MEDICAL MEMORANDA. Putrefactive Processes.-As an antiferment, to correct disorders of digestion, and to counteract the intestinal putrefactive processes in the summer diarrheas of children, listerine possesses great advantages over other antiseptics in that it may be administered freely, being non-toxic, non-irritant and non-escharotic; furthermore, its genial compatibility with syrups, elixirs and other standard remedies of the materia medica, renders it an acceptable and efficient agent in the treatment of diseases produced by the fermentation of food, the decomposition of organic matter, the endo-development of fetid gases, and the presence or attack of low forms of microzoic life. An interesting pamphlet relating to the treatment of diseases of this character may be had upon application to the manufacturers of listerine, Lambert Pharmacal Co., Saint Louis. 49 9 3 Protonuclein. - Dr. T. O. Summers, former Professor of Anatomy and Histology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, St. Louis, in an article in the New York Medical Journal, speaking of advantages of protonuclein over other organic nuclein compounds says: "It is almost impossible to obtain an exact formula for nuclein, which was first discovered by Miescher in the pus corpuscles and the yolk of an egg. Physiological chemists, however, have generally agreed upon the following: CH4N,PO22. A fresh preparation is a colorless amorphous body, soluble to a slight extent in water, no attempt being made to separate it from its immediate physiological surroundings. It has also been discovered by Professor Chittenden, Dr. Vissman, and others of the Polyclinic School of New York and the laboratories of St. Louis, that protonuclein contains a very appreciable portion of iodine in its environment as extracted. This, of course, would tend greatly to the increase of the absorbent and assimilative functions of protonuclein, bringing it very close to all of the ultimate constructive cells of the body, which is the normal therapeutic action of iodine. This product, therefore, not only contains the nuclein, but also the nuclein-charged multinuclear leucocytes, which are the active agents of nutrition and assimilation, the vital unites of the organism, and the normal resistants to toxic agents introduced into the body. In this way, the activity of the principle is preserved and made applicable to every condition of structure. The large proportion of phosphorus would of itself suggest its general restorative powers, which have been so signally demonstrated in its practical therapeutic application. It is, however, to the cellular activity of protonuclein that its therapeutic power is mainly due, and this contradistinguishes it from all nuclein preparations so-called, which have been separated from their normal physiological environment, and can only be useful to the extent of furnishing nutrition to wasting parts provided their activity is preserved, which is scarcely possible without the normal environment, having no effect upon neoplasms or cachexias, which protonuclein attacks with vigor and success.' Coca as a Depurative of the Blood. The problems confront that the practitioner during the heated months, are usually the overgrowth of previous unsoundness of health which have settled into a condition more or less chronic, or those more acute ills engendered through overindulgence in such bounties as are now lavishly displayed in either of these broad classes, when physical strength and mental power is at a low ebb, there is no one remedy better adapted than coca. It is an adjuvant to all known forms of treatment. The knowledge of this drug has come to the busy scientific world through its efficacious use in allied conditions requiring the most urgent support to maintain life. The Andean traveler toiling up rugged steeps through bleak and unhabitable regions, at an altitude where sheer existence is sustained with difficulty, is supported in his efforts through the use of coca, the leaves of which he chews unceasingly. The seemingly marvelous action of these, apparently simple leaves, has only recently been learned through a study of the physiological properties of their constituents. Coca primarily acts as a depurative of the blood, and as it is well known, when this nutrient stream is freed from the products of tissue waste-and not until then-the muscular and nervous systems are in a condition where physiological repair can be effected. Whether the exhaustion be of temporary nature, as that induced through excessive physical exertion, or be due to the prolonged presence of disease, the products of combustion in the human machine-the ashes and the clinkers-must first be thrown out in order that the entire system shall work more effectively. Coca, it is known, will bring about this excreative action in a phenomenal way, and when the volatile principles of this drug are carefully preserved through skilled manipulation-such as in the famous Vin Mariana-there is presented a depurifier and supporter par excellence. Rational Treatment of Infantile Diarrhea. For years the treatment of diarrhea in children, commonly known as summer complaint, has been a stumbling blook for the practitioner mainly because the true nature of the disease was never thoroughly understood. As a matter of fact, the prevention of the disease is quite easy, but as it depends altogether upon the parents who have the children in charge, neglect is always accountable for the sickness. The result is that the physician is seldom called until mischief has been done. Under the circumstances, rapid treatment has to be resorted to if fatalities are to be avoided. The main point is to modify the diet, suppressing objectionable food, particularly milk not properly modified in strength and sterilized. Meanwhile the bowels should be kept in a thoroughly aseptic condition. An experience of ten years or more demonstrates that this is better accomplished through the use of Tyree's antiseptic powder, one teaspoonful or less of this powder diluted in a pint of tepid water makes an ideal washing for the intestine as an enema. The same antiseptic powder proves also eminently beneficial administered in ternally. The fact is amply demonstrated by physicians who have for years made a clinical use of Tyree's antiseptic powder. Gynecological Hints.-In ulcerations of the uterus, most excellent results follow the use of medicated uterine wafers, (Micajah & Co.) A careful analysis of the various special methods of therapeutic treatment used by successful gynecologists the world over, shows that they are but varied ways of accomplishing three necessary changes of condition. 1. Equalize the circulation of the pelvis. 2. Stimulate absorption and excretion. 3. Tone up the muscular tissue; all the time keeping the genital canal as clean as possible. The use of the hot water douche in connection with these medicated uterine wafers seems to fulfill every requirement of the ideal method. Issued Tenth and Twenty-fifth of Every Month by the Fortnightly Press Co. UNDER THE EDITORIAL DIRECTION OF FRANK PARSONS NORBURY, M. D. AND THOS. A. HOPKINS, M. D. Secretary: CHARLES WOOD FASSETT, M. D. A COSMOPOLITAN BIWEEKLY FOR THE GENERAL PRACTITIONER Editorial Offices in St. Louis, Jacksonville and St. Joseph, where specimen copies may be obtained and subscriptions will be taken. Address all business communications to the Fortnightly Press Company. Address all contributions and books for review to the Editors, Suites 318, 319, 320 Century Building, St. Louis. Volume XXIV AUGUST TENTH Editorial Department. Number 3 JUST NOW it would seem that tuberculosis was to be studied with a vengeance on this side of the Atlantic. Another congress is projected bear American on Tuberculosis, ing the name of the organization which was born last year in New York, and to all appearances this duplicate in name poses as the "real thing." However, like the Irishman's dog, "it is and it is'nt." It is not the real organiaztion perfected last year. although "it answers to that name. Somehow the disaffected few who could not harmonize with the true scientific spirit of the real organization and who wished to play "high junks" in the captain's office" have gone off to play on a cellar door of their own. In consequence two organizations bearing the name of the American Congress on Tuberculosi are now in the field. It is unfortunate that such a state of affairs exist, because the cause of true science must suffer with this needless display of sour grapes and toying with the lame petulance of selfish ambition. This action on the part of congress No. 2 seems to be guided by a low ambition, such as guided Benedict Arnold, and so far as its effects upon scientific medicine and hygiene are concerned it will prove to be an abortive effort which will be more of a boomerang than a true appeal to the real needs underlying the present day demands of the study of tuberculosis. What is needed is not grand stand display and pseudo-political hurrah, but a kindling of the power of true scientific inquiry and a detailed, systematic effort on the part of Municipal, State and National officials to profit by this inquiry, prompted by the spirit of service to the suffering victims of the disease; prompted by the spirit of service to design prophylactic methods to thwart its extension, and not to make political prestige of the organization. No, we are emphatically opposed to this division of effort, for we expect good things from the real organization which meets in Washington in 1905, of which Dr. George Brown, of Atlanta, Ga. is Secretary. And the congress of 1904 which is slated to meet in St. Louis is simply a side-show designed to "butt in" to gratify personal spites and narrow ambitions. We propose "to stick to the real thing"-its purpose is genuine and we believe it will be productive of great good to the cause of medicine in the Western hemisphere. There may be less blue and red ribbon about it; less of a round up of the discoverers of cure-all methods; less copper, goat lymph, purple rays, but there will be more knowledge to which the profession and public can tie to, and above all, the Congress of 1905 will be purely an organization to further the study of the disease in all its phases. The scientific spirit will prevail and no blank cartridges will be fired in order to make a noise. F. P. N. The Daily WE have receive the prospectus of a new medical journal to be published in New York and to be known as "The Daily Medical Journal." An organization, "The Medical Publishing Company of America," with a capitalization of $150,000 propose to float this enterprise and has formulated its plans so that it will be possible to publish a six-page daily journal, reporting the medical and surgical news of the world, together with original articles, clinical notes, society reports, reviews, etc. Such pretentious claims, which guarantees a circulation of 100.000 copies certainly is an enterprise which has about it the air of American hustle and "get there" spirit. Journal. To the average physician who is not in touch with the growth of great commercial undertakings and to the average reader who is familiar with medical journals of this country which in their completeness seem to cover all demands of today, this proposition to publish "a daily" will not meet with a very hearty response. However, we are not disposed to frost in its budding a journal which may be a forerunner of good in educating physicians to a liking of medical journals, although we are inclined to believe that the real spirit of medical progress will not be heralded by such a journal. It cannot appeal to the scholar in medicine; it cannot supplant the weekly journal nor the monthly or quarterly periodical which give the studied efforts of research workers, original clinical observers and painstaking practical reporters of scientific medicine. A daily journal at best can only be "a popular daily," and is apt to become a follower of the daily newspaper where space writers and illustra tors vie with each other in giving interpretation to popular topics of the day. A topical medical journal will be more or less a failure in so far as it will meet the wants of the physician. The average busy physician wants his medical nourishment in infrequent servings, and the menu to cover all of the good things he needs to make him a better physician. He can submit to a lunch counter quick service menu occasionally, but not as a daily routine. A daily medical journal will be too much like a breakfast on the modern breakfast foods, rather palatable but too quickly disposed of to be fully appreciated. F. P. N. THE report of working party No. 1 of the Yellow Fever Institute of the United States Public Health and Marine Hospital Service, composed of New Light on the Etiology of Yellow Fever. Drs. Herman B. Parker, George Beyer and O. L. Pothier, promises to throw additional light on the snbject of the etiology of yellow fever. This report details the work of this commission in Vera Cruz, Mexico, from May 12, 1902, until October of the same year. Since then the material collected has been carefully studied in this country. The result of this work is as follows: A study of the fresh and stained blood from yellow fever patients revealed nothing in the way of a demonstration of any animal or vegetable parasite. A bacterioloical study of blood from living yellow fever patients and of the tissues of dead yellow fever patients revealed no specific micro-organism which might be considered the cause of yellow fever. Further, negaive results were encountered when serum agglutination tests were performed with the bacillus icteroides (said by Sanarelli to be the cause of yellow fever), the bacillus typhosus the bacillus dysenteriae, Shiga, and the bacillus coli communis. Further, it was proven by experiments upon prisoners of the Mexican government, that yellow fever can be transmitted through the medium of the bite of the mosquito. Again, these infected mosqitoes, when examined histologically, showed in their salivary glands a protozoon parasite, the myxococcidium stegomyiae. In short, these in vestigators believe that the stegomyia fasciata, contaminated by feeding on yellow fever subjects and after varying periods, killed, sectioned and appropriately stained, presents with regularity this protozoan parasite, the myxococcidium stegomyiae, that can be traced through a cycle of development from the gamete to the sporozoite. This commission has accordingly gone a step further than the party composed of Reed and Carroll of the United States Army who showed that stegomyia is the transmitter of yellow fever. The myxococcium stegomyiae, by further investigation, will probably be found to be the etiological parasitic cause of yellow fever. This work is without doubt one of the greatest achievements in the last quarter of a century in medicine. R. B. H. G. IT IS RATHER amusing to the man on the outside to note the controversy (in Jour. A. M. A.) going on between the ex-editors of the ex-Philadelphia What Killed Cock Robin? medical journal as to what really did kill cock robin. One would infer that an overdose of commercialism produced the sad end, or that while commercialism was not the primary cause it at least somehow prevented the gizzard of the bird from working properly, so that some stray modern commercial methods struck the machine and clogged it. However, the death certificate attributes the cause of its unfortunate, untimely demise to a modified form of later day commercialism. Personally, we have admired this great journal since it was established, and especially since Lloyd has guided its editorial columns through the |