poison entirely distinct from erysipelas, scarlatina, or the low grades of fever. Whatever be its cause, the poison finds ready access through the laceration consequent upon labor, as well as through the abraded surface after the separation of the pla

centa.

He places quinine in the foremost rank as an antipyretic remedy, has great confidence in it also as an antiseptic administered in large doses, say from 15 to 20 grains. In early stages uses veratrum to lower the heart, also uses turpentine as an antiseptic.

Dr. Jones inclines to the belief that this fever is dependant upon the presence of a zymotic poison, identical in its character with that producing erysipelas. This fever belonging to the low types can only be successfully treated by commencing in its early stages with a general supportive plan of treatment; remedies are fruitless after the coffee ground vomit sets in.

Dr. Greenshields gave a brief account of an unexpected and quite sudden death occurring recently in his practice. He had the patient under treatment for uterine hæmorrhage which had been very profuse for several days, but which finally ceased under the use of ergot. He then removed a large putrid mass with the forceps, five days later, when he thought his patient out of danger. He was surprised to hear of her sudden death; was inclined to regard it as a case of pyæmic poisoning.

The majority of those present thought her death attributable to embolism; the formation of large clots in the uterine sinuses and portions of them becoming detached, carried in the circulation to the heart, where they accumulated and rapidly overcame the action of this organ.

Dr. McGuirk and Dr. Blake related accounts of interesting cases of sudden death from septicemia.

Dr. Jones urges the importance of thorough pophylactic measures in obstetric practice; never leaves a case till he is fully satisfied that the shreds of membranes are entirely removed and the uterus firmly contracted.

Dr. Nash asked the expression of the members in the use of intra-uterine injections following confinement to facilitate the

removal of putrid accumulations; was replied to by Dr. Stockwell, who seldom or never resorts to this as a prophylactic measure; considers it rather unsafe, even with the mildest injections that can be used. Others thought the measure perfectly safe if the double canula be used.

Dr. Stockwell cautions against downward pressure upon the fundus, to assist the expulsion of the placenta; thinks displacements frequently follow this practice. With reference to the use of cathartics following labor, he is in the habit of trusting largely to nature, abstains from active cathartics. The free use of pure air is of vital importance in the puerperal state, true cleanliness is not brought about so much by much washing. It consists as much in the healthful action of the skin, removing the vitiative exhalations and in supplying plenty of pure air.

Dr. Jones presented a case of nævus, occupying the scalp of a child of two years. Had been treated by injections of ferri. per sulphate with partial success; was recommended to ligate the the supplying vessels. Dr. McColl advised enucleating the entire mass.

On motion, the discussion on pneumonia was opened by Dr. Nash, in which all the members participated. Dr. Stockwell has great confidence in large doses of quinine, alternated with carb. ammonium, the latter to stimulate the capillary circulation, and to aid in equalizing the general circulation, and thus overcome local hyperæmia and blood stasis; he recommends very large doses of quinine.

Dr. Jones adopted the antiphlogistic plan of treatment when he entered the profession, then took up Prof. Flint's doctrine of trying to limit the exudation process by giving large doses of opium and a very liberal supply. of diffusible stimulants; has since modified his treatment somewhat; now gives full doses of quinine from the first, and speaks in the highest terms of carb. ammonium in the treatment of this disease; thinks stimulating applications to the chest very important.

Dr. Kinny cautioned against over-medication, particularly in children. Nature will accomplish wonders in their diseases, especially if seconded by judicious nursing. He is governed

altogether by the character of the expectoration as to the time of commencing the stimulants. When the sputa is of the prune juice order, and readily saturates the cloth used, having little or no consistence to it, with a pinched or blanched expression, of the countenance, he gives quinine and alcoholic stimulants with a free hand, and persists in their use through the entire course of the disease. On the subsiding of the acute symptoms he almost invariably applies a blister over the affected part.

Dr. Yerex has recently given lactopeptine a trial in cases of dyspepsia and bowel complaint, with satisfactory results.

On motion, the subject of "puerperal convulsions," was made the topic for discussion for the next meeting, Dr. Stockwell to furnish the paper.

Also, "quinine as a therapeutic agent," was recommended as a subject for the next meeting, to be introduced by a paper from Dr. Kinny.

Dr. McColl read a very interesting paper on some of the causes which predispose to the development of phthisis, which was referred to the committee on publication.

On motion, the society adjourned to meet in February next at Port Huron.

A. NASH, Secretary.

VAN BUREN COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

The last meeting of the Van Buren County Medical Society was held at Bangor, October 12th, 1875.

Drs. J. Andrews, T. H. Briggs, and L. C. Woodman, were appointed a committee to draft resolutions expressing the sense of this society regarding the action of the Professors of the Medical College of the Michigan University.

The committee reported the following preamble and resolutions, which were adopted:

WHEREAS, The last Legislature enacted a law providing for the establishment of two Professorships of Homœopathy in the Medical Department of the University; and

WHEREAS, The Regents of the University have felt it their duty to carry out the provision of that law, and to that end have appointed two Homœopathic Professors; and

WHEREAS, The attempt to unite in the same institution, and under the same authority, two systems of medicine so totally unlike, and so utterly irreconcilable, must lead to an "irrepressible conflict," and end in destroying the usefulness of the Medical Department of the University; therefore,

Resolved, As there can be no possible agreement between regular medicine and the homoeopathic system, the regular professors, in the judgment of this society, should have resigned their positions at once.

Resolved, That the members of this society do most heartily commend the action of Prof. Sager, in promptly resigning his position of Dean of the Medical Faculty.

Resolved, That while we have felt a just pride in the name and fame of the Department of Medicine and Surgery of the University of our State, we cannot conscientiously recommend our students to go there to receive medical instruction, since the Legislature and Board of Regents have seen fit to ingraft upon it a system which the regular profession everywhere regards as quackery.

The constitution was changed so as to have two meetings of two days each, instead of four of one day each, in every year. The next meeting will be at Hartford, on the second Tuesday of January.

J. ELLIOTT SWEET,

Secretary.

THE SOUTHERN MICHIGAN AND NORTHERN INDIANA

MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

The Southern Michigan and Northern Indiana Medical Association met at Hillsdale, Mich., December 15th, 1875, in the Court House, and was called to order about 11 A. M. by Dr. Hamilton, of Tecumseh, President of the Association. Dr. H. C. Wyman, of Blissfield called the roll, about 40 members were present.

Dr. Smart, of Hudson, read a very interesting paper on the use of ergot and its various preparations. On motion of Dr.

Rynd, the thanks of the society were voted Dr. Smart, and his paper was referred for publication.

Dr. Stewart read a paper on paralysis which was placed on file, after which an adjournment was had for dinner.

After dinner the names of Drs. Chapman, father and son, of Hudson, were presented to the society, by the appropriate committee, without recommendation. This involved a very spirited discussion, as these gentlemen were charged with homoeopathic tendencies. It was finally settled by these gentlemen subscribing to certain test questions submitted by Dr. Rynd, and they were then elected.

A letter was read from Dr. Jones, of Toledo, which was an epitome of his views on the relationship of homoeopathy to the University. It was moved and supported that the letter of Dr. Jones be published in the Detroit Review of Medicine. This provoked a long and heated discussion, which was participated in by Drs. Southworth, Minchin, Whelan, Cutter, Woods, Clisbee, Curry, Beach, Rynd, and others. Dr. Rynd objected to the publishing of the letter, by order of the society, as it would be in some sense an indorsement of the letter by the society; an injury to the Medical Department of the University, and a meddlesome interference with a matter which if left alone would settle itself. He spoke of the good faith manifested by the Regents, and the honor, integrity, and faithfulness of the Regular Medical Faculty. The Regent very firmly stated that the Regents had nothing fo retract, would re-enact the plan of organization of May last, if called to act under similar circumstances to those which then existed; that the Faculty were in the path of duty to the profession and humanity, and that they were entitled to the support and confidence of the profession everywhere.

and

Dr. Beach, of Coldwater, followed in a similar strain, after a long and heated discussion, pro and con, the resolution to publish the letter of Dr. Jones, was laid on the table. It was afterwards, by vote placed on file.

Following this Dr. Beach introduced the following resolutions, prefacing their introduction with a few eloquent remarks expressive of confidence in the regular Medical Faculty. The