DISLOCATION OF BOTH SACRO-ILIAC SYN-tire responsibility of the case and conduct it to its final now suggested that the writer should assume the enCHONDROSIS, WITH LACERATION OF treatment. The patient being somewhat nervous, and THE LIGAMENTS, AND EXTENSIVE CONTUSIONS. the mother fearing that the examination would cause him pain, he was partially etherized, and the injured parts were carefully but thoroughly examined. The articular surfaces of both sacro iliac synchondrosis BY PROF. C. H. VON TAGEN, M. D., CHICAGO, ILL. were separated nearly two fingers' width at their upper E. M., aged nine (9) years, light complexion, nervo- and there was evidently laceration, more or less, of the portions, and half that distance at their lower termini; phlegmatic temperament, was engaged, with other posterior sacro-sciatic, sacro-iliac, and supra-spinous boys, amusing himself by riding upon a swinging plat finger ends could be pressed in between the articular ligaments. Judging from the depth to which the form attached to a large, beavy wagon used for hauling surfaces of the displaced bones, there was probably ponderous cut stone for building purposes. While thus laceration of the anterior sacro-iliac and lumbo-sacral engaged, the subject of our report fell from his position, ligaments. We should have stated that, when anstriking flat upon his abdomen, and before he could æsthesia was administered, the patient was placed escape, the hind wheel of the wagon passed transverse- The examination of the posterior injured parts was upon his right side, so as to allow free respirations. ly over the lower portion of his spine and hips, about made. Subsequently the patient was turned upon his two inches or more below the crests of both iliums. back, and the anterior regions were examined. ReFortunately for the boy, the wagon was not loaded at placing the patient on his right side, and continuing the time. He lay apparently lifeless, after uttering the anesthesia, the displaced bones were pressed firmly some screams; was then picked up and carried into his back "in situ," when, the interspaces being closed, the father's residence, which was close at hand. The fam- parts were now in complete juxtaposition and perfectly ily physician was immediately sent for, and answered adjusted, and then he was placed upon his back again, the summons promptly. The case remained in his Compresses, of sufficient size to fit the hips, on either hands for a period of three days, when the writer was side, and a roller bandage were snugly applied from a called upon for consultation, late in August, 1876. point two inches below the trochanters major of the Examination revealed a severe contusion, accom- thighs, then upward to a point on a line with the crests panied with great swelling over the entire sacral and of the iliiums. Thus the parts were kept in firm apposigluteal regions, the mark of the wheel being distinctly tion, and the local application of Arnica was continued. apparent where it had passed transversely over the The patient was still laboring under partial incontiparts. There was complete paralysis of all the parts nence of urine and passing of stool, but not so marked below the seat of injury, including both sensory and as before. His general condition was markedly im motor nerves, together with a more or less tumefied proved. At this visit his pulse was 94; temperature condition as far down as the feet. There were invol- 990; skin more natural; brain symptoms were much untary emissions of urine and stool. All the internal alleviated; he could take and retain nourishment. organs and portions of the body above the seat of in- The lower limbs were still paralyzed, but the swelling jury were performing their respective functions tolera- throughout had abated. The Arnica had evidently bly well, yet there were indications of threatening ap checked what would have been without it a very proach of a grave condition of affairs. All the indica- grave case of traumatic fever, and had overcome the tions pointed distinctly to shock and a severe traumat-shock which the patient's system had been laboring ic condition. The pulse was 140; temperature 104°; under, thus fulfilling its mission handsomely. We now skin hot and dry; great thirst; tendency to vomit all proceeded to extend our examination further, to ascernourishment; glassy appearance of the eyes, which, tain to what extent the paralysis existed, and its charwith the face, were much suffused. There was more acter. By means of a fine cambric needle, unknown or less twitching of the muscles of the upper portion to the patient, the two lower limbs and toes were of the body and arms, with startings and jerkings dur-gently pricked, when a very slight response was noing sleep, which was fitful. Owing to the swollen conticed, which was involuntary. This slight token, dition of the injured parts and their great sensitiveness, however, gave us some hopes. Remembering, from it was impracticable at this stage to make a thorough Gelseminum in other and, what appeared to be, marked our past experience, the good effects from the use of examination, or to ascertain the extent of the displacement of the bones; consequently we were obliged to cases of motor paralysis, this remedy was given, 30th suspend further examinations, and to wait until a more trit., as there were indications for the remedy present; favorable opportunity. The patient presented some such as relaxation of the muscular system, with a sense cerebral symptoms, and especially when sleeping, such of weakness not amounting to entire prostration (such as delirium; tossing of the head on the pillow; unas Arsenic calls for), and the paralysis already noted. easiness and restlessness when awake. He was obliged Under the influence of this remedy, the paralyzed to lie on his abdomen, not being able to lie upon ei-limbs recovered their usefulness gradually, and, by ther side, or the back; the weather being very war, proper exercise and friction, after lapse of sixty days added to the discomforts and sufferings of the patient, from date of injury, regained their former strength. Arnica mont, was the indicated remedy, both internally and topically. Although the patient was at this time taking Belladonna, 6th dilution, Arnica mont., 30th trit., was now ordered to be given in water every two hours, and Arnica tincture, one part in thirty of hot water, to be locally applied and frequently, by means of compresses of soft flannel, and not allowed to be come dry. This treatment was continued, under the supervision of the attending family physician, for a period of three or four days, during which time the patient improved manifestly, and the parts locally had resumed more of their normal proportions, the discoloration or ecchymosis being still present. Again the writer was summoned, and found the condition of affairs as just stated. Both the physician and family The patient now evinced some symptoms of lurking malaria in his system, but with no special indications of any regular paroxysms, such as are present in intermittent fever. The indications were as follows: lassitude, desire to lie about and do nothing, no desire to play, variable appetite; and feverish conditions, and thirst at irregular intervals, with drowsiness; eyes looking dull and heavy. China, 30th trit., was given for this condition, and continued for two weeks, when the patient resumed his usual activity and desire to play, all the last named symptoms disappearing. The patient was then pronounced cured, and has continued in good health without any interruption up to present date, Dec., 1879. The Homœopathic Times. A MONTHLY JOURNAL Of Medicine, Surgery. and Collateral Sciences. Editors: Listen to the reports of clinical cases, on both sides; weigh the data upon which these cases are based and treated; and then tell us whether you are willing to depend upon such material for your precedents! One colleague who is afraid that his school will suffer from an honest confession of practice, is found ad EGBERT GUERNSEY, M.. ALFRED K. HILLS, M.D. vising the invariable use of massive doses of Ergot J. B. GILBERT, M. D. as a prophylactic in post-partum hemorrhage! Another, equally zealous for pure practice, advises Chloroform in all cases of labor, while still another Office, 18 West Twenty-third Street, New York, insists that the bandage should never be applied to Published on the First of each month. NEW YORK, JANUARY, 1880. "A regular medical education furnishes the only presumptive evidence of professional abilities and acquirements, and OUGHT to be the ONLY ACKNOWLEDGED RIGHT of an individual to the exercise and honors of his profession."-Code of Medical Ethics, Amer. Med. Ass., Art. iv., Sec. 1. TO OUR SUBSCRIBERS. the parturient female. As we write, there comes to our ear the report that one of these "pure and simple" practitioners prescribed fifteen grains of Chloral hydrate as an hypnotic! What we want is more honesty, as well as individualization. The writer is not one of those who would resort to narcotics, cathartics, etc., upon slight occasion; but every experienced practitioner knows that all Our subscribers will very much oblige us by these things have their own ind.vidual offices, and remitting the amount of their respective arrear- it should be our duty, as practical physicians, to No matter how ages at once, by postal order payable to the Hoм- ascertain where these places are. infallible our law of therapeutics may be, we cannot OPATHIC TIMES. force it out of its legitimate domain, nor bring within its sphere those other elements of the universe, which will continue to be guided by a law equally universal and unerring. THE SITUATION. The breach which has been for a long time widening between certain members of our school, upon ethical grounds, and from an unwillingness upon the part of both extremes to accept the "results of experience" as reported by each other, shows no tendency to disappear. Both parties still insist that theirs is the only correct view, and that all others at variance must be absolutely wrong. One of the chief factors in this controversy consists in the dogmatism with which both parties hold to their views, a practice entirely unbecoming to scientific investigators. We have not yet arrived at that absolute certainty in therapeutics, where we can afford to lend a deaf ear to the "results of experience," from whatever source it may come, and we doubt whether any physician would be willing to own to his patients that he would be thus governed. We will admit that much of the so-called "experience" is worthless, on account of manifold errors and inaccurate data, upon which it is based-an objection which holds good in respect to both parties to this controversy-but, as scientists, we should listen respectfully, and hold fast to that, which seems to us worthy. We must be more particular in individualization, if we would recognize the cases which come under the "law of similars" from those which belong to the domain of chemistry, hygiene, etc., as no forcing in classification is possible in dealing with natural and fixed laws. So long as each individual has a different definition of the term homœopathy we cannot expect to dogmatize articles of faith which any very considerable number can subscribe to even if this course were advisable. As well might we expect Christendom to agree upon a single creed. In the essentials we are agreed; the principal one of which is that there is a law or rule for the selec tion of remedies for the sick, which has been formulated in the maxim, Similia similibus curantur. As to the extent of its application, and as to the use of other means. chemical or otherwise, we never can expect all to take the same view. The elaborate and scholarly articles upon the divisibility of matter which have lately appeared in our journals, although containing much which had better been left out, have served a purpose, by making readers think. One has only to glance at the works on materia The controversy is continued to a large extent by medica and therapeutics of the "old school," to see the increasing tendency to generalization. There is too much theory and too little fact, and too strict and blind an adherence to dogma without the support of practical experience. what advances toward individualization and the homoeopathic plan of selecting the remedy is being made outside our own ranks. The time seems rapidly approaching when all true investigators in the field of therapeutics will be working hand in hand, and then we may hope for higher accomplishments in our noble art. SURGEON-GENERAL WATSON. The New York Tribune thinks Governor Cornell must be a brave man to appoint a homœopath Surgeon-General of the State. No one who knows Governor Cornell doubts his bravery, his honesty, and his peculiar knowledge of character. His appointments, therefore, have been unexceptionable, each one peculiarly fitted for his position, and all reflecting honor upon the State and the Governor. It is a sad comment, however, upon the Christian courtesy and the intelligence of a learned profession in this nineteenth century, a profession which, by its intelligence, should be above bigotry and intollerance, when a leading journal in the metropolitan city thinks it requires particular bravery on the part of the Governor to appoint a homœopath, no matter who he may be or what his qualifications or fitness for the position, to an office of honor and trust. BIBLIOGRAPHICAL. MEDICAL CHEMISTRY, Including the Outlines of Or- book on medical chemistry is even more complete, Sir Thomas Watson, Bart., author of the Principles We very much doubt whether any one who has DICTIONARY OF THE GERMAN TERMS USED IN MEDI- German sources that the student often finds a familiar ity with German terms essential to the proper under- The title of the work sufficiently indicates its characWatson. He has been President of the Homœopath-ter. So much of our medical literature comes from ic State Society; Trustee of the State Insane Asylum at Middletown, and was appointed United States Examining Pension Surgeon in 1875. He has received the honorary degree of Doctor of Medicine from the Regents of the University of the State of New York. Courteous and dignified in his deportment, of rare scientific abilities and high social position, he is eminently fitted by both education and talent for almost any position in the gift of the Governor. In our estimation Dr. Watson, homœopath though he is, will confer quite as much honor upon the office of Surgeon-General of the State as the office can possibly confer upon him. We very much doubt whether the Governor thinks he has shown any especial bravery in making what will prove one of the most popular of all his excellent appoint ments. In this brochure of 34 pages the author endeavors to prove" that there exists in pulmonary tuberculosis a mode of natural derivation which the physicians can produce at pleasure, and which is perhaps the most efficacious of all. This derivative is the tænia, that worm which the Abyssinians regarded as so useful, and which is not, in the author's opinion, to be rashly expelled.' Dr. Andre cites several cases when, through “engorgement of the uterus" and other uterine troubles, and through the production of cautères suppures, there has been induced a lull in the pulmonary process which has enabled the patient to regain sufficient strength to make life bearable, and even useful. In other words, by establishing a congestive centre in a previously healthy part, the lungs are relieved by derivation of that congestion which feeds the pulmonary disease. The Doctor then cites seventeen cases which he regards as proofs of the efficacy of tænia in phthisis and the bad results following its expulsion. We have room for the following cases only: “M. B., druggist, æt. 30, applied for treatment in September, 1874. He had phthisis of the most painful kind I ever witnessed; incessant whooping cough, vomiting, intercostal neuralgia, insomnia; all his brothers had died of phthisis; he himself had been troubled for some years. He stated that all the symptoms had become worse since the expulsion of a tænia. He lived but a few months after its expulsion.' X., brickmaker, æt. 29; father phthisical; consulted me a year and a half ago for a tænia which tormented him greatly. When about to prescribe a vermifuge I examined his chest and detected without trouble a consolidation at right apex. At my earnest solicitation he promised to retain the worm. Although thin, he coughs but little and his appetite is good. "Madame D., æt. 31, came from Beziers to Toulouse in March, 1873; sick about one month; had had hæmoptysis; râles distinctly heard under the right clavicle; appetite quite good, and external appear ances not that of a consumptive. For six months had noticed proglottides in her stools, which were diarrhæic. She attributed the tænia to eating raw meat. When advised to have it expelled she stated that she considered it a benefit, and that in her country there existed the same opinion.' She determined, however, at my suggestion to take the cortex granati. Immediately after the expulsion of the parasite she took to her bed, cavities formed with terrible rapidity, and two months later (Aug. 20, 1875) she died." The other cases described are of the same character. Of course the evidence to be deduced therefrom is not at all convincing. Such observations at the best can but suggest, and it is only when by force of numbers the possible errors in our deductions are overcome, that they permit conclusions on which we can rely. Few can deny the palliative and curative effects of counter-irritation, and Dr. Andre's thesis hinges mainly on the question whether the presence of the tænia produces a sufficient "contre-fluxion" to be effective. In our own practice we have noted several cases where uterine troubles and profuse leucorrhoeas have induced a lull in the pulmonary disease. years ago in the Hahnemannian, which he thought negatived the question. Our own experience leads us to an opposite opinion. Unsatisfactory as the evidence is, we think it suggestive and of sufficient interest and importance_to bring it to the notice of the profession through Dr. Andre's brochure, EUGENE ROLLIN CORSON. Savannah, Georgia. THE HOMEOPATHIC THERAPEUTICS OF INTERMITTENT Both its material and arrangement are superior to goes. The next edition should contain a repertory, and if lack of space is the cause of its omission, leave out the introductory," which is too elementary and theo retical. The comparisons are excellent, and make the work far more usable than it otherwise would be, although some of them are unnecessarily drawn out. One typical clinical case under each drug would be sufficient in most instances, and save space, if economy in this respect must be practiced. The work should be in the hands of every practitioner who values symptomatology as an aid in individualization. NOTES ON THE POSITION AND PROGRESS OF HOME Judging from the meagre account, herein contained, of homoeopathy and its institutions in our own State, we should say that this author fell into rather poor hands to gain anything like a fair knowledge upon the position and progress of homœopathy in the United States of America. As Dr. Holden resigned his position as "chief of staff" of the W. I. Hospital more than a year ago, we do not see how the author could be conducted through the building by the resident physician, Dr. Holden." This is not the first instance in which our friends over the water have failed to do us justice or to report In Europe, and especially in Germany, where con- us correctly. We observe also that the British Joursumptives are induced to eat raw beef, as the stomach nal, in referring to the American Journal of Electrology generally stands it remarkably well, more cases of and Neurology, says it is" conducted by Dr. Butler, late tænia* in phthisical patients come to the notice of the medical officer to the Middletown Lunatic Asylum (!)” physician. One such case only has come to our notice: a statement which must have been made upon most A young man contracted a catarrh of the right apex untrustworthy information. Dr. John Butler, the acwith a pneumonia which was slow in resolving, leav-complished editor of the journal in question, was never ing impaired resonance over the lower lobe of the connected in any way with the "State Homœopathic right lung. He got a tania medio-canellata from eating Asylum for the Insane at Middletown." raw beef, the sole evidence of which was the passage of the proglottides, and a slight itching about the arms. As there was a gradual but sure improvement in the case, and as the parasite gave rise to no troubie, we decided not to interfere. In fact, it was through the treatment of this case that we came upon the observations of Dr. Andre. The evidence, however, is of a negative kind, and must be taken with reserve. The subject is related to the mooted question as to the advantages accruing to consumptives from a fistula in ano. If our memory serves us, Dr. A. R. Thomas contributed some observations on the subject three *This is not the ordinary Tania Solium which comes from the ingestion of raw pork, and which a German writer has called "the poor man's worm," but the tænia medio-canellata which infests beef, and which has been called by the same writer, "the rich man's worm." This subject has been ably treated by Cobbold in his two works: Tapeworm; Human Eutozoa; Their Sources, Nature, and Treatment;" and "Entozoa; an Introducduction to Helminthology." Dr. Wm. M. Butler has been for several years, and is now, the first assistant physician to that institution, and is not, so far as we know, connected with any journal as editor. THE HOMEOPATHIC LAW OF SIMILARITY: An Open TRANSACTIONS OF THE AMERICAN HOM. OPHTHAL- CORRESPONDENCE. PARTICULAR VISIBILITIES. MESSRS. EDITORS-In the American Observer for October and November, appears an article by Prof. S. A. Jones, which, though addressed to the editor of the Hahnemannian Monthly, is a professed reply to certain "comments" of mine, which appeared in the latter journal some five months ago. Prof. Jones does not attempt to reply to my statements regarding the errors in his previous articles, except in one instance only, but endeavors to weaken the force of my crit icism by misrepresenting my arguments, and my premises, and by accusations of ignorance in several particulars. Passing by the invective in his paper, for the present, I would only show a few of the serious errors which he puts forward therein. (1.) Prof. Jones berates me for writing of the Brunonian movement of a molecule, which he asserts is a mistake on my part for the term Brownian movement. If the reader will turn to Dunglison's Medical Diction ary, he will find both these words stated as synony mous with each other. But Prof. J Hughes Bennett, of Edinburgh University, a countryman of the botanist after whom the movements were named, writes, "the molecular movements described by Robert Brown, hence called Brunonian movements." Prof. Jones ought to know that there is no w in Latin, and that technical expressions or names usually follow the Latin rather than the English form. 64 (2.) Prof. Jones accuses me of the grave logical error of reasoning from a fraction the numerator of which is a line, while its denominator is an object; this line having magnitude but not density, the object having both. 1125 I can scarcely understand how he could bring himself to make such a charge in the face of the facts. My fraction 200 has for its numerator and its denominator both, lines; the first being the measure of a space between other lines, and the second being not an object but the diameter of an object, which is a line. His own quotation of my statement shows this clearly I said "an object the 1th of an inch in diameter," and again, “diameter similarly proportional (200) to that of the smallest object, etc. He then brings in density which he knows has nothing whatever to do with the question, which is the limit of microscopic visibility; for the microscope deals with surface magnitudes only, 1125 when examining opaque bodies. thus: " (3.) In trying to improve on his favorite authority, Ehrenberg, Prof. Jones states a proposition himself, Any particle which powerfully reflects light, and can present in the field of the microscope an appar ent diameter of the,,,,th of an inch, has for its actual diameter 11th of an inch multiplied by the amplifying power of the objective giving the apparent diameter." (Observer, current vol., page 514.) 1125 1125 Now, granting for the nonce that the eye can distinguish an apparent diameter of the 11th of an inch, let us apply this" formula," as Prof. Jones calls it, and see whether the error is inherent in the objective or in the formula. 1125 Suppose we take him at his word, and multiply the 12th of an inch by 1125, the amplifying power of an ordinary lens ; § we have 11x1125-1 inch, the "actual diameter" according to Prof. Jones of a particle which exhibits "in the field of the microscope an apparent diameter of th of an inch." This would, 1 1125 it may be observed, exactly reverse the function of the microscope, making it a diminishing instead of a magnifying instrument. I own I have been extremely puzzled heretofore at some of the results of Prof. Jones' microscopy, but if his instrument is of the variety noted above, many difficult points become perfectly clear. In order to see a particle of gold in the 9x trit., it would only be necessary to put a piece one inch in diameter on the stage with the sac. lac., and Prof. Jones' microscope with an amplifying (?) power of 1125 at once shows it with an apparent diameter of of the 12th of an inch. 1125 112600 (4.) Here we may inquire whether his premise is not equally untenable. Can any particle "present in the field of the microscope an apparent diameter of the 1th of an inch ?" Remembering that his authority, Ehrenberg, says that a particle of this diameter may be "discerned" (not defined) with the naked eye,* and that Prof. J. E. Smith and the editor of the American Journal of Microscopy agree that such discernment would not permit of the defining of the particle, how is it supposable that with almost all the light cut off from the eye by a close-working high-power objective, such an apparent diameter could be recognized? But "all things are easy to the Gods," and perhaps the Deity whom the Professor worships+ has endowed him with some of her peculiar immortality! (5.) Prof. Jones endeavors to represent me as having "reasoned from dimensions and density as equals. If any one will do me the honor, and take the trouble to read the paragraph referred to,‡ he will see that I of a grain of gold and the 1-ten trillionth of an inch of charged Prof. Jones with having made the 1-billionth equal visibility. As he makes no effort to deny this, he is guilty, not I, of reasoning " from dimensions and density as equals. I have confined myself to the most prominent of the errors in Prof. Jones' article in order to keep his next reply within bounds. I might point out many others, tioned. Such are: the incorrectness of his explanation which space will not permit of being more than menconcerning his use of the word "data," he having stated but one measurement from Ehrenberg previously in the article; § his assumption that I denied the apparent ascending movement of a particle on an inclined stage, when I made reference to his own personal movements; his constant confounding of the * Observer, current vol-, p. 512. + Hahn. Monthly, current vol., p. 351. |