depend on the mere statement of others. Even stocks in medical journals are not beyond the danger of depreciation while taking the ordinary business chances of earning interest on par values. So also with other plans for becoming rapidly rich, and for obtaining large dividends from small but pretentiously alluring investments. In view of these facts it seems incumbent upon us to guard the doctor against the constant temptations to go out of his beaten track for making his money. In the long run with his slow accumulation of funds the best in- · vestment is a life insurance policy, which will at least spare his widow and orphans from seeking charity or possibly bowing to menial labor. The great thing is to be contented with small profits, and have them permanent and sure. This sound business principle appeals to the doctor with special and ofttimes with mournful force.-Medical Record.

Quacks and Compensation.

Some one has tritely said that "a law to suppress quackery would be class legislation, being in the interest of the fools."

These newspaper specialists, just from Paris, who exploit their fame in the press, are not only deceiving the people, but cheating the honest, hard-working practitioner out of what rightfully belongs to him. We can all doubtless recall cases where we have faithfully attended a family at all hours of the day and night, never failing to respond when Willie was sick; attended births, mature and premature, and in many cases, a long siege of fever, with not even thanks for a reward. But along comes the advertising huckster, or the man who knows it all, and his flowing description of ills seems to fit some ailment so perfectly; they had heard of the ailment before in the almanac or in the family guide-book. So, as this most eminent prognosticator can remain but one day only, these deluded people fairly fall over each other to get to him, pay him liberally for his rascality, and we

GYNECOLOGY, OBSTETRICS, MENOPAUSE. Part I. The General Practitioner His Own Gynecologist. Part II. Common Sense in Obstetric Practice. Part III. The Change of Life in Woman. By A. H. P. Leuf, M. D., Author of "Practical First Principles," and Associate Editor of "The Medical Council." Published by "The Medical Council," N. E. Cor. 12th and Walnut Streets, Philadelphia, 1902. $2.50 net.

This is an octavo volume of 326 pages, and is distinguished by not having a single illustration. It is not a complete treatise on its subjects, though very nearly so, the author limiting himself, as he tells us in the preface, to those portions of the subject with which he has had practical experience, and upon which he considers himself to have the right of judgment. The style is clear, and everything is considered from the standpoint of the first person, as we find in Lawson Tait's book, and in a few others. The work is in the nature of a message to the general practitioner, urging him to do a large share of his own special work in gynecology, encouraging him in the better practice of obstetrics, and giving information in regard to the change of life in woman that does not exist in any other work with which we are acquainted. This, the third part of the book, is, in our judgment, the most up-to-date, comprehensive, and instructive that has appeared since Tilt wrote his classic work upon the same subject, and which, as the author tells us, is now entirely out of date. The book is absolutely original from every point of view.

It cannot be opened anywhere without meeting with evidence of individuality, and finding expressions of opinion, suggestions in treatment, or other matters of interest not to be found in any other book. The author pays very little attention to the very unusual class of cases, but deals with special thoroughness in the commoner ones, thus making the book pre-eminently valuable to the general practitioner, as is stated by the author to be his object. Every portion of the work can be commended because of its up-to-date character. Some of the more difficult things in practice are made quite simple, thus encouraging men to undertake work which they have never done before, which, we think, is quite correct, for nearly all things become quite simple when once they are mastered. The chapter on pessaries is by all means the best one that we have ever seen. Despite the title of the work, the author does not hesitate, when opportunity offers, to give practical suggestions of a business nature. Chapter I, on the outfit required to do gynecologic work, is about right, and shows that $50 is ample to cover this expense. The work is the outcome of the successful reception of the serial,articles, by which it was preceded, appearing in THE MEDICAL COUNCIL. We bespeak for it a large sale and an enthusiastic reception, and would say that the third part, the smallest of the three, is worth many times the price of the book, and will serve much better as a guide in treating the ills of women at the change of life than any other work upon this subject of which we have knowledge. The text is preceded by a good table of contents, and ends with a copious index. It abounds in common sense, practical pointers of a monetary value, and encouragement of the general practitioner to do the major share of his own work. No one in general practice can afford to do without it, and it is so full of practical truth that it must be read and re-read to secure the full benefit it is capable of yielding.

HEMMETER. DISEASES OF THE INTESTINES; Their Special Pathology, Diagnosis and Treatment. With Sections on Anatomy and Physiology, Microscopic and Chemic Examination of the Intestinal Contents, Secretions, Feces, and Urine. Intestinal Bacteria and Parasites; Surgery of the Intestines; Dietetics; Diseases of the Rectum, etc. By John C. Hemmeter, M. D., Philos. D., Professor in the Medical Dept. of the University of Maryland; Consultant to the University and Director of the Clinical Laboratory, etc. In Two Volumes. Volume I-Anatomy, Physiology, Intestinal Bacteria, Methods of Diagnosis, Therapy and Materia Medica of Intestinal Diseases, Diarrhea, Constipation, Enteralgia and Enterodynia Meteorism, Dystrypsia, Enteritis, Colitis, Dysentery, Intestinal Ulcers, Intestinal Neoplasms, etc. With many original Illustrations, some of which are in colors. Published by P. Blakiston's Son & Co., 1012 Walnut St., Philadelphia. 1901. Large Octavo, 740 pages. Price, $5.00 per volume.

This is a distinctly original and American work, and contains information that is absolutely neces

sary, and exceedingly valuable, to every general
practitioner of medicine. It not only represents
the views of a competent authority, but the gist of
all that is known of this subject the world over in
any land, for the author has been indefatigable in
making researches, the evidence of which consists
in the hundreds of references the work contains to
articles upon this subject in general medical litera-
ture for many years past. The extent of the labor
involved in so much research can be better esti-
mated when we say that most of them are by for-
eigners. The book is, therefore, an epitome of the
latest knowledge and best thought upon this sub-
ject by the most competent authorities. It is mag-
nificently illustrated by both borrowed and original
cuts and plates. The first volume, which is all
that we
are now considering, is divided into
three parts. The first relating to anatomy, histolo-
gy, physiology, bacteriology and pathology of the
intestines, and physical methods of diagnosis, all
of which is told in eleven chapters, covering 272
pages. The second part relates to diet, and the
therapy and materia medica of intestinal diseases,
comprising two chapters of 76 pages.
The third
part is clinical, and is suggestively named Intes-
tinal Clinic. It consists of nine chapters, covering
330 pages. Four other doctors, besides Dr. Hem-
meter, share with him the authorship of this book,
as follows: "The Anatomy and Physiology of the
Intestines," by Dr. J. Holmes Smith; "The Ex-
amination of the Feces and Urine," by Dr. Henry
Alder; "On Intestinal Bacteria," by Dr. Wm.
Royal Stokes; and "Diseases of the Rectum,"
by Dr. Thos. Chas. Martin. It is the book upon
the subject, and one that any doctor will be the
gainer by using.

Could not practice without THE COUNCIL.
Wilmot, Mo.

DR. O. CURTIS RICKSECKER.

Useful Notes.

Postal Currency to Supply a General Want.

From The Washington (D. C.) Post.

A measure intended to prevent robbing the mail, to provide a safer and easier method of sending money by mail, and to increase the postal revenues is pending in Congress and should receive consideration. Its passage would not entirely prevent mail robbery, but it would reduce the number of such crimes by reducing the profits accruing from their successful perpetration. It would certainly provide a safer and more convenient method of sending money by mail, and unquestionably would increase the income of the Post Office Department.

To adapt these post-check notes to their purpose it is provided that the words "payable to bearer on demand," which appear in the notes for which these are to be substituted, shall be eliminated, and in place thereof shall appear the words, "Payable to the payee named hereon; payable to bearer if the spaces are not filled." Every device to insure absolute safety appears to have been incorporated in this bill. The fact that more than half of all the post-offices in the United States are not money order offices is a sufficient reason for providing this species of currency, "instantly transferable into safe money to send through the mails" It will answer every purpose of money in ordinary business, and will be changeable into a personal check on the United States Government by the simple process of writing a name. The saving that the government would effect by substituting these notes would, it is estimated, be about $600,000 a year. As an accommodation to millions of persons, the scheme commends itself to general approbation.

Possibly the pending bill may require some amending, but the purpose is good, and the carrying of it out would greatly enhance the utility of the mails, while reducing expenses and increasing

net revenues.

Newspaper publishers, business men and farmers realize the benefit from having money in the hands of the people that could be instantly made into a money order without the delay and expense of a journey to the post-office. Ladies would appreciate its convenience. Even with free rural delivery the farmer has no convenient and safe way to get the money for his daily paper to the publisher. Everyone interested should write Senators and Representatives requesting that the Post Check Currency be furnished the people. For specimens of the proposed currency, address Post Check Currency Bureau, 825 Vermont Ave., Washington, D. C.

Artificial Limbs.

Under the title "The Making of a Man," the Geo. R. Fuller Co., Rochester, N. Y., publish a handsome and instructive catalogue relating to artificial limbs. It is a book of 78 pages, with heavy coated paper, and having many fine illustrations. COUNCIL readers who apply early and mention COUNCIL will receive a complimentary copy.

Municipal Ownership.

Water Works and Electric Lighting Systems Owned by Mishawaka.

Mishawaka, Ind., distinctly a manufacturing town of 6,000 inhabitants, is one that not only be lieves in municipal ownership of public utilities, but votes on that belief. The water works and electric lighting system are both owned and operated by the city. The two systems are located in the same building and are run by the same plant but are under separate management. The electric lighting system has been in operation the shortest length of time, but shows better and quicker results than the other. The advantages in municipal ownership are demonstrated in a review of the electric scheme of this little city.

According to the plan inaugurated in 1895, the revenue derived from commercial lighting pays the running expenses. This scheme has been successful from the very start. There is, however, a levy of 15 cents on the $100 for street lighting. The proceeds supplied in this way are applied on the original indebtedness. The rate charged for commercial or residence lighting is extremely low, being II cents per kilowat. with 20 per cent. off for cash. This rate is an exceptional one, and the fact that the plant is gradually paying for itself at such a low cost to consumers is evidence in itself in favor of municipal ownership of lighting facilities.-Indianapolis Journal.

American Pharmaceutic Chemistry.

Triacol is a combination of three new guaiacol salts, Potassium Guaiacol, Sodium Guaiacol and Ethyl-Morphine Guaiacol, made by an American firm of chemists, the Alpers Chemical Co., 45 to 47 West 31st St., New York City. It is especially valuable in the treatment of diseases of the respiratory tract, coughs, laryngitis, bronchitis, phthisis, etc. Literature, formula and sample will be cheerfully sent to any COUNCIL reader.

Bioplasm is a combination of animal enzymes, etc., containing nuclein, lecithine, diastase, trypsin, fibrinogen, and other organic ferments, and alkaloids, but above all it contains a vital cell (dormant), which in the circulation again becomes active and performs a remedial function greater by far than the ferments and alkaloid. It is pre-eminent as a nerve nutrient, and is useful in debilitated states of the system, nervous diseases, etc. Bioplasm samples not furnished, as the amount would be insufficient to properly tests its merits. A full trade ($1.50) package sent (to physicians only) to those who have not used it, for first time, free, on pre-payment of transportation, packing, etc., 25 cents. For full information address Bioplasm Co., 1135 Broadway, New York, N. Y.

TO THE MEDICAL COUNCIL :

Enclosed please find one dollar for renewal of my subscription. With all sincerity it is the best medical journal I have had for years.

DR. D. M. FOSTER. 107 E. Mulberry St., Bloomington, Ill.

The Eyes.

Looking into the fire is very injurious to the eyes, particularly by a coal fire. The stimulus of light and heat united soon destroys the eyes. Looking at molten iron will soon destroy the sight. Reading in the twilight is injurious to the eyes, as they are obliged to make great exertions. Reading or sewing with a side-light injures the eyes, as both eyes should be exposed to an equal degree of light. The reason is the sympathy between the eyes is so great that if the pupil of one is dilated by being kept partially in the shade, the one that is most exposed cannot contract itself sufficiently for protection, and will ultimately be injured. Those who wish to preserve their sight should preserve their general health by correct habits of living, and give their eyes just work enough, with a due degree of light.-Dietetic and Hygienic Gazette.

A liberal sample (enough for ten days' treatment) of Freligh's Tonic, or Rheumatism Remedy, or Liver Medicine, will be sent COUNCIL readers by I. O. Woodruff & Co., 97 Reade St., New York. Mention MED. COUNCIL.

A man failed after trying long,

And then sat down and wondered why; He saw not where he had been wrong, Nor where fair chances had slipped by. All that he did was sit and gaze

Upon the hopes strewn 'round him there And wonder on through all his days

Why fate had marked him for despair.

Another failed and stepped aside
And saw the causes of his woe-
He saw where efforts misapplied

Had aided chance to bring him low-
And, taking note of all the past,
And turning into newer ways,
He tried again and filled at last
The hopes of all his eager days.

-S. E. Kiser, Chicago Record-Herald.

As regards the therapeutic value of your PeptoMangan (Gude) I am of the opinion that it is the best among all iron preparations. It has given excellent service not only in the lighter degrees of chlorosis and anemia, but also in the severe forms. The preparation was gladly taken by all my patients, without producing disturbances of any kind. DR. ADOLPH KRANZ.

Vienna, August 12, 1901. For literature, etc., address M. J. Breitenbach Co., New York. Mention MEDICAL COUNCIL.

Why and When We Feel Hungry.

A German physician says we feel hungry when the blood vessels of the stomach are comparatively empty. Many anemic patients have no appetite even when the stomach is empty; but the bloodvessels of the stomach are not empty in such cases, but rather congested. In healthy people lack of

blood in the stomach acts upon a special nerve, and all the characteristic symptoms of hunger follow. Now this hunger-nerve and the nerves of the mouth and tongue are branches of the same nerve-trunk. Hence, a stimulus applied to the tongue, by a spice for example, creates or increases appetite. On the other hand, when the nerves of the tongue are affected by a diseased condition of the mucous membrane of the mouth, the patient has no appetite, though his stomach may be empty, and he may be in actual need of food.-Medical Times.

The best time for making good progress with your consumptive patients is in the spring, when warmth, sunlight, and fresh air are in their favor. Write to Bromin Iodin Co. (Dept. C.) Binghamton, N. Y., for sample and literature of their excellent remedy. Mention MEDICAL COUNCIL.

Roswell Park says: "Aside from dental caries, a widely-open port of entry (to bacteria) is often afforded by those ulcerations around the margins of the gums which are produced by the accumulation of tartar." "Vegetol" cleanses the tongue, prevents these deposits, and retards the growth of bacteria. It removes the disagreeable taste of medicine, even of quinine. For sample and literature, address Vegetol Co., 11 E Seventh St., Cincinnati, O. Mention MED. COUNCIL.

Little Sayings of Little People.

It was a four-year-old who asked, "Papa, have you done anything down town to-day that you think I ought to whip you for, if I was as big as you are?"

Thermol is one of the best agents in the treatment of fevers. Iodomuth is equally good as a dressing powder. Both are made by the Liberty Chemical Co., 2555 Sydenham St., Philadelphia.

The man who likes his work has found the philosopher's stone.

In consumption, bronchitis and laryngeal affections, you will find McArthur's Syrup of the Hypophosphites of Lime and Soda an excellent reconstructive. For sample and literature address McArthur Hypophosphite Co., Ansonia, Conn.

Murder and War.

"And I thought of all the widows and orphans he had made; of all the tears that had been shed for his glory; of the only woman who had ever loved him torn from his heart by the ruthless hand of ambition. And I said, I would rather have been a poor French peasant and worn wooden shoes, I would rather have lived in a hut with the vines growing over the door and the grapes grow ing purple in the kisses of the autumn sun, with my loving wife knitting by my side as the day died out of the sky, with my children upon my knees, with their arms about my neck; yes, I would rather have been that poor peasant, and gone down to the tongueless silence of the dreamless dust, than to have been that imperial impersonation of force and murder known as Napoleon the Great."-From "At the Grave of Napoleon," by Robert G. Ingersoll.

A recent expression of opinion between the late Sir Wm. MacCormac, who was one of the special surgeons sent by the British Government to the South African scene of war, and a German surgeon who was also there, it appears that there is a marked difference between wounds received in battle and in civil life. MacCormac stated that the rule was, for those having penetrating wounds of the abdomen, to die if operated upon, while those which are left to Nature recover. From this, he concludes that we must modify our views in regard to interferences in injuries of this kind, and it has been said that our practice of prompt opening of the abdominal cavity, under such circumstances, is probably wrong. To this view the German surgeon objects on the ground of certain differences between penetrating bullet wounds of the abdomen received in warfare and in civil life. He reminds us that the bullets used in warfare are steel and conic, while those received in civil life are usually old-fashioned leaden balls. The former produce a clean-cut, small track, while the latter expand and lacerate the tissues.

It is well known that soldiers in battle usually have an empty intestinal tract, thus making penetrating wounds of the abdominal wall and intestines much less

dangerous, because of non-extravasation of foreign material from the gut into the peritoneal cavity. In civil life, on the other hand, people are not only well- but over-fed, the stomach, or intestines, or both, almost always containing more or less food in process of digestion, which is extruded from the bullet wounds, thus setting up the usual peritonitis. On top of all this, this German surgeon, whose name we do not recall, says that the operating-rooms-at least such as he saw in the Transvaal-were unfit for the uses to which they were put, namely, surgical operations of all kinds. For instance, no attempt was made to keep out flies, so that the moment the abdomen was opened and the coils of intestines exposed, a swarm of flies settled upon them, sometimes in such numbers as to almost entirely cover them. It is little wonder, therefore, he very properly maintains, that those operated upon almost invarably died.

This leads us to add the final remark, that American surgery upon the battlefield, as well as aboard ship in our recent encounter with Spain, presents a much better showing. better showing. The neatness and scrupulous care with regard to asepsis observed by our army and navy surgeons is usually unequaled anywhere. A promi