affected showing the changes most upon the tibia, with the ulna, cranium and sternum following in order. Of the specimens examined, rarefying osteitis was grossly manifest in all but two, one of which (ankylosed metatarsal and cuneiform) was probably of traumatic or septic nature, and the other (a clavicle) was not examined in cross section. Grossly sclerotic changes were evident in 3 of the 10, while on microscopic examination only 1 of 6 from which sections were taken failed to show condensation in areas.

It will be remembered (as remarked by Orton in this paper) that the origin of syphilis, broadly taken up, especially by the French writers, has recognized three possible sources: (a) That the disease was endemic both in this continent and in the old world before communication was established across the Atlantic. (b) That the origin of the infection was in the American races, and that it was carried to Europe by the sailors of Columbus' expedition, on their return. (c) The reverse of the latter theory, i. e., that its place of endemicity was Europe, and that it was brought westward to this side of the Atlantic by Columbus' men, and so implanted here.

It will now be seen, in the light of the investigations above quoted, that the last hypothesis is no longer tenable. The disease was therefore either endemic in both countries at that time, or else its source was here.

The former hypothesis seems the more reasonable if we remember Buret's account of skeletal tissues exhumed in Western France, that belonged to the Gallo-Roman or Merovingian epochs, that, examined by Broca, Ollier, Parrot and Virchow showed themselves to be unquestionably syphilitic. Bones from the stone age have shown these changes. Prehistoric Peruvian skulls have shown them, while the Chinese documents collected by the Emperor Hoang-ty in 2637 B. C., describe the disease with great accuracy. Secular documents from Biblical times during the ascendency of the Greeks and Romans, as well as in the

Middle Ages, suggest the existence of such a disease as syphilis. Furthermore, the very early existence of the disease in China might lend some weight to the theory, upheld by some anthropologists of repute, that the prehistoric races of this (American) continent found their way here from northern China and Siberia, investing Alaska, the Pacific coast regions, and then the continent in which now bones of the Mound-Builders are found that show signs of syphilis.

At any rate, we may now assume that the Neapolitan outbreak of syphilis following the return of Columbus' men, to which Block attributes the appearance of syphilis in Europe, was, after all, but a reappearance of a very old European disease.

THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION.

The first meeting of the year was held in the auditorium of the Washington University Hospital on Thursday, November 9, 1905, the president of the Association, Dr. J. C. Falk, in the chair. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. It was moved and seconded on the recommendation of the executive committee that the surplus funds in the hands of the treasurer be placed on time deposit in one of our banks or trust companies. The matter of awarding a prize for work done by the graduating class was then taken up. In the name of the faculty, the dean, Dr. Luedeking, advised that the prize be given not for a thesis written by member of the senior class, as they are already overburdened with work, but for work done by members of the graduating class during the year following their graduation. This suggestion was adopted and it was decided that a cash prize of $50 be so awarded, the theses being judged by a committee of five, three to be appointed by the president of the association and two by the dean of the faculty.

The following candidates were admitted to membership:Drs. John P. Beeson, E. J. Bribach, B. G. Hamilton, Daniel C. Goodman, Albert Hurit, J. W. Hayward, Jesse W. Hale, L. C. Huelsman, Geo. G. Hawkins, J. M. James, M. W. Jacob, B. C. Kern, Chas. L Klenk, Otto W. Knewitz, H. F. Lincoln, Z. D. Lumly, L. C. McAmis, J. C. McNutt, C. E. McKnelly Frank H. Nettles, Thos J. Nally, Jr., Geo. M. Park, Eugene Senseney, R. C. Strode, Robt. A. Schlernitzauer, Edwin L. Sheahan, D. F. Schilds, C. B. Vonnahme, H. P. Wells, R. E. Wobus, E. H. G. Wilson, Chancey G. Wright, R. M. Wilson, A. M. Zell, H. M. Griffith, Eugene R. Van Meter, Harry X. Cline, Clarence E. Betts, Bert M. Brewster, J. C. Ambrister, R. D. Alexander, Jerome E. Cook, Louis K. Guggenheim, Walter Fischel, Vernon S. Fildes, A. Judson Chalkley, Chas. Guhman, Geo. W. Koenig, Dr. Geo. Gellhorn (associate member.)

The society then proceeded to the scientific program. Prof. H. Tuholske contributed: "Remarks on Some Cases from Practice," in the course of which he presented two patients, one a convalescent after a gastro-jejunostomy for gastric ulcer, the other showing a good result with reasonable continence after a Kraske operation for rectal cancer.

The

Clinical Prof. Ellsworth Smith reported: "A Case of Carcinoma of the Stomach, complicated by Multiple Neuritis.* very interesting preparation of the stomach, showing the cauliflower tumor, was passed around for inspection.

Owing to the lateness of the hour all discussion of the two papers was postponed and the society adjourned.

* Published in full among the Clinical Reports of this number.

BOOK REVIEWS.

Hare's Therapeutics. A Text-book of Practical Therapeutics, with Especial Reference to the Application of Remedial Measures to Disease and their Employment upon a Rational Basis. By HOBART AMORY HARE, M.D., B.Sc., Professor of Therapeutics and Materia Medica in the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, Physician to the Jefferson Hospital, etc. New (11th) edition, enlarged and thoroughly revised to accord with the eighth decennial revision of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, 1905. In one actavo volume of 910 pages, with 113 engravings and four colored plates. Cloth, $4.00, net; leather, $5.00 net; half morocco, $5.50 net. Lea Brothers & Co., Philadelphia and New York, 1905.

Hare's Therapeutics has for a long time been a part of most collections and little need be said of its salient features, they are well known. The recent edition is timely, and for practical purposes it is amply complete. The changes made in the eighth revision (1905) of the Pharmacopoeia are noted, as well as place given to the preparations of the British Pharmacopoeia. Textbooks on therapeutics without the former change are now obsolete.

The volume is strikingly practical, there are no speculations or even discussions about drugs of uncertain action, only known facts are stated. Everything that has not become entirely reliable through long use, has been left out; one is surprised however to find how far this is carried, e. g., under the antitoxins, the only sera mentioned are those for diphtheria and septicaemia. Not a word is said about even the existence of tetanus, hydrophobia, typhoid or dysentery sera. We take the liberty of stating that the student should at least be informed that such sera may well have a field

of usefulness, since they are possessed of virtues equally as certain and specific as many of the drugs mentioned in this work.

The arrangement of the book is splendid; about half of it is devoted to a consideration of drugs and half to a brief consideration of all diseases and the reasons for which certain drugs are indicated, together with their manner of action. This very impressive feature, the accessibility of the book, its plain-forward, practical and common-sense teaching make it a most valuable treatise on the subject. It is noticeably the book of a man who has often spoken to students and who is very close to his work.

Lea's Series of Medical Epitomes Edited by VICTOR C. PEDERSON, M.D. Dayton's Epitome of the Practice of Medicine. A Manual for Students and Practitioners. By HUGHES DAYTON, M.D., Principal to the Class in Medicine, New York Hospital, Out-Patient Department; Clinical Assistant in Medicine, Vanderbilt Clinic, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University. In one 12mo. volume of 324 pages. Cloth, $1.00 net. Lea Brothers & Co., Publishers, Philadelphia and New York.

1905.

Wherever a compendium on the Practice of Medicine can be of use, this one must be recommended. It is an important member of this carefully written series.

Pathology and Morbid Anatomy. - By T. HENRY GREEN, M.D., F.R.C.P., consulting physician and emeritus lecturer on medicine at Charing Cross Hospital, London, etc. Tenth American revised from the tenth English Edition. Revised and enlarged by W. Cecil Bosanquet, M.A., M.D. Oxon., F.R.C.P., London, Ass't physician (late pathologist) to Charing Cross Hospital, London, and to the Brompton Hospital etc. With a colored plate. and 348 illustrations in the text. Lea Brothers & Co., Philadelphia and New York. 1905.

Bosanquet's revision of this old English work places it among