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forced out, and in one case branches could bedistinctly traced from the femoral vein intoone of the cysts. The muscular substanceround these was injected with blood, andaltered in its consistence. Besides thesealtered parts, others could be seen whichretained their natural appearance, but

healthy veins always corresponded withportions of healthy muscle, and inflamedveins led always to a purulent cyst. Thefemoral vein was transformed into a canalfilled with pus, from which issued branchesfilled also with pus, whilst others remained

healthy, ’ though without any assignablecause for this marked difference. This, aswell as the other experiments, are, accord-ing to M. Cruveilhier, altogether conclusiveof the truth of his opinions respecting theseat of inflammation. As he promises acontinuation of his researches in the follow-ing number of the journal from which wehave made these extracts, and as he thenwill probably point out their practical andpathological applications, we shall reserveour comments for some future occasion.

ANNALES DES SCIENCES NATURELLES,JULY 26, 1826.

Researches on Pulmonary Exhalation. By G.BRESCHET and H. MILNE EDWARDS.

IT is universally admitted that the innersurface of the lungs is the part of the bodyin which absorption is most actively carriedon, and that it moreover performs anothermost important function, namely, that of

giving free exit to certain gaseous and vola-tile principles which are brought to the

lungs in the course of the circulation, andwhich could no longer be retained withoutdetriment to the system. Hence it is thatthe breath of those who drink large quanti-ties of ardent spirits, exhales a spirituousodour; and several medicines, such as

æther and assafœtida, communicate to thebreath their peculiar effluvia. If gaseous substances be injected into the veins in verysmall quantities, so as not to affect the lifeof the animal, they will soon manifest theirinfluence on the pulmonary exhalation, ashas been fully shown by the experiments ofNysten and Magendie.The great vascularity of the lungs is evi-

dently a condition indispensably necessaryto the carrying on of this very active exha-lation ; but still it could not be assigned asan adequate explanation of the process,much less enable us to comprehend how twocompletely opposite actions could be carriedon by the same part in the same moment oftime, viz. the entrance from without in-wards of some gaseous principles, and theexhalation or escape of others in preciselythe opposite direction.

The recent researches of Dr. Barry, byelucidating the process of absorption, seemto cast some light on this subject. Absorp-tion may be altogether suspended in anyparticular part of the body by removing itfrom the influence of atmospheric pressure,by means of a cupping-glass applied upon it.This evidently proves that pressure actingfrom without inwards, is a most efficientagent in determining the passage of fluids

through surfaces to which they are applied:this process has been commonly ascribed toimbibition. Absorption seems to differ fromsimple exhalation in nothing else than inthe direction in which the fluids pass, thatdirection being in the one case inwards, in theother outwards. If the former is producedby pressure, so must the latter. Now whenthe thorax is at rest, the air which it con-tains counterbalances by its elasticity thepressure of the whole atmosphere; butwhen the cavity dilates, the equilibrium islost, and a new quantity of air is forced into fill up the vacuity that would otherwisebe produced. During inspiration, each air-cell performs the part of a sucking pump.It is by virtue of this power that it acts onthe external air, through the medium of thetrachea inhaling it as it were into it; andthis same power it exerts also on the fluidscontained in the other vessels, which are incommunication with its walls, particularlythe pulmonary veins. This may seem rathera mechanical explanation of the process ofabsorption and exhalation, but the followingexperiments tend directly to establish itstruth :—A tube was introduced into the trachea

of a dog, and the thorax having been com-pletely laid open, artificial respiration waskept up by means of a pair of bellows at-

tached to the tube. When the air wasdriven in, the bellows were removed, in or-der to allow the lungs to expel the sir bytheir natural elasticity, and thus the pres-sure which the air-cells sustained was notdiminished either during the entrance orexit of the air. The circulation went on re-

gularly, the animal appearing to suffer verylittle. Six drachms of alcohol, saturatedwith camphor, were injected into the cavityof the peritoneum, but the expired air gaveno indication, of either of these substances,even in a quarter of an hour afterwards.The muscles of the abdomen were thenlaid bare, and a cupping glass, with an ex-hausting syringe, applied. When the va-cuum was established, the odour of the

camphor soon became manifest, but not atrace of it or of the alcohol could be per-ceived in the expired air. These substancesmust have been carried into the circulation,for on applying a certain quantity of ex-tract of nux vomica to the cellular substanceon the abdomen, the animal soon exhibited

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more ready assimilation to them in mannerand feeling. Besides, we may allow thatthere may be a disposition amongst the

graduates of our own universities to assistone another, arising from those early asso-ciations which, in every profession in Eng-land, connects together individuals who havehad the same education.

" We have often heard lately of the mo-nopoly of the College of Physicians, but Iam sure yon have too much justice to pro-mote so groundless a clamour. The Collegelicenses the graduate of every university inChristendom, who is found competent to

practise, and places him, as to the privilegeof acting as a physician, on an absoluteequality with any of its fellows. It onlyreserves, with some modifications, to thegraduates of English universities, certainexecutive offices, which are miserably paid,in the English College of Physicians, a

reservation which appears to me to be nei-ther unreasonable in itself, nor calculatedto give to the fellow any advantage overthe licentiate in practice, independently ofthe circumstances above mentioned.

" Allow me to trouble you in conclusionwith et few words on the subject of the hos-tility which is said to exist between thefellows and licentiates, and to threaten somedisturbance in the profession. I cannot butdeprecate such remarks as these, which ap-pear to lead to no result whatever, exceptthe excitement of useless jealousy betweenthose who ought to live on good termswith each other. For I think it may be

confidently said, that as long as the College ofPhysicians persists in the liberal system of admit-ting the graduates of every university in theworld to practise, in all respects, as freely as thefellows, (after an ei-an2ittatioit similar to that’which is submitted to by English graduates,) it

has nothing to apprehend, even in this enlightenedage, from the opposition of any body of menwhatever."

This, Sir, is too precious a morceau forabridgement. I have transcribed it entirefor the entertainment of your numerousreaders. The object of this Letter, thewhole of which is a tissue of palpable un-truths, or of guarded misrepresentations, isevidently to mystify, cajole, and tranquilise.11 Socius" knew better than notice the unan-swerable letter of " A Physician," in yourLANCET of October 7th, though it must havebeen known to him as the text for Dr. JamesJohnson’s comments, and more alarmingpredictions, in the October Medico-Chirur-gical Review. We shall soon see whetherthe Doctor will suffer himself to be gulledand cajoled by the hollow-hearted flatteryof " Socius," or will proceed in his courseunmoved, through good raport and throughevil report.

Before I take leave of the learned Doctor;

I should like to know his authority for in.serting " Member of the College of Physi.

*

cians," on the cover of his review. In myjudgment, Boniface, with a pot of porterin his hand, is as much entitled to take hisseat among the bench of justices, as theDoctor to the title he assumes. They areboth licensed by their respective boards,one for the sale of ale, to keep clear of fines,the other for the sale of physic, which is nofinable offence.

His colleagues, the editors of the Repo-sitory and Medical Journal, sensible of theirdegrading position, have ceased to acknow-ledge a connexion with the College, whetherunder the appellation of member or licen-tiate. Many who now take pleasure in theclanks of their fetters, will live to tear themasunder, and rejoice in their acquired free-dom. All the assertions of this CollegeChampion having been most triumphantlyrefuted by anticipation in the Physician’s letter, whielt the 2aary Editor (if the YellowJournal has thought proper to reject, it

would be supererogation to reply to themhere. The College men being too prudentto appear in the field often, or on commonoccasions, I will take the liberty, now thatopportunity offers, of putting a few plaiuquestions to this crafty advocate.

1st. We are told, that the College of

Physicians permits the graduates of everyUniversity in the world to practise, in allrespects, as freely as the fellows, after anexamination similar to that which is snb-mitted to by the English graduates." Ofcourse " Socius" is better acquainted thanmyself with the College tactics. Had theinformation come through a less authenticchannel, I should have denied it irr toto, Ihave always understood that, before theapplicant (I cannot compliment him with thetitle of candidate) is suffered to oner him-self for the humiliating boon, he is obligedto sign his self-condemnation in something’like the following words : ‘ That he is unfitto undertake the treatment of all descrip-tions of patients, and is therefore not qualified’to be a fellow; but thinking that he may heuseful in some triflino- ailnaents, le hnnrbiysolicits a license for that purpose." This

degrading preliminary having been dulysigned, authenticated, and registered, he isadmitted to examination. Here, again, heis made to feel his inferiority. While thecandidates for the fellowship are retluiredto translate a few lines in Aretæus, or someother Greek book equally out of date, thelicentiate, to keep up an absurd distinction,is not permitted to show his qualificationsin that language. Such is, I am told, thewhole difference (and a difference it is, not-

withstanding the dissimulation of Socius) inthe examination of fellows and licentiates.

Upon this pretended, though indefensible su-

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periority, rests the only colour able pretencefor establishing two grades of practisingphysicians, in opposition to the laws of theland, and the proceedings of the College,during the two first centuries after its for-mation. If we were to admit the superiority I

of the fellows in classical lore, would it con-stitute a ground for pre-eminence in me-dical skill I am warranted in assuming,that, as a body, the licentiates are equallyqualified in the sciences, and in generalliterature, with the fellows, and infinitelytheir superiors in what is the most import-ant to a physician, medical knowledge. At

any rate, let a fair trial be exacted beforejudgment is pronounced.

2dly. " There is, I assure you, no unkind feelings in the fellows towards their brethren (of the Scottish or Foreign Universities." —Heie again we have, unless I am much mis-taken, an assertion in direct opposition to

the fact. No "kind. feeling" is wanted.;but, if they act honestly, they will imme-diately restore the College to its originalpurity, by rescinding their illegal, tyranni-cal, and excluding by-laws. Under properregulations, the mode of admitting memberswould be brought to what it was from theinstitution of the College in the reign ofKing Henry VIII. to the middle of the lastcentury. In this, the golden era of the

College, fourished the immortal Harvey.It is not perhaps generally known, that not-withstanding his being Physician to the

King, to St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, anda distinguished fellow, he practised both Isurgery and midwifery. Such was the pre-’vailing custom with physicians till after thedeath of King Charles the Second. Thismonarch, as we are informed by Hume, wasbled in his last illness by Dr. King, a skilfulsurgeon as well as an excellent physician.

In 1752, the Sons of Isis and of Cam ac- I

quired the ascendency, and filled up themeasure of their tyranny and injustice. Un-til this memorable epoch, all universitiesremained upon an equal footing as to col-lege honours. From this period, everything valuable, and respectable was awardedto the English Doctor, and a mere licensegranted to all others, which they were suf-fered to retain only while they behaved suh-missively to their task-masters. Had there

really been a foundation in law, in equity,or in professional superiority for the dis-tinction, the hardship would be the less in-tolerahie ; but knowing as we do, thatlicentiates are equal in general acquire-ments, and far superior in medical science,the humiliation is insufferably grievous.-The °° kind feeling of the fellows towardstheir Scottish brethren" will be fully un-derstood when we take into account thatthis memorable by-law was directed againstthe rising reputation of the University of

Edinburgh. This celebrated school of phy-sic, founded in 1720, immediately succeededto extraordinary pre-eminence. Its gra-duates crossed the Tweed in immense num-bers, and acquired so much distinction inthe South, that the English physicians weresuddenly alarmed for their golden drops.To oppose the new race in open competi-tion was impossible ; stratagem became ne-cessary. Hence started that damning by-law of 1752, which the fellows have neverventured to cancel, and which has justlyexcited an hostile feeling, founded as it isin a deep sense of oppression and injustice.Should " Socius" presume to deny any partof the above statement, he shall hear againfrom me on the subject.The kingdom of Scotland had been some

time united to England, and therefore, whenit was most desirable to remove all thecauses of jealousy and dissatisfaction, theLondon College widened the breach and in-creased the prejudices of their Scottishbrethren," in violation of the law of theland, the treaty of union, and their duty asgood subjects. Aloreover, since the gra-duates of Trinity College, Dublin, are freelyadmitted into the fellowship, is it not mon-strous to exclude those of Edinburgh, thefirst medical University in Christendom,from an equal participation in college affairs?Socius is requested to explain this anomalyin his ’ liberal system." Should Socius ob-

ject to proofs of the disposition of his com-panions extracted from former times, lie

may be furnished with practical illustra-tions of very recent occurrence. He has

only to direct his eyes to the sick bed ofHis R. H. the Duke of York. Sir HenryHalford was, I think, first consulted ; fur-ther aid being required. Dr. BVarren wascalled in, instead of the three physicians inordinary. Dr. Pearson, Dr. Thomson, andDr. Drever, who are all of them, in myestimation, much more highly talented thaneither cf the above-mentioned physicians.Probably the first had been preceptor to someof the fellows, who now evince their gra-titude by depriving him of the honours andemoluments appertaining to his office. Butassailed as the College is on all sides, andin danger of being toppled down, many areof opinion, that in order to prop and

strengthen the decayed building, their po-licy will lead them to introduce a few licen-tiates into the fellowship. Should they at

length think of Dr. Pearson, I shall be cu-rious to know whether, at his age, he wouldaccept the bauble which has so long beenaccept the bauble which has so long beenhis darling object ; or would, like Sir G.Blane, manifest a becoming spirit and in-dignantly reject it. Should he and his col-league, the unabashed Dr. Drever, forgetthemselves, and sneak into the conclave, Itrust their brethren, the licentiates and in-

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dependent physicians of the realm, will con- men gained a preponderating dominion, thanvince them of their error, by withdrawing they framed another by-law, more absurdtheir professional confidence. Similar ob- than all the rest, disallowing the practiceservations are equally applicable to Drs. of surgery and midwifery and thus counter-Holland, Philip Wilson, Luke, &c., with an acting the following clause, inserted in theassurance that the removal of professional 32d Act of Henry the Eighth, by Linacre,confidence from them will prove no irre- the wise and good:parable injury to the sick. In Dr. Thomp- And forasmuch as the science of phy.son, I anticipate the conduct of a gentle- sic doth comprehend, include, and con.

man, who will neither truckle to names nor tain the knowledge of surgery, as a specialto power. What shall we say to Dr. member and part of the same, therefore beHooper, whose recent adulatory dedication it enacted, that physicians may, as wellto the fountain of medical honours bespeaks, within the City of London as elsewhere,at least, a placable disposition. On the case practise and exercise the said science of phy-becoming more puzzling still, who, gentle sic in all and every its members and parts."Socius, was the next person chosen to steer We learn in this short extract that, bythe vessel safely into port. As you cannot the law of the land, the practice of the

possibly guess, I must tell you-it was Dr. physician is unlimited, and no by-law of anMacmichael, the humble admirer of the incorporation can supersede the law of thecourtly President. Was all this accidental, land. With the act of Parliament in theiror on the recommendation of the patient ? hands, physicians have nothing to fear fromNeither, Mr. Socius; it emanated from the the mandates and prohibitions of any juntocombination system, and unless this be or private college. So thoroughly ami I pene-counteracted by adequate opposing means, trated with the impolicy, as well as illega.the. aliens will soon lose all their patients. lity, of this arhitrary restriction, that I an.The higher classes are already taken away, ticipate a speedy revival, under better rulersand the lower will soon follow, especially and more favourable auspices, of Linacre’sas the surgeons and the apothecaries, seeing wise law. The French, in these respects,the growing influence of the fellows, have been have set an example which every unsophis-drawn into the vortex. ticated Briton must wish to see followed in

Lest it should be asserted, and insisted these realms.

upon by the party, that the physicians While the College conformed to the actsabove-named were selected by His Royal of Henry, and permitted the members toHighness, I will produce another illustra- walk about unfettered, they were respectedtion of the same system. and lived together in strict harmony ; thereWhen the late Queen was afilicted, Dr. was no " unkiud feeling " among them.

Holland, a licentiate, was her regular at- But after they were compelled to relinquishtendant. llora heads being wanted, Dr. surgery and midwifery, a new order of thingsMaton first and then Dr. Warren were called commenced. The College of Surgeons,in. Further aid being still solicited, Dr. which, at its formation, contained onlyBaillie was summoned from a remote cor- twelve associates, moving in a very subordi-ner of Gloucestershire to the assistance of nate rank, gradually increased in numbershis colleagues. But enough of consulta- and usefulness. The members soon took

tions, ex duobus disce onuzes. upon themselves the direction of surgicalA rumour is afloat that, by a recent cases, as well as of manual operations.

minute in council, the Royal Physicians Hitherto, the United Kingdom possessed nomust in future be taken exclusively from school of physic. Oxford and Cambridge,the Fellows. Will " Socius" condescend from inherent defects, never had any claimto inform your readers, whether this foul to the title. In Edinburgh, and afterwardspreference originated in a high quarter or in London, the want lias been amply sup-with a titled favourite, who, seizing upon plied. The surgeons and apothecaries tak-the mollia tempora fandi, whispered soft ing advantage of the opportunities afforded,things into his master’s ear and misled him zealously cultivated the different branchesThe latter seems to be universally believed of medicine, and now exercise them icithoutamong the aliens. The elevation of Dr. limitation. Hence, we have three distinct

Southey to the fellowship, by royal man- orders of medical practitioners, whosedate, followed by his immediate appoint- jarring interests place them in perpetualment as one of the King’s Physicians, ap- opposition and hostility. No state of thingspears to me conclusive on the point. Is could have been contrived more injurious toSir Gilbert Blane, the first physician to his the faculty and the public than a bodBMajesty, laid upon the shelf because he is formed of such discordant materials. Had

only a licentiate ? It is certainly not on the College of Physicians always examinedaccount of his inferiority in general or pro- their candidates in surgery and midwiftrv,fessional knowledge. as well as in physic, and encouraged themNo sooner had the Oxford and Cambridge to practise in every branch agreeably to the

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law, the medical profession would ere this though I never expect to see it voluntarily

have been carried to a much higher degree produced. In 300 years the aggregate hasof perfection. The disgraceful contentions doubtless amounted to a very large sum.which now unhappily prevail would never To adopt the language of a titled member ofhave existed ; because the exercise of the the College of Surgeons, the examiners

art, according to sound principles, would not ought to be devilishly well paid for theirhave excited angry feelings, or other rival- trouble in the management of Collegeship than a desire to remove sickness, and affairs ! If the fact be otherwise, and theprevent mortality. moneys have not been privately distributed

3dly. " The College only reserves to it- among the fellows, why are they preserved’! ?self certain executive offices, which are mise- Socius may take either horn of the dilemma.rably paid." Here, again, I siiould not hesi- On a proper application, Parliament wouldtate to reply, except to a fellow, Sir, you assuredly take up the question, and ferrethare knowingly made a mendacious statement. out the hoard. But how is this to be made ?As it is, I will inquire of " Socius" what is When, in the name of common sense, willbecome of Dr. Harvey’s estate, the title the subdued licentiates, and their unat-

deeds of which he surrendered with his own tached brethren, make a just estimate ofhands to his colleagues ? What is become their numerical strength, and ample re-

of Linacre’s, Kay’s, and various other proper- sources ? Let them be wise in time. Anties, bequeathed in trust to the College at association consisting of both descriptions ofdifferent times 1 Pray, gentle Socius, do physicians might be easily organised, andthe licenses and visits to mad-houses pro- brought into the field. The College, as-

duce no emolument, and no facilities to the sailed by such an overwhelming force, andbest medical practice! ? Unless I am indeed supported as the association would be bymisinformed, a princely income arises an- the public, must either capitulate at discre-nually to the fellows out of this executive tion, or be ruined in the struggle.office alone. I have already trespassed so much uponLeaving Socius to ruminate upon these your valuable columns, that I shall not en-

matters, I beg leave to invite his particular ter into a lengthened examination of theattention to the article in the Yellow Jour- " Censor’s Friend" in a former LANCET. Inut next to his own, and which, for ought I cannot, however, deny myself the gratifica-know, was furnished by himself. Whatever tion of noticing his view of the licentiate’smay have been the mode of its introduction, oath, to do all things in honorem Collegii. To it is an important document. an unsophisticated mind, this obligation

" The followingnames," says the Yellow would merely imply, thatthe licentiate bindsJournal, " have been added during the past himself to maintain the true dignity of theyear to the list of fellows and licentiates of College. But, according to the interpreta-the College of Physicians." Fellows : Dr. tion given, it appears to me, that lie is re.Thomas Watson, Dr. George Leith Koupell, quired in all matters to obey the dicta of theDr. Richard Prichard Smith, Dr. John fellows. Surelv, Sir, this, if true, is the

Spurgin.—Licentiates : Dr. William Speer, worst description of slavery, and the leastDr. Samuel Miller, Dr. Thomas Hodgkin, to be palliated. While the transportedDr. Richard Davie, Dr. P. Frederick de African reluctantly delivers up his bodilyJersey, Dr. Æneas M’ Andrew, Dr. Charles powers to the guidance of another, theLush, Dr. Francis Boot, Dr. John Wilton,) licentiate voluntarily surrenders his mentalDr. John Forbes, Dr. George G. Sigmond, freedom to the government of persons, whoDr. Charles Phillips, Dr. George Waddell, have an obvious interest in his professionalDr. Whitlock Nicholl, Dr. James Clark, miscarriage and degradation.Dr. James Scott, Dr. C. Agar Hunt. The Letter of an " Orthodox Graduate

Fellows 4. Licentiates 17.—Total 21. of an English University," in your lleb-Now if the former, as we are told, pay 501. domadary, contains so much good sense,

each to this puissant College, and the latter gentlemanly feeling, and convincing argu-75l., you have, in the last year, the aggre- ment, that I have great pleasure in holdinggate sum of 147ji.; 1275l. of it furnished it up to the attentive perusal of every fel-hy the licentiates for an useless slip of low, licentiate, and independent physicianparchment. According to this statement, in the imperial dominions.the licentiates exceed the fellows more than His recommendation, to assemble a gene-as four to one, and furnish to the College ral meeting of medical graduates to improvebank nearly five-sixths of its whole revenue their condition, is so agreeable to my ownfrom examinations! ! ! Mr. Socius, are the vieivs, that whenever it does take place, Iftllows " miserably paid" for this piece of shall attend to support it with my name, and,service 1 or does it form an exception to the if necessary, with my purae also.general rule 1 For my part, I should ex- I am, Sir,ceedingly like to peruse the statement of Your constant Header, andcollegiate income drawn from every channel, Ax ENEMY TO INJUSTICE.