691THE CLINICAL TEACHING OF FEVER AND SMALL-POX.

Such a demonstration, showing as it does the determination of so many members of the House to throw off th

yoke of the clique of fanatics by whom the opposition t,

the Acts has been organised and maintained, strikes us aone of the most remarkable instances of healthy politicalife which the present generation has witnessed. It en

courages hope in common sense, and affords some prospecof escape from the tyranny so often exercised by mer knots of agitators.

IT is quite time that the attention of the authoritielshould be drawn to the imperfect opportunities presenteéat the general hospitals for the clinical study of fevers ancsmall-pox, particularly as the establishment of the publi(fever and small-pox hospitals will diminish to a large extenithe applications for the admission of this class of patientsOwing to the obscurity of the early symptoms, a few iso.lated cases will no doubt occasionally creep into the generalwards; but it is certain that these will not suffice to giveto students any adequate idea of a class of diseases pre-senting such varied phases and complications, and requiringsuch careful watching and skilful treatment. It certainlycannot be said that any medical man is qualified to practisewho has not had the fullest opportunity of studying thehistory and treatment of diseases occupying the very firstplace in the mortality returns; and yet, under existingarrangements, it is quite possible for a student to obtainhis diploma without having watched the progress of a singlecase of fever or small-pox, and without having had the

opportunity of witnessing a single post-mortem examina-tion. In some hospitals cases of infectious fever are sys-tematically excluded, and, when admitted, are immediately’sent away. In others, some very inadequate provision is

made for keeping a few cases. Indeed, it would be obviouslymost objectionable to admit any considerable number to theordinary wards. With the exception of St. Thomas’s, no

really well-constructed infectious wards exist in connexionwith any of our schools.

Under these circumstances, would it not be wise to re-

quest the assistance of the Local Government Board andthe managers of the Metropolitan Asylums, in order toopen the Fever and Small-pox Hospitals under their chargeto a limited class of students under proper regulations ?Nothing but good can come to the patients, for no othersupervision is so likely to secure for them adequate atten-tion and the most skilful treatment; whilst the public willreap the advantage of better medical education. Medical

students will no doubt incur some risk ; but this is their

duty, and the consideration of danger must not be allowedto interfere with their due qualification. Indeed, it shouldbe the duty of the examiners to require a certificate of ashort attendance at one or other of these hospitals whenthere are no other contagious wards to which they canhave access.

THE next meeting of the Association of Medical Officersof Health, being the last of the present session, will beheld to-day (Saturday), at 7.30 P.M., when Dr. HenryLetheby will read a paper bearing on the present epidemicof small-pox.

Medical Annotations."Ne quid nimis."

9

THE COLLEGE OF SURCEONS.’ THE Council of the College of Surgeons met on Monday

last, and made the necessary arrangements for the annualelection to the Council in July. There was no report fromthe Committee appointed to carry out the details of thescheme for a Conjoint Examination; but, as we know thatthe College of Physicians is about to elect its four repre-

sentatives for this purpose, we presume the solemn secrecyof the College of Surgeons’ Committee will soon be brokenthrough. The secretary announced himself unable to

furnish the looked-for return of passed and pluckedstudents of the several schools at present, owing to thelabours of the recent examinations for the membershipdiploma. We hope the return will be forthcoming in timefor the schools to take action, if necessary, before the nextwinter session.A discussion arose as to the courses of Practical Physio-

logy and Practical Surgery, concerning which a fear wasexpressed that in some schools these courses were shirkedby both teachers and pupils. We fear there is an elementof truth in this, and that the same might be said to acertain extent with respect to actual dissection. We areglad at all events that Mr. South and Mr. Erichsen carrieda motion calling upon the anatomical teachers to make areturn of the number of subjects used for dissection duringthe past session, and the number of pupils in the anatomicalclass.

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DR. PETTIGREW ON CIRCULATION.

ON Friday, the 10th inst., Dr. Pettigrew delivered hissecond lecture on the H Physiology of the Circulation inPlants, in the Lower Animals, and in Man," before theRoyal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh. The vessels of

plants and animals, he showed, were both constructed onthe same type-the function of both being to conveynutritious juices to the tissues which on all occasions lieoutside the vessels. Imbibition is the process by whichanimal and vegetable tissues are nourished-a fact to whichthere is no exception ; the vessels having no other objectthan the conveyance of nutriment to the immediate neigh-bourhood of the growing tissues. In animals there arethree kinds of vessels : the arteries carrying pure or bright-red blood, the veins effete or dark-purple blood, and thecapillaries mixed blood. The tissues imbibe from the latter.In plants there are also three kinds of vessels-those con-veying crude sap, those conveying elaborated sap, and avascular system lately discovered in the leaves and roots,which he compared to the capillaries of animals. Vesselsin plants, unless when quite young, are rigid; those of

animals are elastic. While the vessels of plants can takeno active part in the circulation, those of animals have, insome cases, distinct rhythmic movements, which greatlyassist that process. Such rhythmic movements are foundin the veins of the bat’s wing, the saphenous veins of therabbit, the mesenteric vessels of the frog, and the caudalvessels of the eel. Dr. Pettigrew proceeded to show that thevermicular movements of the alimentary canal (of the

oesophagus and stomach particularly) greatly resemblethose of certain vessels, and of the heart itself, havinga power of alternately contracting and expanding,which they employ in propelling the food and the cir-

culating fluids. Between the stomach, the heart, and thehollow muscles generally, all of which are similarly con-structed, there is an analogy-it being a matter of indiffer-

692

ence whether the material conveyed be fluid, semi-fluid, or the better classes of houses where imperfect and defectivesolid. The power possessed by the hollow muscles of con- fittings lead to a great waste of water now, which must betracting and expanding in parts, the sphincters, when ex- prevented as far as possible if the full benefit of the con-isting, opening or expanding when the viscera to which stant system is to be experienced by the consumers. Wethey are attached close or contract, he dwelt upon as en- strongly endorse the suggestion that the inspections ren-abling the muscles alternately to seize and dismiss their dered necessary by the change of system should be madecontents-to manipulate the same with regularity and pre- thoroughly and effectively at the outset, so that subsequentcision. In the vegetable cells, movements occur in great inspections may be as little troublesome and inquisitorial asvariety, the cells of plants having a circulation of their possible. In conclusion, Mr. Pole expresses himself as satis-own, quite apart from the general circulation of plants, but ned that, under proper administration, the constant systemquite as distinct. The movements of plants, he further will lead to a diminution in the quantity of water requisiteshowed, resemble in some respects those of animals, the for the supply of the metropolis. The present total con.spores of certain algse being furnished with cilia "enabling sumption is thirty-three gallons per head per diem, or twicethem to lead an itinerant life until they find a suitable what it is in Manchester, and nearly three times what it ishabitat." Dr. Pettigrew called particular attention to the in Norwich under the constant system.rhythmic movements of the leaflets of the Hedysarum des- ____

modium gyrans, which approach or recede from each otherevery few minutes. More curious and wonderful still are RELIEF FROM THE RAIL.

the rhythmic movements of the Yolvox globator. "At a cer- ARE our readers at all anxious to gratify their "instinctstain period of the development of this simplest vegetable of escape" from the noise, the strife, the questions weari-organism, there appear in each zoospore, or in the bands some, and the vain splendours of imperial London," andof protoplasm with which the zoospores are connected, to enjoy, on a reduced scale, something like the Horatianvacuoles, spaces, or cavities of about 1/9000th of an inch in journey to Brundusium Let them take a seat on the coachdiameter, which contract with regular rhythm at intervals that starts every morning from Piccadilly for Dorking, andof from thirty-eight to forty-one seconds, quickly contract- under the artistic guidance of General Sir Henry de Bathe,ing and then more slowly dilating again, precisely as in or of thattheir own hearts." Very remarkable are the rhythmic "Non auriga piger,"

movements of plants, the more especially as they occur in Major Withington, be wafted gently away into the lovelythe absence of nerves, muscles, and all those structures silvan scenery of Surrey, and, to the merry music of acommonly regarded as essential to this kind of movement. beautifully manipulated four-in-hand, take in 11 the harvestDr. Pettigrew sat down amid much applause. The third of a quiet eye" that extends with progressively increasinglecture occurs on the 17th inst. richness from Tooting to North Cheam, Ewell, Epsom,

Leatherhead, and Dorking. Bowling along at the pleasantCONSTANT WATER-SUPPLY FOR LONDON, rate of eight miles an hour, the passenger enjoys all the

.

exhilaration of quick motion and constantly varying sceneryIT is announced that the Duke of Richmond, who was without the insidious vibration, the exhausting monotony

Chairman of the Royal Commission on Water-supply, will of noise, the tax on the eye imposed by the " rushing land-preside at the inquiry about to be held by the Board of scape," with its sudden apparition and vanishing of objects,Trade with reference to the regulations under which the that almost entitle railway travelling to a place in theconstant service system is to be introduced in London. This Public Health Bill. Nor is it only the agreeable stimulusinquiry is expected to occupy a considerable time, and on its afforded to the body that rewards the passenger for his

completion the Water Companies will be required, after four journey. The soothing effect of richly wooded, softly out-months’ notice, to give a constant supply under the regula- lined uplands, alternating with "sleepy hollows" mantledtions approved as the result of the inquiry. A Parlia- in dense green shrubbery-of meadow lands " browsed bymentary paper recently issued contains much valuable in- deep-uddered kine," or tranquil forest glades dotted withformation upon this subject, consisting of reports made by fallow deer, is varied by the moral influence of the historicalProfessor W. Pole, F.R.S., on the constant-service system and legendary associations thickly strewn on either side ofgenerally, and on the modes of distribution adopted in the route. Defoe’s chapel at Tooting; the antique wall,towns where that system has been adopted. On the general the sole surviving witness to the past glories of Merton

question, it is satisfactory to find that, besides those sani- Abbey ; the site (alas! only the site) of Nelson’s house,-aretary advantages which the advocates of the constant system succeeded by the medical interest attaching to the prettyhave claimed for it, an economy in the consumption is a labourers’ cottages erected by Mr. Garth, Q.C., and the oldfurther attainable result; Mr. Pole stating that "where tavern at Epsom from which Dr. Arbuthnot, then a Scot-the measures of control are efficiently carried out their tish adventurer, saw the break-down of Prince George ofeffect is to reduce the consumption to a very moderate Denmark’s carriage, and came to the rescue of His Royalamount-much less, for example, than is now used in (and severely shaken) Highness with a skill which madeLondon under the intermittent supply." With regard to him court physician shortly afterwards, and landed him atthe introduction of the constant system in London, Mr. the winning-post of the professional Derby. These andPole considers that it will be necessary almost entirely to many other recollections rise up before the passenger tillreconsider the state of the existing distributing arrange- the exquisite loveliness of the scenery from Leatherheadments; but he gives us this comfort, that the experience of to Dorking suppresses all effort of mind but the passiveother towns shows that this apparently formidable under- enjoyment of effects in outline and colour never yet em-taking may be approached with confidence. The chief bodied on canvas. Arrived at the drowsy little townshipdifficulty is found everywhere in dealing with the lowest sacred to poultry, the passenger wakes up from his reverie,class of property, but the experience already acquired in and may enjoy a stroll in the pleasant vicinage, or, if needEast London shows that this is not insuperable, and the be, a substantial refection at the quaint old inn. At 4 P.M.

suggestions to be found in Mr. Pole’s reports will materially he is again in his box-seat, and leaves Dorking with theassist in the solution of the problem of waste-prevention sense of having fought a battle there against ennui, fag,among the poor. Much, no doubt, will have to be done in overstrain, anxiety, and the thousand assailants of pro-

693

fessional life, with a success only parallel to that with which seven atmospheric streams, each 1400 miles in breadth, tothe German invader rolled up the English lines when led proceed in a south-west direction ; and that at some periods,by the gallant but unscientific nominees of purchase ! All as in 1833, 1850, and 1866, nearly all the streams were inprosperity, then, to the It Dorking Coach," and all honour activity." This is somewhat laboured fun it must be con-,to its gallant owners for the addition of a new, healthful, fessed, but we can conceive the amusement of the author,and recreative remedy to our moral pharmacopoeia, as, without a dread of immediate detection and with serious

aspect, he " chaffed" the learned members of the Society on

ROYAL MEDICAL LAND CHIRURGICAL SOCIETY a subject entirely beyond the range of their special studies.ROYAL MEDICAL IAND CHIRUROICAL SOCIETY. It might have been conceived, however, that some of theMR. CRITCHETT presided at the last meeting of this members at least would have seen, that to use the word

Society, held on the 14th inst. Mr. Curling communicated 11 cholera" as Mr. Jenkins used it, in a sense obviously pe-a short paper by Mr. Jeremiah M’Carthy in connexion with culiar to himself alone; and that to place three of thesome renal calculi of unusual shape, which latter were ex- asserted "homes" of this malady, newly invented for thehibited at the meeting, having been taken from the left occasion by Mr. Jenkins, in the open ocean, was arrant

kidney of a woman who had died of cancer of the uterus. nonsense. Mr. Jenkins, however, clearly knew his audienceAn interesting discussion ensued on a case (by the same well, else it may be presumed that we should not have re-surgeon) of artificial anus made in the small intestine for ceived an abstract of the paper from the

" historiographer"obstruction, which obstruction proved to be caused by a of the Society. Mr. Jenkins’s " atmospheric streams "nextcancerous growth which involved the termination of the appear as

" cholera streams," and a like jumble of wordstransverse and commencement of the descending colon. and sense runs throughout the abstract. Mr. Jenkins was,

Pysemia formed the subject of the next paper. The syno- happily, content with mystifying his audience in detail asvial and serous membranes are considered by Mr. Hamilton to certain of the telluric phenomena of " cholera " in hisof Liverpool, the author of the paper, to be the first tissues meaning of the term, but he intimated that he was pre-attacked in this disease. He finds a resemblance in the mode pared, if the Society gave him occasion, to take it boldlyof attack between acute rheumatism and pysemia ; and also into the wide question of the cosmical relations of the dis-in the way in which each disease spreads from one jont to ease. He maintains that "cosmic" influence lies at theanother. Believing that pyæmia dates from a poison germ origin of cholera; that cholera is intimately connectedwhich may be introduced from without, or have its origin with annual displays and with solar disturbances. "I be-within in some depraved and vitiated states of the system, lieve," he adds, "that I am able to show that a remarkablehe maintains that it goes at once to certain tissues of the connexion exists between the maxima and minima of cholera

body, these being either one of the synovial or of the epidemics and of solar spots." He believes, indeed, heserous membranes, or often both, and that it there multi- can show that " cholera epidemics have a period equal toplies by a rapid increase of the same germ life with which a period and a half of some spots." If Mr. Jenkins willit originated, and is from thence carried to like tissues, pro- do this he will receive much honour from epidemiologists ;ducing the same effects in them. Mr. Hamilton further but before he can hope to succeed in the attempt, he willstates that, in three instances, the pyæmic pus from a living have to learn what is meant by the terms " cholera " andpatient was examined immediately on removal from the " cholera epidemic." ____

body, and found to be teeming with leucothytes. In thishe corroborates Dr. Burdon Sanderson’s view, that such THE HOSPITAL FOR INFECTIOUS DISEASES,pus does contain the earliest forms of life. Dr. William COLCHESTER.

Murray, of Newcastle-on-Tyne, followed with a paper on IT is probably in the recollection of our readers thatthe Treatment of Large Internal Aneurisms, apropos of some time ago the local authorities at Colchester deter-Mr. Moore’s case treated some time ago by the wire coil at mined upon erecting a fever hospital in connexion with thethe Middlesex Hospital. ____ Poor-law Union of that place, and that Dr. Bree, in par-

ticular, took grave exception to the site which the proposedA CHAPTER IN THE HISTORY OF CHOLERA. hospital was to occupy. Dr. Bree held that the buildingWE have been favoured with an abstract of a paper en- in course of erection would prove a nuisance and source of

titled " A Chapter in the History of Cholera," recently read danger to the town of Colchester from its proximity to abefore the Historical Society by Mr. B. G. Jenkins, of the public road and some cottages, and from its being close uponInner Temple, and stated to have been founded on a com- a very populous neighbourhood-the north of Colchester.munication to the Russian Imperial Academy of Sciences. A Poor-law Inspector proceeded from London to inspect theSo far as can be made out from the abstract, the paper ap- site and the building, and gave it as his opinion that thepears to have been an elaborate mystification of the Society, former was an eligible one. The building was consequently.Of history in the sense in which it might be supposed that constructed, and it has since been utilised for the receptionthe Historical Society had to deal with that subject there of cases of small-pox. The board of guardians, have, how-is not a trace ; but of speculation as to the etiology of ever, had good cause for regretting that they did not suffi-cholera there is a sufficiency to startle the mildest hypo- ciently honour the prophet of their own, for it is now beyondthesist, and we can hardly permit ourselves to suppose that all question that what Dr. Bree foretold has come to pass.it can have been uttered in sober earnest. Mr. Jenkins The mischief has been done; for small-pox has been com-gravely tells us that, "instead of one home’ of cholera municated in eight or ten instances to the inhabitants ofin the Delta of the Ganges there are seven, all situated in the cottages within a few yards of the hospital, and otheror near the Tropic of Cancer, equally distant from each cases of the same disease have appeared in the north partother, of which the most important is that at the mouth of of the town, the origin of which is, probably, also attribu-the Ganges; that the others are to the east of China, to the table to infection derived from the same source. To do thenorth of Mecca, on the west coast of Africa, to the north of local authorities justice, they have had the candour tothe West India Islands, to the west of Lower California, and admit the facts, and some of them have gone so far as toamong the Sandwich Islands; and that a reference to the express their regret at not having bowed to the judgmentmap would show that the recorded appearance of cholera of those who possessed the requisite medical and sanitaryover the globe may be satisfactorily explained by supposing knowledge to constitute them safe guides in this matter.

694

It is now proposed to erect a temporary iron hospital to to a metropolitan hospital was uniformly unfortunate in hismeet the present emergency. Now that the Government operations. The other surgeons met, and, having conferredare pressing their Sanitary Bill through Parliament the on the case, represented to their colleague that he hadColchester case affords a good example of the inefficient better cease to operate for a year, endeavour to improvecharacter of a board of guardians or corporation for carry- himself during the time, and then try again. The kindlying out such matters, and it becomes a question whether advice was accepted and acted upon, and the surgeon ulti-large towns ought not to have special sanitary boards to mately became a very skilful and successful operator.carry out the provisions of the Act. The course pursued by Mr. Maunder may perhaps best

be rendered evident by reflecting on what would happen ifKING’S COLLECE. it became general. What hospital could be carried on if

.., each surgeon were a spy and informer against the rest?-

A LARGE and influential meeting was held at Willis’s ’s what consultations would be possible if Mr. A felt it hisRooms on Tuesday, for the purpose of raising a fund for duty to tell the friends of the patient that Mr. B was aliquidating the debt on ging’s College, a debt amounting to bungler’and a blockhead ? The result of such talebearing.813,000. The assembly was presided over by the Archbishop would be almost insignificant by the side of the inconve-of Canterbury, whose opening remarks were followed by an niences that would accrue from it.eloquent speech by the Premier. The observations of Mr.

____

Gladstone were adroitly brought to bear upon a questionprominently occupying the minds of thoughtful people at the PRINCE BISMARK’S INDISPOSITION.

present time-viz., the relation of science to revelation on As various more or less alarming rumours have beenthe one hand, and to ecclesiasticism on the other. On this circulated with regard to the cause of Prince Bismark’stwofold subject, the right honourable gentleman, as was to temporary retirement from official work, it may be well tobe expected, uttered no uncertain sound. Without attempt- say that there seems to be no good authority for any beliefing to discuss the merits of this complex question, we may that the German Chancellor is suffering from any seriousjust recall a remark made, we believe, by the late sagacious illness. The story about excruciating pains in the leg,and devout Frederick Denison Maurice, that every " dis- the result of some former quack application, bears itscovery" is a "revelation." A sum of several thousand apocryphal character on its face. As regards the per-

pounds was the response given to the earnest appeals of the sistent insomnia from which the Prince has been suffering, itvarious speakers at the meeting. will be well to remind people that there may be the greatest

possible difference in the significance of such a symptom asTHE LONDON HOSPITAL SCANDAL. sleeplessness, according to the circumstances under which

MR. MAUNDER is irrepressible, and it will be seen that it occurs. When it arises as the mere result of strenuous

he has written to us again. We beg leave to assure him that and harassing mental application-as we have every reason

we know all about the circumstances of the case, and have to believe to be the case with the Prince, it is a sufficiently

we know all about the circumstances of the case, and have ,1 . ,. ,

been fully informed concerning them from the beginning. familiar phenomenon, and physicians know that timely restbeen fully informed concerning them from the beginning. will be pretty sure to set everything right. ,, That

The acts of the House Committee, and of the Quarterly will be pretty sure to set everything right. That no more

Court, and of the so-called Court of Inquiry, were all commu- grave view of Prince Bismark’s case than this is taken by

nicated to us ; and we have at present nothing to say with his own physicians is evident from the fact that he has even nicated to us: and we have at present nothing to say with ,

his own physicians is evident from the fact that he has even

regard to them excepting that they are totally irrelevant to been permitted to return for a time to his parliamentarythe issue. That issue is-Can it ever be ]justifiable that duties. We are also in a position to state that, among

one surgeon to a hospital should denounce another to the persons in London, the best informed as to German officialone surgeon to a hospital should denounce another to the doing, there is no sign whatever of any serious unconcious lay authorities as being unskilful and unfit to continue in doings, there is no sign whatever of any serious uneasinesslay authorities as being unskilful and unfit to continue in about the Chance 11 ’s health his office?

about the Chancellor’s health.his office?

about the Chanceller’s health.

Mr. Maunder is like a lapwing; and he seeks to flutter

away from this, the real question, to others which have no- PREVENTIVE MEDICINE APPLIED TO SHIPPINC.

thing to do with it. We do not care one iota whether Mr. AT the April meeting of the Dublin Local Marine Board,Rivington is skilful or unskilful, whether an accident Dr. Charles F. Moore, Medical Inspector of Seamen, Dublin,happened in his operation or not, whether the accident, if communicated with the Board on the value of preventiveany, was such as might have happened to Liston, or was medicine as applied to shipping, which is so often theone that common prudence would have avoided. We do not vehicle of diffusion of infectious disease. At the presentcare whether the House Committee, after having been time, when epidemic diseases are so rapidly succeeding onesnubbed by the Quarterly Court, and after finding that the another, it is more than ever necessary to adopt all knownrest of the staff could not support Mr. Maunder before the means to endeavour to arrest their spread; and nowhere" Court of Inquiry," ate their humble pie with a good grace is this manifestly so much to be desired as in Great Britainor with a bad one; this being the only question elucidated and Ireland, inasmuch as the commercial relations of theby the precise words of the " finding." We assert that all United Kingdom are on such an extended scale with thethese matters are unimportant; and that Mr. Maunder whole world that any interruption of trade caused bystands before the bar of professional opinion charged with quarantine, which has been already conditionally enforcedgross disloyalty to a colleague. against us in at least one country, will, if extended, neces-We say, further, as we have said before, that a clear sarily interfere with our well-being. It appears well,

majority of the medical staff of a hospital might have good therefore, that the profession should draw the attention ofgrounds for representing a colleague as unskilful. But they the authorities to the importance of the prevention ofcould only rightly do so by joint action, after mature deli- disease, were it only on commercial grounds. Moreover, asberation and full notice to the person implicated, in words Dr. Moore shows, the interests of any population demandsettled and agreed upon by resolution, and with a proper that its own members should be protected from infectioussense of their heavy responsibility and of the probable con- disease by strict measures at the ports. Our insular positionsequences of their act. And, if occasion for such a pro- should thus be made conducive to the public health, whichceeding should ever seem to arise, there is a precedent in turn would prove of much value to our trade with thewhich would probably first be followed. A sometime surgeon rest of the world.

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REMOVAL OF CHRIST’S HOSPITAL. DR. LIVINQSTONE.

THE Governors of Christ’s Hospital are evidently alarmed THE Council of the Royal Geographical Society, accord-by the announcement of the offer of a site near Wellington ing to the President, have formed a favourable opinion ofCollege. The fact, however, that such an offer has been the authenticity of the intelligence received by telegram asmade was not denied; and the best objection they are able to Dr. Livingstone. A misunderstanding, however, had toto bring forward is that it would not do to have two large be cleared up as to the relations between the Doctor and

schools in such close proximity. We shall simply inquire Mr. Stanley. It had been generally inferred that Mr.whether the governors now experience any inconvenience Stanley had discovered and relieved Dr. Livingstone ;from St. Paul’s, the Charter House, and the City of London whereas the reverse was the case. "Dr. Livingstone," saidschools, all of which are nearer than the new school need Sir Henry Rawlinson, "was in clover, and Mr. Stanley inbe to Wellington College. It is just about as reasonable destitution." Mr. Stanley must have had great difficulty into object to the proximity of Broadmoor Lunatic Asylum, reaching Ujiji, the head-quarters of Dr. Livingstone’s sup-The fact is that every large school has bounds beyond which plies; and it was much to his credit that he had performedthe boys cannot go without permission; and the ’’ callings the journey under such circumstances. 11 The Society’s ownover" are so managed as to secure an observance of the expedition," he added, "would be the means of enablingrules laid down. So far from being an objection, the both Dr. Livingstone and Mr. Stanley to finish the re-

proximity of two large schools presents many advantages. searches they had begun." Full letters from Zanzibar wouldIt is calculated to promote emulation and friendly rivalry; arrive in the course of a fortnight, and would no doubt con-the interchange of courtesies between masters as well as firm the Society in its unabated confidence as to the trust-boys. It enlarges the somewhat narrow society of isolated worthiness of the telegram and the safety of the Doctor.schools. It would enable the governors of the two esta- blishments to combine to obtain more efficient professors, A NEW MODE OF DEALINC WITH SEWACE.

particularly in the case of scientific lectures. We repeat 0 Wednesday evening, at the Faculty of Arts, Major-that nothing can justify the retention of the hospital in General Scott, C.B., proposed a novel method of clarifyingNewgate-street, even if no railway should be made. sewage. He puts lime and clay into the sewers at some

-

distance above the outlet, in the same proportion as thatSMALL-POX AT WALSALL. used in making Portland cement. The admixture clarifies

THINGS have come to a pretty pass when a population of the sewage on the same principle as the lime process, and37,000 has to record twenty-one deaths from small-pox in the deposit falls with great rapidity. The sludge is driedone week out of a mortality of thirty-nine. Dr. Ballard and burned; the organic matter helping the combustion, andhas been sent down by the Local Government Board to the resulting cement is found to be of excellent quality.confer with the local authorities. The medical profession The process was approved of generally by Mr. Odling.considers almost each of these deaths as preventable Dr. Voelcker, Dr. Frankland, Mr. Rawlinson, C.B., Mr,a.s though the twenty-one persons had been killed by the Bramwell, C.E., Dr. Letheby, and the chairman of the

neglect of a pointsman on the railway. The sanitary evening, Mr. T. Hawksley, President of the Institution ofcondition of the dwellings is shocking. There were tene- Civil Engineers. ____

ments in Navigation-street, according to Mr. Palmer, theunion medical officer, where there were no privies in use and COTTACE HOSPITALS.

excrement was kept in houses for months. There are, of WE are very glad to record the opening of the Devizescourse, hundreds of unvaccinated children. Vaccination Cottage Hospital, which took place on the 7th inst. Theand revaccination, and a copious and careful insertion of site has been given by Mr. Sotheron Estcourt, and the hos-the vaccine lymph, are the only measures that will stop the pital is a plain building of red brick, relieved with blacksmall-pox epidemic, which shows no sign of diminution; brick arches to the doors and windows, and Bath stonethough, of course, the unhealthy condition of the houses dressings. The ground-floor comprises an entrance-hall,must have its effect on the mortality of the cases. The dis- dispensary, kitchen, scullery, and larder, and a single-trict affords a fine illustration of the confusion of sanitary bedded ward. There are two wards on the upper floor, eachauthorities. There is the usual dispute as to whose duty it containing three beds, and of such dimensions that eachis to provide a small-pox hospital. Meantime the patients patient will have a cubic space of 1010 ft. The walls areare shut up in the houses we have described. The mortality lime-whitened, the woodwork is stained and polished, andof such towns is to be properly regarded as a judgment for the building is lighted throughout with gas. There is a

neglect of the most obvious duties and the most effective smaller building for infectious cases some little distance off,and simple preventives. ____

which will afford accommodation for four patients, the wallsbeing lined with silicate zopiesa. Mr. Weaver, the archi-

THE FOUNDINC OF CUY’S HOSPITAL. tect, has given his services; and the total cost of the

THE Autotype Company have added another to their building has amounted to. less than £950, exclusive of

beautiful reproductions of pictorial chefs d’muvres, in a furniture. Much of the success of this undertaking is duesplendid transcript of Cope’s picture (so much admired at to the energetic exertions of Dr. Edward Clapham, who,last year’s exhibition) representing Thomas Guy conferring when Mayor of Devizes several years ago, pointed out towith Dr. Mead, the physician, and Mr. Stear, the architect, the municipal authorities the advantages of such an insti-upon the plan of the hospital. Printed in permanent pig- tution, and has since kept the subject persistently beforements, the product of the Autotype Company will form an them. We recommend medical mayors to follow so goodinteresting addition to the art-collection of every medical an example, and wish all prosperity to the Devizes Cottageschool. The impressions may be had on application at Hospital.the hospital for the sum of 7s. 6d. The profession in The new hospital at Savenake is to be opened on thegeneral, and old Guy’s men in particular, should not miss 22nd inst. by the Bishop of Salisbury. It has been erectedthis opportunity of adorning their library walls with such by public subscription, and the land has been given by thea masterly representation of one of the most striking and Marquis of Ailesbury. The building will accommodatemomentous incidents in the history of medicine. twenty patients.

696

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE. THE VACCINATION ACTS.

SIR WM. JENNER, Bart., presided at the distribution of IT is gratifying to see indications in some towns of theprizes to the medical students of University College, triumph of common sense over prejudice in the matter ofLondon, on Thursday last. At the close of the distribution, compulsory vaccination. The West Derby guardians haveSir Wm. Jenner delivered an address to those present, in resolved to petition against Mr. Pease’s Bill proposing thatwhich he pointed out how his sympathies lay both with the only one penalty should be inflicted for non-compliancesuccessful and unsuccessful competitors; for that he had, with the Acts. The returns of the registrars of Wolver-as a student, had fortune and misfortune, more frequently hampton, from the 21st of August to the 31st of December,the latter. He sympathised with those who were compelled showed that of the 532 children born in the east district,by the res angustœ domi to cease their studies prematurely, 417 had been successfully vaccinated, and 12 had had small-for he had himself undergone that vicissitude at one time; pox; and that of the 382 born in the west district, 296 hadand he sympathised with those who were obliged to embark been vaccinated, and 1 had had small-pox. The new systemin the most useful and honourable career of a ,general of giving to the registrars the duty of seeing that everypractitioner," for he had done the same. child born is duly vaccinated has proved to have worked

Passing on to speak of class-prizes, Sir Wrn. Jenner main- satisfactorily. The registrars account for every child, withtained that they were beneficial, by making knowledge exact the exception of 6 in Wolverhampton and 3 in Bilston;and by enabling men to forge for themselves the key to un- and all had been vaccinated, except those who were un-lock the cells in which memory lay hid. He deprecated too susceptible, sick, or who had died or removed.general devotion to any one theoretical subject, but main- tained that so long as men, whether in their student career THE FORMATION OF GLYCOGEN IN THEor in after life, strove only for the truth, the setting before LIVER.them of a prize, whether a medal now, or great honours SOME years ago Dahnhardt removed the glycogen fromand wealth hereafter, only stimulated them to greater numerous livers, and then found that, by the action of exertions. Sir William brought a most eloquent and gently oxidising substances, glycogen could be obtained,frequently applauded address to a close by wishing those which, by the action of saliva, was again convertible intowho were leaving the College to embark on the business of sugar. In other words, he maintained that there was orlife, heartily God-speed." -- might be a post-mortem formation of glycogen. Dr.

WEST KENT MEDICO-CHlRURGICAL Luchsinger has lately repeated these experiments inWEST KENT

SOCIETY. CHIRURGICAL Kuhne’s Laboratory with a different result. He thinks that

.. Dahnhardt did not entirely remove the glycogen originally

THE last meeting of this session was held on the 3rd inst., present, and that if this were thoroughly and completelyunder the presidency of Mr. J. M. Burton. There was a extracted by rapid division of the organ after death, andlarge attendance, and an interesting and practical paper boiling the pulp in successive quantities of water till allwas read by Mr. William Johnson Smith on the Treatment opalescence had ceased to appear, no further formation ofOf Simple Fractures of the Lower Extremity. The subject that substance would occur.

’

was treated in a very able manner, and most of the mem- ____

bers present took part in the discussion, including Drs. POST-MORTEM EXAMINATIONS AND THEGooding, Purvis, and Carr, and Messrs. Burton and Lockhart. ST. PANCRAS GUARDIANS.The President afterwards read the particulars of a case of THE board of guardians has had to eat humble pie in theMalignant Disease of the Bladder. We take leave to record matter of their medical officer (Mr. Hill) making post-that it is far more profitable to provoke discussion on such mortem examinations. The report of the General Com-a subject as that brought forward by Mr. Johnson Smith mittee set forth 11 that the Committee had consulted withthan to read notes of ° wonderful" cases, which may (or the solicitor of the board respecting the conduct of Mr.may not) occur to practitioners once in a lifetime ; and that Hill in making post-mortem examinations; and that gentle-the West Kent Society has on several occasions set a good man informed them that, in terms of the’6th and 7th ofexample in this respect, which other and more pretentious William IV., cap. 89, .sec. 5 and 6, the medical officer wasbodies may follow with advantage to all concerned. compelled to attend the coroner’s inquests, and it was his

duty, should the coroner call on him, to make a post-mortemQUEEN’S HOSPITAL, BIRMINGHAM. examination where he had been the last medical man who

THE extention of this hospital proceeds in separate por- had seen the deceased, and the coroner had only power toTHE extension of this hospital proceeds in separate por- had seen the deceased; and the coroner had only power totions (according to the original plan); and of these the

call in another medical man when it was suspected that thetions (according to the original plan); and of these the attending medical officer ,-...., , medical ,

most prominent-the out-patient department,-commenced attending medical officer had not displayed proper medicalmost prominent-the out-patient department,- commenced attending medical officer had not displayed proper medicallast December, is making rapid progress. As at first con- skill. The report was adopted, though it evidently went

reived, this portion would .have cost about £5000-a sum very much against the grain of several of the guardians.

nearly all raised, mainly by working men; but better and -

ampler accommodation for officers, nurses, &c., being ASYLUM ABUSES IN B E L G I U M.

urgently required, the original plan has been modified. It "NIHIL est ab omni parte beatum" ; and Belgium, theis now proposed to make complete provision, in this depart- country to whose asylums patients used to flock for goodment, for the treatment of the diseases of women, and for treatment, and whither medico-psychologists repaired toa dispensary and pharmaceutical laboratory for the whole witness the same, has lately been convicted of asylumhospital. These and other items will require a sum of abuses, almost equal to some of our own. In the asylum at£5000 over and above the funds already at the disposal of Evere a very flagrant homicide was committed the otherthe institution. Under these circumstances the committee day, and a searching inquiry into the circumstances wasof the Queen’s Hospital appeal to Birmingham and the followed by a criminal prosecution of the persons implicated,Midland Counties in the hope that a liberal response will which closed on Saturday the llth. The trial took place atenable them to complete the whole of the required ad- Brussels, and the sentence condemned the director to twoditions. Subscriptions should be forwarded to the chair- years’ imprisonment; Van Leuwe, jun., to twenty-sixman. months’ imprisonment; Spellekens, the warder, to two

697

years’ imprisonment; and Dr. Holsbeck to eighteen months’ but if there be anything in hereditary influence, and if theimprisonment and a fine of 2000 francs. These penalties children are likely to grow up as great fools as their parents,are severe, but not excessively so, if Belgium means to pre- the loss is probably not great to society.serve her high and even historical reputation for her kind and remarkably efficacious treatment of her lunatics. THE CONVERSAZIONE OF THE PHARMA-

CEUTICAL SOCIETY.THE IMPERIAL MEDICAL SOCIETY OF THE Tnis Society held a very brilliant conversazione at SouthCAUCASUS.

Kensington on Wednesday last. Upwards of 3000 guestsON April 17th, His Imperial Highness the Grand Duke were present. The entire suite of rooms, including the

Michel Nicolaievitch, the lieutenant of the Emperor in the picture galleries, were thrown open to the visitors, gleesCaucasus, was present at the annual meeting of the and madrigals were sung in the lecture-hall, and the bandImperial Society of Medicine of the Caucasus, held at of the Coldstream Guards performed in the central hall;Tiflis. The President, addressing the Grand Duke, ex- refreshments were abundant, and the entire entertainmentpressed the gratitude of the Society that, owing to his was most enjoyable and satisfactory. We congratulategracious intercession, the Society had been permitted to Mr. Bremridge and the committee on the successful resultadopt the style "Imperial." The Grand Duke, responding of their energetic exertions.to the President, stated that the Emperor, in granting per- ____

mission to the Society to adopt the style "Imperial," had THE P U B LI C HEALTH BILL.been pleased to express himself in very complimentary

’ r-UM ie.ALI n o)LL.terms respecting the Caucasian medical men. NUMEROUS amendments of the Public Health Bill have

____ been placed upon the notice paper by Mr. Muntz, Mr. Dims-

CHELSEA HOSPITAL. dale, Mr.Corrance, and Dr.Playfair. Mr. Rylandshas givenCHELSEA HOSPITAL. notice of a resolution condemning the 33rd clause, which is

A CORRESPONDENT calls our attention to a circumstance intended to secure the rivers from pollution; and Dr. Lyonwhich, if there be no mistake, certainly appears a glaring Playfair’s proposals are, to some extent, a compromise.anomaly, considering the pains taken to conserve the The Government amendments are all settled, and will beThames and the expense that has been incurred in re-stock- published immediately after the recess. It is their inten-ing the river with fish. The sewage of Chelsea Hospital tion to proceed with the measure at the earliest possibleis daily emptied into the river opposite the Vauxhall Water- date, and to press it forward with energy.works, and, when the sluices are opened, the scene may be -.

easily imagined. If the ratepayers are condemned under THE PRINCE OF WALES.pain of a heavy fine to remove their sewage by the proper

...

channels, the authorities of the hospital should be likewise IN spite of the rainy weather encountered by his Royalcompelled to do the same. The approach of summer is Highness on Lake Como, the Prince of Wales has bene-calculated to increase the deleterious influence of a polluted fited greatly by his sojourn in North Italy. Travellingriver on the inmates of the hospital and those inhabiting incognito, the Prince has enjoyed a completeness of re-

the surrounding neighbourhoods. laxation wellnigh impossible in England; and, gay as____ Milan is, even there his Royal Highness was able to saunter

PHILADELPHIA DECREES through the galleries and art collections without interrup-

IT will be seen in another part of THE LANCET that the tion to that 11 still life" so salutary to his health.

judgment of the Shrewsbury magistrates as to the illegality -

of the use of the title "M.D." on the strength of a degree THE EMPRESS OF THE FRENCH.

procured, in absentiâ and without examination before a qua- WE have been favoured by the Baron Corvisart, thelified tribunal, from the University of Philadelphia, United physician in immediate attendance on Her Majesty theStates, has been confirmed by the Court of Exchequer. It Empress of the French, with the following bulletin :-may be hoped that those who were not hindered by consi- " La sante de l’Impératrice se remet chaque jour plusderations of taste and self-respect from using these worth- visiblement. S.M. a pu reprendre ses promenades a 1’ex-less titles will now be hindered by the wholesome fear of a terieur, et nous cesserons de donner des nouvelles de cettefine of twenty pounds. Too much praise cannot be given to convalescence bientot terminee."the medical men of Shrewsbury, and especially to Dr. Styrap, We have much pleasure in adding that His Majesty thefor their perseverance in this matter. Their labours are Emperor continues to enjoy perfect health in his retire-now crowned with success; and it is to be hoped that we ment at Chislehurst.

_

have seen and heard the last of these worthless degrees. --

LADY CHARLES KERR.

THE PECULIAR PEOPLE. LADY CHARLES KERR continues to improve. The sym-

THE law has been once more invoked with regard to the ptoms are now reduced to some slight indication of periostealPeculiar People, whose peculiarity seems to be that they lesion with occasional headache, decreasing, however, inhave religious scruples against employing doctors. We severity; while there is still inability to distinguish objectsthink it would be a great mistake to attempt anything like with either eye. The twelfth week, since the accident, passedpersecution against these obscure sectarians. If we had on Monday, and, with the above-noted exceptions, her pro-efficient sanitary laws and proper provision for the isolation gress towards recovery has been quite satisfactory.of contagious disease, then of course the Peculiar People

-

could have no privileges of spreading infection accorded to COLONEL ANSON.

them. But while we allow all the contagia to diffuse them- WE are glad to learn that the hon. and gallant colonelselves at their own sweet will, it would be mere folly to take makes satisfactory progress towards recovery. For sometrouble about stopping up this little chink. It seems hard days there has been no hæmorrhage, while the generalupon the children of the Peculiar People that they should health improves visibly under the influence of tonic treat-!uffer or die needlessly as victims to the crotchets of others; ment and sustaining diet.

698

DOCTORS’ COACHMEN IN EDINBURGH AND WELLINGTON in New Zealand has been heavily visited" THE SABBATH-DAY." by small-pox, brought with the first instalment of im-

IN these "striking" days everybody must have a turn. migrants by the England early in March. The vessel hadThe doctors’ turn can’t be far off Meantime their coach-

on board seventy Scandinavians, and came in flying theThe doctors turn can be far on. Meantime their coach- on the board serv . / , that several deaths had

men in Edinburgh are ventilating their grievances, in public yellow flag, with the report that several deaths had oc-meeting assembled, after 4-T. spirited fashion of the ’’Dundee

curred on the voyage, and that much sickness still pre-meeting assembled, after the spirited fashion of the "Dundee curred on the voyage, and that much sickness still pre- meeting The following resolution was passed : ’’ The doc- vailed among the passengers and crew. Every precautionmaids. The following resolution was passed: "The doc- was at once taken * arrest the progress . ,1 disease

ontors’ coachmen, having met and taken into to consideration

was at once taken to arrest the progress of the disease on

the length of time they are daily on into an d th e a dd’ 1- board, and to prevent its spreading on shore. This is the

tional Sabbath time they h ave t do, resolve to 0 b. rmg th the second time within the last two years that an immigranttionalbabbath labour they have to do, resolve to bring the .... , , small-pox into Wellington; and . hopematter under the notice of their employers, with a view to ship has imported small-pox into Wellington; and we hopematter under the notice ot their employers, with a view to that , care will , , , j, . of departure ’

matter under the notice of thier employers, with a view to that such care will be taken at the point of departure heresome arrangement being come to which shall free them as t prevent its recurrence. at the point of departure herefrom Sabbath duty; and that a committee be appointed, as to prevent its recurrence.from Sabbath duty; and that a committee be appointed, *

____

with power, by conference or otherwise, to lay the matter SINCE the cession of Alsace the French have discussedfully before their employers, and to report to a subsequent the propriety of choosing a large provincial centre to found

meeting." As a rule, we think medical men should do a faculty of medicine, in the place of the institution for-without their private carriages, when necessary, on Sun- merly existing at Strasburg. The towns which have beendays. But °° the Sabbath was made for man"; and, if sick mentioned are Lyons, Marseilles, and Toulouse. We nowpeople need it, doctor and coachman must give attendance, find that M. Fourcaud, a representative, has broughtand do it willingly, after the fashion of Him who did good before the Assembly a bill proposing to select Bordeaux.on the Sabbath-day. We have no doubt the matter will be The proposal has been signed by many deputies belongingamicably arranged. to the localities surrounding Bordeaux.

WORKHOUSE MILK. THE anniversary festival of University College HospitalDR. RANDALL, the medical officer of the Marylebone was held on Thursday, the 9th inst., at Willis’s Rooms,

Workhouse, has recently reported on the quality of the Prince Arthur in the chair. In proposing the toast of themilk supply. The quantity of cream ranged from 6 to 2 evening-°° Prosperity to the Hospital,"-the Royal chair-per cent. As the average in good milk is from 8 to 12 per man stated that, since its foundation in 1833, 47,000 in-cent., it is clear the poor are defrauded to a very consider- patients had been treated, and more than ten times thatable extent. Why not adopt the contract of the Liverpool number of out-patients had received relief, and, in con-guardians-viz., each supply to be tested, 10 per cent. cluding, made an earnest appeal for funds, which, we areof cream being the standard agreed upon. One halfpenny glad to say, was liberally responded to in the course of theper gallon is deducted for each one per cent. under, and one evening. __

halfpenny added for each per cent. over. This is fair to all -

parties. ADELAIDE (South Australia) seems exercised with sani--

tary difficulties not unlike our own. The Drainage Com-WE regret to learn that the pecuniary condition of the mittee of the City Council has published its evidence.

London Hospital is by no means satisfactory. Every year Much difference of opinion appears to prevail as to thethe demands upon it are increasing, owing chiefly to the merits of surface or deep drainage, but none whatever asgreat extension of large industrial works in the immediate to the fact that Adelaide has to thank the singular salu-neighbourhood; whilst its funds show no sign of prop or- brity of her climate and not herself for her exemption fromtional increase. The present annual deficit may be measured epidemic disease. ____

by some thousands, and it is obvious either that some new .,sources of income must be provided, or an extensive re- IN the recent quarterly return of births and deaths in

form of the administration must be made, with the object Nottinghamshire the mortality appeared to be considerablyof reducing the expenditure. We venture to direct the above the average rate, no less than 383 deaths being re-

attention of the management to the possibility of instituting corded from small-pox. These facts should stimulate sani-

a more efficient inquiry into the means of the patients, with tarians in that county to increased exertions.

the object of diminishing imposition and ., enabling those LATE advices from Constantinople state that cases of the object of diminishing imposition and enabling those LATE advices from Constantinople state that cases of

-who have the means to contribute to their own maintenance. cholera, of a mild form, have occurred in the Hedjaz and inWe would also urge them to assist us in obtaining a yemen, but that no cases had occurred amongst the pil- ’’Hospital Sunday ’’ for the metropolis; seeing that ’’the Yemen, but that no cases had occurred amongst the pil-"Hospital Sunday ’’for the metropolis; seeing that "the who have been compelled to perform quarantine at Hospital Sunday" for the metropolis; seeing that 11 the g-rims, who have been compelled to perform quarantine atLondon" would be justly entitled to a very large share of of El Wedj.

have been compelled to perform quarantine at

the proceeds. ____

Wedj.

THE Local Government Board, recently constituted in THE Committee of the Infirmary for Epilepsy and

England, is about to have an imitator in Germany. Great Paralysis have secured a noble house with grounds in Port-England, is about to have an imitator in Germany. Great land-terrace, Regent’s-park, and expect to get the altera-efforts are being made in the empire to institutione some such land-terrace. Regent’s-park, and expect to get the altera-enorts are being made in the empire to institute some such .. and

expect to get the altera- central sanitary authority; While Prince Bismark has him- tions completed and the new premises opened by June 1st.central sanitary authority; while Prince Bismark has him- ’

self taken up the matter, and proposes to the Federal ON Monday last the Pope celebrated his eightieth birth-Council to appoint a Sanitary Committee of the Empire. day. In spite of troubles, Pius IX. is reported to be inThe committee will prepare the measures requisite for the excellent health.

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enactment of the contemplated board. -

THE French Government have lately proposed to add toSIR J. RANALD MARTIN, C.B., will preside at the annual the budget of 1871 £170,000, and to the budget of 1872

dinner of the medical officers of the Army, Navy, and .g60,000, for the expenses incidental to the cattle-plague.Indian Services on the 30th inst., at the Freemasons’ ]

Tavern ; the announcement of which will be found in our THE Government of India has determined to extend the

advertising columns. cultivation of opium in the Punjaub.

699

THE twentieth annual meeting of the Governors of

the Children’s Hospital, Great Ormond-street, was held onWednesday; the Hon. A. Kinnaird, M.P., in the chair.

During the meeting it was stated that an anonymous donorhad presented the committee with £1000, for the purposeof fitting up a chapel in the new hospital.

THE following members of the medical profession attendedthe recent Levee: :- Drs. Bate, Cape, Francis Hawkins,Morell-Mackenzie, Miller, Oppert, Owen Rees, ChunderRoy, Saunders ; Deputy Inspector-General Ivey, and Mr.Jackson.

____

IT is satisfactory to find that the Kensington Vestry ap-preciates the services of an energetic officer of health.

They have spontaneously raised Dr. Dudfield’s salary from.8200 to X300 per annum. ____

WE hear that large numbers of famished Persians aremaking their way into Bagdad and its neighbouring locali-ties, and are seeking help from the Turkish authorities.

Surgeon-General Stromeyer, of the German Army, willthis week renew his acquaintance with London, after anabsence of twenty-five years.

CHOLERA, which had greatly subsided in Jounpore, India,is now said to be raging violently, 300 deaths a day beingrecorded.

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AMONG the amendments to the Public Health Bill is oneframed with the object of stopping the " buzzer" nuisance.

Public Health.THE QUARTERLY RETURN OF THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL.

This return gives an average mortality for the whole ofEngland during the first three months winter quarter) ofthe present year at the rate of 235 deaths annually to every1000 of the population, or nearly 2 per 1000 less than theten years’ average for the season. This is accounted for inthe following characteristic sentence :-°° The frosts of thelast months of 1871 had proved fatal to many old people,who, like the leaves of autumn, are easily shed; and thesurvivors enjoyed the mild and exceptional winter that fol-lowed, so several thousands of them are alive who musthave succumbed had the winter been severe." The meantemperature for the quarter was 5° above the average of 101

years, and only once-namely, in 1846-during that longperiod has the warmth of this year’s winter been equalled.The difference between the effect of warm and cold wintersupon the death-rate is apparent from the fact that in the tenyears 1862-71 the temperature of the three coldest wintersaveraged 375° and the annual death-rate 27 per 1000 ;while in the three warmest winters the mean temperaturewas 41.1°, and the average death-rate did not exceed 24 per1000. Small-pox was more fatal than in any previous quartersince the present epidemic began in 1870, the disease havingspread to other localities as it declined in London and theplaces in which it first appeared. In Wales the fatal casesrose to 900 last quarter from 539 and 141 in the two quarterspreceding; the counties of Monmouth and Glamorganaccount for 754 out of the 900, so that there were only 146throughout the rest of the principality. Scarlet fever wasless destructive than it had been in any recent quarter, andthe same may be said of fever. Whooping-cough was ex-ceptionally fatal, mostly in the largest towns.

PUBLIC DRAINAGE WORKS AT BRUSSELS.

A recent number of Engineering contains an interestingdescription of the new sewerage works at Brussels. Theseworks are somewhat similar to those which have beencarried out in London, though on a smaller scale. The riverSenne has been completely arched over in its course through

. the city, and a splendid boulevard has been erected over it.L Formerly the river was little better than an open sewer,

and to make way for the new works 1200 families have been,

removed from unwholesome and overcrowded dwellings tomore open districts, where it is proposed to erect for them

’ a better class of buildings.

Birmingham.-The Sewera,ge Bill has got through the Par-L liamentary Committee to the extent of the acceptance of the, preamble. Some very objectionable restrictions have been.

insisted upon-as, for example, a proviso that no sewageshall be put upon any lands without having been previouslydeposited in covered tanks. We very much doubt if thisis either desirable or practicable in all cases.Leeds.-The A. B. C. process has been given up at

Leeds. The tanks have not proved suitable, and theeffluent water did not remain pure after standing. ThePhosphate Manure Company have now made an offer topay .,81000 a year for the entire sewage on condition thatthe corporation provide more land. A resolution to pur-chase twenty-five acres was passed, and we presume thephosphate process will have a fair trial.

Leicester.-Dr. Crane’s report for 1871 shows a decline ofmortality, the annual rate having been 25’84 in 1871 asagainst 27’37 in 1870. One-ninth of the deaths were cer-tified by unqualified persons. The first death from small-pox occurred in May, and Dr. Crane is of opinion that thedisease might have been stamped out but for the oppositionwhich was manifested to the removal of patients to thehospital. Dr. Crane is of opinion that the prejudicesagainst vaccination have been growing in the town, and hedevotes some space to reiterating arguments in favour ofits protective influence. There was a still further increasein the mortality from diarrhoea, and Dr. Crane instituted ahouse-to-house visitation with the object of further ex-plaining its origin. The number of deaths from diarrhoeawas 240, and of these 182 were reported on; 75 deaths oc-curred in houses supplied with water from wells, of whichthe total number was 5589, whilst 105 occurred in housessupplied from waterworks, of which there were 14,240.There was an excess of diarrhoea in houses supplied fromwells in the proportion of 13-4 to 7’5. Of the 182 cases, 123occurred in houses having privies and cesspools, and 59 inhouses having waterclosets. As the number of houses wasthe same under both conditions, it follows that diarrhoea,was twice as fatal in those with privies and cesspools. Ofthe 182 houses, 163 had no distinct connexion with thesewers, so that it is pretty clear that diarrhoea was notcaused by the entry of sewer gases. This evidence is

strongly in favour of a public water-supply and the adoptionof waterclosets, and should lead the sanitary authoritiesto urge their substitution for the stinking and unwhole-some privies. For fifteen years there has been a steadyyearly increase in the number of deaths from atrophy anddebility. In 1866 there were 89 ; in 1871, 255. This pointsto the conclusion that the vigour of the infantile populationis undergoing progressive deterioration.Salford.-Mr. Syson reports that Salford has stepped

backward in the sanitary scale. Small-pox proved excep-tionally fatal, and one death occurred from a secondattack. Salford lost more of her population from prevent-able causes than any large town, save Sunderland, New-castle, and Liverpool. The annual rate of mortality was30’4 per 1000. Mr. Syson says that much of this is of localorigin, and that it is awful to contemplate the heaps ofputrescent matters at the very doors of the houses, and thepollution of the soil and air with excrementitious matter.The abolition of middens appears only to be in contempla-tion.Wigan.-Mr. Rawlinson has recently paid a well-deserved

compliment to the corporation of Wigan for their excellentarrangements for supplying the town with water. The

supply is constant, and the source unfailing. Cottages arecharged 2d. per week only, notwithstanding that the con-sumption may be 700 gallons per week in the case of a largefamily. The town is situated over coal mines, and the watermains are liable to injury by subsidence. Notwithstandingthese drawbacks, the total average consumption does notexceed 15 gallons per head per day, or less than half thatof London.Wolverhampton.-The sanitary committee have asked for

an additional sum of .81650 for sanitary requirements.