out that the former entered the meatus auditorius internus. But little further was accomplished until the great anatomist Vesalius appeared, thirteen hundred years later, and described well much of the anatomy of the ear, which was further elucidated during the sixteenth century by the celebrated anatomists, Eutachius, Fallopius, and others. During the seventeenth century much progress was made through the labors of Fabricius, Casserius, Stenon, and especially Du Verney, whose plates are of a high order of excellence. The annals of otology in the following century are adorned by the illustrious names of Valsalva, Morgagni, Rivinus, Zinn, Ruysch, and many others, whose investigations in this and other directions have made them immortal. Much was accomplished in the first half of the present century in placing the anatomy of the ear on a sound basis. During all these ages but little was learned of the pathology or therapeutics of the ear, and not until Sir William Wilde, who might justly be termed the Father of Modern Otology, published his excellent work in 1843, were these subjects placed upon a rational basis. Thus rendered inviting, an army of investigators soon entered the field, and the years since then have witnessed an expansion of this science hardly excelled in any other department of the healing art. Many journals are now published in the interest of otology, and every year adds to the number of works demanded for the record of its progress. Among the latter the edition of Prof. Roosa's work before us is the latest in our language. The world-wide reputation of the author as a clinical observer, a teacher and writer, led us to expect much from the present volume, and we can safely say that our expectations have been more than realized. While it is true that later researches have confirmed much that appeared in the earlier editions, many changes and important additions have been made, notably in depicting the relation of diseases of the nose and throat to the ear, the value of operations on the membrana tympani, and the history and practice of operations on the mastoid. Of much interest and great profit to the general practitioner will be a careful perusal of the chapters devoted to the consideration of acute catarrhal inflammation of the middle ear (earache), in which the time-honored sweet oil and laudanum, molasses and similar agents are justly condemned, the ever-ready poultice restricted to the few conditions in which it is admissible, and correct and effective lines of treatment clearly laid down. Physicians are cautioned against the too free use of quinine, antipyrin, phenacetin and similar drugs in scarlatina, measles, naso-pharyngeal catarrh and pneumonia, because of the tendency to extension of the inflammation to the ear, manifested in all these diseases. The foregoing remedies not only aggravate the aural disorder if already existing, but are capable of giving rise to it. That the nasal douche may cause acute inflammation of the middle ear was shown by the author many years ago, and the position then taken by him has been confirmed, not only by his own subsequent experience, but also by that of many other observers. In operations for opening the mastoid cells the author is not wedded to any particular method, but he nevertheless continues to employ a stiff probe, and the drill or a trephine. The indications for a simple incision, "Wilde's incision," of the soft tissues covering the process, as well as those for perforating the mastoid wall, are fully and clearly laid down. It is worthy of note that the author believes that the diagnostic tube might well be dispensed with in aural practice, an opinion entirely in harmony with that of the writer, in whose armamentarium that device has long since passed into a state of "innocuous desuetude." The writer regrets that the limits allowed him preclude a more extended notice of the merits of this masterly work. A. G. S. TREATISE ON GYNECOLOGY, MEDICAL AND SURGICAL. By S. Pozzi, M.D. Translated from the French editions under the Supervision of and with Additions by Brooks H. Wells, M.D., Lecturer on Gynecology at the New York Polyclinic; Fellow of the New York Obstetrical Society, and the New York Academy of Medicine. Volume I, with 305 wood engravings and six full-page plates in colors. William Wood & Co., New York. Here it is, "gentle reader," the great work of Pozzi, one of the leading, if not the leading gynecological thinker and operator of the world. The author, as most of this class of operators, attributes much of the continued success now being attained to perfection of methods for maintaining complete asepsis. He urges that in hospitals it is essential that the floor, walls, and ceilings, of the operating room should be so constructed that they may be washed daily with the hose. But our space is so limited that a general review of the work is impracticable. The work is exhaustive, is written in true cosmopolitan spirit, and with that mature judgment which can alone emanate from the long and laborious cultivation of rich clinical fields-such as the author finds in his daily work. VOLUMES I, II, III, IV, V, ANNUAL OF THE UNIVERSAL MEDICAL SCIENCES. A yearly report of the progress of the general sanitary sciences throughout the world. Edited by Chas. E. Sajous, M.D., and seventy associ ate editors, assisted by over 200 corresponding editors, collaborators, and correspondents. Illustrated with chromo-lithographs, engravings, and maps. F. A. Davis, 1231 Filbert street, Philadelphia, New York, Chicago, and Atlanta. Our readers already know the character and scope of this great work, and it is only necessary that we should announce that the publishers have it ready for distribution. The five volumes of the Annual for 1891 are more than abreast of their predecessors. The profession, at least the student thereof, is coming to appreciate more and more the value of this now indispensable work, and realize the necessity of giving it a place in every library, as it contains a summary of the medical literature for the year of the entire world. SYPHILIS IN ANCIENT AND PREHISTORIC TIMES. By Dr. F.Buret, Paris, France. Translated from the French, with notes by A. H. OhmannDumesnil, M.D., Professor of Dermatology and Syphilology in the St. Louis College of Physicians and Surgeons; Consulting Dermatologist to the St. Louis City Hospital; Physician for Cutaneous Diseases to the Alexian Bros. Hospital; Dermatologist to St. Margaret's Hospital, etc., etc. F. A. Davis, 1231 Filbert street, Philadelphia, Pa. Price, $1.25 net. The brochure of 225 pages before us is devoted to the history of syphilis, and as such is the most complete and satisfactory yet published in the English language. Based upon GYNECOLOGY AND OBSTETRICS, A complete system of. FLINT'S CONDENSED COMPLETE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF MEDICINE AND SURGERY. Arranged upon a new system, and embodying the various methods of treatment employed by eminent practitioners. The most valuable and complete work of this nature ever published. The result of a year's labor of a large corps of writers. Leather or half morocco, two volumes, $8 per volume. Now in press by J. B. Flint & Co., New York. ELECTRO-THERAPEUTICS OF GYNECOLOGY. By Augustin H. Goelet, M.D. Cloth bound, $2.50. Now in press by J. B. Flint & Co., New York. THE MUSICIANS' GUIDE. Every music teacher, student or music lover should have this volume. It contains 212 pages of valuable musical information, with full description of over 10,000 pieces of music and music books, biographical sketches of over 150 composers, with portraits and other illustrations. Also a choice selection of new vocal and instrumental music and other attractive features. Upon receipt of eight two-cent stamps, to prepay postage, we will mail free a copy of The Musician's Guide, also a sample copy of Brainard's Musical World, containing $2 worth of new music and interesting reading matter. Address The S. Brainard's Sons Co., Chicago, Ill. THE CHINESE: THEIR PRESENT AND FUTURE; MEDICAL, POLITICAL, AND SOCIAL. By Robert Coleman, jr., M. D., Surgeon-in-Charge of the Presbyterian Hospital and Dispensary at Teng Chow Fu; Consulting Physician of the American Southern Baptist Mission Society; Examiner in Surgery and Diseases of the Eye for the Shantung Medical Class; Consulting Physician to the English Baptist Missions, etc. Illustrated with fifteen photoengravings of persons, places, and objects characteristic of China. hansome royal octavo volume, 220 pages, extra cloth, price $1.75 net. F. A. Davis & Co., publishers, 1231 Filbert street, Philadelphia. In one The Chinaman is a source of absolute curiosity to the American, and anything in regard to his relationship to the medical profession will prove more than usually attractive to the average doctor. Such is the case with the work before us. It is difficult to put it aside after one has begun to read it. WOOD'S MEDICAL AND SURGICAL MONOGRAPHS. Vol. XII, Number 2. November, 1891. Contents: The Practice of Hypnotic Suggestions: Being an elementary handbook for the use of the medical profession. By Geo C. Kingsbury, M.A., M.D. A Practical Manual of the Bacteriological Analysis of Water. By Dr. Miquel. Wm. Wood & Co., publishers, 56 and 58 Lafayette Place, New York. Price, $1. STRICTURE OF THE RECTUM: A Study of 138 Cases. Second edition, enlarged. By Chas. B. Kelsey, M.D., New York, Professor of Diseases of the Rectum at the New York Postgraduate School and Hospital; late Professor of Rectal Surgery at the University of Vermont, etc. This is an invaluable brochure of fifty pages, and coming from the hand of one so eminent in this line of practice, must commend itself to every practitioner. THE PHYSICIAN'S LEISURE LIBRARY. Subscription price, $2.50 a year. Issued monthly. Single copies, 25 cents. Geo. S. Davis, Detroit, Mich., Publisher. LESSONS IN THE DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF EYE DISEASES. By Casey A. Wood, C.M., M.D., formerly Clinical Assistant, Royal London Ophthalmic Hospital (Moorfields); Microscopist and Pathologist to the Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary; Professor of Ophthalmology, Postgraduate Medical School; Oculist and Aurist to the Alexian Bros. Hospital, Chicago. With numerous woodcuts. THE MODERN TREATMENT OF HIP DISEASE. A Practical Resume of the Modern Methods Employed in the Treatment of Chronic Articular Ostitis of the Hip. By Chas. F. Stillman, M.SC., M.D., Chicago, late Professor of Orthopedic Surgery in the Chicago Polyclinic; fellow of the Chicago Academy of Medicine, etc. DISEASES OF THE BLADDER AND PROSTATE. By Hal. C. Wyman, M.SC., M.D., Professor of Surgery in the Michigan College of Medicine and Surgery, Detroit; member American Medical Association, Michigan State Medical Society, Michigan Surgical and Pathological Society, Detroit Academy of Medicine, Surgeon Detroit Emergency Hospital, etc., etc. SLEEP, INSOMNIA, AND HYPNOTICS. By Germain See, translated by E. P. Hurd, M.D. NEWS, NOTES AND ITEMS. It is with pleasure that we call attention to Dr. T. J. Crofford's Sanitarium for Women in this issue. This institution is one of the most thorough in the country. The operating room is provided with all the modern improvements, enabling the operator to run a whole season of operating without a single death, although there was no selection of cases. *** The usefulness of good hypophosphites in pulmonary and strumous affections is generally agreed upon by the profession. We commend to the notice of our readers the advertisement in this number. Robinson's Hypophosphites also Robinson's Hypophosphites with Wild Cherry Bark (this is a new combination and will be found very valuable) are elegant and uniformly active preparations; the presence in them of quinine, strychnine, iron, etc., adding highly to their tonic value. *** Quinine pills and capsules are very insoluble, often being discharged undissolved. Febriline, or Tasteless Syrup of Quinine, has been found to be just as reliable in all cases as the bitter sulphate of quinine, and physicians will find it to their |