Excerpts from Foreign Literature. James, and was devoted mainly to the abuse of the regular medical profession, the medical CLINICAL CONSIDERATION OF THE DISEASES examiners' bill, and the newspapers which OF THE SEMINAL VESICLES. BY DR. M. Primary acute affections of the seminal vesicles are extremely rare. The affections are mostly of a secondary nature. As cause the following may be brought into consideration: Acute and chronic gonorrhoea, strictures of tne urethra, tuberculosis of the prostrate and bladder, malignant tumors, infiltration of urine, pyæmic and septic processes. Also in gonorrhoea. Spermato-cystitis is rare, and the rare occurrence of this disease stands in a rela tion, not explained yet, to the so frequent sympathetic affection of the neighboring organs. Spermato-cystitis occurs in acute gonorrhoea of the posterior urethra, or in chronic gonorrhoea with acute exacerbation. favored that measure. This matter of abusing limited travels he has seen some good thing DR. C. H. MOORE, of Indianapolis, says rhinitis and its complications, and was relieved by treatment directed to the nasal disorder. The ocular manifestations are as follows: The symptoms of the disease are fever, spasmodic pains radiating from the perineum to the urethra and bladder, strangury and that he has treated a number of cases in which troublesome voluptuousness. At the climax the ocular symptoms could be referred to of the attack a contraction of the perineal muscles takes place, with the discharge of a turbid, thick fluid consisting of spermatozoa, pus corpuscles, and a few epithelial cells. A swelling of the seminal vesicles, with pain on pressure, may be observed on examination per rectum. But all these symptoms furnish only, then, certain diagnostic points, if simultaneously an epididymitis be present. The prognosis of this disease is favorable. In severe cases it may go on to hæmato-spermia. The treatment consists in continences (for weeks) cold applications to the perineum, and regulation of the intestinal functions. The gravest form consists in suppuration of the seminal vesicles, in which process the prostrate and the ampullæ of the vas deferens suffer sympathetically, also general infection may threaten. The latter is especially apt to result in narrow strictures, and leads to the formation of fistula.-Centralblatt fur Klinishe Medicin 13, 1890. "THE Times and Register."-The Hahnemann college graduated sixty-four on Wednesday. The address was given by Dr. John E. 1. Burning and smarting sensation of the eyelids, especially in the morning. 2. Difficulty to distinguish an object in an ordinary daylight. 3. Increased vascularity of the conjunctiva and lachrymation on exposure to the air. 4. The sound condition of the eyes and their appendages. 5. Failure of ocular and general treatment. 6. The efficiency of nasal treatment. -Jonrnal of Respiratory Organs. CAMPHORIC ACID has been recommended in the treatment of night sweats of Phthisis. The disagreeable after effects of atropine are absent, viz: dryness of the throat, dizziness and restlessness, difficulty in swallowing and disturbance of appetite or digestion. Some of the patients treated ascribe to the remedy a soporific influence, but this is probably due to the fact that after the cessation of the night sweats they feel more comfortable and are disposed to sleep. duce?" Dr. Davis asks, "What are the effects of alcohol upon the functions of the more important organs and upon the constituents of the blood and tissues of the living body?" Dr. S. shows that the influential writers on the subject have almost unanimously decided that alcohol is a nervous, cardiac and muscu Subscription may begin at any time. The safest mode of remitttance is by bank check or postal money order lar stimulant, and shows from their own state drawn to the order of the undersigned. When neither is accessible, remittances may be made at the risk of the pub-ments and his observation and experience, lishers, by forwarding in REGISTERED LETTER. Address Kansas Medical Journal, We desire to call the attention of our readers to the positions and conclusions of an article published in the Transactions of the Kansas Medical Society (see Transactions, vol. I, page 297,) and to ask them to compare them with those of the recent address of Prof. N. S. Davis on Practical Medicine, made before the American Medical Association, May 21, 1890 (see THE JOURNAL May 24, 1890.) If Mr. Davis is right, and we think he is, the paper of Dr. Schenck has fifteen years precedence, and the doctor had published articles occupying the same ground ten years prior to that time. that it blunts nervous sensibility, retards metamorphosis, diminishes glandular activity, decreases bodily heat and lowers vitality, and that its action is analgesic and anæsthetic. Dr. D. says: "I am well aware that the foregoing practical deductions" (that alcohol is an anæsthetic and not a stimulant,) "founded on the results of numerous and varied experimental researches and well known physiological laws are in conflict with the very generally accepted doctrine that alcohol is a cardiac tonic, capable of increasing the force and efficiency of the circulation, and of conserving the living tissues and therefore of decided value in the lower grades of fevers." His address showing that in typhoid fever and pneumonia the death rate is much greater where it is used than where it is omitted, or only the lighter wines are used. Dr. S. says, "When swallowed, there is abundant proof that it is not susceptible of change either through the action of the salivary secretion or the gastric or pancreatic juices. Undigested or unchanged it is taken into the circulation, and may soon be found in every part of the organism, but most largely in the nervous tissues." Dr. D. says, When it is taken into the stomach in a diluted form it undergoes no We briefly notice a few of the points in gastric digestion, but is rapidly absorbed and these papers. carried directly into the venous blood, and through it reaches first the liver and lungs, and from thence in the arterial blood it is carried into every organ and tissue of the body." Dr. Schenck says: "The title of the topic assigned to us is that of the prize essay of Prof. W. B. Carpenter. If we differ in our conclusions from that distinguished physiologist, it may only prove that science has not Dr. S. declares that its action is antipyretic, dallied in the lap of conservatism. Though analgesic and anæsthetic, and that it checks the action of alcohol has seemed long settled, both constructive and destructive metamorwe believe it is imperfectly comprehended," phosis, and diminishes both the excretory and asks, "What is alcohol, and what physio- products of the body and the activity of the logical and pathological changes does it pro- excretory organs, and that an agent producing such results cannot by any possibility be a most alone, both in and out of the profession, stimulant. and we are glad to see them so clearly stated, so ably defended by one of the leading members of the American profession. Disagreeing Doctors. Dr. D. asks " What effect is produced by its presence on the constituents of the blood, on the functions of the brain and nerves, on the metabolic processes and on the temperature of the body?" and answers: "According to the accepted formulas the complete oxydation of one grain of absolute alcohol liberates nine A short editorial under the above caption kilogram degrees of heat. * * * The appeared in the May number of the KANSAS most recent and accurately conducted experi- MEDICAL JOURNAL. The secular press of St. ments of Dr. Edward T. Reichart, Professor of Louis ever on the alert for sensational news Physiology of the University of Pennsylvania, has evidently led the medical press astray, in (see Therapeutic Gazette, February 15, 1890,) publishing exaggerated accounts of minor disshows results decidedly the reverse. * * agreements among the profession of that city. The actual resulting temperature is lowered." from time to time. The article to which the Dr. D. concludes that "by its anæsthetic JOURNAL called attention was in relation to properties it quiets the patient's restlessness, the resignation of several professors from the lessens his consciousness of suffering and di- college of Physicians and Surgeons. As reminishes excito-motor and vaso-motor nerve force, with moderate reduction of temperature while by its direct diminution of tissue, metabolism and excretory products, it favors the retention in the system of both the specific causes of disease and the natural excretory materials that should be diminished. And though the immediate effect is to give the patient the appearance of more comfort, the continued retention of the morbific cause, the diminished action of the excretory structures and the diminution of oxyhæmoglobin all serve to protract the disease, increase molecular and tissue degeneration and add to the number of fatal results. lated by the secular press the impression given to the public was, that great injustice had been wrought, and a great wrong had been done to somebody, and consequently the medical men were at swords points,and annihilation was the early doom of the profession of St. Louis. During the latter part of May we had an occasion to spend several days in St. Louis and devoted our time to visiting the physicians of the city, and were happily surprised to see the general good feeling manifested toward and the pleasant association of the supposedto-be bitter enemies with each other. There may be enmities, strife and jealousies in the Dr. S. says, "From whatever standpoint ranks of the profession in that city, as there we examine alcohol we find its action that of is in every city of our country, probably; but an anæsthetic. Instead of stimulating it we feel sure from personal observation that lowers vital action, lessens pain and anxiety, there is but little if any more in the profesprevents and relieves shock and decreases sion in St. Louis than in any other city of metamorphosis, and herein is its use. * * equal size in America. We have attempted to reason candidly from There being five medical colleges, in a city facts recorded and observed; and when we of 500,000 inhabitants, and those colleges know that it deadens sensibility, decreases organized and conducted by physicians who metamorphosis and lowers vital activity, we have had experience in colleges, is an evidence can comprehend its use, and can understand of progress, of stamina, of determination on how drunkenness and the terrible catalogue the part of a large per cent. of the physicians of diseases, mental, moral and physical follow to get to the front, or as one professor remarkits abuse." ed, "to get as near the band wagon as possible." Those who do not want to hear the band should recline by the wayside, and the procession will march on and the intervening space Though Dr. S. has for so long a time practiced and published his views on the therapeutic action of alcoholics, he has stood al will soon widen into a growing gulf which will be as impassible as the one between Dives and Lazarus was reported to have been. E. K. D. Medical Society. LEAVENWORTH, KAN., June 20, '90. DEAR DOCTOR:-You are cordially invited Eastern Kansas District Medical Society, at The physicians of St. Louis are able to care for themselves. Their work is telling-merit to attend the regular quarterly meeting of the is winning. They ask no apology, and make no explanation. They do not need to. But the JOURNAL in that editorial repeated a gos- An afternoon session will be held at the sip which cast a shadow of suspicion on good Soldier's Home hospital at 2 o'clock, and an men and possibly on the medical profession evening session at the Board of Trade rooms of St. Louis, and as a matter of justice, and at 8 o'clock. living the sentiment of the Golden Rule, we desire to correct any false impression and give the facts as witnessed. Fraternally, W. D. BIDWELL, Secretary. PROGRAMME. AFTERNOON SESSION. Surgical Clinic and Inspection of the hos- Discussion opened by W. S. Lindsay, Topeka. Topeka. ROOMS. It also insures personal interest in the 4. Blepharitis Marginalis.-G. A. Wall, M.D., student and an opportunity for him to do practical work under the supervision of a teacher. Discussion opened by Grant Cullimore, M. D. The JOURNAL rejoices to see the stand tak- 5. en by the Kansas Medical Colleges on the subject of education and the time required for graduation. Pests and Nuisances.-W. J. Van Eman, In the mechanical make up, subject matter, 6. and plan mapped out by the catalogue the JOURNAL is pleased. A Case of Peritonitis.-L. H. Munn, M.D., Discussion opened by W. L. Schenck, M. D., 7. The Water Supply of Leavenworth.-C. Atchison. 8. The Expert Witness. His Legal Rights THE Mississippi Valley Medical Association will hold its seventeenth regular annual meeting at Louisville, October 8, 1890. The profession of the valley is invited to attend and to bring their wives and daughters. Kentucky promises to out do herself in hospitality on that occasion and the ladies will be given especial attention. Titles of papers should be sent to the secretary, Dr. E. S. McKee, 57 West Seventh street, Cincinnati, as early as possible. Gentlemen who read papers at the last 9. meeting will confer a favor if they will send copies or reprints of the same to the secretary to complete a collection of the transactions. and Remedies.-M. H. Cazier, M. D., Topeka. Discussion opened by N. E. Van Tuyl, L.L.B. Leavenworth. Report of a Case.-L. L. Terwilliger, M.D. READ and subscribe for the JOURNAL. LITTLE THINGS. The medical profession of Kansas is getting close to the front band wagon. EYERY physician should read Dr. Foote's article in the June number of the JOURNAL. THE University of Pennsylvania requires a four year course in order to obtain the medical degree. DR. BAILEY has removed to 621 Kansas avenue, the office formerly occupied by Dr. Jones & Beers. If it is true as Charcot asserts, that but one A. Phillips, of Salina, whose time had expired. THE Times and Register says an eastern man carried in the same pocket sulphur matches and chlorate of potash tablets. Result-he now wears a new vest and has his hand bandaged. THE "original package" man was ably personified by Tarrant's knight of the grip who dispensed Hoff's Malt freely,. liberally early and often, to one and all, and it is not a bad drink either-for Kansas. DR. D. C. JONES will sail for Europe in person in 100,000 can be hypnotized, its use July to attend the meeting of the Congress of will be limited. LIFE INSURANCE COMPANIES attribute 9.1 per cent. of their death loss during the first quarter of 1890, to la grippe. DR. B. F. MORGAN, of Riley, called on us in June. The doctor is one among the best all round physicians in Kansas. DR. LEVI HORNER of Lawrence, is a member of the committee on Necrology of the American Medical Association. ERUCTATIONS are relieved by taking, just after eating, bismuth and pepsin one grain of each. The tablets are more convenient. PUNCTURE of the intestine by a fine aspirating needle where the distention by gas is causing suffocation, is a justifiable procedure. SULPHUR, according to Gross of Berlin, is a compound and not an elemental substance. It is readily decomposed and leaves a residue of carbon. FOR burns or scalds the ordinary bi-carbon ate of soda thoroughly moist, and applied to the burnt surface, one-fourth inch in thickness, is good treatment. A 5 per cent. solution of chromic acid painted on the bottoms of the feet from one to five times in a week is said to be an excellent treatment in sweating fetid feet. DR. J. L. OWEN, of Cedarvale, Kas., made the JOURNAL a pleasant visit during the past month. The doctor is a Kansan by birth, and is doing his share in advancing her interests. DR. JAS. A. LANE, of Leavenworth, is a member of the Judical Council of the American Medical Association. He succeeds Dr. W. Physicians of the world, as a delegate from Kansas, representing the State Board of Health. Kansas will be well represented. A NEW YORK court recently decided that and this for the reason that they contain notes physicians' books of account are privileged, of professional secrets, and the courts are prohibited from compelling a disclosure of such secrets. CHLORALIMIDE is said to be the true successor of chloral; pleasant in taste, stable, more active than chloralamide, soluble in alcohol, ether, chloroform and fats, but not in water. The formula is CCL3. CHNH; the dose, the same as chloral hydrate.-Ibid. IN typhlitis, Homans, of Boston says, operate early in the severe cases and never in the mild. He has published twenty-six cases that came under his observation. In twelve he operated, six of these died. In fourteen no operation was done; five of these died. ON page 531, June number of the JOURNAL, Dr. Klippel said "the patient had four convulsions when venesection was done and no more convulsions, although she. was not delivered until two weeks later, instead of venesection was practiced every day for four weeks." THE recent meeting of the State Medical Society was an ideal meeting, and we congratulate the president and other officers on the excellent management which interested all continually and wasted no time. It is characteristic of Americans to estimate all things from a financial standpoint, and from that point of view the sessions were a success, for we all got our money's worth. |