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older members of the profession who knew him during thetime he practised at West Bromwich, and who adopted andstill perform his modification of the median operation oflithotomy.

Francis Warner, M.D. Lond., having been recently electedassistant-physician to the Children’s Hospital, after a con-test with another graduate of the University of London, agentleman congratulated the governors of the hospital onthe fact of their having two such excellent candidates, andremarked that theirs was the only hospital in the kingdomwhose medical staff were graduates of London, a distinctionwhich he hoped would be maintained.You have already called attention to the success which

attended Dr. Richardson’s inaugural address at the MidlandMedical Society, and to the presentation of a testimonial tothe worthy treasurer, Mr. James Harmar. In future thatSociety will exist only for "the promotion of scientific andpractical medicine and surgery by the delivery of addresses,the reading and discussion of papers, and by pathologicaland other demonstrations." The books and periodicals arehanded over to the Midland Medical Library, and the read-ing-room will be transferred to Queen’s College.

Nov. 15th, 1875. ________

GLASGOW.

(From our own Correspondent.)

THE first annual meeting of the Western Infirmary o’

Glasgow was held on the 25th ult., and the report presenteeby the secretary was, on the whole, satisfactory. Th!

ordinary income had fallen short of the ordinary expenditurEby .81399, but the deficit was covered by the result of aspecial appeal to the public in May last, when a reserVifund was obtained of .63736. With regard to the financia:future some of the speakers took a rather doleful tone, ancindicated that unless there was increased liberality it mighlbe expedient to curtail rather than augment the accommo.dation. Others, and with justice, looked forward hopefully,and trusted that as the needs and benefits of the institutionbecame more widely known, there would be no necessity foiany special subscription fund. In the interest of medicaleducation we trust the hospital will be still further extended.There are now, we understand, upwards of 200 medicalstudents attached to the University, and when the sessioncommenced there were only 141 patients in the hospital.It is obvious that this is far too small a number for thepurposes of clinical teaching.The annual dinner of the Faculty of Physicians and Sur-

geons was held on the 26th ult. in the Faculty Hall, underthe genial presidency of Dr. Fergus. " Floreat res medica,"the toast of the evening, which a well-known judicial autho-rity has translated, 11 Let disease continue and doctorsflourish," was given from the chair, and responded to withhearty enthusiasm. In replying to the toast of the 11 Houseof Commons," Dr. Cameron, the Liberal, and Mr. Whitelaw,the Conservative member for Glasgow, both referred to theimportance of having more medical men sitting in thelegislative assemblies, and Dr. Cameron observed that whileother professions were honoured by a seat in the House ofPeers, it was an anomalous fact that there was no medicalrepresentative there. A justly esteemed medical man shookhis head and negatived the idea. Dr. Cameron, observingthis, humorously stated that perhaps the objector would becontented with a Baronetcy, but that he still maintainedthat a medical peer was a necessity, and might yet becomea Radical grievance. Perhaps the most important statementof the evening was made by Dr. Geo. Buchanan, who, inreplying for the University of Glasgow, declared that, con-sistent with the ordinances, every extra-mural lecturer wouldbe recognised by the University Court. This announcement,which was doubtless made on authority, was hailed with satis-faction. There can be little fear of a hospital languishingfor public support, connected as it now is with a universitywhich has cast off ancieut traditions and, in inauguratingsuch a liberal pr,rgtwmme, has become in unison with the

spirit of the age. The friculty is in a very flourishing con-dition ; the number of junior fellows who have enteredduring the last two years evinces a considerable increase ascompared with the past. The scale of fees as sanctioned by

the faculty ought to be altered. Glasgow boasts of beingthe second city of the empire, but its merchants have nohesitation in paying medical men at balf-a-crown a visit.Such a sum might have been sufficient when the Clydecould be crossed on stepping-stones where the Atlanticliners now anchor, but it is absurdly small for the wealthand present position of Glasgow. It is certain that a

strong and united effort on the part of the faculty wouldplace things on a better footing, and make this town afieldfor professional success second to none in Great Britain.A few days ago an article appeared in one of our daily

papers, inspired either by a candid friend or secret foe, andrevealing a sad state of matters in the class of Physiologyin the University. It appears evident, from the correspond-ence which has ensued on the subject, that years are tellingon, and voice is failing, the present occupant of the chair,Dr. Andrew Buchanan, for it is stated that only the studentson the first or second bench can detect the subject of theveteran lecturer’s discourse. While this fact has beenbroadly mooted, and not contradicted, yet all the students,both past and present, who have taken part in the cor-respondence, speak with the greatest respect of one who hasundoubtedly done much good work in his day. It is evidentthat a crisis has occurred, and that a change is imminent inthe teaching of physiology; and, looking at the matter im-partially, it is to be hoped that Dr. Buchanan will imitate hisfriend and former colleague, Dr. Rainy, and retire from a fieldin which he has worthily won his spurs. The discussion showsvery clearly and pertinently the necessity for the recogni-tion of extra-mural lecturers and for free trade in teaching.Glasgow, Dec. 6th, 1875.P.S.-Professor Andrew Buchanan has intimated to the

University Court his resignation of the Chair held by him.

IRELAND.

(From our own Correspondent.)

THE first meeting of the Medical Society of the College ofPhysicians, Ireland, took place on Wednesday, Nov. lOth.

The President, Dr. Samuel Gordon, in his inaugural address,mentioned with approval the epidemiological reports which oflate have formed a part of the pioceedings of each session.He instanced the success of the efforts which have been often

adopted of late, in arresting the spread of so serious and in-fectious a malady as scarlatina, and paid a just tribute to thevalue of preventive medicine in this as well as in so manyother diseases. The death of three members of the medical

profession at Dublin lately, formed the theme of much of thePresident’s address. Mr. Lestrange was better known in thesurgical world by his invention of some important surgicalinstruments. Professor Law’s valuable communications andhis carefully recorded cases were of great importance, andled to subsequent valuable discoveries, more especially inreference to cirrhosis of the liver and gangrene of the lungs.Mr. John Hamilton, although not a member of the Society,took an interest in every society for the promotion ofmedical progress. His illness originated in an attack ofdysentery some five years ago; although he appeared quiteto have recovered from this attack, a subsequent relapseentailed much suffering, and from this time he was never quitefree from obstinate constipation for any length of time; morerecently he had an attack of choleraic diarrhoea. Evidence ofmischief was afforded by the occurrence of a fissure, tumours,and abscesses, and lastly a communication was formed betweenthe rectum and bladder. The terrible suffering that nowarose rendered an operation desirable. Colotomy rendered lifemore endurable during the few remaining days of Mr. Hamil-ton’s life; and he died, to use the words of Dr. Gordon, amodel of faith, resignation, and patience.

Sir Dominic Corrigan, Bart, read his observations on Aix-les-Bains. He commended their efficacy, and while he pointedout some minor matters which he thought might be improved,he spoke generally in very high terms of the arrangements forthe benefit of invalids. Dr. A. W. Foot also read an interestingpaper on a remarkable case of obesity treated with liquorpotassæ and extract of fticus vesiculosus.The Obstetrical Society held its first meeting for the session

on 20th November. The President, Dr. Atthill, spoke at

861

length on some of the theories that have been brought undernotice in connexion with the monthly uterine flow.The very important question, " What is Dublin to do with

the Liffey ?" is now under the earnest consideration of manywho wish well to Ireland’s chief town.An injunction has been obtained by the Citizens’ Com-

mittee against the expenditure of any more money by theDublin Corporation on the protracted action by that body inreference to the main drainage question.

Sir John Glover continues to improve daily. He is nowable to be up, and we have every reason to trust that hisrecovery may now steadily progress. He is still under theable care of Mr. Butcher.A skating rink on the most improved plan is approaching

completion near the Exhibition Palace Grounds, Earlsfort-terrace, Dublin.The extraordinary damp and cold of the present season is

tending to spread different forms of zymotic disease now pre-valent in Dublin. Of these we may mention-fever (typhusand typhoid), measles, scarlatina, and erysipelas.Pulmonary affections, and cases of severe attacks of diarrhoea

with a tendency to dysentery, demand real activity on thepart of the sanitary authorities and the people themselves,especially as the condition of the lodgings of the working andpoor classes at Dublin are in so bad a condition in many partsof the old city.The custom of " waking," even those dead of contagious dis-

eases, continues unchecked by the authorities.The Dublin barracks have lately had a somewhat unhealthy

reputation ; it is but justice that this matter should be morefully inquired into. Dublin itself has need of improvementin the same direction, and steps have already been com-menced with that intention. Indeed, from a combination ofcauses, notably, as it would appear, from the severe and wetcharacter of the last few months, many of the old houses inthe more ancient parts of Dublin have given evidence of greatdanger to their inmates from indications of actual falling; andto tell the truth, at least five or six houses quite lately havethus come to grief, happily with but little loss of life. Enoughof mischief has, however, happened in this way to stir the.civic authorities to active measures, so far as their powersextend. Several streets and lanes in the older parts ofDublin now present numerous hoardings and many buildingsin progress of demolition. Such measures, provided sufficientnew buildings be provided for those who may be deprived ofhomes by the removal of the old houses, cannot but exert ahighly beneficial influence on the health of the Irish metro-polis, including the troops quartered therein.The necessity for improved huts on the Curragh is finding

expression in the daily journals at Dublin. The Irish Timesforcibly draws attention to the matter, pointing out that thegood of the public service loudly demands attention to thatquestion.A monument to Grattan has just been erected at College

Green ; it awaits unveiling.I have just availed myself of an opportunity of visiting the

Richmond barracks, which stand on a somewhat elevatedplateau, some three miles south-west of the General PostOffice. On the south the barrack grounds are bounded bythe grand canal, on the west by a valley of some depththrough which flows a stream providing natural drainageon that side, and at some distance also on the north of thebarracks, as it flows eastwards on that side. The groundslopes by a gradual descent from the site of the barrackstowards the east. The buildings are apparently about fiftyyears old, and surrounded by a large parade ground, enclosedby strong walls. The accommodation is considered good, andprovides for a force of about 1000 men. During the presentseason, as well as in the last summer and autumn, but twocases of enteric fever have occurred in this barrack, and inboth cases recovery took place. An outcry has been raisedagainst the water supply, which is derived from the canal,and some have called for a supply of the Vartry water,with which Dublin is supplied. There is no doubt that acertain amount of organic impurity is to be found in thecanal water, especially in the summer and autumn months.On the other hand, however, there are those who argue thatthe lime salts which are present in the canal water under con.sideration are eminently useful and even necessary for theproper nourishment and growth of the human race, as well asfor other animals. In this respect the Vartry water is almostabsolutely pure. There are many sanitarians who incline tothe belief that a certain amount of hardness is beneficial in

water as an article of diet, although it may be admitted thatit is a quality which is objectionable in other ways, as in cook-ing, washing, &c. Whether the source of water supply betaken from the canal as at present, or from the Vartry, it isadvisable, in the interests of civilians and the military alike,that very strict attention be paid to the prevention of accessof organic matter to each source of supply.At the meeting of the Dublin Pathological Society (Dec. 4th),

the President of the College of Surgeons exhibited a case ofchronic rheumatic arthritis. Mr. Hamilton also exhibited acase of extra-capsular fracture of the femur, with impactionand transverse fracture immediately below. Dr. Grimshawbrought forward a case of colloid cancer of the great omentum.Mr. Wilson exhibited an eyeball removed from a man 77 yearsof age. It was a dark black mass, without any organisationwhatever. On microscopic examination, it was seen to be aninstance of ordinary pigmented spindle-celled sarcoma. Dr.Atthill exhibited an example of imperfect development of therectum in a foetus. Dr. Robert McDonnell made a communi-cation on securing bloodvessels by torsion.The extreme severity of the weather has produced a con-

siderable increase of sickness in Dublin as elsewhere. Pul-monary affections-a form of catarrhal febrile attack, accom-panied with a good deal of prostration-has become common;whilst the existence of some cases of severe typhus, some oftyphoid fever, as well as of cases of scarlatina and measles,warns us to be up and doing in sanitary improvements.The Sanitary Association here is again drawing public

attention to the noxious influence exerted by the dep6ts offetid organic matter which exist so numerously in Dublin.The Dublin Main Drainage Question still hangs fire, and it isto be hoped that the most approved system will be carried

out, and that all persons concerned will use their best endea-,

vours to bring about a system which, while it must be suitedto the already heavily-taxed resources of the citizens, may

fulfil the requirements of the population.

PARIS.

(From our own Correspondent.)

OPENING OF THE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AND THE PARIS

CLINIQUES.

IN my last letter I spoke of the forthcoming opening ofthe winter session of the Faculty, and gave you a programmeof the lectures which the professors and the various hospitalphysicians and surgeons were preparing to give. Oa the3rd inst. the School of Medicine threw open its doors, andthe same day Professor Gavarret lectured on Heat, M. Dugueton the Diseases of the Urino-genital Organs (opening lec-ture), Professor Sappey on Anatomy, and Professor Chauf-fard on the Comparative Character of Acute and ChronicDisease.The clinical teachers in the hospital have likewise been

busy at work the whole of last week. The three professorsat La Charite inaugurated their teaching, and in doingso they all seemed impressed with the necessity of givingan additional impetus to the clinical teaching of the Facultyin view of the rival schools, and especially the Catholic ones,which are about to be established on the strength of thenew laws on freedom of teaching. All three of them ex-

pressed themselves very energetically on the subject. Pro-fessor See declared that the necessity of studying seriouslywas greater now than ever. The rival Faculties were stillin a state of embryo, but it was necessary to begin work atonce. The standard of clinical teaching should be raisedhigher than ever. "On this ground," exclaimed the Pro-fessor, 11 we can bid defiance to our adversaries ; and, as tomyself, I feel the younger for the conditions which the lawson freedom of teaching have imposed."M. Trelat expressed the same views on the question, and

especially insisted on the following train of thought : 11 Inview of the rival schools which are about to be established,the time is come when all of us, masters and pupils, mustrally around a common flag-that which we owe respect to,and faith in, scientific truth. What man has gained byscience it is our duty to maintain, and this appropriation ofknowledge constitutes a patrimony which we must respectand defend. To have faith in the progress of science, toadhere to the truths which it teaches, is our honour and