hardened skin. No constitutional disturbances being evident, treatment was confined to the local spots or patches, and consisted in scraping the same with a curette. No less than eight hours, at intervals, were necessary in order to remove the hardened skin.

The skin was scraped down to the "cutis sera," or through the epidermis. The scraping left behind a denuded surface, which promptly healed after the formation brought about by skin grafting.

My excellent and esteemed friend, Dr. Bulkley, saw a case somewhat like the one recorded here, but thinks the disease can not be understood until further authorities give special attention to it.

The microscopical examination of the skin is negative.

The disease is probably due to some special peculiarity, and seems to attack those with delicate, thin skins.

Scraping affords the only relief to the patient, and will certainly cure the case if persisted in.

Alkalies, local applications, are useless. Iodide of potassium is nil in its effects. LUIGI GALVANI DOANE, M. D. New York City.

"We Must Know Our Medicines, and Only Give Them when Indicated." Sound doctrine, every word of it. But how are we going to find out the indications? I should think the best plan would be to ascertain what effect a drug has on a healthy person. We know if a man takes a dose of ipecacuanha he "vomits." Well, there is one effect of this drug-make a note of it; and after the vomiting he will have" great repugnance and dislike to all food." This is another effect worth noting. Very likely it will be followed by a "diarrheatic stool," which will be "like matter in a state of fermentation." Sometimes there is vomiting of blood, and it has produced in women metrorrhagia, and even caused hemorrhages from nose, lungs and blad

der.

Oculists have discovered that in case of widely distended pupils, a little belladonna or atropine, very weak, distilled into the eye would rapidly bring back the pupil to its normal condition. Strange, is it not, when atropine is the great dilator of the pupil?

Some people like to try experiments, and not to find out about things. Perhaps such an one has heard of a disease called diphtheria, and, wishing to know how it feels, takes a few doses of bichromate of potass., and in a few days he will have a full-fledged case. Queer, ain't it? For that is one of the most reliable of the remedies for diphtheria.

But I will not occupy any more room in your journal, and will only add that it appears to me that the best way to "know our medicines " is to try them ourselvesbut in less than toxical doses, because there can be no physicians "built that way" who can be spared. New York.

SAML. SWAN, M. D.

Do Negroes Have Membranous Croup? I have been a reader of the BRIEF for five or six years, and value its columns highly. To-day I inclose one dollar for the year 1889.

I would like to inquire, through the columns of the BRIEF, whether any of the profession ever had a case of membranous croup among the negro race?

Some years ago, while attending medical lectures in Chicago, I witnessed two or three operations of tracheotomy, and as I had then been in the practice for twelve or fifteen years, and had never operated, I bought a trachea tube, with the intention of trying my skill on the first negro I found with membranous croup that had to be operated upon. I have waited and waited in vain, for I have found no case among that race, and, as far as my memory serves me over a period of twenty years' practice, I do not recollect of ever having seen a case in the negro race.

So, brethren of the medical profession, please answer, and let us know if your experience has been like mine, and, if so, I ask why is it?

WHITLEY G. HENDRIX, M. D. New London, Mo.

Catarrh or Influenza.

I would like to ask for help, among the many contributors of the BRIEF, in regard to the treatment of influenza, and the various forms of cold we meet in every-day practice. Especially, where it develops into a severe form of fever.

Murillo, Ark. M. C. REVES, M. D.

Comments on Articles in March

Brief.

To make up a contribution for the welcome BRIEF, I will make a running commentary on a few of the articles contained in the March number.

The

Dr. Hodge wishes help in a case of St. Vitus' dance. I have such a case now, a girl, age fourteen, who has never menstruated. Used fl. ext. cimicifuga, tinct. nux. vom. and Fowler's solution. bowels to be kept properly open with pill: aloes and myrrh, adding santonin. The case is improving. As in all other diseases, the general condition of patient, the surroundings and probable cause, are to be carefully considered. From my observation I conclude that chorea is found mostly among the illiterate, credulous, superstitious, malingering class. The cure is difficult because some don't intend to be cured, while others have not sense enough to aid in the cure.

Dr. J. H. Strong solicits response as to treatment of membranous croup. He means, of course, croup uncomplicated with diphtheria. Measures that tend rapidly to defibrinate the blood are indicated. 1 administer at once fifteen or twenty grains of submurias hydrargyri, to be repeated or not, as demanded. Soon after, I commence giving large doses of acetate or carb. ammonia, muriate of ammonia and iodide of potass. I rub the throat externally with ung. hydrargyri, adding a little of the ext. belladonna. I believe leeching at the angle of the jaw, to be followed by blisters behind the ears, to be serviceable. I apply far down the throat, by means of a mop, attached to a bent probang, preparations of pepsine or lactic acid. Intubation is not to be overlooked.

Dr. J. C. Briggs' recommendation of a drachm dose of chloroform in tapeworm may be very good. It is certainly the best remedy for grubs in horses I have ever seen tried.

The case of Dr. J. M. Swift's seems to be one of persistent anæmia. Doctor, try Rudisch's Sarco-Peptones, or hemaglobin, or Beef-Peptonoids, or Bovinine, or Wheeler's Tissue Phosphates.

Dr. C. C. Rutherford asks for suggestions in treatment of chronic rheumatism. If the doctor will turn back to

what Dr. Goss has to say, he will need no other advice.

Treatment for "obstinate acne" is asked for by Dr. J. C. Lewis. As his patient is sober, and sound in wind, limb and generative organs, he is advised to become a Mormon, if not, try doing without salted meat or other strong diet, and take a course of arsenic.

"Any remarks ** will be thankfully received," says Dr. D. A. Goshorn. His reported case strikes me to be a brokendown one, from masturbation. Let him quit his "fool" and prepare to soon meet the consequences of a suicide.

The case of Dr. J. S. Foster was cerebral congestion, and was, probably, incurable.

The article from the pen of Dr. J. F. Newman serves to bring to my mind certain cases of uterine inertia that I have met with. I have seen women, with a housefull of tallow-faced children, brought to bed in labor, who were so pale, weak and anæmic, from former losses of blood, neglect of tonics and want of sufficient and proper nourishment, that they were utterly powerless, and unable to accomplish delivery, and when assisted by the forceps, would succumb from the shock. The best we can do is to forewarn-if you have opportunity-such shadowy mortals of their approaching danger, and direct them how to recruit up for the impending strife.

Dr. W. S. Lindsey reports a case of a married woman, broken down by selfpollution before marriage, who despises the means, but desires the aim, of married life. My advice is, to take her, bind her hand and foot, and cast her into a fool-house, where she may meditate upon her past and future life. Let others take warning! More anon. J. M. SANDERS, M. D.

The Value of Opiates in Obstetrics.

I have been quite interested in reading Dr. Newman's case of "Uterine Inertia," having met with several such cases in my own practice. It is my usual rule, when called to a case that I see is going to prove tedious, to quiet the nervous system with an opiate, and secure a few hours refreshing rest for my patient.

I never knew it to retard labor, nor to injure the fœtus in utero, and have saved myself the annoyance and inconvenience of having to watch by my patient, listening to her appeals for help, that only nature gives in the first stage. I am also pleased with the value of hot water injections to favor dilatation. How often the patient and family expect the physician to terminate labor soon after arriving.

The first year I entered practice, being a young woman, and very sympathetic, I thought it necessary to remain with my patients from the time I was first called till the termination of labor. Sometimes I was fortunate in not having to wait long, but occasionally I met with a protracted case, that a small dose of opium would have allowed me to leave for some needed rest, and my patient would have gotten along just as well. Truly, "Experience is the mother of wisdom." I now spend no more time than is necessary with my obstetric

cases.

In regard to "opium suppressing labor," I will cite a case which occurred in my practice Oct. 13th, 1887. I was called, late in the afternoon, to attend a lady six miles away, her old family physician of that town being absent. I found her threatened with premature labor at eighth month. She was a delicate young blonde, of nervous temperament, mother of two young children, and had miscarried at the eighth month, Aug., 1886, when she came near dying.

She stated that she had received a shock to her nervous system the day before my arrival, that she had been seized with severe pains and hemorrhage (not very profuse) and that she feared she was going to be as sick as she was before. She expressed a wish to go to term if possible. On examining her, I found os but slightly dilated, membranes intact, hemorrhage passive and pains at rather

, I

long intervals. I immediately prescribed morphine and gallic acid, and enjoined strict rest. Waited an hour, but as no further progress was apparently made, 1 left, with the assurance that she might possibly go to term, but to send for me if she had a return of the symptoms.

I was aroused at midnight by an urgent messenger from her, who said the child was born, but that the afterbirth had not come away. On my arrival, I found patient and neighbors looking as if they were certain something dreadful would happen, remembering her former experience.

Patient said she had felt much better after my first visit, pains had subsided, hemorrhage only slight, and after supper she had gone to sleep and was awakened about 11 P. M. by a severe pain, followed by the expulsion of the foetus. It was evident morphine had not retarded this labor in the least, only rendered it easier. I removed placenta from vagina and found the uterus had contracted nicely, with but little hemorrhage.

She made a better recovery than in any previous confinement, and as a result, I gained the confidence of the family and neighbors and have had much of the practice in that section since.

I regard the BRIEF as a most excellent and practical journal, and wish it continued prosperity.

ELEANOR I. HORN, M. D.

Lake George, N. Y.

What Will Prevent Conception.

I have a patient, who, on account of malformation, can not give birth to a living child, yet she becomes enceint. Another aborts-having had two abortions within the last eight months.

Now, what is the best method-the sure method-the method that will not injure the health, to prevent conception in these cases?

To the physician, this is a subject of vast importance. I know of many modes that are in use, but so far as I know, all fail, or are objectionable.

Please reply through the BRIEF, and confer a blessing on my patients. I will report, after a trial.

J. W. WELLMAN, M. D.

Melvern, Kan.

Sulphur in Diphtheria.

I send you for your inspection a little instrument I have devised for applying powder to the throat for any disease, but designed especially for household use in getting the powder of sulphur early on the throat for diphtheria and kindred affections.

Pasteur has found the diphtheritic microbe, now what is the best thing to kill it?

From further back than history tells of, sulphur has been used to destroy infectious germs, its fumes to disinfect house, hospital and ship; to kill germs of cholera, yellow fever, small-pox and plague. And later-scarlet fever, diphtheria, etc.

Lately, the sulphuric compounds have, in every direction, been looked to as curative agents. In sulphuretted hydrogen enemata, and the inhaling sulphur fumes for tuberculosis. Sulphur and sulphuric acid in typhoid. Sulphide of calcium for carbuncle and furunculus. Sulphite and bisulphite of soda externally for erysipelas, and internally in scarlet fever and diphtheria.

Led by these considerations, I have been of late using the flowers of sulphur, both to the throat and by the stomach; as early as possible to the throat to destroy the germs before the system is infected, as is undoubtedly often the case, and later for its constitutional and curative affects.

In looking for the best means of applying powder to the throat, I have had constructed these little instruments, one of which I send you. It is a "tongue depressor and insufflator combined." A tube to hold and convey the powder and a spoon to depress and retract the tongue while the sulphur or other powder is blown into the throat.

The powder to be picked up in the round end of the tube. The spoon end to be passed over the tongue, and the powder blown either by the mouth, butt of syringe, or any other insufflator, on the throat. The spoon is bent on itself to draw the tongue forward, and the spoon end of the tube flattened and depressed in the centre to scatter the powder on the tonsils as well as on the back part of throat. The spoon as well as the tube is nickel plated and polished, and

the convex surface of the depressor helps to tighten up the upper part of the throat.

My design was to have it sold to families to be used on the first approach of suspected diphtheria, and I am satisfied that its early and continued use will prevent the grave secondary symptoms in very many cases.

My medical friends find it also very useful in ordinary throat troubles.

It is cheap, to be sold by the druggists for twenty-five cents, and so light that if any of your readers would like to try it, if they will send me twenty cents worth of stamps, I will see that one is sent. I. D. OSBORNE, M. D.

1034 Broad St., Newark, N. J.

[It is a very useful instrument, and the doctor is very kind to make this offer to our subscribers.-ED.]

Seminal Emissions.

There is no disease of the generative organs and no real or apparent disorder of the functions of the generative apparatus about which there is half the ignorance among the laity that there is on the above named subject. People are ignorant of the nature of many diseases and of many more they have enough information to render them unreliable, but of the above named symptoms the ignorance is complete, and what makes the occasion all the more serious is that this ignorance causes mental suffering. The fear of insanity and the belief that complete loss of manhood possess the minds of all alike, differing only in degree, so it is clear that these ideas are deep-rooted in the popular mind. If it were only the unlearned it might be charged to the account of ignorance, but the same is true of the beliefs and fears of the learned. A brief reference to the subject is therefore not unnatural.

In the first place, seminal emissions are the occasional escape of a small portion of the seminal fluid during sleep or more frequently during the dreaming stage of sleep. The escape is simply an overflow and is common to all animals which do not have an opportunity to copulate at reasonable intervals. Instead of this overflow being a morbid condition, it is on the contrary, a natural action of the economy, and unless the overflow be re

peated too frequently it is not harmful but can rather be regarded as the exhibition of vigorous virility. If the medical profession would remember this fact there would be less bromide distributed, in the senseless hope that the overflow can be stopped by any unharmful means. It is only another case of Mrs. Partington attacking the Atlantic Ocean with a broom.

What would be regarded as the manifestation of health simply, and what would indicate excess in the frequency of emissions will depend on many circumstances. Everything depends on the habits of thought and action. The man who devotes much time to thoughts touching upon the female sex will be more likely to have frequent emissions than will the man who turns his thoughts to reading the stars or other lofty pursuits. So also would it be abnormally frequent in one man and the same number not so regarded in another, all depending on the vigor of the men. The overflow not occurring oftener than once in two weeks in a healthy man need not be regarded as unnatural.

The reason so great fear is manifested over the occasional seminal emission is that very many, whose fears are most anxious, have in times gone by been guilty of abusing their procreative powers, and hence this new fear is but the prick of a guilty conscience. This is the class that it is hard to convince that there is nothing abnormal in the occasional overflow. This is the class that contributes so many hard-earned dollars to the quacks whose flaming bandbills and irresponsible promises catch the fear-bound youths. The regular practitioners are too often content to say that the overflow is natural and when the anxious client insists on having something and details are conjectured, then it is that the patient gets some sedative and as it does no good he hunts up the man who says insanity and imbecility are not far off. Then the patient gets attention, at highest retail rates, but he never gets over the emissions. He may take quarts of dope and he is sure to pay well for it but in the end old nature holds the fort. Another common procedure of the regular profession is to advise marriage as a sure cure, and it is. But there is about as much

reason why a man who has occasional seminal emissions should get married as there is why a man who has a gun should shoot somebody. Marriage is a sacred contract and it never can be that when one of the contracting parties rushes into it for the same reason that a drowning man grabs at a straw.

There is surely no reason for the general and wide-spread ignorance that exists concerning the relations of the generative functions as diseased and as not diseased. The abuse of the procreative powers can not be continued without there being a day of reckoning and this is true whether the abuse be however brought about. That much mental pain is caused by ignorance of what is, and what is not, natural shows that the literature placed within the reach of victims of real or imaginary troubles comes from a source out of which facts seldom come. J. A. DEARMOND, M. D.

Le Claire, Ia.

Stricture of the Urethra.

Dr. Hammon's inquiry, in the last issue of the BRIEF, relative to the curability of organic stricture, without resorting to surgical or operative methods, may be very briefly and conclusively answered in the following statement of facts.

My attention was called some time since to a remedy known as the urethral desideratum medicorum and I resolved to try it, in spite of certain misgivings entertained for the time being. This remedy was represented as safe, noncaustic, and altogether mild in action, producing no pain whatever, no inflammation and no discharge of mucus or pus, but acting upon the indurated walls of the stricture as a solvent, and bringing the diseased tissues away in the form of small flakes, shreds, and patches, at the same time having no effect upon the normal membrane.

My patient had all the symptoms of a well-developed case of ten years standing, and had been treated by gradual dilatation. After using this remedy for one week the urine became loaded with shreds and flakes of tissue, and upon passing a sound the calibre of the stricture was found to be materially enlarged. Treatment was continued for about six