A CHANGE FOR THE BETTER.

Our readers will, doubtless, notice in this issue of the MEDICAL TIMES the beginning of a change which we think will greatly enhance the value of the journal. Under the heading of "Concentrated Extracts" we intend henceforth to give, in a condensed form, the cream of the periodical medical literature of the world. It will be the especial work of one of the editors to condense and classify whatever is of value in the current medical journals, so as to give a synopsis of all the important advances and improvements in medicine, surgery and the collateral sciences.

Correspondents have frequently complained of the necessity of subscribing for many journals in order to gain an intelligent idea of medical progress. This necessity involved a very considerable expenditure of both money and time and a consideration, often, of long articles which were practically worthless. We propose, henceforth, to exclude long articles, both original and selected, unless they are really of practical value. Our space is too valuable, and the time of our readers too precious to be filled up with inert matter. It will be our aim to make the MEDICAL TIMES so full and complete that it will not need to be supplemented by other journals.

We believe this can be accomplished by careful selection and skillful condensation. We claim no originality for the plan we intend to follow. It has been followed by some of the best medical journals, others are adopting it, and we are confident that it will prove a step in the right direction.

ECZEMA.

The treatment of this troublesome affection in its various forms has undergone many changes during the past decade. Some writers tenaciously adhere to the use of remedies termed "constitutional," while others seem partial to local treatment mainly. After correcting faults of digestion and imperfect secretion and excretion, I have usually succeeded by making free use of sulphite of soda in solution of grains xx, to 3i, to aqua 3i, applied with a soft brush or surgical lint

thoroughly saturated and laid over the part and covered with oiled silk.

Or the sulphite may be combined with arnica resin and cosmoline and applied, using the same covering. In cases where the exudate is profuse, atrophia should be added.

The intolerable itching which is frequently present with these affections can be effectually controlled by applying oleate of zinc at the bed hour.

Should the cuticle become dry and the exudate form in scaly crusts over the surface, a thorough alkaline bath, followed by inunctions of oleum canari, has been attended with speedy and gratifying results in my practice.

One thing to be remembered in the successful treatment of many affections of the skin, is the fact that the tissues of the skin must be nourished and fed, and this object can be effectually attained by the free and frequent rubbing with the hen's oil.

BOGUS MEDICAL COLLEGES.

For many years it has been an easy matter to obtain a diploma, implying the degree of M. D., by the expenditure of a small sum of money. No wearisome lectures to attend; no rigid examination to pass; no time lost to the farm, workshop or railroad. A registered letter containing the required sum of money brought by return of mail the coveted sheepskin. Bogus diploma mills carry on an extensive traffic both with. the United States and Europe. Notwithstanding repeated exposures, the trade flourishes, and has grown to be of sufficient importance to attract the attention of our foreign ministers. Hon. Andrew D. White, the American Minister to Berlin, has written to the Secretary of State, Hon. William M. Evarts, "that there seems to be a revival of the sale of diplomas, purporting to be issued by an institution of learning in the United States." Mr. White calls attention to particular cases that have come under his notice, and writes as follows: "That such cases as these have brought disgrace upon the American system of advanced education, and upon the American name in general, is certain." The Commissioner of Education has

addressed a letter to medical colleges and other institutions of learning, asking their co-operation in the abatement of this nuisance. At present, there seems to be no effective legal remedy of general application, and, until the proper laws are enacted and thoroughly executed, the nefarious traffic will doubtless continue. It is manifestly the duty of the medical profession to make every effort to secure the enactment and execution of such laws. In the absence of effective laws, the Louisville Medical News proposes a remedy, as follows: "It appears that the principal seats of the bogus diploma-mills are at Cincinnati and Philadelphia; we suppose by reason of the medical fame which attaches to these localities. But it seems to us we would not rest satisfied with such compliment; and that while the Schuylkill continued to give water and the Ohio ran not dry, and there were medical students about who liked fun, and any of the bogus proprietors could be found, and ducking was an art understood, it seems to us, we say, that the law might be materially assisted. There is nothing like hydropathy, we think, for your vitapath, or whatever path that leads to the disgusting ways under consideration."

LITTLE PILLS, BADLY MIXED.

The United States Medical Investigator (May 1) comes to our table very much more "attenuated" than formerly. Can it be that our good brother Duncan has joined the high potency branch of that pathy?

The number before us is decidedly "thin" in the amount of reading matter. The " The "Society Proceedings" and "Children's Department" are followed with frequent repetitions of the same matter, and elaborately sandwiched with advertisements to give it consistency for "mass." The usual spicy and interesting therapeutical, gynecological and consultation departments are thoroughly and conspicuously lacking.

Some of our exchanges appear to have the sandwich mania, and in their flatulent efforts to have every other page of their journals an advertisement, is it surprising that we should have such mistakes in "make-up" as the one which the Investi

gator presents. We hope the sandwich disease will not become epidemic in journalism.

WE have received the first four volumes of "Wood's Library of Standard Medical Authors," which will be carefully reviewed in the June number.

W. A. TOWNSEND has issued an American supplement to "Braithwaite's Retrospect." Part II is at hand, and the table of contents indicates that it is a valuable addition to the standard series.

THE catalogue and price-list of William S. Merrill & Co. for April is at hand. Morrison, Plummer & Co. and Fuller & Fuller, of Chicago, carry full lines of their reliable preparations.

SOCIETY MEETINGS.

IOWA STATE ECLECTIC MEDICAL SOCIETYTHIRTEENTH ANNUAL MEETING.

CHARITON, IOWA, April 24, 1880.

DEAR DOCTOR-You are earnestly solicited to attend this thirteenth annual meeting of the Iowa State Eclectic Medical Society, to be held at the city of Des Moines Wednesday and Thursday, June 9 and 10, 1880.

The officers and members of the society are desirous to make this, if possible, the most interesting and profitable session the society has ever held; and, in order to secure this end, it is important that there should be a full attendance, not only of its members, but that every honorable Eclectic now practicing in the State should meet with the society, and, by his presence and influence, lend encouragement to those who have been engaged for years in building up and sustaining the organization.

The Iowa State Eclectic Medical Society is one of the permanent institutions of the State, being duly and legally incorporated by the Legislature, and recognized by State offi

cials and State authority. But its influence, to a considerable extent, is proportionate to its membership, and the professional status of Eclecticism in the State is measured by the same rule. Hence, we find that, in the proportionment of members to the different schools of medicine, to serve on the State Board of Health, the Governor fixes it pro rata with the enrolled membership of the three State medical societies. This gives our school but one member on the Board, whereas, we might, by the same rule, have had at least two, had the profession heretofore turned out and united with the society.

We are convinced, from the legislative action of other States and from an evolving element in our own State, that it will not be long until there will be a law passed regulating the practice of medicine and the qualifications of physicians and surgeons in Iowa.

Shall we, then, as Eclectics, remain passive in view of an event so important, or shall we unite our strength in the interests of our cause, and secure for our system that standing and representation to which it is justly entitled? The solution of this question depends upon your action. Let no ordinary circumstance prevent you from attending the meeting, but in the event you cannot come in person, send in your name and credentials, with the membership fee, and show that you are interested in this matter.

The subjects designated in the programme will not fail to interest the busy practitioner, and the individuals named are a sufficient guarantee of the credibility of the productions.

Members of the society having cases of importance occurring in their practice are cordially invited to write them up and present them during the session.

Programme. The following papers have been promised: 1. Reports of Surgical Cases and Hints on Malpractice Suits-E. H. Carter, M. D., Des Moines.

2. New Remedies-J. A. McKlveen, M. D., Chariton. 3. Diphtheria-R. Evans, M. D., Murray.

4. Unwritten Prescriptions-J. G. Hill, M. D., Des Moines.

5. Uterine Therapeutics-E. M. Reynolds, M. D., Centerville.