The convulsive phenomena explain themselves still more easily than do those of somnambulism. When we have studied the procedures of Mesmer, we know how it is that natural causes have produced these convulsions. If we wish to consider seriously the veritable cures performed by magnetisers, we will find that they have the same value as the cures of sympathetic medicine, and that cures are performed with the magnetic fluid, as Pyrrhus cured ailments of the spleen by friction made with a toe of the right foot, an invention which he shares with Vespasian. The curative power of magnetisers is then a simple illusion, and therein we can here confront two classments of therapeutics which have for each other the greatest affinities. While the magnetiser cures one fluid with another, we have the Homœopaths, who cure the ideal of a disease with the ideal of a remedy. Moreover, nothing should excuse a general system of treatment which enforces, in persons of feeble mind, chimerical beliefs. So the proceedings of magnetisers should be proscribed in therapeutics at once as valueless, and as nuisances. The magnetic fluid administered in one day, they say, would be but a very small fraction of an universal fluid, by means of which there is established (according to the theory of magnetisers) a mutual influence between the celestial, terrestrial, and animate bodies.

In going back to the beginning of abstract theories, we find a similar essence, which, under the same name, or that of love of the world, serves to bind again our human knowledge, and especially to quench that desire which would explain all things. The ease which one has, then, to deceive certain minds, relates not solely to the property which we have, to show without our internal emotions, under any sufficient influence; it rests on the profound scientific ignorance in which the mass of individuals are plunged.

In the phenomenon of the turning tables, we must believe that the table can turn without muscles, without nerves; that it can speak without the organs of voice. But all that is nothing by the side of the rapping-spirits, through the medium of which, every scientific opinion, even the very arches of mathematic phenomena, are shaken. That which contributes again in a great number of cases to the success-happily transient-of these fantastic exhibitions, is that it is not rare to encounter among these believers and

propagators, persons instructed in the sciences. But that should only prove one thing, that judgment and common sense, are independent of literary and scientific attainments. Flint, and then Schiff, have indeed shown, in their experiments on the inventors of these juggleries, that the sounds which they produced, were due to a slight displacement (previously occasioned) of the patella-to the tibia on the femur-or to the tendon of the long peroneus, all jerked suddenly into proper position. This displacement is effected by muscular contractions which are easily acquired. Aided by this physiologic knowledge, it has been an easy matter to baffle their trumpery, by causing them to place the limb in a position, in which muscular contraction was impossible. As for this magnetic fluid, there exists nothing, as we see, but an hypothesis denuded of all proof.

Finally, all that interest, which, according to some authors, should appertain to the physiologist, in the study of magnetism, rests in an habitual ignorance concerning the physiology of the brain-and reduces itself to this, that it is easy enough to place such or such an individual, at first, and then an assembly in whole or in part, in an intellectual condition such that the information more or less vague obtained, of the first, are interpreted by the other in the sense which is desired should be contrary to that to which attention has been directed. It is in such a cerebral condition that is to be found, the explanation of all the singular effects of magnetism, the abstractions occasioned by the juggleries which surround us-the changing effects following the practice of magnetism-all dependent on the cerebral condition of the magnetised.

A NEW KIND OF ACARUS.-M. Indée has noticed among the Kabyles of Northern Africa a pruriginous complaint somewhat like the itch; where, however, the acarus, forming a black spot on the skin, moving about with energy, is different from the wellknown acarus scabiei. The sulphuro-alkaline ointment destroyed the animalcule. In France, M. Rouyer has noticed in the department of Indre, a popular pruriginous eruption, affecting the country people who had handled the wheat somewhat spoiled by the frequent rains of last summer. The same parisites were here observed.-Lancet.

Bromide of Potassium in Epilepsy.

BY HORACE Y. EVANS, M. D.

Dr. Evans relates the three following cases of this disease out of eight within his knowledge, treated with the bromides:

Case 1.-Farmer, aged thirty, living in a miasmatic region. Enjoyed perfect health until attacked with ague; was treated with quinia, and the chills checked. Then followed convulsions, which at first resembled, as far as the pulse was concerned, apoplexy, but soon became clearly epileptic. The attacks returned at irregular intervals of from seven to ten days. He had been carefully treated with remedies such as the symptoms from time to time indicated. When he came under my care he was using tonics and alteratives, and ice-bag to the spine. His pulse was 98, full and strong, tongue furred, bowels sluggish, disgust for food, very restless, severe headache, and marked mental confusion. I continued the ice-bag to his spine half an hour daily, ordered saline purge every day, and farinaceous diet. He was very soon visited by another convulsion, which left him in a dull melancholy condition, severe headache and insomnia, but no paralysis; commenced next day with the bromide of potassium, gr. xv, three times a day; continued the saline mixture, ice-bag, and restricted diet. An improvement in all the symptoms commenced within twelve hours, and at the expiration of four weeks the patient was apparently well; there was no return, or tendency to return, of the convulsion. All treatment was then omitted, and at the expiration of seven weeks from the commencement of the treatment, considering himself well, he returned to the use of animal food, which was followed within ten hours by the most severe epileptic fit of any that he had had, and two days later by another. He then returned to the city, and was again put upon the use of the bromide and the ice-bag. As at first, the improvement was rapid, and at the expiration of a fortnight, without my consent, omitted all treatment. He returned to the country, used promiscuous diet, and has now passed through the fever season of the locality without ague or convulsions. Says he was never in better health than at present.

Case 2. -G. M., a young man twenty-one years of age, apparently in good physical condition, has had epileptic convulsions for the past fifteen years, and at the time of commencing his treat

ment (March, 1866,) he was having, on an average, three attacks a day. He was ordered a saline purge twice a week, ice-bag to spine one hour daily; bromide of potassium, gr. xx, three times a day, and total abstinence from animal food. The interruption in the attacks was immediate; he continued without even an "aura,” or any other evidence of the presence of the disease for nine consecutive weeks.

The peculiar effects of the bromine, named by Bazire bromism, having now become developed, the drug was omitted for two days, Huxham's tincture of bark and a more liberal diet substituted. Before the end of the second day a severe convulsion returned, and was followed by numerous aura epileptica, or minor "spells." The bromide was immediately resumed, and its use continued for three weeks without a return of the disease. The increased flow of saliva, sore throat and restlessness again gave premonitions of the return of bromism. The dose was now reduced to gr. x, ter die. Again the lurking foe took advantage of the truce and made several sorties, which were repulsed by the bromide of ammonium, with the iodide of potassium as an ally. Another month now elapsed without an attack, but the combination last used became so offensive to him that it had to be omitted, and the bromide of potassium resumed in gr. xx doses, which is now (November) being used with results beyond the most sanguine anticipations.

Case 3.-Mrs. S. B., aged twenty-eight, the mother of two children. Insanity and epilepsy in her family. After a serious family trouble, was attacked with convulsions at intervals of a fortnight. The disease was diagnosed hysterical epilepsy, chiefly on account of the long duration of the convulsion. The usual treatment for hysteria scarcely palliated the insomnia and almost delirium during the intervals. Having seen an account of Locock's treatment of this disease with the bromide of potassium, I was induced to give it a trial. She commenced with gr. xx doses, three times a day, and an additional dose at night, if necessary, to produce sleep. Within a week every vestige of the disease had vanished. The medicine was continued in reduced doses for a month, after which it was entirely omitted. Four months have since passed without a symptom of hysteria or epilepsy, notwithstanding the continuance and actual increase of her family troubles.-American Journal of Medical Sciences, January, 1867.

Editorial Department.

Commencement of New Volume.

It will be noticed that the present number is the first of a new volume, and naturally offers an opportunity to invite the coöperation and support of the profession. It is not wholly from selfish interest in the Journal that we would urge upon physicians an effort to promote the science and enlarge the knowledge of true medicine. Every careful observer of the status of the profession in this country, has noticed how little thought the masses of the profession actually bestow upon either the principles or philosophy of cure in medicine-how thoroughly contented they are to even imperfectly understand the symptoms of common diseases, and the usual routine of treatment applicable to them, without ever attempting to add to the general fund of knowledge, or even becoming acquainted with the recent and important discoveries which others have added to what was known of disease and its modes of treatment. After obtaining honorable admittance to the ranks of the profession, all further effort is directed to the one absorbing object of business, pursuing it with commendable zeal, but almost entirely forgetting the higher and truer objects of professional ambition. True success with a physician cannot be supposed to consist in obtaining a large professional income, and it is taking a very incorrect and unworthy view, to regard success in getting business, as any truthful standard of merit. To expose error, or to discover truth, are just objects of professional pride; to perfectly understand what really is known of practical value to physicians is truly commendable, or to add to the amount of well observed and carefully recorded facts, usually shows a disposition to promote the general good, and an active interest in the progress of our art. We believe that no country can furnish a larger proportion of active, intelligent and earnest men, than are now engaged in the practice of medicine in the United States, and that our own vicinity will bear creditable comparison in this respect. Buffalo sustains an enviable reputation, and is not surpassed by any city on the globe, considering its size, for the amount or quality of contributions both periodical and standard to the medical literature of the world. If our reputation in this respect, due largely to men who now occupy other places, can be sustained in the future, we shall have abundant ground for honest pride.

Buffalo Medical and Surgical Journal commences its seventh volume looking confidently to its friends for the choicest material to fill its pages, believing that it will increase in usefulness, and grow in favor, mainly through the partiality of the profession whose interests it desires to promote. It is not the organ of any locality or individual, but is open to the whole profession for the fullest expression of thought, and is earnestly commended to the favorable notice of all who have well considered opinions to express, or would promote a knowledge of the truth in medicine. Sometimes it is intimated that a medical journal belongs to the editor and proprietor and is dependent upon him for success. While be believe that upon his fair