A Treatise on Diseases of the Skin. By ERASMUS WILSON, F. R. S. Fourth American, from the fourth and enlarged London edition. 8vo., pp. 649. Philadelphia: Lea and Blanchard. 1857. (For sale by T. Richards & Son.)

Every practitioner should possess some treatise on Diseases of the Skin. There is, perhaps, no class of affections which so often bring mortification and disgrace upon the regular members of the Profession as the class of "Cutaneous Diseases "-there is no class in which the Diagnosis is so uncertain, the Treatment so empirical and the Prognosis so entirely beyond all prediction, as in this particular class; and yet, when we consider closely the subject, we feel confident that "this ought not so to be." Cutaneous diseases are, of course, all external, open to the examination of the diagnostician. Even the microscope can be brought to bear in the examination, and in all their varions stages and phases, they are patent to the eye and to the touch, while remedies of every kind can be more conveniently applied to the locale of these affections than in any other class.

Notwithstanding all these great advantages, the generality of practitioners dread such cases—show great reluctance to undertaking their treatment— treat them, almost invariably, unsuccessfully, and finally neglecting them, they find their way into the hands of quacks and empirics, who, by some lucky chance, cure them, and heap well-merited disgrace upon the Profession. It is the general opinion-we mean, of course, the popular opinion— in many communities, that physicians do not understand these diseases; and the popular opinion is most shamefully correct-they do not understand them for the very reason that they do not study them with one tithe of the care they devote to every other class of affections. This state of things does not arise from the want of an advanced state of the science, in regard to skin diseases, or from any deficiency of excellent treatises upon this department; for there is no class of diseases in which the science has become more thoroughly, or has been for a longer time better established, than in this. The want of knowledge on the part of the practitioner, is from the want of reading; for certainly, the descriptions of no class of affections, can be more graphic, than those given in our systematic works of Diseases of the Skin. We were about to say, that few physicians possess a treatise on Diseases of the Skin;-this, perhaps, may not be true, for Wilson's treatise has been through four editions in this country, proving that somebody must buy it, even though few may have studied the work carefully.

The present edition of this work is much enlarged, and presents to the reader the whole science of the subject. It is the best treatise on Diseases of the Skin-and in our opinion, one of the best and most complete medical works in the English language.

Accompanying the Text, Messrs. Blanchard & Lea advertise an Atlas of

Plates, exquisitely colored; we have not seen these, though doubtless, they will add much to the clearness of the descriptions in the Text.

We would, unhesitatingly, advise our readers to procure the work, and the plates too, and devote about two months to acquiring some definite and reliable knowledge of this class of diseases, so that hereafter they may approach them with some degree of confidence. "The next thing to knowledge," says the great Samuel Johnson, "is to know where you can find it.” We will assure our readers that if they wish to come near to knowing all about Diseases of the Skin, they cannot do better than to possess Wilson.

A Manual of Examinations upon Anatomy, Physiology, Surgery, Practice of Medicine, Chemistry, Obstetrics, Materia Medica, Pharmacy and Therapeutics-especially designed for Students of Medicine; to which is added, a Medical Formulary. By J. L. LUDLOW, A. M., M. D., Fellow of the College of Physicians, Member of the American Medical Association, and one of the Consulting Physicians to the Philadelphia Hospital, etc., etc. A new edition, thoroughly revised and much enlarged. With three hundred and seventy Illustrations. 12mo., pp. 816. Philadelphia: Blanchard & Lea. 1857. (For sale by T. Richards & Son.)

The above title fully explains the character of the work under notice. As the author has stated in the preface: "This Manual of Examinations" has for its object "to give at a glance the principal points necessary to guide the student in the prosecution of his studies, and to revive his recollection of subjects treated upon in more voluminous works."

Time was, when even this explanation would not save "a Manual of Examinations," where the whole Science of Medicine is crammed into a nutshell to be "crammed" into the heads of students from condemnation. That time has past; students are now rushed through in such hot haste, that he who is able to cram the most deserves the most credit, for the whole course is a cramming operation. Seriously, though, we would recommend this book as one of the best of its kind, and to every right-minded student a most valuable aid in acquiring the Facts of Medical Science.

Principles of Medicine. An Elementary View of the Causes, Nature, Treatment, Diagnosis and Prognosis of Disease: with brief remarks on Hygienics, or the Preservation of Health. By CHARLES J. B. WILLIAMS, M.D., F.R.S. A new American from the third and revised London edition. 8vo., pp. 486. Philadelphia: Blanchard & Lea. 1857. (For sale by T. Richards & Son.)

This is one of those standard, well established works which has run through editions enough to prove the good opinion of the Profession. It needs no commendation from us. We would, however, make one remark here, for the benefit of students and younger members of the Profession (we take it for granted the older members have all read the book); the remark is this: that no works are so improving and so important, in the

beginning of a physician's career, as works on the general principles of Medicine. "General Principles" is the common sense of every science, and without some quantum of this philosophy special facts must ever remain in the mind of the gatherer, unlinked and undigested and, indeed, unavailable. The present treatise is one of the best, and is every way worthy the good opinion it has ever commanded from the Profession.

The Hand-Book of Practical Receipts, of Every-Day Use: A Manual for the Chemist, Druggist, Medical Practitioner, Manufacturer, and Heads of Families; comprising the Officinal Medicines, their uses and modes of preparation; and Formulæ for Trade Preparations, Mineral Waters, Powders, Beverages, Dietetic Articles, Perfumery, Cosmetics, etc. A Glossary of the terms used in Chemistry and Medicine, including old names, contractions, vulgar and scientific denominations; with a copious Index to all the Preparations. By THOMAS F. BRANSTON. First American, from the second London edition. 12mo., pp. 307. Philadelphia: Lindsay & Blakiston. 1857.

The present edition is the first appearance of this useful little work, in this country, though it has passed through two editions in England. From a careful examination of our copy, we feel warranted in giving the opinion, that it is a most convenient, comprehensive and useful book, either as a manual or as a book of reference. We do not hesitate to commend it to all for whose use the work has been prepared.

Manual of Physiology. By WILLIAM SENHOUSE KIRKES, M. D., Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians; Assistant Physician to, and Lecturer on Botany and Vegetable Physiology, at St. Bartholomew's Hospital. A new and revised American, from the last London edition-with two hundred Illustrations. 12mo., pp. 584. Philadelphia: Blanchard & Lea. 1857. (For sale by T. Richards & Son.)

The present new edition of the above work brings it up to the latest period of the science. It has been the Text book of many Colleges throughout the Union for years; and this last edition, with its two hun dred illustrations, is well calculated to sustain its deservedly high character

Treatment of Sore Nipples.-A friend, whose judgment and experience entitles his opinion to much consideration, assures us that equal parts (by weight) of glycerine and tannin is the best application for sore nipples which he has used. It is also an excellent remedy for chaps and excoria tions of other parts. The tannin dissolves readily in the glycerine. We hope this formula will be as widely known as the celebrated tincture of benzoin cure, which has, we believe, been quoted in every medical journal in this country.-[Boston Med. and Surg. Journal.

Dysentery-Its Nature and Pathology. A Clinical Lecture, deliv ered at Jackson-street Hospital. By ROBERT CAMPBELL, A.M., M.D., Demonstrator of Anatomy in the Medical College of Georgia.

"As all the normal phenomena of the living organism are known to occur under the superintending influence of the NERVOUS SYSTEM, and are dominated by it, so it is but rational to regard all morbid actions as being more or less influenced in their manifestations by aberrated nervous action."

[Transactions of the American Medical Association, vol x]

GENTLEMEN,-We have deemed it not inappropriate to select Dysentery for the subject of a few remarks to-day, as an important, and latterly, a common field of investigation-one, which must necessarily some time lie in your pathway and therefore, as a theme well deserving your attention. Moreover, we were particularly desirous of bringing to your notice, on some occasion, certain considerations, hereinafter to be discussed, concerning the nature and treatment of this disease, which have been derived from the observation and study of many interesting cases, hoping you may find them some day of practical benefit to you.

In an article transmitted us for publication, in the Southern Medical and Surgical Journal, (October No.,) entitled "Creosote in

Dysentery," which records the author's happy experience with this agent, occurs the truthful sentence-"As regards the treatment, there is less unanimity of sentiment than in any other disease that we have to contend with." And this is doubtless the result of the diverse and indefinite ideas entertained generally as to its pathology. Hence, we ever and anon see mustered into columns of varying length, a diversified array of evidences concerning different and antipodal remedial measures; which cause has had the effect of greatly mystifying the understanding of the profession at large, as regards the true nature of this disease, whatever that may be. Besides, the increased and epidemic prevalence of this alarming and often fatal malady in our Southern and the Western States of late years, has compelled a more peculiar interest in, and a more energetic inquiry into, its character and its treatment, upon those whose lines have fallen unto them in these un-pleasant places, and whose duty as well as prerogative it has been, to deal with the destroyer. And they have disclosed to us the result of their ratiocinations, upon whatever basis their interpretation of the nature of this disease, may have presented to them. Some practitioners are found still clinging to the Opiate and Astringent routine, as the sheet-anchor of their hopes, in order "to stop the bowels;" and whatever may be the unavoidable, though salutary interludes displayed upon the case, their Opium and their Tannin, with its host of representatives, and their Acetate of Lead, are sure to bear the palm. Anon, we hear one proclaiming the infallible potency of the Cold-Water Enemata-another, lauding Mercury, the indispensable back-bone of his medication. And again, the saline or purgative treatment has been much vaunted, and not without some array of substantiating testimony.

These may be said to be the leading, though antagonistic, doctrines before us, presented for our guidance, with respect to this very important matter of consideration. If "in a multitude of counsellors there is safety" always, we certainly should consider ourselves enlightened and feel at ease upon these premises; yet, may it not make confusion more confounded, when the experience of another is entered upon the record. But before commencing the detail of proceedings, it would be fair to premise briefly, the impressions derived, concerning the nature of that condition,

*By Dr. Wm. H. McMath.