(Liv.), M.R.C.S. (Eng.), L.R.C.P. (Lond.), Assistant to the Research Department of the Royal Southern Hospital, Liverpool. With 129 illustrations. Price, $4.50. P. Blakiston's Son & Co., Philadelphia, 1911. It is comparatively rare that the reviewer has the privilege of reading in the course of his work a book that is thoroughly original from cover to cover, and that does not somewhere contain recapitulations of the work of others. Such an unusual experience is ours in the present case. This book describes in full detail "the results obtained by a new method of experimentation with individual living human cells, their importance in the elucidation of the phenomena of healing and in the causation of cancer and other growths." The method of study is itself entirely original with the author. It consists of the use of a thin coating of agar jelly placed upon a glass slide. Upon this is inverted a drop of blood hanging from the under side of a thin cover glass. The preparation thus made is incubated for a varying time and then is examined microscopically. To the agar are added different ingredients such as methylene blue, alkalies, acids, nuclein, morphine, azur dye, etc. The results were readily noted and consisted of inhabiting or accelerating the normal leucocytic movements, hastening or retarding staining and delaying or advancing the time of cell death. By means of a specially constructed camera photo-micrographs were taken in large numbers, clearly substantiating the claims of the observer and thus removing the possible objection of personal prejudice for obtaining certain results. Thus, to illustrate: the question much discussed for years among pathologists, the origin of the blood platelets, is definitely settled if we accept the conclusions of the writer, who says that he has seen them produced as pseudopodia that have become detached from the leucocytes. Photographs are shown of this process, also of amoeboid movements in these minute structures analagous to those of the protoplasm of the leucocyte. Much space is given to the new light thrown upon the various phases of mitosis as it has been frequently observed both in the lymphocyte and in the neutrophile. These various forms of reproduction can be induced or hindered at will according as the agar jelly contains one or another ingredient in proper amount. One strong contention is made that cancer is due to some chemical substance akin to that accelerating mitosis in vitro whereby the cells are stimulated to rapid and asymmetrical development. The source of this substance in vivo is supposed to be in the products of the death of cells adjoining those thus affected. In other words, "cell death" means "cell life," certain cells are continually dying and in their death liberate substances that stimulate neighboring cells to reproduction. As long as this continues in an orderly manner, no abnormality is noted, but when on account of some severe injury or long-continued irritation there is an unusual amount of this material liberated, an atypical and actively proliferative growth begins, that is constantly producing more material for self perpetuation. Following these theories to their natural conclusion the author has treated a number of patients with various preparations, and with apparently hopeful results. He is very conservative, however, claiming that he has by no means proven his case, the very conservatism tending to give one more confidence than the ultra-radical claims so frequently encountered. Much more might be written concerning the book, but perhaps sufficient has been said to enable our readers to gain a fair insight into the general trend of the work. From the standpoint of medical research it offers an entirely new and fertile field for investigation. If the reported findings are substantiated later, it has already been of much service in settling debatable questions, and promises even more for the future. A large number of photo-micrographs give to the reader a very clear idea of the phenomena described in the text. Taken as a whole, the work is a remarkable one, and represents an amount of work that only a laboratory worker can fully realize. Hints for the General Practitioner in Rhinology and Laryngology. By Dr. Johann Fein, Privatdocent at the University of Vienna. Translated by J. Bowring Horgan, M.B., B.Ch., late House Surgeon at the Hospital for Diseases of the Throat, Golden Square, London, W. With forty figures in the text and two photographic plates. Price, cloth, $1.50. Rebman Company, New York. This small volume of two hundred pages is entirely devoted to practical methods of diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the nose and throat. It is well illustrated and is very interesting reading. The author writes from an extensive personal experience in a large Vienna clinic and has been able to condense into small space a great number of practical suggestions that will be much appreciated by those in general practice. It is too brief to be of value to the specialist, having been purposely prepared for those who merely desire a good working knowledge of the subject. Some of the methods of procedure, for instance the treatment of epistaxis, will differ considerably from those to which American medicine is accustomed, and to some may not appear to be the best. It must be remembered, however, that the writer is giving personal experience, not merely theorizing, and that his statements are based upon that which he himself nas found to be best. Except for an occasional slight awkwardness of expression in translation, Dr. Horgan has well succeeded in expressing in pleasing language the thoughts of the author as originally put forth in German. Co. Co. THE MONTH'S BEST BOOKS. Differential Diagnosis. Cabot. $5.50. W. B. Saunders Co. Diseases of the Joints and Spine. Marsh. $3.00. Chicago Medical Book Co. Serum and Vaccine Therapy. Hewlett. J. & A. Churchill Co. Prevention of Infectious Diseases. Doty. $7.50. D. Appleton Co. Physical Diagnosis. O'Reilly. $2.00. P. Blakiston's Son & Co. & Co. This book has also been published in Polish, Slovack and Cystoscopy. Squier & Bugbee. $3.00. Paul B. Hoeber. The Annals of Otology, Rhinology and Laryngology, for December, comes as a large magazine of over 300 pages. Within its covers are found a number of articles of vital interest to specialists in those diseases covered. In addition to this is included a quite full summary of current literature having to do with diseases of the ear, nose and throat. CHICAGO LETTER. The Chicago Homeopathic Medical Society at its January meeting discussed "Medical Legislation," under three headings: Impending Bills before the State Legislature. Possibilities at Springfield. The Proposed National Bureau of Health. Dr. W. Henry Wilson, a member of the Legislative Committee of the State Association, gave the first paper. Three bills were pending at that time: 1. A bill prohibiting any physician from dispensing his own medicine. 2. A bill asking for a State Examining Board, outside of the State Board of Health. 3. A bill requiring every student to have had two years in a university before entering a medical school. Dr. Wilson, who is doing a great amount of work, not only as a member of the State Legislative Committee, but as Registrar of Hahnemann College, is familiar not only with our own medical laws, but with those of other States, and is well equipped to discuss the situation. He told the import of each bill to the homeopathic physician and the probable interests behind each. The first, manifestly in the interest of the druggist, met opposition from all schools of medicine, and would, undoubtedly, be withdrawn. The second would probably share the same fate, because of the vigorous antagonism of the State Board of Health. The third he discussed more at length, as being the only one likely to come up for legislative consideration. He gave all the arguments, pro and con, the advantages it would give to university colleges, the disadvantages to the independent college, and the hardships it would present to many prospective students. Personally, he believes it would add nothing to the practical equipment of the doctor. At present it is doubful if this bill, even, will be brought before the Legislature. If rumor be true, this change of front is due, in part, to the severing by Chicago University of its medical alliance with Rush College. The recent large endowment of the University by Mr. Rockefeller carried a provision for medical laboratory research, but forbade the use of any part of it for any medical college. At the recent meeting here of the A. M. A. Educational Conference, a year in a hospital following the regular medical course was advocated. Dr. H. V. Halbert, editor of The Clinique, discussed the second topic. It was a vigorous arraignment of the old school in its efforts to oppress, and to drive out of the profession all other schools of medicine. He advocated a watchful and aggressive policy on our part and the use of every element of strength and influence with the Legislature and Governor, calling to our aid the most potent forces outside of the profession. The last topic was well handled by Dr. T. Bacmeister. He reviewed the Owens Bill, and all phases of the question up to that time. He surveyed carefully and fairly the personnel of its advocates and opponents; he gave no opinion as to what might be the animus of either side, but felt that it marked an epoch in national medicine. Forewarned being forearmed, our school should keep a watchful eye on the doings at Washington. At present there is considerable agitation over a request by President James of the State University for an annual appropriation by the Legislature for the maintenance of its State Medical College. The University really has no medical school. It leased the grounds and buildings of the College of Physicians and Surgeons, a private allopathic corporation. In view of the fact that the allopaths have talked long and loud that there are too many medical schools and too many doctors, it seems absurdly inconsistent that the Legislature should be asked to appropriate so large a portion of the people's money for the support of an allopathic college, when, already, there are about four allopathic colleges in the State, to one of any other school of medicine. The Legislative Committee of the State Homeopathic Medical Association are out with a circular letter, asking every Homœopathic physician to write his senator and representatives asking that the measure be opposed. Rhoda Pike Barstow. Chicago, March 9, 1911. PENNSYLVANIA NOTES. THE HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICAL SOCIETY OF THE COUNTY OF PHILADELPHIA held its regular monthly meeting at Hahnemann Medical College on Thursday evening, February 9. Subjects of timely interest presented were: "The Passing of the First Decimal Dilution," by Dr. Thos. H. Carmichael. "The Prevailing Epidemic of Conjunctivitis," by Dr. Percy A. Tindall. "The Presentation of a Case Illustrating the Diagnostic Features of Pernicious Anemia, with Demonstration of Blood Specimens by the Reflectoscope," by Dr. G. Harlan Wells. The discussion was opened by Dr. O. S. Haines, and participated in by a large number of the members present. THE PHILADELPHIA ACADEMY OF MEDICINE held its third annual banquet at Kugler's Café at 9 o'clock on the evening of Thursday, February 23. The guest of honor was Dr. W. Alvah Stewart, of Pittsburg, president of the Homœopathic Medical Society of the State of Pennsylvania, the subject of whose address was "The State Society." Prof. Gilbert J. Palen also addressed the society. his subject being "The Young Man in Medicine." Toasts were well responded to by Drs. H. L. Northrop and W. W. Speakman. Dr. W. M. Sylvis acted as toastmaster. The "Honorary Fellowship" was presented to Dr. Clarence Bartlett, the presentation being made by the president of the Academy, Dr. G. Harlan Wells. THE GERMANTOWN HOMEOPATHIC MEDICAL SOCIETY held its regular monthly meeting on February 20, at the Hotel Walton. The program of the evening consisted of a very able address by Dr. Joseph C. Guernsey on "Medical Licensure." The meeting was well attended and the evening voted a success. THE CLINICO-PATHOLOGIC SOCIETY OF PHILADELPHIA held its regular monthly meeting at Hahnemann Medical College on Saturday evening, February 18. The scientific program of the evening consisted of the following excellent papers: "Observations on Malignant Disease," Dr. H. L. Northrop. "A New Macroscopic Method for Widal Test, Useful for the General Practitioner," Dr. S. W. Sappington. "Report of a Case of Atrophic Cirrhosis of the Liver in a Child 7 Years of Age," Dr. C. S. Raue. "Demonstration of Patients Treated with 606," Drs. W. C. Hunsicker and S. W. Sappington. The name of Dr. George Earl Raiguel, 1819 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, was proposed for membership. THE PHILADELPHIA SOCIETY FOR CLINICAL RESEARCH held its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday evening, February 15. Drs. H. P. Leopold and J. G. Wurtz were the guests of the evening, Dr. Leopold giving a demonstration of the Wasserman Reaction. The meeting was well attended. THE WEST PHILADELPHIA GENERAL HOMEOPATHIC HOSPITAL AND DISPENSARY SOCIETY held its regular monthly meeting on Friday evening, February 24. The scientific program of the evening consisted of a paper by Dr. H. M. Gay on "Some Remarks on Injuries of the Knee." Dr. Gay's paper was ably presented and well received, and hearty discussion entered into. The meeting was well attended. THE HOMOEOPATHIC SOCIETY OF THE 23rd WARD OF PHILADELPHIA held its regular monthly meeting on February 11, at the office of Dr. E. Humphreys, 1925 N. 32nd Street. The subject for discussion was a paper presented by Dr. Humphreys on "Foreign Bodies in the Eye" THE HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICAL SOCIETY OF ERIE COUNTY, Pa., held its regular monthly meeting on March 1, at the Erie Public Library. The scientific program consisted of a paper by Dr. E. Cranch, entitled "A Study of Materia Medica," which was well received. THE WOMEN'S HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICAL ASSOCIATION OF PITTSBURG held its regular monthly meeting at the office of Dr. Ella D. Goff, Library Place, Allegheny, on Thursday evening. March 2. The scientific paper of the evening was presented by Dr. Goff, the subject being "Pruritis." Hearty discussion was entered into by the members present. THE HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICAL SOCIETY OF CHESTER, DELAWARE AND MONTGOMERY COUNTIES held its regular monthly meeting on February 14, at the Central Young Men's Christian Association, 1417 Arch Street, Philadelphia, the meeting as usual being well attended The principal address was delivered by S. F. Jenkins, Physical Director of the West Chester Y. M. C. A., on "Corrective Gymnastics," which was followed by a "Round Table Discussion" which proved very interesting. THE WEST BRANCH HOMEOPATHIC MEDICAL SOC ETY held its regular bi-monthly meeting at the office of Dr. E. C. Blackburn, Williamsport, Pa., Dr. John H. Yeager, of Philadelphia, being the guest of honor. He addressed the society on "Stomach Cases from the View Point of the General Practitioner." THE DELAWARE COUNTY HOMEOPATHIC MEDICAL SOCIETY held its regular meeting on March 9, at Chester, Pa. Dr. D. P. Maddux, of Chester, presented a paper on "Medical Education and Licensure," which was ably presented and well received. A TOKEN OF APPRECIATION: During the course of the recent meeting of the New York Homeopathic Medical Society, held in Albany, a banquet was given on Tuesday evening, February 14, at the Hotel Ten Eyck, at which a former member of that Society, Dr. DeWitt G. Wilcox, now of Boston, was honored. The chair was occupied by Dr. Royal S. Copeland, of New York, who introduced Dr. L. A. Martin, of Binghamton, New York. The post-prandial exercises were as follows: Dr. Martin: Had I the grace of manner and felicity of speech which the occasion demands, I would try to speak of the love we bear a friend of ours, a friend of the State Society, a friend of the American Institute, one who is er only in having been our president; who is always with |