356

MEDICAL ANNOTATIONS.

air, amuse the mind, and exercise their powers of observationon productions of Nature. At one hospital, we hear that thegarden set apart for convalescents is supplied with several

marine or fresh-water aquaria, and other interesting attrac-tions.

The principles carried out in ’the arrangement of the Bor-deaux Hospitals were laid down seventy years ago, (after longinvestigation by a number of skilful medical men in France,)so as best to suit health and convenience in such edifices;and one of the conditions prescribed by their programme, wasthe complete insulation of each apartment, as well as an

easy communication by covered galleries round the building." The tiers of building are separated from each other by a flower-

garden ; and in these tiers are the sick wards, each one insu-lated from the rest. The Hospital Committee of the Newcastledeputation report, after a careful inspection of the Englishhospitals, " that of late, a much more healthy, compact, and" convenient arrangement has been introduced into hospitals;"the wards are large, and are entered by a door, close to the"stairs, there being no length of corridor." It will be ob-

served, that the Netley Hospital is constructed upon prin-ciples just opposite to those now referred to. If we regardthe mode of ventilation proposed at the new hospital, there isan evident preference given to artificial or scientific ventilationrather than to the direct admission of pure air from windows.

The Meteorological Table for one year informs us, that duringthe three first quarters, the south-western wind prevailed onthis coast, and the north-western in the fourth quarter; the

effect, therefore, of a strong breeze from the S.W. will be to

keep the majority of the windows closed in front of the build-ing. In the summer and autumnal mornings, a fresh cool breezefrom the sea will set in, and the same result will follow: thecold air will deter the authorities from opening the windowson the corridor. Then, again, during the night, when noxiousexhalations are thrown off much more rapidly and copiouslyfrom diseased animal surfaces than in the day, a land air willblow sea-ward, and the back or north-east windows will be

kept shut, and thus the corridor will receive the impure aerialcontents of the wards.

Our attention is more particularly drawn to this fact, fromthe circumstance that a French contemporary, La Presse, has

lately reviewed an able pamphlet by M. GRASSI, medical

officer at the H6tel Dieu, on the system of ventilating hospi-tals, either by ejecting-that is, drawing off-foul air, or bydiluting this foul air by injecting fresh air. M. GRASSI comes to

the definite conclusion that it requires forty minutes, and ninehundred cubic measures of air thoroughly to change the taintedair of a ward at " The Beaujon" Hospital, by admitting pureair at certain given points; whereas it required sixty-fiveminutes to renew the air when it was merely drawn off by hot-air suction power, and in this period 1450 cubic measures of airentered the ward, or, in other words, were necessary to purifythe room: thus showing, that if pure air is directly admittedinto a ward, the exit of the foul air by shafts is of comparativeindifference, as the impurity will pass off by the chimneys,windows, &c. The room will thus be purified in much less time,and at less amount of cubic feet of air-a point of great momentin a sick ward, since the temperature of the room will not be

suddenly lowered in the former as it would be in the latter

case. The whole pamphlet contains some valuable remarks onthe subject of ventilation of our large hospitals, &c. The

authorities at Netley should reflect, that men in hospitals areespecially surrounded by an atmosphere of decaying matterwhich is given off from their own bodies, and that the tendencyof this impurity is to depress both body and mind, whilst itforms a fruitful source of other diseases, and should be re-,moved or diluted by the admission of pure air in the shortestand most simple manner. For the sake of our national cha-

racter, we sincerely hope that this subject will be thoroughlyinvestigated by a committee of experienced gentlemen attachedto our civil hospitals ere the proposed building at Netley rearsits head above the foundation, as we trust it is not too late tomake some great improvements in its arrangements._

THE nomination of candidates for the representation ofMiddlesex took place at Brentford on Thursday last. Mr.

RALPH OSBORNE having retired from the representation of thecounty, a contest for the vacant seat has arisen between

Viscount CHELSEA, a Tory, and Mr. ROBERT HANBURY, aLiberal. Lord ROBERT GROSVENOR is again in the field, andhas renewed his profession of liberal principles. The poll willtake place on Monday next, at appointed situations in differentparts of the county. Thus here we are in the midst of a con-

tested election in the metropolitan county, the profession beingagain without a candidate and without an electoral organization.Had our suggestion for the appointment of a central committeebeen carried into effect, several members in the interest of the

s

profession might have been returned to the House of Commonsin the recent elections. Lord ROBERT GROSVENOR, by his openand active support of a vile system of quackery, has done greatinjury to legitimate medical interests. Of the medical opi-nions of Lord CHELSEA we know nothing. But it seems to us

that he is against all great reforms. It is the fault of the pro-fession that there are not two good candidates in the field.Mr. HANBURY, we are informed, is in favour of " Medical Re-form. "

,

WE have the satisfaction to announce, that Dr. MARSHALL

HALL was recently elected an honorary member of the RoyalMedical Society of Edinburgh. Dr. MARSHALL HALL was the

senior President of this Society when a student in that city.The whole profession will say, with one voice, that this recenthonour has been most justly conferred.

Medical Annotations" Ne quid nimis."

THE Universities of Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Marischal

College, (Aberdeen,) have recently embodied, in a printed" statement," their opinions relative to the degrees of medicineconferred by them; this statement being evidently promptedby their dread of being deprived of a fair share of the benefitsto be derived from the new Medical Bill. We are told, in the" Lives of the Lord Chancellors," that when Lord Mansfieldwas at the bar, his statement was of itself considered worththe argument of any other man. In like manner, this Ji!tate-ment of the Scotch Universities is equivalent to what anyoneelse would call an argument. By way of preamble, they assertthat in all the fruitless measures for medical reform hitherto

brought before Parliament they have always taken a lively* interest. Now, Holinshed, in his " Description of -England,"

357

speaks of toads as "livelie creatures shut up in stone;" whichis the only authority we can suggest for the use of this sin-plarly inappropriate adjective. In the next place, the ScotchUniversities very justly claim credit for having steadily perse-vered, during twenty-two years, in elevating the standard oftheir examinations. They then state the results of a confer-ence held to inquire whether the education and examination ofcandidates could not be assimilated in all the Scotch Uni-versities. The establishment of such an equality would, theyoonceive, entitle their graduates to claim a legal right to

practise in all parts of the kingdom-a privilege which theynow only exercise by courtesy.The arrangements decided on for carrying out this really de-

sirable object do credit to the universities concerned, since theyevince an accurate appreciation of the increasing need there isfor making the education of a medical man as full and perfect asthe time devoted to preliminary studies will allow. The pro-

posals contained in the statement are evidently modelled onthe plan pursued by the University of London. They proposeto grant two degrees-M. B. and M. D.; the acquisition of thefirst title conferring a right to enter on general practice. Theyalso suggpst the establishment of a preliminary examination,somewhat approximating to the under-graduateship ; and forwhich a degree in arts might be accepted as a substitute. Forthe Bachelorship of Medicine it is proposed that four yearsshall have been previously passed in professional study, andthat the candidate shall be twenty-one years of age. In refe-rence to this last point, it is stated that " the Universities seeno reason why the medical profession should be differentlycircumstanced as to age from other learned professions; or whya student of superior talents who from his endowments is ableto graduate at twenty-one should not be allowed to do so."For the degree of Doctor of Medicine (which-alone may entitleto rank as a physician) it is proposed to require two or threeyears of further study, and a more severe examination. Sug-gestions as to registrations and claims for the concession of fulllegislative privileges throughout the kingdom to graduates thusqualified, conclude this statement of the Scotch University.

There can be little doubt that the class of practitionersresulting from such a scheme of education properly carriedout, would be fully entitled to the advantages claimed for them.But we doubt whether the present cordial agreement amongstthe universities would be long maintained ; since the first and most obvious result of the proposed equality in examination and degrees would be, that the University of the capital, like ’,Aaron’s rod, would swallow up all the rest. But consideringthat Scotland now contains five Universities capable of con-ferring degrees in medicine, we opine that some disinterestedjudges would consider such a result " a consummation devoutlyto be wished."

____

Such. alarming foresight and cunning was attributed to therats in a brilliant essay on them published in the last QuarterlyReview, that it needs but a slight stretch of our credulity toattach political significance to the best-known events in the- career of the race. Thus, when Hctmlet stabs the arras-coveredPolonius, crying a rat! a rat!" it is open to conjecture thatone of the species brought about the betrayal to serve his ownends-possibly, the candle-ends at the funeral. We may thusbe led to believe that the arrival of the famous brown rat withthe Hanoverian dynasty was matter of political arrangement;and possibly even to impute the very serious mischance whichrecently threatened the new President of the United States tomalice prepense on the part of the rats. Mr. Buchanan, whilstresiding at an hotel in Washington during the early part ofFebruary, was seized with severe Illness, which also attackedseveral other residents in the house, one of whom has sincedied. It is only by assiduous care that the President has atlength been restored to health. On investigating the cause ofthe attack, it was found that the drinking-water had been.supplied by a tank at the top of the house, in which were

found the bodies of a large number of rats. To free the hotelfrom these intruders, arsenic had been placed in their best-known places of resort. The thirst produced by the action ofthe poison drove them to the water, and their eagerness todrink, combined with the deadly action of the arsenic, hadcaused them to topple over into the cistern; thus doubly poi-soning its contents. As this mode of getting rid of these ver-min is rather common in this country, and is made the most

ordinary excuse for obtaining the poison from druggists, werecord the above instance to show the great danger that is in-curred by the practice.

___

WE never shrink from rigorously exposing the conduct ofany member of the profession who compromises its dignity andhonour. But we do so only when the evidence of culpabilitydoes not admit of a doubt. The good name of a medical manmay not be lightly trifled with; for society not only requiresthat he be like the Bayard, " sans peur et sans reproche," butthat, like Caesar’s wife, his conduct be above suspicion.

In recently announcing that Mr. Scott, the senior surgeon ofthe Portsmouth Hospital, had acquired the fellowship of theCollege, it pleased an over-officious writer in the HumpshireTelegraph to add, that this honour was entirely unsolicited."In the very next number of the journal, Mr. Scott calledattention to this error, stating that his admission had beenaccording to the usual routine, and the editor apologized for themistake that had been made in the announcement. The originalintention was probably to benefit Mr. Scott. The result re-minds us of a story told by Colman: how the enthusiasticfriend of a parish glazier broke all the church windows, think.ing to benefit the trade of his fid us Achates, and only discoveredhis error when he learnt that the windows were mended bycontract. Several of the practitioners in the neighbourhoodof Portsmouth wrote in hot haste to the secretary of theCollege of Surgeons, and published his letter stating that thefellowship had been conferred on Mr. Scott after the ordinary-manner, in the same paper that contained the editor’s explana-tion and Mr. Scott’s note of correction. It would have beenmore professional and more commendable had these gentlemenjust communicated with Mr. Scott before writing to the Col-lege, since doubtless they would then have received from himthe statement he subsequently made in print, and have learnt.his intention to publish a disavowal of the injudicious assertionof the Hampshire 1’elegi-ct_plt.

THE newest resource for that "vaurien" genius which sooften results from the careless education conferred on youth ofthe lower and middle classes is to start in life as "PhotographicArtist." The ne’er-do-well, who is ashamed to beg and toolazy to work, finds the employment just suited to his taste. Hehas only to acquire that little knowledge which, as we are aboutto prove, is a dangerous thing. He then fits up a plate, (there isscarce a street in London without one,) where he takes yourportrait for a shilling, or even sixpence; therein conferring onyou an appearance as if, previous to sitting, you had dippedyour face in black-lead, and wrapped yourself in a thick fog.Now, apart from the poisons freely employed in the processitself, and handled with indiscriminate carelessness, one of themost deadly preparations of cyanogen, as poisonous as arsenic,is commonly used to remove the stains of nitrate of silver fromthe fingers, and is handled as freely as a lump of soap wouldbe. This substance (potassii cyanidum) has for some yearsbeen employed in the processes of electro-gilding and plating.But even when thus used, though the men had been regularlyeducated to the trade, it has at various times given rise toseveral accidents. No such restriction binds the photographist.Half a dozen hours teach him a sufficient smattering of hisbusiness, and entitle him to employ the deadliest drugs with-out any exact knowledge of their properties. Hence the

slightest want of manipulative skill or neatness may suffice topoison a whole family, with the full sanction and concurrence

358

of the law. The cyanide is a cheap drug; for it is one of theexcellent provisions of our present legislative condition thatthe most deadly and best known poisons are sold at the lowestprices, and in quantities best adapted for evil purposes. It is

supplied in an indiscriminate manner for "photographic pur-poses" with a culpable negligence that should at once be

checked; or we shall assuredly hear of death resulting from itsaccidental or intentional administration. As an illustration ofits noxious effects, we may cite the narrow escape that Dr.Atherstone, an eminent photographist at the Cape of GoodHope, recently had from its poisonous influence. He had somescratches and cuts on his hands, and, forgetting these, appliedthe cyanide to remove the nitrate of silver stains. Symptomsof poisoning immediately supervened, and he was with diffi-culty rescued by the employment of stimuli, cold affusion, theshower-bath, &c. We add the process which will equallyserve to remove the stains, and will be free from all danger :-Moisten the stains with a saturated solution of iodide of potas-sium ; then with dilute nitric acid (one part in three); finally,wash the part in a solution of hyposulphite of soda.

THE necessity of providing for the health and comfort of oursoldiers, when in the exercise of their vocation as fighting-men, has been taught us by the bitterest experience whichever befell a nation through the incompetence of its rulers. Theexposure of the Crimean abuses, and the popular indignationthereby aroused, has not been without its effect. The cry of a

mourning people, full of wrath at the reckless or needlesssacrifice of its noble band of warriors, shook to the foundationthat system which was the cause of the evil. The first rumourof a war with China proved how salutary has been the effect

produced by this out-spoken expression of public opinion andpublic indignation. As it was in the medical department thatthe old vicious system of routine, apathy, and irresponsibilitygave rise to the most disastrous effects, so it is in the medical

department that the first active signs of the coming reform areevinced. Dr. Gordon, the head of the medical department ofthe expeditionary force prepared for service in China, receivedfull permission to make his own arrangements for the health ofthe men without hindrance or restriction; and he at once pro-ceeded to provide for the accommodation of 40 per cent. of thetroops. Mr. Power, the commissary-general of the expedition,also received similar instructions to get whatever was required,and to do whatever was needful. Thus every excuse for neg-lect of duty is obviated by direct personal responsibility anddirect authority. These being attached to the heads of thedepartments, the old wretched shuffling pleas that served toexcuse neglect of duty become no longer available. The in-

capable man will not dare to undertake duties for which he isunfitted, knowing the penalty that will certainly attend hisfailure. Though the occurrence of a war with China is nowexceedingly doubtful, yet the rumour of its probability hasproved serviceable in thus giving earnest of improvement inthe old bad system, whose disastrous consequences are stillfresh in the memories of all.

SECRET SURGERY, AND THE "MYSTERY MEN"OF THE MIDDLESEX.

IT is a popular delusion of the present day, that Medicineand Mystery have been altogether divorced from each other.Generally speaking, certainly, witchcraft and physic do notnow-a-days go together; but grievous instances occur fromtime to time, even in this favoured century, of real or apparentconjugations of Æsculapius and the Witch of Endor.Something partaking of the nature of diablerie is, we fear, in

progress at the Middlesex Hospital. Somewhere in that re-

spectable institution there is a secret chamber where thingsare done that mortal eye must not look upon. The high

priests-those initiated into the mysteries of the inner shrine-only are permitted to know the fearsome secrets of that awfulplace. The neophytes stand without, and hear only just asmuch of the truth as the priests of Isis formerly doled out tothe common herd of worshippers. Even we ourselves trembleand shudder and go into a cold perspiration, as was the wontof Æneas, when we think what unearthly sights and soundsand odours must inhabit the Fell chamber in the Middlesex.We will endeavour to make some guesses as to the character

of the proceedings.Perhaps the scene of operations is hung with sable draperies;

the atmosphere is loaded with sulphureous vapours; blue lightsburn dimly, and cast a lurid glare over the objects of thescene. Each subject is stretched upon an enchanted couch,round which is drawn a mystic circle, and the signs of theZodiac are marked thereon by a finger dipped in blood. In the

centre of the room is a huge cauldron, hanging gipsy-wise,in which a diabolical _potdge is concocting. What is the natureof the contents of that kettle ? Is there

" Toad that under coldest stone,Days and nights has thirty-one,

Or, Sweltered venom, sleeping got ?"

Or," Eye of newt and toe of frog,Wool of bat and tongue of dog,Adder’s fork and blind-worm’s sting,Lizard’s leg and owlet’s wing.* * *

Scale of dragon, tooth of wolf,Witch’s mummy, maw and gulfOf the ravinn’d salt sea shark,Root of hemlock digg’d i’ the dark;* * * *

Gall of goat, and slips of yewShivered in the moon’s eclipse;Nose of Turk, and Tartar’s lips."

Who dance round the bubbling cauldron, with horrid shrieksand fearful imprecations ?Or are matters conducted after the Doctor Dee fashion ?

Magic mirrors, wondrous crystals in which the future is pour-trayed, and goings-on at the antipodes may be clearly seen.Celestial globes, charts of nativities, divining rods, perpetuallamps, bottles of aurum potabile, triumphs of palingensy, andhomunculi in phials.Or are things done in Oriental style? Chafing dishes, won-

derful lamps, protæan magicians, vapourous genii, conversa-

tional fish, petrified kings, eunuchs, pismires, peris, andamulets.Or is the witchcraft after the Scotch pattern ? Do " laidly

elfen" work their " grewsome" will on the inmates of the secretchamber? Is this verse descriptive of the horrors attendingthe surgical operations of shock-headed elves ?-

The hound he yowls i’ the yard;The herd toots in his horn ;The earn scraichs, and the cock craws,As the husbande had gien him his corn."

But we have another guess to make. Perhaps after all thereis nothing to conceal. When we say nothing to conceal, wemean that supposing the veil of mystery to be drawn aside, weshould see nothing worth seeing. Perhaps there have been somedisasters-we only surmise. If success were the rule, if any-thing had been brought to light worth knowing, we stronglysuspect that Dr. F. would have been very glad to make itpublic. When we applauded the authorities at the Middlesexfor taking the reputed " cancer cure" up, we were not preparedfor such "hole and corner" work as is going on there now.Whatever arrangements were entered into as to the conceal-ment of the nature of the agents used, certainly results oughtnot to be concealed, nor the progress of the cases kept secret.

DR. FORBES WINSLOW has been elected nresident ofthe Association of the Medical Officers of the Hospitals for theInsane.