Bacillus of Shiga and Summer Diarrheas of Children.-This subject was discussed at the 1903 meeting of the American Pediatric Society (Archives of Pediatrics). Flexner reported that in 45 out of 52 cases examined in the summer of 1902, the Shiga bacillus was found. He called attention to the fact that the bacillus was rather a difficult one to isolate and be sure of. Park was of the opinion, from his examination of cases in different places, that this bacillus was not so common. Koplik stated that there are various groups of summer diarrheas. First, dyspeptic, due to improper feeding. Second, cases due to micro-organisms in the food. Third, infectious cases, due to a bacillus, but where the food has been all that could be desired. Some of these were undoubtedy due to the bacillus of Shiga, but their number was limited. Holt reported the Shiga bacillus present in 37 of 112 cases. Of these 15 came to autopsy. All forms of inflammation of the intestines was found except croupous. There was no special lesion in common except the bacillus. Knox reported on the clinical and pathological features of Flexner's cases. There was no set of symptoms or lesions general to them. Booker had. found many kinds of bacteria, and in some cases the Shiga bacillus. He did not believe in serum treatment. Diffusibility of Scarlet Fever Virus.-Sutherland (Lancet) believes scarlet fever to have a low diffusibility. He bases his opinion on the study of an epidemic where 224 cases occurred in 132 families. In ten families the infected children were not kept isolated and second cases occurred after 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12 and 14 days respectfully. In forty families the infected children were the only ones, or the other children had been protected by a preceding attack. In thirty-four families isolation was maintained for 21 to 43 days. But, in each case susceptible children broke through the quarantine, and came down with the disease within two days. These infractions occurred after 40, 43, 34, 36, 33, 30, 31, 27, 29, 24, 23, 19, etc., days. In forty-eight families home isolation was carried out faithfully to the end of desquamation and no secondary cases occurred. In each of the forty-eight households were susceptible children. In each of these homes the mother was nurse and cook for sick and well, and went constantly from one to another. Sutherland therefore argues that scarlet fever is not carried by a third person. He says he has for several years endeavored to trace an authentic case of a third person carrying the infection of scarlet fever, but without avail. A Case of Epilepsy Cured by Extirpation of Adenoids.-Dr. José Vivé Picaso (Rev. de especialidades med., November) reports a case of epilepsy in a boy of sixteen. He had suffered since infancy, as he presented large adenoid growths in the naso-pharynx, these were removed in several sittings several days apart. The epilepsy was permanently cured. Picaso believes the epilepsy was due to peripheral irritation by the vegetations. NORTH AMERICAN Original Articles in Medicine. PROFESSIONAL CO-OPERATION.* BY IRVING TOWNSEND, M.D. ROFESSIONAL Co-operation is the comprehensive title under which a plea will be made for closer organization and greater esprit de corps among our practitioners. If one were asked to state the difference in standpoint between our generation and that immediately preceding, he must surely point to the change from individualism to collectivism; to the abandonment of the old principle of "every man for himself" for the more modern idea of co-operation. This trend is apparent in social, commercial, political and professional life. The code of ethics promulgated by our medical forefathers is powerless to stem the swelling tide of commercialism, which dominates the world today. The code establishes a standard of conduct so idealistic and unique, that to the mind of the average layman it appears as fanciful as a chapter from transcendental philosophy. As a profession, our critics assert that we fail to live up to our ideals, as shown by the frequent occurrence of personal differences, and our inability to agree on the most fundamental questions pertaining to practice or public policy. The truth of this statement must be acknowledged, but it applies with equal force to any body whose *Presidential Address, Hom. Med Soc., County of New York. members have the ability and intelligence for independent thought and action. The old principles, though good in themselves are not comprehensive enough, nor adequate to the present needs of the profession. Why preserve the outward form and symbol when the spirit no longer animates? The school has grown too large to be individually managed. Leadership will necessarily devolve on those whose capacity for organization, ability to initiate new ideas and carry them to a successful issue, qualify them for such positions. The gradual evolution which has taken place in ethical thought is well illustrated by a quotation from a book on "Codes of Ethics," which says: "Whereas it is inconsistent with the dignity of the medical profession for a physician or surgeon in his corporate capacity, to arrange and fix professional charges." This statement embodies the spirit as well as the letter of the code which today is professedly our guide in conducting our business affairs. Further on is the following: "The good opinion and the high esteem in which a physician is held should be reward enough for his labors." The morality and philanthropy of such a code is beyond criticism, and were it universally recognized in the professional and business world, our dream of Utopia might indeed be realized. Difficulties and embarrassments arise, however, because the landlord, the grocer, and the tradesmen have not been educated to this high plane and are unable to read the sentiment between the lines. It is only when reciprocal relations and mutual confidence exist that we may hope to establish an ethical association. Personal restrictions are embarrassing, and these limitations have long ceased to be a living power. The exigencies of modern professional life confront us and must be met in a practical way. The rapid multiplication of public and private institutions, the development of specialties in medicine, the introduction of proprietary remedies by pharmacists of good repute, the increasing opportunities for employment with large corporations, and the necessity of securing an income sufficient to meet the increased cost of living, are some of the things which lend their influence in the demand for new laws and associations. Higher education and the sum of general culture have produced their effects in medicine as in other professions. In the early history of medicine each student added his problem and his discovery, as he searched for new facts in this unlimited and hitherto uncultivated field. With the slow and laborious accumulation of knowledge, personal achievements merged themselves into collective success, and individual effort into collective efficiency. Homeopathy was born of individual irritability and resentment at the dogmatic spirit which dominated the practice of medicine in |