cooked tapioca. Observations are not yet numerous influence, epidemic or of other sort, which has in enough to enable us to say that the ophthalmoscope is other persons produced pharyngeal diphtheria. always to be absolutely relied upon as a test of death, but as in this instance circumstances combined to prove that life was extinct when the observation was made, a record of the conditions found may be of service."-London Lancet. CROUP AND DIPHTHERIA. 46 The discussion as to the similarity or non-similarity, pathologically, of membranous croup and diphtheria, grew out of the report of a committee of the ablest men in the profession, appointed, some time ago, to inquire into those important questions. It was held at the ses sions of the Medico Chirurgical Society, and such men as Dr. Johnson, Mr. Parker, Mr. Semple, ir Wm Gull, Sir Wm. Jenner, Mr. Jonathan Hutchinson, and Mr. Wilks took part in the discussion upon the report In the main the illustrious speakers evinced the usual proclivity to agree to di-agree," some showing a marked tendency to do more of the latter than the former. A full report of the remarks made can be found in the Lancet of April 26th and May 3d and 17th. There seems to be a growing tendency to admit a close relationship between the two maladies, even by men who have hitherto held valiantly to the belief that they were totally distinct and separate from each other. The principal element of disagreement came from such men as Mr. Jonathan Hutchinson and Dr. Wilks. The sum of Mr. Hutchinson's remarks are embraced in these inquiries: "Is there any bona fide and sound reason for speaking of diphtheria as a specific fever ? Is it not much more probable that the diphtheritic false membrane may arise from ordinary causes of inflammation, and that it becomes itself contagious?" It had no period of incubation. He was inclined to agree with Sir John Cormack, heading his lectures "croup, a symptom; diphtheria, a disease." idea of the ordinary origin of diphtheria and its auto inoculability was moderately acquiesced in by Sir Wm. Gull, a man whose sang froid is absolutely inimitable. The conclusions of the committee were: This * * * 4. And conversely, a person suffering with the membranous affection chiefly of the air passages, such as would commonly be termed membranous croup, may communicate to another a membranous condition limited to the pharynx and tonsils, which will be commonly regarded as diphtheritic. The membrane, even when chiefly laryngeal, is more often than not associated with some extent of a similar change in the pharynx or on the tonsils; and whether we have regard to the construction of the membrane, or to the constitutional state, as evinced by the presence of albumen in the urine, it is not practicable to show an absolute line of demarkation (save what depends upon the position of the membrane) between the pharyngeal and laryngeal forms of the disease. The facts before the committee only warrant them in the view, that when it obviously occurs from a zymotic cause or distinct infection, and primarily affects the pharynx, constitutional depression is more marked, and albuminuria more often and more largely present; though in both conditions some albumen in the urine is more frequently present than absent. The committee suggest that the term croup be henceforth used wholly as a clinical definition implying laryngeal obstruction, occurring with febrile symptoms in children. This croup may be membranous or not membranous, due to diphtheria or not so. The term diphtheria is the anatomical definition of a zymotic disease which may or may not be attended with croup. (Chicago M. J. & Ex.) TANACETUM VULGARE IN RHUS BY GEORGE ALLEN, A.M., M.D. Beng extremely susceptible to the action of Rhus tox., I have frequently experienced annoying skin symptoms after preparing the lower attenuations of this drug. I have sought earnestly for an effective antidote to the same. In 1878 my attention was called to the Tanacetum vulgare (common tansy) by an item in the U. S. Med. Investigator. Upon trial I found it to meet the requirements of my case better than anything I had ever used. The first indication of Rhus poisoning (a.)-From diphtheritic contagion. is a slight itching of the skin. Upon experiencing this (b.)-By means of foul water or foul air, or other symptom I apply to the affected part a tincture of Tanagents such as are commonly concerned in the gene-sy, made from the green plant. A few applications ration or transmission of zymotic disease (though whether as mere carriers of disease cannot be determined). 1. Membranous inflammation confined to, or chiefly affecting, the larynx and trachea, may arise from a variety of causes, as follows: (c.)-As an accompaniment of measles, scarlatina or typhoid, being associated with these diseases inde pendently of any ascertainable exposure to the special diphtheritic infection. (d)--It is stated on apparently conclusive evidence, although the committee have not had an opportunity in any instance of examining the membrane in ques tion, that membranous inflammation of the larynx and trachea may be produced by various accidental causes of irritation, the inhalation of hot water or steam, the contact of acid, the presence of a foreign body in the larynx, and a cut throat. suffice to check the trouble entirely, and no further inconvenience is experienced. Since using the Tansy in this way, my susceptibility to poisoning from Rhus seems to have been much diminished, I have prescribed the Tansy, used as above, for patients suffering from "ivy poisoning," and with uniform good results. Of The earth employed is a yellow clay, which is prepared by first drying, and then crushing and removing every thing which might prevent very fine pulveriza2. There is evidence in cases which have fallen tion. After being thoroughly and finely ground, it is under the observation of members of the committee sifted and the resulting powder is ready for use. and are mentioned in the tables appended, that mem- this powder a poultice is made large enough to cover branous affection of the larynx and trachea has the tumor, and thick enough to make firm and even shortly followed exposure to cold, but their knowl-pressure when it becomes dry and hard, which it does edge of the individual cases is not sufficient to exclude very soon. the possible intervention or co-existence of other The majority of cases of croupal symptoms definitely traceable to cold, appear to be of the nature of laryngeal catarrh. causes. 3 Membranous inflammation, chiefly of the larynx and trachea, to which the term "membranous croup would commonly be applied, may be imparted by an This is retained about a week, if it can be borne, without change, and then another is applied. While yellow clay has thus far been employed, it is probable that Fuller's earth or any bolar earth would be equally efficacious. This same treatment has been found very successful in the treatment of felons. A. P. THROOP, M. D. CLUB RATES. The Homeopathic Times. A MONTHLY JOURNAL Of Medicine, Surgery, and Collateral Sciences. Editors: For $20.00 we will send the Journal to ten different addresses, and at this rate it is the cheapest publication to be had. Send us your clubs. Our subscribers must also bear in mind that it requires ready cash, and in considerable amount, to EGBERT GUERNSEY, M.D. ALFRED K. HILLS, M.D. issue a Journal of our dimensions, and they will J. B. GILBERT, M. D. Published on the First of each month. greatly aid our efforts by prompt remittances. Office, 18 West Twenty-third Street, New York, ages, of which we must again urge the payment. NEW YORK, MARCH, 1880. "A regular medical education furnishes the only presumptive evidence of professional abilities and acquirements, and OUGHT to be the ONLY ACKNOWLEDGED RIGHT of an individual to the exercise and honors of his profession."-Code of Medical Ethics, Amer. Med. Ass., Art. iv., Sec. 1. PROSPECTIVE. As the present number concludes Volume Seven of our publication, and the next issue begins a new one, we take the occasion to say to our readers that the management and general plan heretofore followed will still continue. Subscribers will also confer a favor by indicating to us in writing their wishes in respect to contin uance. YES. NO Two little words, among the shortest in the English language, and yet the keys of a man's life. Rightly used they unlock the doors of success and open wide the broad avenues of usefulness and honshow the strength of his character, the real nobleness or. They are an index to a man's inner nature, and of his heart, his aspirations for a life of usefulness, his determination to fulfill sacredly the duties and obligations of a true and enlightened manhood, or a nature purely selfish, revolving around itself, with for personal comfort, personal convenience, and perno aspirations outside of self, with no thought but We hope, however, to make some improvements in both the matter to be presented and in the phys-sonal interests. Everyone carries within himself the ical appearance. keys of his future life, aye, the keys which will un The "Retrospect" will, we think, be much im- lock or close the very gates of heaven. Every man proved over the past. We are always anxious for interesting articles. Short essays, reports of clinical cases, items, etc., will be very thankfully received both by Editors and readers. This Journal is not the organ of any institution or business-house whatever, and will continue to deal with all questions of interest to the profession from an independent stand-point. As Editors we consider ourselves the servants of the profession, and shall be glad at all times to receive communications upon any subject connected with the publication from each and every one of our readers. As the publication of the Journal is not for the purpose of making money-every dollar received being expended on its pages-our readers will observe that the increase of its subscription list is of immediate importance to them, and we hope and trust that each subscriber will try to send us one or more during the year. must decide for himself whether his life shall be a noble outgrowth of a strong, honest, unselfish nature, an upward march, with a firm determination to leave none of its sacred duties and obligations unfulfilled, or a drifting along the current of life, only intent on steering itself pleasantly, with no thought of the thousands with which this vast current is thronged, to many of whom a word of caution, a clear away the mists from blinded eyes and save hulook of kindness, a strong hand held out, would man lives from misery and ruin. Thoughtless! Oh! the terrible significance of that word. What does it mean? Is it the closing the heart against all sympathy for those around us, lest it may interfere with one's comfort and pleasure! Is it an utter and entire forgetfulness of those reciprocal obligations which we all owe to each other? Is it the enfolding one's self in a mantle so thick as to chill and fetter with icy chains that true manhood, the germ of which is a part of divinity, which God implanted in every living soul? Thoughtless! Sometime or other, in this world or the next, God will run his ploughshare under the crust and break it to atoms. But oh! that terrible awakening when a man looks back upon a selfish life in which there has Dr. Holland, in the British Medical Journal for February, 1879, relates the breaking out of scarla tina in a large school, a single pupil only being ill. In two weeks the pupils fell ill in rapid succession to the number of twenty-five. The invalids presented every conceivable variety of diphtheria and scarlatina, with and without rash. The varieties been no blossoming fruit, no reaching out for the erysipelas, typhus, and typhoid fevers, scarlatina good of humanity, no warm and life-giving currents and puerperal fever; that they prevail epidemically flowing forth from it to brighten other lives and make at the same time, and, as an epidemic, take on the glad other hearts. same type, and appear capable the one of giving Commencement day for 1880, with all our medi- rise to the other, or of co-existing in the same pacal colleges, has come and gone. The curtain tient. Further, that the symptoms of certain forms, to a new life has risen to hundreds of young at least of puerperal fever, are similar to those men. They stand at the threshold of a career which which occur after great surgical operations, and may be one of honor and prosperity, whose influence that the secondary lesions are similar. In erysipelas, for good may extend through all time, or a simple typhus fever, and the secondary fever after opera vegetation, a floating along with the current, or an tions, there can be but little doubt of the depraved ignominious failure. Pause for a moment before condition of the blood, and it is highly probable grasping the helm and throwing to the wind your that their low typhoid character is owing to this sails, and think over the cardinal principles which blood poisoning. The conclusion is inevitable that should guide you, those principles which are the ba- the peculiar character and malignancy of certain sis of all success. You will find them in the golden epidemics of puerperal fever also depend upon a rules of the Great Physician, who formulated in sim-morbid condition of the blood, however produced, ple language the inspired teachings of all past ages. in addition to the local disease." Remember that your hands have not yet been trained to exercise all their strength, nor your eye all its cunning. There is better work for you to do than to be constantly on the alert to protect your dignity. It is hardly to be expected that God has gifted you with such wonderful genius that, standing on the threshold of a great profession, which has taxed the noblest and life-long energies of some of the strong-presented such a progressive fusion in their protean est and best minds the world has ever seen, you should comprehend at a glance, even before you had scarcely laid aside your swaddling clothes, what they with all their study had often failed to comprehend. Do your duty, your whole duty, honestly, earnestly, with a Christian spirit, and let dignity take care of itself. Miracles, it is true, are sometimes performed, but it is not given to every one to spring from the brain of Jove in full mental and physical stature. Greatness is of slow growth, but it comes with honest, unselfish work. Learn how to say yes and no, for these words are the index of character and the keys to success. Yes! to everything which points to a higher life, which looks to a broader usefulness and a more extended knowledge of truth. No! to everything which tempts you from truth, which panders to vice, which would turn you away from those golden principles which should be the guide of every gentleman. IS THE ORIGINATING POISON IN SCAR- SAME? This question was recently discussed in the Obstetrical Journal with marked ability. The opinions of some of the leading scientists and specialists were quoted at length, and the opinion was that in all these diseases the originating poison was the same. Dr. Churchill, in his work on Diseases of Women, says: "We find that the same seasons give rise to combinations that he regarded the diseased states as modifications of one, and the evolution of a similar germ in dissimilar pabulum. In our own experience diphtheria, scarlatina, and typhoid fever have prevailed in the same family at the same time, apparently originating from the same poison. In many cases we have seen diphtheria follow scarlatina, one almost imperceptibly following the other. In both diseases the sequel is often the same. The same breaking down of tissues, nephritic desquamation, albuminuria, and dropsy, show a like blood poisoning, whatever the previous symptoms may have been. The evidence of poison being carried from a scarlatina or diphtheritic patient to a woman in labor, inducing in her puerperal fever, is so strong that we always refuse attendance upon labor cases if at the same time we are in attendance upon scarlet fever patients. The idea is so frightful that the physician, who should be a minister of healing, carries with him in his garments or upon his hands, to the confiding patient, seeds of suffering and death, that he cannot be too cautious. STATE SOCIETY MEETING. The annual meeting of the Society which was held in Albany a few days since, turned out one of the most interesting and best attended of any in the history of the organization. The wisest counsels prevailed on the occasion, and the rocks and quicksands which appeared in the distance were triumphantly avoided. In the discussion which preceeded the expunging from the records of the so-called "Fowler resolution"-which was adopted in 1878-remarks were made which placed their authors in anything but an enviable light before the world. One member asserted that we must have a creed, and in the same breath insisted that we were still independent and could practice as we pleased-in other words, subscribe to a dogma with the intention of violating it -while others of a small minority argued as of old, as if there were nothing else in existence but the "law of similars," and attempted to coerce the majority into their restricted view of it. The resolution, however, was expunged without a dissenting voice, because the committee having the matter in charge reported a better, which was adopted in its place. We understand that the original movers of the resolution are satisfied with the position of affairs, for the change of sentiment which has been wrought by its dissemination cannot be expunged, and they claim that this is wide-spread and increasing. There can be no doubt that this movement has caused much thought on the part of many, and we are not of those who are afraid to look the truth squarely in the face, and consider any proposition whatever; for the subject that will not bear the full est investigation and discussion deserves to perish, as it certainly will ere long. It is amusing to read the theoretical views of many who would define the practice to be adopted by our school! Much of it is from inexperienced hands, and all of these wonder that the world does not revolve around their little sphere! The report of the committee on the "Milwaukee Test," although it contained matter not pertinent to the subject, was by vote refused to be received, and the committee was discharged-a discourtesy unworthy any scientific body. It would have done no harm to have courteously received the report, and then refused to adopt it. It is such ungentlemanly conduct as this which disgusts the more decent members of our societies, and increases the feeling that these meetings are only for the purpose of venting spite, or for the airing of the peculiar notions of individuals. We ought to be willing to listen respectfully to the views of any one, no matter how different from our own, and then adopt them or not, as the conscience of each shall dictate. BIBLIOGRAPHICAL. AN ELEMENTARY TEXT-BOOK OF MATERIA MEDICA, CHARACTERISTIC, ANALYTICAL AND COMPARATIVE. By A. C. Cowperthwait, M. D., Ph. D. Chicago. Duncan Brothers, 1880. the Homœopathic Medical Department of the UniverDr. Cowperthwait is professor of Materia Medica in sity of Iowa, and the work here presented is, we suppose, a careful resumé of his lectures before his class, and contains a brief but clear and concise discussion of one hundred and forty-four of the most important drugs of our Materia Medica. The plan of the work is excellent. He first gives the action of each drug from a physiological standpoint. This prepares the student for a detailed study of the special action of the drug as afforded by its pathogenesis. It places the key of the general action of the drug in his hands, and points with tolerable ease and great certainty. A enables him to study out its fine shadings and strong study of drugs from a physiological standpoint is, in our estimation, absolutely essential to a proper underdent, and even the skilled practitioner, will often find standing of their action. Without this guide the stuhimself wandering through a maze of symptoms with teria Medica of the future-that which will stand the out any clear conception of their meaning. The Matest of the closest scrutiny from scientific thinkers of all schools, around which all will rally-will be one in which the action of a drug shall be given from a from a careful detail of characteristic symptoms. A physiological standpoint, from clinical experience, and drug studied from all sides of this trinity will hardly fail of rewarding the inquirer with an intelligent picture of its action. This is the plan which the author has followed. It resembles somewhat that of Prof. Hempel's Materia Medica, but the working out has of necessity been more concise, to suit the wants of the student. We have not looked for faults in the work, for the merits have been so conspicuous as to deserve our most decided commendation. A SYSTEM OF MEDICINE. Edited by J. Russel Reynolds, M. D., F. R. S., with numerous additions and illustrations by Henry Hartshorn, A. M., M.D. Vol. II. E. R. Pelton, 25 Bond Street, New York, agent for Henry C. Lea, Philadelphia. The first volume of this magnificent work on Theory and Practice was noticed in the February issue of the TIMES, and the third and last will probably be in the hands of the public in March. The second volume gives us Diseases of the Respiratory and Circulatory Systems. The subjects are treated with that wealth of scientific research and practical knowledge we should expect from such men as Mackenzie, Jenner, Salter, Hughes Bennett, Wilson Fox, Bastin, Hewitt, has brought the lifetime researches and experience in Roberts, Anstie, Gibson, and Gowers, each of whom their specialty to enrich this great work. The English edition is already in the libraries of most of the older practitioners, and the American edition we are sure will be eagerly purchased by the young physician just starting in his profession. PHYSICAL TREATMENT. --Among the most useful There can be no doubt that our school is passing specialists are those who devote themselves to manipthrough a critical period, and although we are notulations connected with the careful application of electricity. They occupy a most important place in connection with the general treatment of the family physician, producing results which cannot be reached by any form of drug medication. Mrs. Maycrink and her son are so well and favorably known that we feel in recommending them we are only endorsing the gen eral professional verdict of approval. at all alarmed as to the future-for truth is sure to prevail, and the fittest to survive-much remains to be done, and that wisely, if we still continue the organization which has thus far done so much to omote the interests of our cause. FINAL REPORT ON THE MILWAUKEE odical printed in the English language; and that transTEST OF THE THIRTIETH DILUTION. The Milwaukee Academy of Medicine, in completing the pathogenetic and therapeutic test of the thirtieth Hahnemannian dilution, makes the following re port: That the unavoidable delay in making the report was due to the removal of the depositary, Rev. G. T. Ladd, from this city to Brunswick, Me.; to his absence from home, caused by the illness and death of his father; and to the tardiness of the reports from the experimenters. That, in carrying out the provisions of the test, we have adhered strictly to the details of the plan for a scientific test of the pathogenetic and therapeutic action of the thirtieth Hahnemannian dilution, full particulars of which were published in the circular issued by this society in December, 1878. The object of the test, and the modus operandi were announced as follows: * * * "The object of this test is to determine whether or not this preparation can produce any medicinal action on the human organism, in health or disease. "A vial of pure sugar pellets, moistened with the thirtieth Hahnemannian dilution of Aconite, and nine similar vials, moistened with pure Alcohol, so as to make them resemble the test pellets, shall be given to the prover. The vials are to be numbered 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. The number given to the Aconite vial shall be unknown to the prover, and it shall be his task to determine which of the ten vials contains Aconite. "These preparations are to be put up with the greatest care, in the presence of the members of the Milwaukee Academy of Medicine, and then placed in the hands of an unprejudiced layman of unimpeachable honor, who shall number and dispense the vials as they are called for by the provers. "The provers must be physicians of acknowledged ability, who possess a good knowledge of the recorded symp tomatology of Aconite, and who have faith in the efficacy of the thirtieth dilution. * "Preparations of Arsenicum album, Aurum metallicum, Carbo vegetabilis, Natrum muriaticum, and Sulphur, in the thirtieth Hahnemannian dilution, made with the same precautions and care as this of Aconitum, shall be used as a test of the therapeutic powers of the thirtieth dilutions. In consideration of the inconvenience of experimenting on the sick, arising from popular prejudices, the number of vials of unmedicated 'pellets may be limited to one for each remedy, and the experiments tried mostly in chronic diseases. The real gain to the healing art which will be accomplished by the establishment of the truth or falsity of the theory of potentization' will amply compensate for the risk of delaying a few cures. "The experimenters must be physicians of acknowledged ability, who possess a good knowledge of the therapeutic indications of the remedies tried, and who profess faith in the efficacy of the thirtieth dilution." * The committee appointed by the Milwaukee Academy of Medicine, for the purpose of making arrangements to prepare a scientific test of the efficacy of the thirtieth Hahnemannian dilutions, reported as follows: MR. PRESIDENT: Your committee have carefully considered the plan proposed in Dr. Lewis Sherman's paper, for testing the efficacy of the thirtieth Hahnemannian dilution, and we are unanimously of the opinion that the test proposed in that paper is fair and honorable, and that the interests of science demand that it should be made. We recommend: lations of the same be sent to every known regular bomœopathic periodical printed in foreign languages; and that all other appropriate and accessible means be employed to give the test publicity. That the directions given by Hahnemann for the preparation of the thirtieth dilution be followed with the most scrupulous exactness; that the Alcohol used be of the purest quality obtainable, and that to this end a quantity of the best so-called "Homœopathic Alcohol" be re-distilled in glass for the purposes of this test. to number and dispense the vials of test pellets as they That the Rev. Geo. T. Ladd, of Milwaukee, be selected are called for by the provers and experimenters; and that he give a solemn pledge that he will not, in any manner, from his hands have been medicated with the thirtieth reveal to any person which of the preparations coming dilution, until he shall have been called upon to do so by this society, and that he will use every means in his power to preserve the purity of the materials entrusted to his care, and to make the test fair and honorable. their reports to the secretary, Dr. Albert Schlomilch, beThat all provers and experimenters be required to send fore the first day of December, 1879; and that the result be published in full about the first of January, 1880. sum of money to defray the expenses of furnishing and And finally, that this society appropriate a sufficient delivering the test pellets of Aconite to one hundred provers, these being selected from the first who apply, and that the other provers and experimenters be required to pay in advance to the secretary of the society the sum of thirty cents for each set of test pellets sent them. MILWAUKEE, Dec. 3, 1878. EUGENE F. STORKE, M.D., used every possible means to give the test publicity. That the medicines used in making the dilutions for the therapeutic test were obtained from the pharmacy of Messrs. Boericke & Tafel, and the Aconite tincture was tested by several members of this society, and found to produce its pathogenetic effects. That the dilutions were made by this society in accordance with the Hahnemannian directions for the preparation of the thirtieth dilution. 1st, 1879, the following resolution was unanimously That at a regular meeting of the society, held April adopted: Upon application by any professor in a medical college, Academy will prepare and furnish the thirtieth Hahneor any other public advocate of the high potencies, the mannian dilution of any remedy in common use, for the purpose and in accordance with the terms heretofore published in the pamphlet entitled "A Test of the Thirtieth Dilution.' That in accordance with various requests of the provers, we have prepared, in addition to the dilutions mentioned in the pamphlet, pathogenetic tests of Nux vomica, Belladonna, and Arsenicum album, and therapeutic tests of Sulphur and Digitalis. That the bottles containing the thirtieth dilutions, thus prepared, together with a bottle of the alcohol used in their preparation, were given directly into the custody of the depositary. That he was also supplied with pure sugar pellets, vials, and mailing boxes, and that he was requested to medicate the pellets, and dispense them according to orders which he might receive from the secretary. directly to the depositary as soon after their receipt as That the applications for the test cases were given possible; that all cases given out were sent by him in response to applications received by this society from the provers; and that in answer to our request we received from him a thoroughly sealed envelope con That our society undertake to carry out the provisions of this test, and that to this end the essential features and the practical details of the test be given for publication as soon as practicable to every regular homeopathic peri-taining the subjoined report: |