COLLOIDAL SILVER.-Dr. P. Viett, of Horneburg, Germany, has employed Argentum Colloidale in many cases since the year 1898, and, in the Allgemeine Medicinische Central-Zeitung, of January 19th and 23d, 1901, considers its claims to be regarded as a specific in sepsis of various kinds. He concludes that it has the same importance in septic infections that antitoxin has in diphtheria. He employed the Unguentum Crede, using one inunction of 3 grams (45 grains) once daily at first. But finding that there were no by-effects, that no argyria occurred, he increased the dose to 6, 9, or more grams (12 to 214 drams) daily in severe cases. He also gave the silver internally in many instances. R Argent Colloid.. Albuminis. Aq. dest 2.0 (30 grains). 20.0 (5 drams). .180.0 (6 ounces). M. Sig. A tablespoonful every 2 hours. Viett records a number of cases of phlegmon, lymphangitis and lymphadenitis as examples of many instances of local septic infection by streptococci or staphylococci treated in this way; and they show the superiority of the soluble silver to other methods. In many cases the ordinary antiseptic remedies were first employed with very unsatisfactory results. The disease process progressed along the lymphatic channels and to the lymphatic glands; and only the Colloidal Silver could limit the evil effect of the pus cocci, stop the malady and cure the patient. Large doses, such as 12 grams (3 drams) of Unguentum Crede in twelve hours gave brilliant results in an astonishingly short space of time. Viett employed the Ointment in one case of pneumonia, 3 grams (45 grains) being daily inuncted into the chest; and whilst he does not draw conclusions from a single case, recovery was very rapid, and the case was the only one in which he saw a typical lysis occur. A very severe case of diphtheria and two of scarlet fever ran very favorable courses under the treatment. Diphtheria is often a mixed infection, and the author expresses his belief that antitoxin should be employed for the diphtheria bacilli, and Colloidal Silver for the strep tococci. When both specifics have been administered the physician may rest content with having done his therapeutic duty. The streptococci play a similar role in scarlatina and the patients often die of general septic infection. For prophylactic reasons, therefore, the employment of the drug is indicated in every case of the disease. In two cases of severe appendicitis, non operative, a rapid cure was affected by the employment of the Oint ment. Several cases of septicemia and pyæmia were treated by the same method. In one the prognosis was very bad from the beginning, in consequence of the severity of the infection and the patient's bad condition. In the others, however, the effect of the Colloidal Silver was brilliant and unmistakable. One was that of a girl thirty-five days old, who stood large doses, up to 2 grams (30 grains) daily of the ointment by inunction excellently. Finally, the author employed the treatment in three cases of puerperal fever very effectively. He therefore believes that it should be used in every case. In reviewing the twenty cases which he cites, the author ascribes the absence of the expected effect in the one case to the fact that it was employed too late and not with sufficient energy, and the other one to the obstinacy of the patient. All the others reacted in a way that, as he says, caused him most heartfelt joy. He ascribes the failures that have been noted in some quarters entirely to insufficient dosage. Is Colloidal Silver an absolute specific for sepsis? he asks at the conclusion of his article. Do mercury and the iodides always cure syphilis, or quinine malaria, or the salicylates rheumatism? Yet these are all generally recognized specifics. We must not ask too much of a remedy. Colloidal Silver is not meant to displace any other remedy of proven usefulness; but it fills in unexpected measure a want that has long been painfully felt in the treatment of septic diseases. He is willing to stand by this assertion. Used early and with sufficient energy, Colloidal Silver is a specific for sepsis. Editorial. TWENTY-SIXTH ANNUAL COMMENCEMENT OF THE MEDICAL DEPARTMENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE. Remembering very vividly the enjoyable character of the commencement exercises of one year ago, we can say without hesitation, that the occasion of Tuesday evening, March 26th, 1901, was even more delightful and enjoyable. Kind nature was in one of her most pleasant moods, and with a balmy atmosphere more partaking of one of April's fitfut interludes, or even a "rare day in May," rather than the blustering rudeness of March. The capacious auditorium of the Vendome was completely filled with a typical Nashville audience, the rich and varied costumes of the many ladies present, in their array of color and brilliancy, contrasting with the sombre hues of the regulation university cap and gown worn by the entire graduating class in the orchestra circle, and the faculty on the stage. The stage was very tastefully arranged, a profusion of green house plants, brilliant flowers, palms and other exotics, making a specially attractive picture. The music interspersed through. out the evening's exercises was lively, well rendered and excellently selected. Promptly at 8 P. M., Prof. Paul F. Eve, M. D., Dean of the Faculty presented Rev. J. D. Barbee, D. D., who offered an appropriate prayer. The validictory address on the part of the class was delivered by Dr. T. F. Dunn, of Tennessee, who acquitted himself most excellently, and demonstrated the wisdom of his selection by an address neither too lengthy or unnecessarily brief, which was well received and appreciated by the audience. Perry Bromberg, M. D., Professor of Physiology, Lecturer on Minor Surgery and assistant to the Chair of Surgery, the youngest member of the Faculty, and an alumnus of the school, in a scholarly and eloquent manner delivered the Faculty Charge to the class, which will be found in full in the original department of this issue. The graduating class was then called from their seats to the stage, and were presented by the Dean as worthy, well qualified, and entitled to receive the degree of Doctor of Medicine, which was conferred on them by Charles W. Dabney, Ph. D., LL. D., President of the State University, in his usual dignified, chaste and eloquent manner, and each of the following named gentlemen were presented with his diploma, neatly rolled and tied with ribbons of the college colors : W. H. Adamson, Jas. P. Alexander, Tenn.; Joseph Ardenyi, Ill.; W. L. Arnold, J. S. Beasley, Tenn.; J. W. H. Belote, Ky.; J. T. Black, Texas; A. A. Bradley, Ben E. Briscoe, Tenn.; J. C. Brooks, Ga.; Chas. E. Brown, Jr., Texas; Robt. L. Bushart, Ky.; G. G. Cannon, Tenn.; Wm. A. Carroll, Ark.; T. H. Coke, Tenn.; M. M. DeArman, Texas; B. L. Denison, I. T.; T. F. Dunn, Tenn.; Jacob H. Edwards, Ky.; Jonathan Edwards, Miss.; David G. Estes, Ala.; H. D. Fillmore, Jno. J. Flake, Robt. E. Foster, E. C. Freeman, E. M. Frey, Tenn.; J. M. Graybeal, N. C.; Robt. L. Griggs, Texas; Geo. C. Grimes, Jno. P. Grisard, Albert G. Hayes, H. W. Heymen, Geo. W. Holt, Tenn.; S. S. Hoop, Ala.; J. A. Howard, Jas. H. Jernigan, M. L. Johnson Jas. C. Kelton, Tenn.; John S. Lawson, I. T.; J. R. Major, Jno. A. McCulloch, Tenn.; J. W. McDonald, C. W. McFarling, Texas; W. J. McWaters, H. M. Meredith, Ky.; J. R. Moore, Tenn.; P. A. Moore, Ky.; David T. Muir, N. Y.; W. H. Myers, Jas. H. Myers, Ky.; F. H. Norman, D. P. Oldham, B. L. Ousley, Tenn.; Arthur L. Peacock, Ark.; J. A. Phelps, Ky.; Chas. M. Robinson, Jno. F. Rowland, Tenn.; A. D. Russell, Ky.; W. H. Sedgwick, Ind.; J. W. Simmons, Texas; Thos. R. Spangler, I. R. Storie, Tenn.; S.A.Street, Texas; C.R.Tanner, Ky.; Horace M. Taylor, John S. Taylor, Tenn.; C. D. Thompson, N. C.; J. M.Turner, I. T.; W. F. Turner, Tenn.; H. C. Walkup, Fla.; W. J. Wall, S. C.; Sam W. White, Tenn.; H. F. Whited. Ky.; J. M. Williams, Ill.; C. S. Yarbrough, Ala. After the newly made Doctors of Medicine had resumed their seats, Hon. Benton McMillan, Governor of the State, who occupied a seat on the stage, by special request of class and faculty delivered a short address, directing his remarks exclusively to the graduates. The Governor congratulated the young men upon having graduated from one of Tennessee's best institutions. He urged them to bear in mind that they had just begun to equip themselves for the work before them, and that they could be either successful or fail, and that success required work. He said those who were energetic would leave those who were laggard behind. He admonished them to discharge their duty under any and all circumstances. R. O. Tucker, M. D., Professor of Obstetrics, in a few appropriate remarks awarded the special class honors to the following gentlemen, who were called to the stage again by the Dean: First honor, Paul F. Eve Faculty Gold Medal, to Dr. David T. Muir of New York; second honor, to Dr. W. Herman Myers of Kentucky; third honor, to Dr. H. M. Meredith of Kentucky. Special Gold Medal for Surgical Laboratory Work to Dr. John A. McCulloch of Tennessee. In addition Dr. Muir will receive the appointment of Interne at the City Hospital, and Dr. Myers at the Davidson County Hospital. After the benediction, at the request of the Dean, the audience remained seated until the Faculty and graduates filed out of the auditorium. The exercises were marked throughout by their brief, crisp, entertaining and highly interesting character. It was strictly business, executed in a most pleasing and enjoyable manner; no dragging, no weariness, nothing tiresome from the prompt initiatory at 8 o'clock sharp, to the close. A very enteresting feature of the close of the 26th session was the alumni meeting held on Monday, 25th, consisting of morning and afternoon sessions, occupied with papers and essays from former graduates, among whom we are gratified to note Drs. J. T. Reddick of Paducah, Ky., W. K. Sheddan of Columbia, T. L. Lanier of Rover, Tenn., and others who have made their mark in the localities in which they have lived. Clinics in the college amphitheater and City Hospital by Professors Eve, Wood and Haggard were also held. And a banquet at the Tulane Hotel in the evening was a pleasing precursor of the commencement occasion. Dr. Paul F. Eve discharged the duties of toast master, and the following themes were responded to: The University of Tennessee, Dr. T. H. Wood; Progress of Medicine, Dr. W. D. Haggard; The Medical Student, Dr. Chas. E. Brown; Tennessee, Hon. Benton McMillan. Other speeches, some in lighter vein were made, and the occasion was most enjoyable. MEDICAL SOCIETY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE. As stated in our last number, the 68th Annual Meeting will be held in this City, in the Hall of the Wednesday Morning Musical Association, on Spruce St., near Church, April 9, 10 and 11 inst. Every indication points to a most excellent meeting, and the following list of papers in the hands of the Secretary furnishes quite a varied and attractive scientific and practical menu. Please remember, that you pay full railroad fare at starting point, but get a certificate from the agent, and you will be entitled to a return ticket at one-third rate. Annual Presidential Oration, J. A. Crook, M.D., Jackson. The Eye in General Diseases, J. L. Minor, M.D., Memphis. The Eye and One or More of its Diseases, P. H. Wever, M.D., Deer Sympathetic Opthalmia, C. M. Capps, M.D., Knoxville. |