great extent, if not entirely, of experiencing pain, while under the action of the knife," &c. "This," they say, "is our discovery, and the combining it with, or applying it to, any operation of surgery, for the purpose of alleviating animal suffering, as well as of enabling a surgeon to conduct his operations, with little or no struggling, or muscular action of the patient, and with more certainty of success, constitutes our invention." If there is any truth in affidavits, both the " discovery' and the "invention" belong to Dr. Wells. The thing patented we are told is, the use of any kind of "vapours" for the purpose of producing this insensibility, (the specification speaks of several modes in which they may be used) as if such a thing as this could be legally patented. As the patentees have relinquished all idea, however, of maintaining the patent, we hope they will be induced to go a step further and relinquish the whole credit of the discovery to him to whom it properly belongs. This, though an act of late justice, will gain for them more real substantial fame, than they are ever likely to acquire by persisting in an unjust claim.

It strikes us as somewhat remarkable, that Drs. Morton and Jackson should both have made the same discovery, and so nearly at the same time, that they could both make affidavit that the discovery was actually made by each of them, though the priority has since become a matter of controversy between them; and that these two gentlemen should one of them have been Dr. Wells' student, and the other the chemist to whom Dr. Wells advised Dr. M. to apply for nitrous oxide gas, and both the very same individuals to whom Dr. Wells communicated the result of his experiments, and the important fact which it is proved he established more than two years before, viz., that both nitrous ether and nitrous oxide gas would produce such a degree of insensibility, that severe surgical operations might be performed without consciousness, while a person was under their influence. We are astonished, we say, not a little, at these strange coincidences, especially as one of these gentlemen acknowledges he had never experimented with the article; and seems to have thought very little of the matter until it was hailed as a very important affair, for the discovery of which both fame and emolument might accrue. Should it be thought that we have done injustice to either of these gentlemen, our pages are open to a reply.

CASE OF TRAUMATIC TETANUS, communicated in a letter to S. S. PURPLE, M.D. of N. York, by Mr. M. B. BROWN, of Pitt Co., N. C., May 28th, 1847.- - Dear Sir :-I was called to see Jno. L., aged 25 years, on the 29th June, 1846, 8 o'clock, P. M. I found him with tonic spasms and rigidity of the muscles of the jaw-deglutition impossible-power of speech gone-the jaws completely closed-the abdominal muscles and muscles of the upper and lower extremities rigid—the action of the extensors balancing that of the flexor-except in the fingers, they were clenched in the palm of the hand-intellect undisturbed. Soon after I arrived, on attempting to drink, he was seized with spasmodic tremor of the whole frame, all the voluntary muscles were rigidly spasmed-his countenance hideously distorted-copious perspiration bedewed the skin, pulse quick, small and regular, extremities icy cold. The spasms

lasted two minutes. In the interval he seemed thirsty and motioned for water to be brought, on attempting to drink, he was cramped again.

"From the person who had been with him during the day I learned the following:-They had been fishing together, about noon, as near as he could recollect; the patient caught a catfish, and while taking it off the hook the end of his thumb was punctured by the fin of the fish. In about three hours the wound became very painful-he complained of feeling chilly (it was a warm day), of considerable nausea and vomited freely-they returned home, the patient growing worse-complained of great oppression at præcordia, dyspnoea, and some tightness about the jaws very restless. The patient, previous to the attack, had been in good health.

"Treatment. Strong sinapisms to the whole track of the spine, on the extremities and over the abdomen after having previously excited the skin with Tr. Capsicum-an enema of infus. Tabaci [ 3 j. to Oss.] was administered. On examining the wound it was scarcely perceptible-I incised it freely and dressed it with Ung. Cantharid. Waited an hour when there was so much relaxation as to allow the patient to swallow 1 gr. Sulph. Morphia, this dose was repeated every hour. In three hours no bad effect had arisen from the effects of the Morphia— it seemed to expend all its powers in allaying the universal tetanic rigidity and spasms-by this time he could talk, though badly. I administered 20 grs. Calomel, to be followed in three hours by 3j. Sulph. Magnesia, and ordered the Morphia to be continued in gr. doses every hour. 30th, 11 o'clock, A. M., much improved-Salts had purged him freely-skin warm and moist-spasms had disappeared-but little stiffness of the jaws. Continued the Morphia in gr. doses during the day. I omitted to say the mustard had blistered the back. Directed him to keep his bowels open, dress the wound with basilicon nig., and keep under the influence of wine for a week. This patient had no return of tetanic spasm, and to this day is perfectly well.”

DELLUC'S PHARMACY.-We have occasionally been favored with various Formula, by M. Delluc, the well known Pharmacien of 581 Broadway, which, from their elegance and known efficacy, we have thought proper to publish in our journal. The following refers to a new preparation which has proved decidedly beneficial in chronic affections of the urinary organs.-(Ed.)

Dr. Lee-Dear Sir: I herewith send you a sample of the fluid Ex. tract you have been kind enough to suggest to me, as being a desirable combination in affections of the urinary organs. It is composed, as you know, of the fol. Buchu, Uva Ursi, Pareira Brava, and Chimaphilla Umbellata, in equal proportions. The properties are extracted by means of Hydro-Alcohol. By this process I have obtained all their soluble and active properties, which are mucilaginous, astringent, bitter, extractive, and aromatic. You will find it highly mucilaginous and aromatic, having been prepared without the means of heat. According to the strength of this preparation, the dose would be from one to two teaspoonfuls three times a day in water.

I have also the pleasure to inform you that it has been tried already, with marked success, in a case of enlargement of the prostate gland, with considerable irritation of the mucous membrane of the bladder,.

and great urinary distress; the patient-an aged man-was greatly relieved after a few doses of the Extract.

As many Physicians may probably object to its containing any alkaline preparations, I have thought best to leave it to the discretion of the medical practitioners to combine it with any alkali, as the case may require. Hoping that it may prove equally good in your hands, I remain, with great respect, yours, M. DELLUC, 551 Broadway.

New York, April, 1847.

EPIDEMIC ERYSIPELAS IN MICHIGAN.-Extract of a Letter from S. GLISSON, M. D., to the Editor.- -"Livingston, Mich., June 20, 1847.The same disease which has for years back destroyed a good many people in the State of New York, and other States, has lately been observed in this neighborhood, i. e., about six miles from here. I allude to a form of Malignant Erysipelas, commonly called "Black Tongue.' Although the stage of excitement is well developed in the commencement, yet it would seem that the antiphlogistic treatment makes but little impression, and the patient soon falls into a train of typhoid symptoms, which render stimulants necessary. The black appearance of the tongue has not been noticed more than once, perhaps, out of ten cases; the same looking more as if it had been boiled. The tumefaction of the scalp and face is usually extraordinarily great; likewise that of the fauces, palate, tongue, etc. The termination in many cases proves fatal. External and stimulating applications, such as Arg., Nitr., Terebinth, Camphor, &c., seem to do no good; but, in some cases, manifest injury. The treatment which appeared to have any success was stimulating and diaphoretic, such as a combination of Camphor, Myrrh, Spir. Nitr., Dulc., &c. It cannot be denied that some of the "Red Pepper Doctors" have been a little more fortunate in their mode of treatment of the malady; and I rather think that their heating and stimulating remedies, although to be condemned as a universal remedy for all diseases, may not be entirely out of place here; yet while making this concession, I do most emphatically denounce the idea of favoring their quackery."

COMMENCEMENT OF THE BUFFALO UNIVERSITY -The exercises connected with the first commencement of the Medical University of Buffalo, were held at the First Presbyterian Church, yesterday. Quite a large concourse of our citizens assembled to witness them, as the occasion was a novelty here this being the first.

The exercises were opened with an impressive and appropriate prayer by the Rev. A. T. HOPKINS, the pastor of the church, which was followed by music from the choir.

The Chancellor of the University, the Hon. M. Fillmore, delivered the Address. It was principally confined to a historical sketch of the rise and progress of education in Buffalo, and urged the claims of the University upon our citizens for its permanent establishment, by the purchase of a lot and the erection of suitable buildings. The plan of the institution contemplates an Academic, Law and Theological Department, which are to be organized as soon as practicable. The Academic will next be provided for, and as soon as the means can be realized for that purpose. The Chancellor,

in his address, paid well-deserved compliments to the Professors for the ability and success which have marked the first term of their connection with the Buffalo University ranking them second to none in the Union, in their several Departments.

After music from the choir, the Chancellor conferred the Degree of M. D. upon the following young gentlemen :

Bela E. Phelps, N. Y.-Hernia. L. C. Rogers, N. Y.-Empiricism. W. H. Andrews, Michigan-Remittent Fever. De Lois M. Norton, N. Y.Acute Premonitis. George B. Parker, N. Y.-Mania-a-Potu. I. E. King, Pennsylvania-Pue: peral Fever. John P. Dudley, N. Y.-Erythema Anatomica. H. D. Garvin, N. Y.-Fractures. Sidney A. Foss, Ky.Typhoid Fever. Wells Taber, N. Y.-Pneumonia. Horace S. Lindley, Ohio-Acute Laryngitis. I. A. Whiting, Canada-History of Physiology. H. W. Barrett, N. Y.-Dyspepsia. I. M. Hardy, Canada-Hemorrhage. Geo. Abbott, N. Y.-Infl mmatory Croup. Wm. King, N. Y.—Pregnancy. Z. H. Blake, N. Y.-Scarlatina.

The Honorary Degree of M. D. was conferred upon ITHAMAR H. SMITH, of Canaan, Ct.

After the conclusion of this part of the exercises, Prof. HAMILTON delivered an address to the graduates. The address was a feeling and beautiful. effort-replete with high sentiments, of sound morality, and enlarged and pure philanthropy, which, if made the rule and guide of the young gentlemen to whom it was more immediately directed, cannot fail of making them ornaments to their profession and to society-useful men and devoted Christians, in thought, word and deed. The peculiar province of the true physician was pointed out, and the duties and responsibilities of the profession enforced.

Music from the choir, and a benediction by the Rev. Mr. SCHUYler, closed the exercises of the first commencement of the Buffalo Medical University.— Buffalo Daily Courier of June 17, 1847.

COMPLIMENT TO C. LA FORD, M. D., DEMONSTRATOR OF ANATOMY IN THE BUFFALO UNIVERSITY.-We have received a copy of a series of resolutions unanimously passed by the Medical class of the University of Buffalo, at its recent session, highly complimenting the Demonstrator, Dr. Ford, for his very "able, interesting, and highly instructive course of anatomical lectures, just concluded." One resolution expresses the opinion that Dr. F. is unsurpassed by few of his age in this department of science, in which opinion we fully coincide. We also unite with the class in wishing him all prosperity and happiness. The resolutions are signed by J. M. Hardy, Chairman, and Sidney A. Foss, Secretary.

"THE NEW YORK MEDICAL AND SURGICAL REPORTER."-This weekly journal has been discontinued for want of patronage. The former editor, Dr. Collins, has had no connection with it since the close of the first volume, and is not responsible for the course pursued by its late proprietor, in discontinuing it before the expiration of the year, for which payment had been made by many in advance. We hope no blame will be attached to Dr. Collins, who is a strictly honorable man, and who never makes promses without performing them to the letter.

BRIEF ACCOUnt of the Medical Properties of "The IRIS VERSICOLOR, OR BLUE FLAG," in a letter from M. H. ANDREWS, M.D., of Mich., to the Editor. The fresh root of this plant has a sweetish sub-acrid taste, and a faint disagreeable odor, both of which are nearly dissipated by drying. My mode of preparing, is to take the fresh dug roots, cut them into thin slices, and place them in an oven heated to about 100° until they are thoroughly dried; then pulverize, and put the powder in a box or bottle, to keep it from the air. In this way, it may be kept for months, and perhaps years. The dose of the powdered root is from ten to fifteen grains. It should be combined with some stimu lant, as cayenne pepper, gum myrrh, or ginger. One grain of the former, or two of either of the others, to prevent the nausea and griping which occasionally follow its administration when given alone. In this form I have given it to more than two hundred persons, of all ages. and both sexes, and have uniformly found it to operate as a mild, yet ef fectual cathartic, producing copious discharges, containing a large amount of bile. It is very efficacious in removing the pain and soreness of the abdomen common to remittent fever. When given in small doses, of from two to four grains, it acts as an alterative. I have given it in several cases of habitual costiveness, of long standing, with It differs from most other vegetable cathartics in its taste, which is neither nauseating nor disagreeable, and on that account is to be preferred to those of a nauseating character, where it will answer as good a purpose. It is readily taken by the most delicate females, or by children, its taste never being objected to. I do not know that it possesses virtues superior to many other articles of the same class, but it is equal to jalap, and other articles of a more disagreeable taste, and may, in many cases, be substituted for our foreign cathartics.

success.

Abstract of Proceedings of the Lyceum of Natural History of New York. February 22d. The following gentlemen were elected officers of the society. Joseph Delafield, President; John Le Conte, Wm. C. Redfield, Vice Presidents; John H. Redfield, Corresponding Secretary; R. H. Browne, Recording Secretary; B. W. Budd, J. B. Bell, R. H. Browne, J. C. Brevoort and James Thompson, Curators.

March 1st. J. H. Redfield read an extract from the Columbian Magazine, for 1790, p. 334, in which it was stated that the coral clam was found in great quantities off the Capes of the Delaware. He wished to call the attention of Naturalists to this subject, as it was not well known what shell is alluded to. It is described as being six inches in length and four in breadth, the shell transparent and slightly tinged with pale red, and open at both ends, the animal white, bordered with a fine red. It is said to have been found in 33 fathoms of water; this, however, is probably an error, as the apparatus used for procuring it was too imperfect to bring up any thing from that depth.

It is to be hoped that the conchologists of Philadelphia will attempt to discover what this shell is, as the name coral clam appears to be entirely unknown.

Mr. J. Thomson read a description of a new species of Trichodes (Clerus Lat.) for which he proposes the specific name of Trichodes rubens capite nigro, thorace piloso elytris dense punctatis, maculis 6 nigris notatis; abdomine metallico, pedibus pilosis. Length 3.75 lin.

March 8. Dr. Le Conte called the attention of the society to a fossil in