"granules" do, and each vial should be definitly and fully labeled with directions for special use. There is no factory now in existence which puts out satisfactory products of this nature. One of my homeopathic friends once told me that homeopathy consisted essentially in giving a medicin which would increase the disease a little in order that Nature would be stimulated to greater antagonizing efforts in restoring health. "You can jump farther if you go back and take a run," as he put it. "Surgical" cleanliness is impossible in ordinary country obstetrical work. If a doctor will wash his hands thoroly with McClintock's germicidal soap and fill the spaces under the nails with this soap in place of the usual dirt found there, he will have as much freedom from septic troubles in his cases as any hospital in the land can show. A. D. HARD, M.D. Marshall, Minn. Answers. Editor MEDICAL WORLD:-It is surprising to me that none of the valuable text-books you quote in the January WORLD with reference to the treatment of after-pains mention viburnum opulus. This remedy, the fluid extract (P. D. & Co.), in conjunction with a little tincture gelsemium or cimicifuga (whichever indicated) has always successfully combated this annoying condition. Dr. Shirk can use the remedy after acquainting himself with its therapeutic indications. Dr. Crittenden (page 16) can warm up those cold feet with tincture capsicum three drams, alcohol three ounces, applied after a hot foot bath every night for a week. This is also excellent for chilblains. In writing of the remedies manufactured by the Abbott Co., Dr. Robinson did not mention one of their most valuable products. At least, I regard it as such, namely, iodized calcium. In croup it is the "real thing." Give one-third of a grain in one teaspoonful of hot water every ten minutes to a suffocating child, and the effect is wonderful. Have been using it this winter with markt success in tonsillitis also. Dr. Hovorka (page 28) might try my remedies for his weeping eczema. I have a similar case in a man who is an operator (telegraph) during the winter, but in the summer time is a race horse trainer and rider. Just as soon as he begins this wind-splitting occupation he becomes affected precisely as Dr. H. My treatment is Donovan's solution, five drops in water after meals, and unguentine applied locally, with attention to secretions. It has always relieved him in a very short time, and every summer he sends for a little of the medicins. For an all around application for ordinary eczema nothing compares with a prescription given in your valuable publication by Dr. Stetson, of Maine, and publisht on page 327 of the August, 1902, WORLD. It has proved of so much value to me that I have often thought you should publish the formula once a year, like you do the sulfocarbolate-bismuth-nutmeg summer complaint remedy which is so valuable. Now, Dr. Taylor, use your blue pencil on this as you choose; but I have sponged so much valuable information from THE WORLD that I feel inclined to offer the few suggestions above to your mighty family of readers; whether or not they ever hear of them remains with you. I inclose a fee bill adopted by the Carroll County, Ill., doctors, and is, I believe, generally adhered to. GLENN E. MERSHON, M. D. Mt. Carroll, Ill. Fee Bill of the Carroll County (Illinois) Medical Society, Adopted Dec. 9, 1902. Officers-J. Hallar, President, Lanark; F. H. Snow, Vice-President, Chadwick; H. S. Metcalf, Secretary and Treasurer, Mt. Carroll. Physicians of Carroll County-R. C. Burton, Savanna; A. D. Hunter, Savanna; G. W. Johnson, Savanna; J. D. Lyness, Savanna; L. H. Maloney, Savanna; W. W. McGrath, Savanna; J. B. Schreiter, Savanna; S. P. Colehour, Jr., Mt. Carroll; D. M. Greeley, Mt. Carroll; H. J Hughes, Mt. Carroll; G. E. Mershon, Mt. Carroll: H. S. Metcalf, Mt. Carroll; R. B. Rice, Mt. Carroll: N. Rinedollar, Mt. Carroll; R. P. Wales, Mt. Carroll; R. H. Wood, Mt Carroll; J. Haller, Lanark; T. I. Packard, Lanark; H. W. Wales, Lanark; A. H. Wales, Lanark; W. H. Durkee, Thomson; F. E. Melugin, Thompson; W. H. Miller, Chadwick; F H. Snow, Chadwick; R. C. Miller, Shannon; J. E. Porter, Shannon; A. E. Auringer, Milledgeville; R. McPherson, Milledgeville; J. D. Overholser, Milledgeville; J. A. Wright, Fairhaven; C. W. McPherson, Hazelhurst. Visit in city, 6 a. m. to 9 p. m. $1 00 $1.50 to 2.00 .50 to 1.00 prescription, 1.00 to 2.00 2.00 to 5.00 plus mileage 1.00 plus mileage Visit in country (Night) Same as day plus 50 percent .50 to 2.00 5.00 plus mileage Formula of Peruna. Peruna is a combination of the activ principles obtained from cedron, copaiba, cubebs, buchu, calisaya, collinsonia, canadensis, cordalis, formosa (each deodorized by a peculiar process) and double distilled cologne spirits, degrees 57. [This comes from Dr. R. A. Clopton, of Milan, Tenn., who claims that it was sent to him by Dr. Hartman of the Peruna Co. The above is just as received by us.-ED.] Editor MEDICAL WORLD:-In reply to Dr. Holsteen's inquiry I give you the formula for peruna, as I got it: R MEDICAL WORLD Family :-Now while you will need it, let me recommend to you the dark iodid of lime, or iodized lime, in coughs and colds. Use 5 grains in glass of water. Take a teaspoonful every 10 to 20 minutes to break up a cold. You will find this also a superior remedy in quinsy, 10 grains to 4 ounces of water; a teaspoonful every 15 to 30 minutes in the beginning. For membranous croup there is nothing so good; 10 grains to 4 ounces of water; a teaspoonful every 10 to 60 minutes. The breathing soon becomes easier, the distress gradually disappears, the membrane is absorbed or cought up. Yes, I have seen it cought up in shreds and pieces. After trying many things in the last 28 years, and testing this for about 15 years, I can confidently recommend it. While I use other indicated remedies and measures, the iodized lime is my main dependence. Brethren of the profession, learn this splendid remedy. Now will some one, or our good Editor, please send me the formula for Miles' Nervine? I do not want to use it, but would like to expose it as I have "Safe Kidney Cure." The "Nervine" is used here. Please help me to expose it. With a good wish to our Editor and each paid subscriber, I am fraternally yours, L. W. HENDERSHOTT, M.D. Mill Shoals, Ill. [We do not know the formula for Miles' Nervine.-ED.] Balsam of Fir for Chronic Constipation. Editor MEDICAL WORLD: -On page 35, January number of THE WORLD, you give an elaborate treatment for chronic constipation. In connection with the above I beg to state that, from 1872 to 1880 I suffered from chronic constipation, and I tried everything suggested in your reply, but without avail. What I endured was something terrible. Finally, I began to reason thus: The retention of the feces over their proper time, and for so long a period, has caused an irritation of the membrane of the bowel, and anything which will travel the length of the bowels and retain its healing virtue, persisted in, must of necessity cure. Having previously healed abrasions of the skin with balsam of fir, and believing that it would pass thru the bowels without losing any of its healing powers, I decided to give it a fair trial. I then bought 200 three-grain capsules, filled them with the balsam, and took five after each meal. For the first week, I was annoyed with belching the odor from the balsam, but in four weeks I was so much benefited that I became very hopeful, and in four weeks more I was as regular as anyone. And I am pleased to say that I have not been troubled in that way since. I had a daughter, now deceased, who suffered in the same manner for three years. Somehow she couldn't make up her mind to take the balsam, but trifled with cascarets and many other laxativs until it became unbearable. Finally she resorted to the balsam, and when she was cured she remarkt to her mother, "This is the greatest pleasure of my life." I have advised numerous others to use the remedy, and all were cured. It does wonders in catarrh of the stomach and bowels. Now, Sir, please don't publish this, but submit it to "Old Subscriber" and request him to give it a fair trial, and report results. I know that it will do the business, but I would much rather that some physician would give it to the profession, and thus benefit humanity. Baltimore, Md. W. C. KAISS. [It seems that Mr. Kaiss is not a physician, but I find that he is a subscriber. We do not encourage the laity to subscribe for THE WORLD; in fact we prefer that it be kept away from the laity, except doctors' wives. However, we cannot limit it entirely; but we do not think the lines should be drawn on as intelligent and interested a member of the laity as Mr. Kaiss. As to "Old Subscriber," the other members of the family are as good as he, so we decide to give the above to all.ED.] A first-class battleship costs as much as all the 94 buildings of Harvard University. I A Method of Book-keeping for Doctors. Editor MEDICAL WORLD:-Physicians are considered very poor book-keepers, and we are constantly being urged to buy some short form of book-keeping. I have my own method, which is short, yet complete. wouldn't exchange it for any I ever saw. I always know exactly the amount each of my patients is due me, and the exact condition of my practise each month, and year, as compared with any previous month or year. I inclose sample pages, which explain method. If you think it of any value to the "family," kindly publish. Paris, Texas. G. F. THORNHILL, M.D. my Total. Let January and February represent the twelve months. You can see how your business increases each month and each year. This ought to be as valuable to the Doctor as to the merchant. Automobiles Not Popular. Editor MEDICAL WORLD:-Your advice, or rather your correspondents' advice to the majority of country physicians, to let automobiles. alone, is practical and true, and as long (to use the words of a judge in an automobile damage suit) as the vehicle is a luxury, a new beginner, or even a doctor in moderately good circumstances, will do well to let it alone. For, as the very same judge says, an automobile, no less than a traction engine, is not a regular business vehicle, to be driven at any time or without any precaution on public highways. An automobile is a luxury which but the smallest number of inhabitants can procure for themselves; hence must be subjected to certain rules and regulations, lest the harm which they cause should outweigh the benefit. The claim that an automobile may save the life of a patient by the speed it can be made to make is only true in a very few instances; for cases where human life depends on 15 to 30 minutes are not common; and even if they occurred more often than they do, yet it would be difficult to prove legally that it was the speed of the doctor and his vehicle that saved the patient's life. An automobile in a small town, which may be found at any time anywhere along the public roads, and without any restrictions, is very dangerous to the public in general. No woman or child dare drive even the gentlest horse, for fear of meeting the strange thing. Hence it makes virtually a prisoner of every woman in the neighborhood not an expert driver. The suit is not yet ended, hence I cannot tell you the result; but this much is sure: A doctor who, with his automobile, prevents many an old or young lady from taking her usual ride of a summer evening, or who is the cause of accidents, will hardly be employed by the majority of the people. Jos. ZITEKE. Batesville, Ind. Let There Be Light. "Let us open ourselves to every source of light, and strive to find the truth." (Jan. WORLD, page 37, bottom of second column, note by the Editor.) To this I say, amen! And when we have seen the light, let us acknowledge the source of it. How many physicians know who discovered and introduced such a well known remedy as podophyllin? This remedy is used daily by thousands of physicians of the different socalled "schools," yet I doubt if many know that podophyllin was discovered and introduced by Dr. John King, one of the war horses of eclecticism, in the year 1835. How many physicians give credit to our homeopathic brethren for discovering the therapeutic value of nitro-glycerin ? From whence came the idea of giving bryonia in diseases of the respiratory organs? In looking over works on materia medica we find that bryonia is "an irritant to the gastrointestinal mucous membranes; a hydragog cathartic." How came it to pass that graduates of schools which placed the above works on materia medica in the hands of students, are using bryonia, pulsatilla, and other remedies not mentioned by the professor of materia medica during their course of study? Evidently the light was reflected on them from the eclectics and homeopaths. I would say to Dr. Anderson, page 37, January WORLD, that the terms "regular," eclectic, etc., must of necessity be used by the different medical sects. The members of these sects are physicians in the same sense that the members of the various and numerous religious sects are called Christians. They are all striving to attain the same end by different methods; and each sect is confident that its method is the best. The eclectics have evolved a rich and valuable materia medica from our indigenous plants; hence they style themselves the American school. The homeopathic school rests upon the solid rock, "similia similibus curantur." The eclectic prescribes his remedies in accordance with specific indications," the fundamental doctrin of that school of medicin. The homeopath finds the same indications for remedies in 1904 that were recorded 100 years ago by the father of homeopathy. A remedy which relieved a certain condition 100 years ago will, in the hands of the homeopathic prescriber, produce the same results today. How many remedies are used by the socalled "regular school today in the same manner as they were 100 years ago? or even 20 years ago? I do not think the terms which designate the different medical sects will be lost in the generic term "physician," until the regular medical schools give instructions in the fundamental principles of the different methods of treating disease expression as now taught by all socalled schools of medicin. Then the term physician will signify a great deal. "Let us open ourselves to every source of light, and strive to find the truth." And after we have found the truth, let us speak it in open meeting. W. H. RUSSELL, M.D. Ipswich, Mass. The Proposed Medical Protectiv Associations. Editor MEDICAL WORLD:-Some of my correspondents, in response to my article in October WORLD, page 456, have suggested the existence of professional jealousies as a serious obstacle to the formation of the above. I am fully aware of the existing strenuous competition and antagonisms in which our code of ethics has been trampled in the dust, but I thought I was presenting a "platform" upon which all might assemble. One of the chief objects of the M. P. A.'s would be to inculcate an improved method of business. No business can be successful if conducted in the careless way the average doctor's is. He gives credit to all sorts of people, and enters into cases entailing long continued and arduous services, on the mere chance of being paid, and for the sake of practise. His books show the entries of numerous small sums not worth the expense of collecting, were it possible to do so. I have at hand the card of a London physician. After setting forth fees and mileage at the rate of $2.50 per mile out of the city, is the following: "All fees to be paid at the time, except by arrangement." "Letters asking for advice should inclose fee." in We shall require the moral support of association to inaugurate this system this country. this country. Many doctors would be afraid. to refuse a prescription without a fee, fearing the loss of a patient; but the loss of a prospectiv patient of the class who habitually visit a doctor with the old story "have not any money now" is not an unmitigated evil. If you credit such patients, as a speculation, and sooner or later press for payment, they take offense and go to another doctor and abuse you. The doctor also who accepts re duced fees and allows his bills to be heavily discounted, lowers himself in the estimation of the people, who generally accept us at our own valuation. If in his good nature he accepts the plea that his patient has little or no money, he will generally find that money can be found for indulgence in vices and pleasures, but not for the doctor. Many years ago, when practising in New York, a set of pseudo-fashionable people there, |