstinate intermittents, it would be the Faba sancti ignatii-its extract, a half grain twice a-day. It is a reliable tonic, invigorating the nervous centres, thus preventing relapses. I have used it in my practice with beneficial results, and have not as yet known of its failure. It acts upon the emunctories, the skin, the kidneys, and bowels, increasing their functions-rendering it a very rational remedy for miasmatic fevers. I would be very much pleased to have some of my professional brethren test the above remedies, and report their experience. It is a subject which demands your consideration and investigation. Let us hear from our Western Doctors, that have dealt so much with the ague for the past few months.

Truly yours,

A. E. GOODWIN, M. D.

Rockford, Ill., Dec., 1855.

ARTICLE IV.-Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the Esculapian Society, held at Charleston, November 28th and 29th, 1855.

THE Meeting was called to order by the President, Dr. T. D. Washburn.

The Secretary being absent, Dr. C. Hamilton was appointed Secretary pro tem.

The proceedings of the last meeting were read and adopted. The roll of Members being called, about twenty were found in attendance.

Two of the Censors being absent, the President appointed Drs. D. W. Stormont and E. C. Banks, Censors pro tem.

The Censors retired to receive applications for membership. On motion of Dr. York, ordered that the Secretary notify those members, who have been absent from the meetings of the society for the last two years, that unless they attend the next meeting, and fill the requirements of the by-laws, they will be considered as no longer members of the society.

The Censors came in and reported favorably on the application of the following gentlemen:

Drs. H. J. E. Balch, of Georgetown; J. W. Cameron, and

Chambers of Charleston; and J. Y. Hitt, of Sullivan. Whereupon the Society proceeded to ballot on their application and they were unanimously elected.

On motion of Dr. Banks, ordered that any member who shall divulge the name of a person who shall apply for membership, and be rejected, shall be fined in the sum of five dollars for cach offence.

The reading of essays being in order, Dr. Davis, of Paris, read a lengthy and interesting essay, on the cause and treatment of epidemic dysentery, relating several cases which occured in his practice.

This essay elicited a spirited discussion, which was participated in by many of the members.

Dr. York gave an historical account of the same disease as it prevailed in and around Paris, reporting orally the treatment of several cases.

EVENING SESSION, 7 O'CLOCK, P. M.

Society met at the Court House, where a large assembly had

collected to hear the public addresses. Dr. York, V. P., in the chair, called to order, and introduced to the audience, Dr. D. W. Stormont, who gave a very spirited and interesting address, on the subject of medical societies.

After which, the President delivered his valedictory address, which elicited the applause of the audience.

The audience was then dismissed, and the society called to order by the President.

An interesting case was reported by Dr. Richmond, the treatment of which was freely discussed.

On motion of Dr. York, the society then proceeded to the election of officers for the ensuing year.

The following gentlemen were unanimously elected to the offices attached to their respective names:

On motion, adjourned to meet at the Court House to-morrow morning, at 9 o'clock, A. M.

THURSDAY, 9 O'CLOCK, A. M., NOVEMBER 29TH.

Society met as per adjournment, and was called to order by the President.

On motion of Dr. Washburn, it was ordered that the President, Vice President, and Secretary, be, and they are hereby constituted ex-officio a publishing committee.

On motion, the Secretary was ordered to procure such books and stationery as may be necessary for the purposes of his office.

On motion of Dr. McClure, the Secretary was directed to inform all members who are in arrears, of the amount of their indebtedness, and request immediate payment.

On motion, the society proceeded to elect delegates to the State and National Association, which resulted as follows:

Drs. S. York, E. C. Banks, John Tenbrook, and W. B. Duffield, to the National Association, with power to appoint substitutes.

Drs. James H. Steel, A. McClure, J. W. Cameron, and T.

D. Washburn, to the State Medical Society, with power also to appoint substitutes.

On motion of Dr. Davis, ordered that the next meeting of this society be held at York, on the last Wednesday in May

next.

Dr. Richmond, chairman of a committee appointed at the last meeting of this society, to prepare a bill and memorial to the State Legislature, praying for an act to legalize the dissection of dead human subjects, and other purposes, made a lengthy report, which was ordered to be printed.

On motion of Dr. Mitchell, our delegates to the State Medical Society, were instructed to obtain the concurrent action of said society with ours in procuring the above action of the Legislature.

On motion of Dr. Chambers, ordered, that our delegates to the State Medical Society, be instructed to urge upon said society, the importance of taking steps to secure the passage of a Registration Law.

On motion of Dr. Banks, resolved, that this society unanimously request of Dr. Stormont, a copy of his public address. for publication. ·

Resolved, that this society unanimously request of Dr. Washburn, a copy of his valedictory address for publication.

In conformity with the constitution, the President made the following appointments for the next meeting of the society.

Drs. Washburn and Chambers to read essays on substitutes for Quinine. Drs. Hitt and Balch to read essays on subjects of their own selection.

The following members were appointed chairmen of a committee of their own selection, and to report on the subjects annexed to their several names.