Ascites treated by Injections of Iodineceive a legacy, and, while there, dined with By Dr. CoSTES.-CASE I. A female, aged his brother on roast beef. A remark being 45, subject to intermittent fever, of pallid made that there was not any horseradish, aspect and emaciated, pulse small but regu-the servant was sent to the garden to pull a lar, came under the author's care with the root. On her return, Mr. Russell scraped abdomen distended by fluid. A puncture it into a plate, and observed that it was very gave issue to sixteen quarts of lemon dead and devoid of taste. Both brothers coloured fluid, and allowed a more accurate partook of it, and also noticed its want of examination, by which there was detected strength, but had no suspicion. Some time enlargement of the spleen. Rapid reproduc-after dinner, the legatee complained of a tion of the effusion ensued, which was followed by a second puncture, giving issue to eleven quarts of a similar fluid. Dr. Costes then injected the following into the peritoneal cavity: tinet. iod. gr. xl., iod. potass. gr. ii., aquæ gr. lxxx.

Immediately following the injection there was anxiety, coldness of the extremities, acute abdominal pains, small pulse (90), agitation, perspirations, nausea, and syncope. These symptoms lasted about twelve hours, after which the patient recovered, and was cured three months after the injection.

strange tingling of the lips, which soon increased and extended around the neck. He then went to call on another brother, the one he had dined with accompanying him, but, before he arrived there, he became much worse, and, on entering the house, said he was sure he had taken poison, the deadness was creeping all over him. Some brandy was then given, but the symptoms increased, and soon the sight was lost. Medical assistance was sought, and a mustard emetic ordered, but in vain, the victim expiring in a little while. The remainder of the root was examined by Dr. Taylor, who at once recognized it to be the aconite. Similar cases have occurred be

1853.

CASE II. A female, aged 68, also subject to intermittent fever. First puncture, July 17, gave issue to nine quarts of lemon-fore, particularly one, some ten years since, coloured fluid. A second puncture (August in Lambeth, where the root of the aconite 2) furnished the same quantity; August 11, was mistaken for that of horseradish, a fatal rather more. There was then injected result following. The aconite should not tinct. iod. gr. xxx., iod. potass. gr. ii., aquæ be cultivated in private gardens, as this, gr. cxx. Immediately afterwards the pulse and other cases, show it to be a very danger. became slow and small; there was colic,ous root, so many persons being unacquaintwith sense of abdominal heat; face pallid.ed with its botanical and physiological Half an hour after the injection, there were qualities.-Med. Times and Gaz. Nov. 19, frequent attacks of nausea, followed by vomiting of a greenish, watery fluid. Pulse frequent; thirst and abdominal pains for On Convulsions -Dr. MURPHY read a 48 hours. There was reproduction of the ef- paper on this subject before the Western fusion, and on a fourth puncture, August 24, Medical and Surgical Society of London, about eight quarts of the same coloured fluid Nov. 4. He showed that convulsions arose were abstracted. The second injection of{from various and opposite causes, and how iodine was followed by the same symptoms, embarrassing a case must be to a physician but less marked. The effusion within the who is called on suddenly to prescribe, and abdomen recurred; the patient became yet is unable to ascertain their origin. He gradually thinner, and she died September defined convulsions as "involuntary clonic 30. Upon examination after death, there muscular contractions, with alternate relaxawas found tuberculosis of the peritoneum. tions, attended with insensibility." He In the pelvis there was a small quantity of mentioned a few of the most common dissero-purulent fluid.-Gaz. Med. de Paris. eases in which convulsions occur-hydrocephalus, physical injuries of the brain, the Accidental Poisoning by Aconite.-A sad invasion of the exanthemata, especially and fatal accident occurred lately at Bristol variola, hysteria, epilepsy, intestinal irritaby the accidental use of the aconite root in tion in children, puerperal convulsions, hemistake for horseradish. A bookseller, atmorrhagic syncope. He expressed great Chard, Somersetshire, named Russell, re-doubts as to dentition being a cause, never paired, a few days since, to Bristol to re- having seen a case relieved by incising the

gums. He also adverted to the practice Presentation has been produced in the

{Production of Carbon by Galvanism.—

during a month in activity, and the powder collected on the wires has been found to be sufficiently hard to polish rubies with great rapidity, and, when burnt, it left no residue. M. Despretz asks himself-Have I obtained crystals of carbon, which I can separate and weigh, in which I can determine the index of refraction and the angle of polarization without doubt? No; I have simply produced by the electric arc, and by weak voltaic currents, carbon crystallized in black octohedrons, in colourless and translucent octohedrons, in plates also colourless and translucent, which possess the hardness of the powder of the diamond, and which disappear in combustion without any sensible residue. A similar result has been obtained by decomposing a mixture of chloride of carbon and alcohol by weak galvanic currents. The black powder de

among wet-nurses, of taking alcoholic and other stimuli, believing this to be a frequent scientific circles of Paris by the announcecause of convulsions in infants. Dr. Mur- ment of the artificial formation of diamond phy then read briefly several cases bearing powder. M. Despretz has made two comemphatically upon the points adverted to, munications to the Académie des Sciences and illustrating the dangers to which hasty upon carbon. In these, he states that placdiagnosis will frequently lead; also some ing at one, the inferior, pole of a voltaic cases in which the cause was undetected battery a cylinder of pure charcoal (its until after death, as in abscess of the brain, purity being secured by preparing it from occurring many years after scarlatina-the crystallized white sugar candy), and, at the only symptom during that period being a superior pole, a bundle of fine platinum constant otorrhea; and a case of undetected wires, so arranged that the charcoal was in fracture of the skull, which simulated typhus the red portion of the electric arc, and the gravior, until a convulsive fit induced an platinum in the violet, he found the carbon examination of the scalp, when an unhealthy volatilized and collected on the platinum wound was discovered, and a portion of de-wires in a changed state. In these experipressed bone was raised. The author drewments, the current has been continued the following conclusions: That the causes of convulsions being so numerous and dissimilar, every case requires its separate consideration, in order to prescribe appropriate treatment. Thus, puerperal convulsions bear copious bleeding, while those arising from loss of blood require wine. Congestion producing convulsions, is relieved by the cold affusion and venesection; but, if they be joined with the poison of the exanthemata, bleeding is highly injurious. Convulsions from intestinal irritation are relieved by opiate enemata and the cold affusion. The convulsions of pertussis justify laryngotomy. Turpentine enemata and the exhibition of chloroform are called for in the convulsions of hysteria. The author then adverted to the difficulty and danger of attempting the administration of remedies by the mouth during continuance of the fits; and recommended that antimony, turpentine,posited was found to possess equal hardness and other substances, should be given as injections. He considered the immediate cause of the convulsive paroxysm to be within the cranium, and that the return of sensibility during the intervals of the fits was a most favourable symptom. He concluded, also, that were it not for the insen-after repeated trials he is convinced of the sibility during the paroxysm, it would be curative powers of belladonna in mercurial attended with as much pain as tetanus; and salivation. that, like rigors, cramps, and spasms, they are salutary in keeping up the circulation. Tapping for Ascites in an Infant Nine A discussion of considerable interest en-Weeks Old.-Dr. WYNN related to the sued, during which a case was mentioned, in which an outburst of passion in the mother induced convulsions in the infant at the breast; and this occurred repeatedly to the same child, and in two children successively. Med. Times and Gaz. Nov. 12, 1853. {peated in the following month, when an

with that which was sublimed, and rubies were readily polished by it.-Med. Times and Gaz. Oct. 29, 1853.

Belladonna for the Cure of Mercurial Salivation.-Dr. ERPENBECK states that

Medical Society of London (Oct. 15, 1853), the particulars of a case in which he had performed the operation of paracentesis abdominis, for the relief of ascites in an infant nine weeks of age. The operation was re

other quart of fluid was removed, but a or disperse such exhalations so as to render small vessel was wounded, and ultimately them harmless, and it is the duty of man to the patient sank from exhaustion. A post-attend to those laws of nature, and to exert mortem examination revealed the presence the faculties which Providence has thus of a friable condition of the liver, which Dr. given to man for his own welfare. Wynn believed to be congenital.

The recent visitation of cholera, which has for the moment been mercifully checkThe Presbytery of Edinburgh and the ed, is an awful warning given to the people Cholera.-Lord Palmerston.-The Modera- of this realm that they have too much netor of the Edinburgh Presbytery of theglected their duty in this respect, and that Church of Scotland addressed Lord Palm-those persons with whom it rested to purify erston a few days ago, stating that the towns and cities and to prevent or remove Presbytery had in view the propriety of the causes of disease, have not been suffiappointing, on ecclesiastical authority, a ciently active in regard to such matters. day for prayer and humiliation, within its Lord Palmerston would, therefore, suggest bounds, on account of the reappearance of that the best course which the people of Asiatic cholera in this country. Consider this country can pursue to deserve that the ing, however, that it was likely that a na-farther progress of the cholera should be tional fast would be appointed on royal authority, they begged respectfully to ask whether such an appointment was in contemplation. The following letter from the Home Office, in reply, was read at the last monthly meeting of the Presbytery:

"Whitehall, October 19th.

stayed, will be to employ the interval that will elapse between the present time and the beginning of next spring in planning and executing measures by which those portions of their towns and cities which are inhabited by the poorest classes, and which, from the nature of things, must most need purification and improvement, may be freed

done his utmost for his own safety, then is the time to invoke the blessing of Heaven to give effect to his exertions.

"I am, sir, your obedient servant, HENRY FITZROY. "To the REV. W. H. GRAY, Moderator of the Presbytery of Edinburgh."

Donation to a Medical Journal.-The Gazette des Hôpitaux, one of the oldest medical journals in France, has just re

"Sir: I am directed by Viscount Palm-from those causes and sources of contagion erston to acknowledge the receipt of your which, if allowed to remain, will infallibly letter of the 15th inst., requesting, on the breed pestilence, and be fruitful in death, behalf of the Presbytery of Edinburgh, to in spite of all the prayers and fastings of an be informed whether it is proposed to ap-united but inactive nation. When man has point a day of national fast on account of the visitation of the cholera, and to state that there can be no doubt that manifestations of humble resignation to the Divine Will, and sincere acknowledgments of hu man unworthiness are never more appropriate than when it has pleased Providence to afflict mankind with some severe visitation; but it does not appear to Lord Palmerston that a national fast would be suitable to the circumstances of the present moment. "The Maker of the Universe has esta-ceived a donation of 10,000f. a year, from a blished certain laws of nature for the planet in which we live, and the weal or woe of mankind depends upon the observance or the neglect of those laws. One of those laws connects health with the absence of those gaseous exhalations which proceed from overcrowded human beings, or from decomposed substances, whether animal or vegetable; and these same laws render sickness the almost inevitable consequence of exposure to those noxious influences. But it has, at the same time, pleased Providence to place it within the power of man to make such arrangements as will prevent 22, 1853.

physician attached to one of the hospitals in Paris, on condition: 1st. That the donor's name shall remain inviolably a secret. 2d. That 3,000f. of the sum shall be employed in encouraging the authors of useful and practical papers published in the Gazette. And, 3d. That the remaining 7,000f. shall be employed in distributing copies of the Gazette to physicians or students who are too poor to pay the whole or any part of the subscription, the simple declaration of the applicants to that effect being all that is to be required.—Med. Times and Gaz. Oct.

Medical Students in Paris.-The whole number of students who had matriculated in the Faculty of Medicine of Paris, was, up to the 10th of December last, 1,065, of whom only 287 were new. The previous year, by the 15th of November, the number was 1,434, of whom 480 were new.- Gaz. Med. de Paris, Dec. 10, 1853.

French Academy of Medicine.-Among the prizes offered for 1854, is one of $200 for the best essay on cod liver oil as a therapeutic agent.

healing art, having received authority by a royal decree to practice medicine in Barceluna. The Spanish Medical Press urges the profession to protest against this decree, and to demand its revocation.-Revue de Therapeutique.

Extraordinary Malaria Visitation.—A few days ago, the Race Ball, in connection with the Cowbridge Hunt, was celebrated at the Bear Hotel, Cowbridge, and attended by the elite of Glamorganshire. Soon after the ball, about forty ladies and gentlemen, who took part in the festival, were seized with a frightful fever similar to the "Croyden malady," produced by the sudden falling of an old drain that had not been opened twenty years, and which emitted a most overpowering malaria. The servants and other inmates of the hotel have also been

Faculty of Medicine of Paris.-The chair of Medical Chemistry in this Faculty rendered vacant by the death of M. Orfila, has, by an imperial decree of the 10th of December last, been abolished, and in its place a chair of Pharmacy has been instituted, which has been filled by the appoint-attacked by the fever.-Lancet. ment of M. SOUBEIRAN.

Statistics of Longevity.-1,751 persons Measles Epidemic in Edinburgh.-There were taken, all of whom had attained an is at present a mild but extensive epidemic hundred years, and were all living at the of measles in Edinburgh and its neighbour-same time. In one year they had diminishhood, so much so that the Royal Infirmary, ed to 1,587, in the second year to 1,442, in where for years very few cases of this dis-the third to 1,280, in the fourth to 1,126, and ease have been admitted, now contains so on, until, out of the original 1751, only several in almost every ward.-Monthly Journal of Medical Science, Dec. 1853.

M. Louis.-This eminent pathologist has resigned his physicianship at the Hôtel Dieu, on account of the delicate health of his only son, whose care he himself will take charge of during his residence at Pau.

Prize for the Cure of Cholera.-The Academy of Sciences of Paris, has received the legacy 100,000 francs ($20,000), left by a generous philanthropist, M. BREANT, as a recompense for him who shall discover a remedy for cholera. As this is not likely to be soon awarded, it is proposed to give the interest annually for the most useful discovery connected with cholera. During the first empire, a similar sum was left for the curer of croup, which has not yet been awarded. The new legacy will only serve to swell that large sum which the Academy annually distributes in the form of prizes.

143 reached the age of 120; 44 survived to 130; 12 to 140; and one old gentleman actually resisted the effects of time and weather till he had completed his one hundred and fiftieth year.-New Quarterly Review for October.

Omar Pasha's Medical Staff.-It is stated (Lancet) that the medical officers in the Turkish service have become so disgusted at the bad treatment to which they have been subjected, in the shape of improper food, insufficient housing, and the absence of the respect to which they are entitled, that they are daily leaving the service.

OBITUARY RECORD.-Died in Paris, on the 2d of October, of diabetes complicated with albuminuria, M. ARAGO, Perpetual Secretary of the Academy of Sciences, and Associate Member of the Academy of Medicine, aged sixty-seven years and a half.

in London, on the 25th of Decem

A Physician made by a Royal Edict.-Aber last, JAMES GILKREST, M. D., InspectorSpanish journal, El Pouvenir Medico, re- General of Army Hospitals, and Corre. lates the extraordinary circumstance of an sponding Member of the National Academy individual who is an entire stranger to the of Medicine of France.

CLINICS.

Statistical Report of the Principal Operations performed in the London Hospitals during the Month of December, 1853.

SIXTEEN PAGES.

aged 53, under Mr. Stanley's care, in St. Bartholomew's; strangulation 96 hours; taxis scarcely used; sac not opened; recovered well without special after-treatment. Case 2.-An elderly woman, also under Lithotomy.-The three cases reported Mr. Stanley's care; strangulation 33 hours; last month have since recovered. Two taxis had been much abused before admis. operations have been performed during the sion; sac not opened; the symptoms of month. The first was by Mr. Le Gros peritonitis which came on afterwards were Clarke on a boy in St. Thomas's Hospital. subdued by opium, and she recovered well. The patient was six years old, and in good Case 3.-A man, aged 24, in Guy's, under health; a mulberry calculus was extracted Mr. Hilton's care; tumour very large;. by the lateral method, and he recovered strangulation nearly 4 hours; sac not openvery quickly. The second was by Mr.ed; recovered well. Case 4.-A woman, Moore, in the Middlesex Hospital, on a aged 50, under Mr. South's care, in St. healthy boy from the country, aged seven. Thomas's; strangulation one week; sac He left the hospital well four weeks after-opened; the gut burst during the operation, wards. and fecal matter escaped; death six hours Herniotomy. All the cases previously afterwards; acute peritonitis was found;: reported have recovered. Number of opera-only a part of the caliber of the gut had been tions during the month, 9; of which 5 have constricted; its coats were ulcerated through. recovered, 1 is in danger, and 3 are dead. at the seat of stricture. Case 5.-A man, Several of these were cases of great interest. aged 30, under Mr. Simon's care, in St. Case 1 was a femoral hernia in a woman, Thomas's Hospital; strangulation 36:

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