As I See It.

Editor Medical Summary:

Without doubt the sulphocarbolate of zinc is the intestinal antiseptic (editorial, November number) and the dosimetrics have the honor of the introduction of the drug. In any case of intestinal trouble the zinc compound is true to its work; you are, I might say, never disappointed. In bad cases bismuth subnitrate and salol may be alternated in full doses, but the zinc salt is usually all that is required one to four grains every two to three hours.

Page 258. Cut out the article "Cystitis" and paste it where you can see it the first case you have. It should be repeated in 24 hours if the first injection does not cure. The same prescription is a sure cure for gastritis-one teaspoonful every hour until vomiting ceases and sleep comes on; bismuth subnitrate in five-grain doses afterward every three or four hours. Also, don't forget that 10 grains to eight ounces of water injected into the rectum will often check hemorrhage.

Page 259. Bro. Creel recommends a good local treatment in hemorrhoids. Recently a brother doctor took me to task about recommending these proprietary remedies, that it was not according to good medical logic to recommend such. I have nothing to say, except that anything that will cure my patient easily, quickly and pleasantly, if I can buy it, I use it. Ethics or no, my patient's good is my first aim. I have no fault to find with any combination, by whomsoever made, if it does me good service.

"Seasonable Pointers" strikes the nail on the head. Help nature to help herself, clear away the filth and she will do the rest. The Doctor need not assert that he is not a "homeo;" all doctors are doctors when they use the best means to the end. Alopathy owes a heavy debt to the homeopathic idea.

Page 262. One point in Bro. Hubbard's article: When the child is being removed place the left hand behind the fundus and force the uterus to follow down as the child comes out. By this means the placenta is often loosened and is found in vagina, in part at least. I usually have

the woman's left leg bent and flat on the bed, while the right, bent the same way, is nearly perpendicular. This gives a sort of half back and half side position, and to my mind the easiest. The position should be the one that is easiest to the woman.

"The Dosimetric Treatment of Typhoid Fever," page 263. We do not doubt but that a careful study of the effects of the alkaloidal treatment of disease will pay the doctor a good profit. The small dose and pleasant mode recommends itself to every one. Bro. Waugh's treatment by alkaloids is (as Bro. Buckley discribes his mode) is very plain and simple and to the point. Also, not only his own views, but others bearing on the disease. The Woodbridge treatment is very much on the plan of the alkaloidal.

That is a good article on page 264. Of all the devilish tricks to manage, a periodic colic in an infant takes the cake, and anything new should be gladly received. I well remember exhausting every idea that I had, and those of three or four others doctors, on a colic in a sixmonth-old infant, which would come on for a month at 4 p. m. regularly. The cause was a glass of "blue John," drank at dinner by the mother. I have kicked myself since for trying a blister on the poor little fellow, which only made matters worse.

"Stimulant vs. Sedative," page 268. Not only in nervous diseases per se, but in many others a stimulant will often be the best. We see in nearly every form of continued fever the stimulating plan is resorted to at present.

Page 276. I am pleased to see some one in authority come out against the everlasting milk diet in continued fever. I believe that it has caused many a death by coagulation and fermentation in the intestines. In a majority of cases the milk turns to cheese, and is the most indigestible of substances.

Page 279. Bro. I. E. Shute tells us how to kill the "wiggletails" in water, and thereby keep healthy. The said "wiggletail" becomes a mosquito, and some say she carries the malarial bug. Right here is a good argument in favor of the assertion: This year has been a draught, all the standing water is dried up, and so no

mosquitoes; also we are tively no cases of chills.

having compariBut, at the same time, as all the ponds and creeks are dry the people cannot drink the infected water.

"Night Terrors," page 275. I note that one to two drops of oil cajuput, on sugar or in small capsules, has in two cases stopped them by, in my opinion, removing the cause, fermentive dyspepsiagiven just before bedtime.

"A Clinical Observation," page 278. Without doubt the new Antikamnia laxative is a step forward for a nice pleasant sedative, non-griping laxative. It is a proprietary medicine, true, and some ethicals may kick at it, but that does not change the medical effect one particle.

Now, Bro. Shute (page 278), It comes next for you to demonstrate where the mal-mosquito comes from that sucks your St. Landry people till the mosquito is sick and he has to disgorge himself, making his host sick in turn. You say that the coal-oil kills all of the bugs in the water of cisterns? Well, the three-spot malarial bug must be outside somewhere.

"From the Wayside," page 279. Bro. Price gives us some practical work. I always cut out such short, sharp articles and paste them in my "reference index" of diseases and treatments. If any one wants to know what that is drop me a postal.

Page 280. Bro. Gilbert, "almost thou persuadest me to be a serumite." Your quiet, convincing argument is a good one, and I would invest $5.00 in the stuff if we had any of the disease in this section. But, somehow, my mind revolts against the idea of injecting the putrified juices into a clean baby, particularly when calomel and Hydrozone cures 100% of

cases.

In reply to the query relative to vaseline, on page 283, I received a letter from a well posted physician stating that all of the petroleum compounds, petrolatum, vaseline, etc., were used in his section. Now, in addition, let me ask some of my friends who have not tried it to give a teaspoonful three or four times a day for stomatic and intestinal fermentive dyspepsia and see how it acts. I had occasion at one time to use a much adver

tised preparation in a case, and was surprised how quickly it relieved the above unpleasant symptom in the case.

Dramatic (page 284), but not the less real. A study of the action of clean blood in diseased bodies is a study that beats, for instance, bacteriology too far to count. Bro. Morse has struck the note right. In place of the putrid juices of animals use pure preserved blood, and, my brother, study up how it acts.

Bro. Cuzner gives a simple recital of how a country doctor has to suit himself to circumstances at times, and it is a little curious how fast one's mind works under such circumstances.

Now for another question. Last August an old gentleman had a pretty hard attack of malaria. Previous to it he was in the habit of getting up once in the night to empty the bladder, and since then he has to get up three to five times, or about every second hour. In every respect the urine is normal, and during the eight or 10 hours he passes about I 1-4 pints. There is no pain in back or bladder, no pus; only the more frequent calls at night to urinate. Can the fraternity suggest a cause and cure? During the day, say from 6 a. m. to 9 p. m., he passes about 1 1-2 pints at intervals of about five hours. How could the malarial attack have had such influence ?

One more question. I note, on advertising page 30, Holland's Instep Supporter, and would like to know whether any one has tried the contrivance. It seems to me to be an AI device. There is, to my mind, a pleasant help in it for the uppleasant pain which the flat-foot brings to its owner.

Brodnax, La.

BEN H. BRODNAX, M. D.

Addenda to the "Europhen Article.

Editor Medical Summary:

As happens generally when I write anything for the SUMMARY I get many letters asking further information. Whether because my writings are too unintelligible for any except those possessed of telepathy, second sight, or other extraordinary powers, or whether doctors write to me because of my immense intelligence, I

cannot say, but, anyhow, I have to add a line or two about some formulas in Europhen practice, and first in throat

troubles.

I use a blower of any good kind and dilute with boric acid if need be, or use pure Europhen. A simple funnel of paper will serve if nothing else offers in a hurry. Now, when you try to blow thusly, be careful to escape the Irishman's diliemma: He was told by a veterinarian to blow this powder into the horse's throat, and to come back and report in the evening, which he did. The doctor seeing a startled look on the Hibernian's face inquired if there was any trouble, and the answer was: "Well, there wuz thot; the horse blowed furst!" Take care in diphtheria.

I sometimes paint the fauces with

Sig. A teaspoonful in a small quantity of water; first gargle, then swallow. If there is much mucus coating the throat, I gargle with hot water first, then do as above.

I do not like cocaine in rectal troubles, or opium or belladonna if they can be avoided-specially cocaine. Use Europhen in good amounts and stand the pain till it does the work.

In obstinate leg ulcer rub the Europhen in under the edges of the lesion-there's where it is needed.

I was not making fun about my barber. He now has some Europhen and some boric acid, in separate packages, to use as I suggested to him, and he put some on my face recently in his nicely-smelling "antiseptic," which, not having the usual odor, he explained by saying: "That is some of your stuff; I want to experiment on you first before I hurt any of the other good customers." Isn't that gall.

W. R. D. BLACKWOOD, M. D. 852 N. 23d St., Philadelphia.

Comments on December "Summary."

Editor Medical Summary:

"How is the Uterus to be Supported in Exceptional Cases" is a very excellent

editorial which contains some valuable suggestions, indeed, that can be used by the general practitioner as well as the specialist.

"Asafoetida" is an old remedy that has largely grown out of disuse. There are some cases wherein it does good and never can do any harm. As the writer says, "Countless cases of metritis, colitis, ovaritis, peritonitis, typhlitis and appendicitis." I am fully convinced that the only radical treatment of appendicitis is operation whenever admissible.

"Suggestion in Therapeutics" is not to be ignored and tabooed by the profession as something unreal and absurd, and a sort of a hoodoism or works of the devil. That day is past, and the prejudice that bitterly opposed its investigation is fast vanishing under the light of liberal research and investigation. It is certainly a valuable armament to any one, and within the reach of every physician who will apply himself. There was a time not far back when I had no time for it, but I have entirely changed my views. I have recently commenced the study of it and like it.

The Wayne County Medical Society, of Michigan, is certainly in advance of any other society in the matter of State reciprocity, It should be commended and its action receive the hearty indorsement of every medical society in the United States and Canada.

"Up-to-Date Treatment of Epilepsy," by Dr. Ellis, is ably written and contains good treatment of that difficult matter.

Dr. Blackwood's article on "Clinical Points on Europhen" is one of merit. S. D. Sour, M. D.

Princeton, Minn.

Acetic Acid In Ringworm.

Editor Medical Summary:

On page 299, December issue of the SUMMARY, I see Dr. Ben H. Brodnax gives a treatment for ringworm. Now, if in the next case the Doctor treats he will use 10% acetic acid, applying once daily for three days, he will get satisfactory results.

F. Warren Lanoix, M. D.

Galena, Kan.

New Publications.

AN AMERICAN TEXT-BOOK OF SURGery. For Practitioners and Students. By P. S. Conner, M. D.; F. S. Dennis, M. D.; W. W. Keen, M. D.; C. B. Nancrede, M. D.; Roswell Park, M. D.; L. S. Pilcher, M. D.; N. Senn, M. D.; F. J. Shepherd, M. D.: L. A. Stimson, M. D.; J. C. Warren, M. D., and J. W. White, M. D. Third Edition; Thoroughly Revised. W. B. Saunders, Publisher, Philadelphia. 1899. Price $7.00.

The brightest stars in the galaxy of the American surgical firmament are represented as the authors of this truly great American text-book. That this book has met with favor and is appreciated by the profession is evidenced from the fact that nearly 29,000 copies of the two former editions have been sold, and that it has been adopted as a text-book by over 200 medical colleges.

In the present edition among the new topics introduced are a full consideration of orrho (serum-) therapy, leucocytosis, postoperative insanity, the use of dry heat at high temperatures, Kronlein's method of locating the cerebral fissures, Hoffa's and Lorenz's operations for congenital dislocations of the hip-joint, Allis's researches on dislocations of the hip-joint, lumbar puncture, the forcible reposition of the spine in Pott's disease, the treatment of exophthalmic goiter, the surgery of typhoid fever, gastrectomy and other operations on the stomach; several new methods of operating upon the intestines; the use of Kelly's rectal specula, the surgery of the ureter; Schleich's infiltration method and the use of eucaine for local anesthesia; Krause's method of skin-grafting; the newer methods of disinfecting the hands; the use of gloves. etc., etc.

The sections on appendicitis, on fractures and on gynecological operations have been revised and enlarged, and many other changes and improvements have been introduced throughout the book. A considerable number of new illustrations have been added to this edition. On account of the size of the book two chapters on the eye and ear have been omitted. That the contents of this admirable work are up-to-date will go without saying.

LOVELINESS: A STORY. By Elizabeth Stuart Phelps. Illustrated. Square 12mo. Cloth. Houghton, Mifflin & Co., Publishers, Boston, Mass. Price $1.00.

This is a dainty little volume-just lovely. "Loveliness" is not a scientific work, but deals with a very important scientific subject. It is a very striking story about a dog; he is the pet, almost the object of worship, of his little fiveyear-old invalid mistress. The sagacity and charm of the terrier, his many canine virtues, his affection for his little mistress and the intelligence and self-sacrifice with which he saved her life-all are set forth in Miss Phelps' most graphic style.

ESSENTIALS OF MEDICAL CHEMISTRY-Organic and Inorganic; Containing also Questions of Medical Physics, Chemical Philosophy, Analytical Processes, Toxicology, Etc. Prepared Especially for Students of Medicine by Lawrence Wolff, M. D., Demonstrator of Chemistry, Jefferson Medical College, Etc. Fifth Edition. Thoroughly Revised by Smith Ely Jelliffe, M. D., Ph. D., Professor of Pharmacognosy College of Pharmacy of the City of New York. W.B. Saunders, Publisher, Philadelphia. 1899. Price $1.00.

This little volume is number four of the series of Saunder's Question Compends, and as this is the fifth edition of this special number it is self-evident that this compend must have met with great favor. It is generally acknowledged that the systematic course of "quizzing" in vogue at the medical schools has been a source of great profit to students, and the little volume before us has been compiled by the author with the same object in view. The parts dealing with physics and inorganic chemistry have been but slightly altered, because it has not been deemed necessary. But, on the other hand, the chapters dealing with organic chemistry have been considerably modified and enlarged, because new facts of vital importance are rapidly accumulating, and it was the author's desire to make this an up-to-date volume.

THE AT-ONE-MENT BETWEEN GOD AND MAN. By Rev. Charles T. Russell. Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, Publishers, Alleghany, Pa. Price 60 cts.

This book must appeal to all thinking christians as an interesting one; although the author entirely ignores all creeds and theories of men and appeals solely to the scriptures, and treats their testimony as inspired, authoritative, decisive, citing as well as quoting them freely. This will evidently be pronounced a masterly treatment by many Bible students.

A TEXT-BOOK OF EMBRYOLOGY FOR STUDENTS OF MEDICINE. By John Clement Heiser, M. D., Professor of Anatomy in the Medico-Chirurgical College, Philadelphia. With 190 Illustrations; 20 of them in Colors. W. B. Saunders, Publisher, Philadelphia. 1899. Price $2.50.

This is a most excellent work on the subject of embryology, and evidently will supply a long-felt want, which is something that cannot be said of many books published in our days. While there are, of course, many works treating on the same subject, yet none of them are so well adapted as a text-book as the one now before us. The subject matter is so arranged that it will be an easy task for the student to grasp it.

It was the aim of the author of this admirable volume to make it full enough to be intelligible without that minuteness of detail which characterizes the larger treatises, which contain too much for ordinary medical students. He has not only endeavored to present a connected story of human development, but also to make each chapter, as nearly as possible, complete in itself for the sake of convenience of reference. In our opinion the author's plans have been admirably well carried out, and we predict for it great success.

ESSENTIALS OF PHYSICAL DIAGNOSIS OF THE THORAX. By A. M. Corwin, M. D. Third Edition; Revised and Enlarged. W. B. Saunders, Publisher, Philadelphia. 1899. Price $1.25.

This is, apparently, a systematic gist of the science of the subject under consideration designed to meet the immediate wants of the student, and as a further guide to a more extended study of the subject as set forth in existing literature and as furnished in the clinical material

of public and private practice. It is a useful little book, and it would be well if it could be placed in the hands of all medical students.

ESSENTIALS OF ANATOMY; INCLUDING THE ANATOMY OF THE VISCERA. Arranged in the form of Questions and Answers. Prepared Especially for Students of Medicine. By Charles B. Nancrede, M. D., Professor of Surgery and of Clinical Surgery in the University of Michigan, Etc., Etc. Sixth Edition. Thoroughly Revised, by Fred. J. Brockway, M. D., Assistant Demonstrator of Anatomy Columbia University, New York. W. B. Saunders, Publisher, Philadelphia. 1899. Price $1.00.

This fine little volume of more than 400 pages contains the subject, anatomy, in a nut-shell, as it were. This being the sixth edition of this admirable book is sufficient indication of its popularity. The general attitude and arrangement of former editions has been preserved, some new matter has been added, some small cuts have been replaced by larger ones, descriptions and statements have been corrected to accord with recent works, and many small words have been inserted, adding to the clearness of description.

LECTURES UPON THE PRINCIPLES OF SURGERY, DELIVERED AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN, By Charles B. Nancrede, A. M., M. D., LL. D., Professor of Surgery and of Clinical Surgery; Emeritus Professor of General and Orthopedic Surgery, Philadelphia Polyclinic, Etc. With an Appendix Containing a Resume of the Principal Views held Concerning Inflammation, by Wm. A. Spitzley, A. B., A. M., Senior Assistant in Surgery, University of Michigan. Illustrated. W. B. Saunders. Publisher, Philadelphia. 1899. Price $2.50.

Many very excellent works on surgery have made their appearance during the past decade, but none devoted exclusively to an exposition of the principles upon which surgery is based have been brought out upon such clean-cut lines, embodying the whole subject in such a concise and precise manner, as the work before us. This volume is admirably well written, and, in the language of another, is as facinating as the perusal of a novel.