notic for general use in the treatment of alienation. He admits that it generally exerts a certain, though variable, amount of hypnotic action, but the patient very rapidly becomes habituated to the drug, which then ceases to have any effect. The only cases in which he found chloralose to be really useful were cases of epilepsy complicated by insomnia. The drug appeared not only to produce sleep, but to cut short the duration of the period of excitability. The dose given was from 25 to 50 centigrammes (334 to 71⁄2 gr.) nightly until the crisis appeared to be over.

* * *

THE MANAGEMENT of SUMMER DIARRHEA IN INFANTS.- At this season of the year the summer diarrhea of infants form a very prominent part of general practice. Dr. Herman B. Allyn has made a statistical and historical study of the subject in the University Medical Magazine, from which he concludes that:

1. The summer diarrheas of infants are primarily instances of poisoning, the poisons being developed in the food, especially milk, or introduced into the stomach and bowels in some other way.

2. Apart from decomposition of food, the most important factors contributing to their fatality are high temperature, a bad sanitary condition of the district, uncleanliness of the house and of its occupants, and immorality of the parents or guardians. 3. The

occurrence of these cases should be foreseen in winter and early spring, and efforts made then to secure better living quarters and the highest degree possible of nutrition and health in the infants.

4. The most desirable thing is a trustworthy source of fresh milk-supply. In the absence of the milk laboratories of Boston and New York, it is the personal duty of the physician to look carefully after the milk supplied to nursing infants. In young infants which have to be artificially fed I have had the best result with peptonized milk.

5. No infants should pass the summer in the city if they can be removed to the country under fairly good surround

ings. This should be done as a precaution before July and before they are ill. If summer diarrhea develops, removal to a cooler place where fresh milk can be had should be accomplished as soon as possible.

*

*

VACCINE-SERUM IN THE TREATMENT OF VARIOLA.- Serum-therapy is occupying the attention of investigators and while conclusions as yet amount to little in most diseases, still such work should be encouraged as leading finally to a successful result. Dr. Llewellyn Eliot of Washington, D. C., has been using vaccine-serum in the treatment of variola and his conclusions as recorded in the Medical News are that :

I. Vaccine-serum modifies variola.

2. Vaccine-serum has a marked influence upon the eruption of the disease, in that the papules or vesicles abort and the pustules desiccate.

3. Vaccine-serum prevents pitting. 4. Vaccine-serum should be accorded a place in the therapeutics of variola.

* * *

TREATMENT OF BONE CAVITIES IN THE SHAFT OF THE TIBIA.- Ercole (British Medical Journal) has practiced with success a new method of treatment for the cavities left after removal of a sequestrum. The principle consists simply in removing the lateral parietes, and in reducing the superior and inferior extremity of the cavity to an inclined plane, so as to render plane the surface which before was concave, the greatest care being taken to preserve as much periosteum as possible. The periosteum. is afterwards sutured together, and a careful dressing applied so as to exercise a graduated pressure on the parts. By this new method a mere linear osteoperiosteal wound is substituted for a large open surface. In four out of the six cases recorded union occurred by first intention in from fifteen to twenty days; in the other two cases, which were complicated by numerous old scars and fistulous tracts, union occurred by second intention in fifty-four and sixtyfive days respectively. The posterior lamina of the tibia left is quite strong enough to support the limb.

MARYLAND

Medical Journal.

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DATE OF PAYMENT.-The date following the subscriber's name on the- label shows the time to which payment has been made. Subscribers are earnestly requested to avoid arrearages. CHANGES OF ADDRESS.-When a change of address is ordered, both the old and new address must be given. Notice should be sent a week in advance of the change desired.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.-Original articles are solicited from members of the profession throughout the world. Reprints will be furnished in payment of accepted articles if the author's wish is so stated at the time.

CORRESPONDENCE upon subjects of general or special interest, prompt intelligence of local matters of interest to the profession, items of news, etc., are respectfully solicited. Marked copies of other publications sent us should bear the notice "marked copy" on wrapper.

Address: MARYLAND MEDICAL JOURNAL, 209 Park Ave., Baltimore, Md.

WASHINGTON OFFICE: Room 22 Washington Loan and Trust Co. Building.

BALTIMORE, JULY 20, 1895.

ALTHOUGH the Index Medicus is no longer published there is some prospect of its being

revived if enough enthusiasm Index Medicus. and money can be raised. In England physicians have already begun to miss this important publication and it is likely that a fund will be raised there and an annual sum guaranteed to the publishers of this monthly. In this country too physicians are at this late date taking an interest since its cessation has become a reality and Dr. Sajous writes from Paris that he and others are willing to contribute towards this good cause.

Mr. George S. Davis, who for so long has borne the burden of this publication at no profit to himself and of late at a great loss, volunteers to publish it again at the actual cost and if more than enough is subscribed he will willingly return it to those who have subscribed. A disheartened writer is said to have proposed a toast to Napoleon because he once shot a publisher. Here is an opportunity for some medical men to show a proper apprecia

tion for the generous spirit manifested by this philanthropic publisher of the Index Medicus and contribute money or subscribe to the publication.

It is folly to dwell further on the importance of continuing this important work. All the world over it is said to be the best work of its kind and it deserves the cheerful support from all medical men and from every library and medical society. In its most successful days the editors and publisher did their work without pay.

If medical men have not the spirit to support what is so evidently an indispensable help in all medical literary work, why cannot the diplomats and politic men in the profession use their influence to obtain a government appropriation. Whatever helps the medical profession in its work and advances medical science is of use to the whole world and a small appropriation from the Federal government would soon put the Index Medicus on its feet again.

Much better would it be if each State and local society, if possible, were to subscribe to one or more copies so that a given circulation would be insured. This matter is too important to be dropped and it is the duty of all medical journals to keep this subject in agitation until the welfare of the Index Medicus is certain. Physicians and individuals are called upon for free gifts of money, of work, and, added to this, some States and cities demand and exact a tax from them. They are not all able to subscribe to a publication at a large cost and one which many would rarely use, but State societies and even local societies would be able to subscribe to one or more copies or even to contribute a small sum annually and this with whatever money is sent from abroad ought to be enough to insure the generous publisher against loss.

This matter should be kept before the medical profession from now on until the autumn, when medical societies begin their work, and then there may be some small chance of the continuance of the Index Medicus.

***

HYSTERIA from its very name was supposed to be a disease entirely confined to women and hence the few cases Hysteria in the Male. that have been reported often find their way in

publications devoted to the diseases of women. Dr. N. P. Dandridge of Cincinnati reports in

the American Journal of Obstetrics a number of cases of hysteria in the male. He most usually found the cause to be due to overwork, intense annlication and overpowerOFFICIAL LIST OF CHANGES IN THE STATIONS AND DUTIES OF MEDICAL OFFICERS.

UNITED STATES ARMY.

as women, and men too, in this state cannot understand their own condition and have no power to reason, the task of bringing about a recovery seems to be almost hopeless. In one case removal from the cause of worry may be of benefit, while in another case a removal may increase the trouble. In

one

case again absolute separation from friends may, with no further treatment, bring on an improvement, while in others the care and attention of those who will love and sympathize seems to be absolutely necessary.

In the cases of the men mentioned the prognosis in all but one was good and they not only appreciated their condition but did what they could to recover.

In so many women recovery is impossible because all through the course of the disease from the very beginning strong opposition is made, all attempts at reasoning prove futile and in a weak mind insanity results.

There are some women, however, afflicted with hysteria who are aware of the gravity of their trouble and its curability with the patient's assistance and these respond to the simplest remedies and in time recover.

As to the treatment of the case as related

A TREATISE ON THE NERVOUS Diseases of CHILDREN, for Physicians and Students; by B. Sachs, M. D., Professor of Mental and Nervous Diseases in the New York Polyclinic; Consulting Neurologist to the Mt. Sinai Hospital; Neurologist to the Monte

surfing 1000 is not so important and so hard a difficulty to meet. In those cases, however, where excessive use of stimulants and anodynes or narcotics has been indulged in, proper feeding is of extreme importance, in order to place the individual in a position to combat the cravings to which he has yielded. Massage, especially in connection with Turkish baths, will often have a happy effect, but prolonged rest in bed is not, in my experience, of frequent benefit. Relief from the anxiety of wearing and anxious duties, combined with prolonged and even severe out-of-door exercise, is more likely to

restore the true and healthy condition of mind and body than anything else. The ability to take natural and refreshing sleep is usually the first step toward improvement.

***

JUST now reports are in order of insects and their dangerous stings and bites. These are often on a parallel with the sea Insect Stings. serpent and the wonderful octopus. Still stings and bites

are extremely dangerous at all times and especially when the system is not in a condition to resist the poison injected. In many insects the nature of the poison has not been ascertained, while in most of them it is of an acid, irritant nature, in others it may contain a powerful cardiac sedative and depressant and in still others organisms in pure or mixed cultures may be introduced with the sting or bite.

Aside from the natural poison used by insects it should not be forgotten that flies and other insects that live on carrion may easily carry contagion and inoculate the persons whom they bite or sting. Thus the organisms of actinomycosis and the anthrax bacilli, especially the latter, are often found in the flesh of dead animals thrown out to decompose. These are almost instantly covered with flies and other insects which feed on this flesh, become thoroughly infected and carry their infection to the first person or animal on whom they light and sting.

In the case of ordinary bites and stings the chemical antidote is a strong alkaline solution, such as a strong solution of the bicarbonate of soda or potash, which counteracts the acid of the sting. When a poison is introduced, local applications are indicated, but in addition to this, stimulants should be freely used to keep up the flagging heart and in robust persons bleeding will be of benefit.

When with the sting some one or more of the dangerous micro-organisms are introduced into the circulation, then the treatment is the more difficult. Here stimulants should be also used, but suction at the wound in all these varieties of stings and bites will draw out some of the poison, and until some antitoxine treatment can be found which will prove an antidote to the bacterial poison introduced, little can be done beyond a stimulating and supporting treatment with attention to symptoms.

Galveston, Texas, has elected Dr. A. W. Fly as mayor.

Rhode Island has a new law compelling physicians and midwives to register all births.

The Eye and Ear Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pa., opened its doors to patients July 1, 1895. The State Board of Health of Maryland held its quarterly meeting last week and transacted routine business.

The Medical Society of West Virginia held a very successful meeting at Davis, in that State, last month.

Sir W. Robinson, Governor of Hong Kong, states that five cases of plague have been found there, four being in one house.

Dr. Hugh McGuire has left Richmond and settled in Cumberland, Maryland. He is the son of the distinguished Dr. Hunter McGuire.

Yellow fever is reported to be on the increase in Santiago and northern ports are keeping a sharp quarantine against this dis

ease.

At the June examinations of the State Board of Medical Examiners of New Jersey over 40 per cent. (11 out of 26) of the candidates examined for license to practice medicine in that State were rejected.

Dr. Theobald Smith, chief of the division of animal pathology, Agricultural Department, has made further practical suggestions for the suppression and prevention of bovine tuberculosis.

The degree of A. M., honoris causa, has been conferred by Harvard College upon Dr. Roswell Park of Buffalo, and Dr. George Dock of Ann Arbor.

ication.

It is folly to dwell further on the importance of continuing this important work. All the world over it is said to be the best work of its kind and it deserves the cheerful sunnart from An endeavor will be made at the next meet ing of the American Medical Association, to be held at Atlanta, Georgia, to form a section on rectal medicine.

The Commissioners of Charities and Correction of New York City have determined to introduce the novelty of Turkish and Russian baths in Bellevue Hospital, New York.

The twenty-sixth annual session of the Medical Society of Virginia will convene at Wytheville, in that State, on Tuesday, September 3, and continue three or four days.

The Medical Faculty of Cracow has proposed the name of Dr. Galezowski, the well known ophthalmic surgeon of Paris, for the Chair of Ophthalmology in that University.

Dr. W. Kelso Webb died last week at his residence on Park Avenue, Baltimore. Dr. Webb was born in Baltimore and was graduated from the University of Maryland in 1875.

Dr. Joseph A. White of Richmond has resigned the office of secretary and treasurer of the University College of Medicine of that city but still retains the chair of diseases of the ear, throat and nose.

not an avie tu suvalin Ia puvikaten av »

large cost and one which many would rarely use, but State societies and even local societies would be able to subscribe to one or more copies or even to contribute a small sum annually and this with whatever money is sent from abroad ought to be enough to insure the

Dr. Bransford Lewis of St. Louis having resigned his position with the Missouri Medical College, has been elected Professor of GenitoUrinary Surgery at the College of Physicians and Surgeons; and Genito-Urinary Surgeon to the Baptist Hospital.

A complimentary dinner was given at the Langham Hotel, London, on June 25, to Mr. Christopher Heath, who was recently elected President of the Royal College of Surgeons, by his old house-surgeons, who at the same time presented him with a piece of plate a token of their esteem and affection."

as

PUBLIC SERVICE.

OFFICIAL LIST OF CHANGES IN THE STATIONS AND DUTIES OF MEDICAL OFFICERS.

UNITED STATES ARMY.

Week ending July 15, 1895.

Captain Adrian S. Polhemus, Assistant Surgeon, granted leave of absence for two months to take effect after his return to his proper station, Fort Douglas, Utah, and at such time thereafter as his services can be spared by his post commander.

Captain Julian M. Cabell, Assistant Surgeon, granted leave of absence for four months on surgeon's certificate of disability.

Leave of absence for one month, to take effect on about the 23rd instant, is granted Lieutenant Colonel Johnson V. D. Middleton, Deputy Surgeon General.

Leave of absence for two months, to take effect on about August 1, 1895, is granted Captain William W. Gray, Assistant Surgeon. Captain Reuben L. Robertson, Assistant Surgeon, resigned July 3, 1895.

UNITED STATES NAVY.

Week ending July 13, 1895. Passed Assistant Surgeon R. P. Crandall detached from the U. S. R. S. "Vermont" and ordered to the New York Navy Yard.

Passed Assistant Surgeon George M. C. Pickerell ordered to Washington Hospital.

Passed Assistant Surgeon H. T. Percy detached from Naval Hospital, Washington, and to the Navy Yard, Washington, D. C.

BOOK REVIEWS.

A TREATISE ON THE NERVOUS DISEASES OF CHILDREN, for Physicians and Students; by B. Sachs, M. D., Professor of Mental and Nervous Diseases in the New York Polyclinic; Consulting Neurologist to the Mt. Sinai Hospital; Neurologist to the Montefiore Home for Chronic Invalids; Ex-President of the American Neurological Association. One volume, 688 pages, 8vo., illustrated by 169 engravings in black and color, and a colored plate. Muslin, $5.00.

During the past five or six years a number of American works on Neurology have appeared, some of them dealing with the subject in whole, others in part. The bearing of heredity upon nervous diseases makes the study of this class of cases in children particularly interesting. The introductory chapter of the volume before us will be found very useful. The method of examining nervous cases is clearly and satisfactorily set forth.

Reflex

The article on Eclampsia-infantum, while concise and well arranged, is scarcely full enough for students or even general practitioners. There is a trifle too much of the "as every schoolboy knows" in it. irritation does not receive the attention it deserves, and the section on the treatment of convulsions is rather scanty. Somewhat the same criticism may with justice be passed upon the article on epilepsy. It is too condensed for a systematic work on the nervous diseases of children, and the differential diagnosis is not as clearly brought out as it might be. This is especially true of the differential diagnosis between epilepsy and hysteria. There are no two subjects to which the general practitioner will oftener turn than to the two mentioned above, and for this reason they should have been given more space. the article on hysteria the author makes the rather startling statement that it is " a relatively rare conditon in adults."

In