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demned M. Guérin’s views in a wholesale manner, as being incomplete antagonism to the most clearly established facts

of anatomy, physiology, pathology, and clinical medicine,and his apparatus as being a very pretty and ingenious thing,but devoid of any practical value. They both agreed in say-ing that the passage of fluids from the uterus into the peri- ’,toneal cavity was physiologically impossible, and that the re-verse was still less possible. The uterus could not under anycircumstances be compared to a balloon or a gaping cavity.The walls of this organ, like those of the vagina, were in closecontact throughout their extent. The fluids which were foundin the peritoneum after death were quite different from thosecontained in the uterus. The causes of puerperal peritonitiswere far different from those which M. Guerin suspected. M.Blot mentioned that M. Guérin was wrong in supposing thatthe uterus undergoes contraction after delivery. The diminu-tion of the organ was due to a process of wasting, the reverseof that process which brought on hypertrophy during preg-nancy. When interfered with, the process of atrophy wasarrested, and various lesions supervened. He did not denythe power of contraction with which the uterus was invested,and he even employed ergot of rye to promote the contractionin given circumstances. But he contended that the diminutionof the organ after delivery was due to the process of atrophyreferred to. M. Alphonse Guerin (who is not related, I be-lieve, to the other M. Guérin) and M. Gosselin, two distin-guished nosocomial surgeons of Paris, have also spoken on thesubject, and, though they are far from adopting M. J. Guérin’sviews, do not condemn them in such a sweeping manner. Forinstance, M. A. Guerin mentioned that after a series of expe-riments which he had recently instituted, he was enabledto assert that the passage of fluids through the Fallopiantubes into the peritoneum might be effected by means of in-jections, and this led him to condemn the practice of throwinginjections into the uterus. The reverse, however (I mean thereturn of fluids from the peritoneum into the uterine cavity),he strongly denied. In conclusion, he advised M. J. Guérinto apply his apparatus to cases of ascites ; the experimentcould be more easily effected, as the liquid was so much morelimpid than in purulent effusion, and the results would beconclusive. But even admitting M. J. Gudrin’s views, saidM. A. Guerin, the apparatus could not be of much practicalvalue; the extremities of the Fallopian tules must be in con-tact with the peritoneal effusion, otherwise the aspirationcould not act in vacuo, and some portion of the intestine, or theleast bit of albuminous matter, might occlude the tubes. M.Gosselin, in a clear, impartial, unimpassioned discussion of M.J. Guérin’s theory, said that he did not reject the apparatus,which might be of service as a means of cleansing the uterus.M. Gosselin assimilates puerperal fever to the bad effectswhich follow sometimes upon large wounds, amputations, &c.

Undoubtedly this resulted from the absorption of putridmatter or gases, and indeed it was obvious that puerperal dis-ease arose from the decomposition of the matter contained inthe uterus. Was it through the introduction of air into its cavity?This action of the atmospheric air was not necessary to ac-count for the decomposition of matter in the human body.Witness the decomposition of the fcetus in utero ; witness thecase of fetid abscesses accompanied by the production of am.moniacal gas, &c. Was it not rather through some internalcause, such as deficient hasmatosis, brought on by ill-nourish-ment, overcrowding, &c.? Besides, he could not admit a con-dition of vacuum in the uterus. The walls of the organ werein close contact, and even should a slight quantity of air havepenetrated during the delivery it would become confined, andbe absorbed before producing any harm. All of the oratorswhom I have mentioned were unanimous in stating that theinstance adduced by M. Guerin was not one of puerperal peri-tonitis, but simply of metritis. M. Guérin’s observation wasseverely criticised as being very imperfect. It is but just tosay that M. Guérin has defended his views with considerableability against his various adversaries ; but he has not suc-ceeded in establishing that the case under his treatment wasone of puerperal peritonitis ; that the passage of fluids fromthe peritoneal cavity into the uterine cavity is possible ; thatthe introduction of air into the uterus during or after deliveryis a fact, &c. Even supposing, however, that his views arequite incorrect, and that his process of aspiration cannoteffect all that he promises in its name, it is quite obvious thatthey should be taken into consideration, and carefully experi-mented upon, as he requested himself at the end of thedebate.

THE RECENT BOILER EXPLOSION.

ALL the sufferers save one, from the recent boiler explosionwhich occurred at the United Club on Monday last, are pro-gressing very favourably. Six persons seriously injured weretaken to Charing-cross Hospital. It was found necessary toadmit two women and one man, and they were placed underthe care of Mr. Canton. One of the former, the poor girlEllen Leonard, aged twenty, was suffering from a number ofwounds--three on the scalp, one through both lids of the lefteye. Both eyes were much swollen, and, in fact, untilyesterday (Thursday) she was unable to open either. ’1he earwas lacerated and much burnt ; the head and shoulders werescalded. There was a severe wound on the left thigh, andboth thighs were burnt and scalded. Mr. Turner, the house-surgeon, informs us that the girl rallied somewhat from thesevere shock on Wednesday, and but faint hopes only are en-tertained of her ultimate recovery. Emily Luttmin, agedtwenty-one, the other of the two young women admitted, isseverely burnt, especially about the face and thighs. Theright arm is fractured at its upper part, but she is progressingsatisfactorily. The man Humm, who made up the trio of ad-’missions, had several wounds and bruises about him. He wassufficiently well to leave the hospital on Wednesday.

Medical News.ROYAL COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS OF LONDON. - At

a general meeting of the Fellows held on Monday, Oct. 19th,the following gentlemen, having undergone the necessary exa-mination, and satisfied the College of their proficiency in theScience and Practice of Medicine, Surgery, and Midwifery,were duly admitted to practise Physic as Licentiates of theCollege :-

Anderson, William, St. Thomas’s Hospital.Barry, James William, Metropolitan Free Hospital.England, George, Handsworth, Birmingham.Higgens, Charles, Guy’s Hospital.Lakma, Francis Henry, St. George’s Hospital.Littlejohn, SJltern George, Dagmar-road, Camberwell.McClean, Edward Henry, St Bartholomew’s Hospital.Timmins, John Aaron James, Granville-square, Pentonville.

APOTHECARIES’ HALL. - The following gentlemenpassed their examination in the Science and Practice of Medi-cine, and received certificates to practise, on Oct. 15th :-

Leonard, William, Sheffield.Lewis, William Bevan, Cardigan.Woods, George Arthur, Southport.

The following gentlemen also on the same day passed theirfirst examination :-

Barnes, Edgar George, St. George’s Hospital.Gillingham, Alfred, Guy’s Hospital.Langford, Phineas P., Vliddlesex Hospital.Taytor, Frederic E., King’s Co,lege Hospital.

GUY’S HOSPITAL.-The following is the result of theEntrance Examination in Classics, Mathematics, &c., held onthe 5th inst. :-(1) George Thomas Bettany, of Penzance, Corn-wall, £ 25; (2) Thomas Eastes, of Folkestone, Kent, ;E20; (3)Robert Harry Hughes, of Putney, £ 15; (4) Hy. SeymourBranfoot, of Brentwood, Essex, Honorary Certificate.THE Brighton Railway Company has authorised the

fixing of a box on the arrival platform of the Brighton station,for the reception of newspapers for the poor of the workhouse.We hope it will receive abundant contributions.

A SCHEME is, we are glad to hear, in progress for theestablishment of botanical gardens for the three towns of Ply.mouth, Devonport, and Stonehouse, similar to those at Bathand other places.

MR. ]PHILIP LUGARD, a retired surgeon, eighty yearsof age, and living at Hounslow, has been committed for trialon a charge of shooting at a young lady. The parties werenext-door neighbours ; and the defendant, under some allegedannoyance, fired his gun, as he says, to frighten the com-plainant.

SUBSCRIPTION lists have been opened at Newark fora memorial to the late Mr. J. P. Lacy, M.R.C.S., as a per-manent record of the high appreciation in which he was heldin that town.

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FACULTY OF PHYSICIANS AND SURGEONS OF. GLAS-GOW.—At a meeting of this corporation held on the 5th inst.the following officers were elected : - President: Dr. AndrewAnderson. Visitor : Dr. Harry Rainy. Councillors : The Pre-sident, ex officio; the Visitor, ex officio; Drs. Fleming, RobertScott Orr, John Coats, George Robertson, and William Weir.Treasurer : Dr. John Coats. Honorary Librarian: Dr. GeorgeRainy. Vaccinator : Dr. Jas. Dunlop. Board of Examiners :Drs. William Lyon, Andrew Buchanan, James Morton, Robt.Perry, R. D. Tannahill, J. B. Cowan, Andrew Fergus, GeorgeBuchanan, R. Scott Orr, and William Leishman. ClinicalExaminers : The Physicians and Surgeons of the Royal Infir-mary. Examiners in Arts : Drs. John Coats and Jas. Steven.Clerks: Laurence Hill, LL.D., and William Henry Hill.Secretary and Librarian : Alexander Duncan, B.A. I

AN infirmary is to be established at Oldham, inconsequence of the grant of .El 000 from the Mansion HouseCotton Famine Relief Fund, which has been supplemented bysubscriptions to the amount of nearly £ 2000 more at a meet-ing convened for the purpose of aiding the object.THE VACCINATION ACT.-During the week Mr.

Dayman heard a batch of summonses at Wands worth againstpersons residing in Wimbledon for not complying with theVaccination Act of 1867, in not having their children vacci-nated within three months of their birth.In the case of Mr. W. D. Westgate it was stated by the de-

fendant that the child was vaccinated before the three monthshad expired, but it was not successful. When he received thenotice he took his child again, but it was not in a fit state tobe vaccinated.

Mr. Dayman, on looking over the Act, said there was nopenalty for not giving notice of an unsuccessful vaccination,when performed by a private practitioner, as in the case in

question. There was evidently an omission in the Act.The gentleman who supported the summonses said there

was no provision, and it caused great inconvenience.Mr. Dayman said the Legislature had overlooked that link.

However, as the defendant had not employed the public prac-titioner, he must show that he took the child within threemonths after its birth. The defendant should have procureda certificate from his doctor, and have sent it to the registrar.That would have given him notice, and he then would havecomplied with the Act. He adjourned the summons for thedefendant to satisfy the Board that the child had been vacci-nated.

THE twenty-fifth annual meeting of the subscribersof the Bridgwater Infirmary was held on the 8th inst. TheCommittee of Management gave a favourable account of theinstitution, both as to the extent of its usefulness and the stateof its finances. The medical report showed that the numberof in-patients during the past year had been 250, against 252in the preceding year; and that the number of out-patientshad been 4228, against 3263.MR. GEOFFREY HETT, of Brigg, has been elected

house-surgeon to the Lincoln Dispensary, at a salary of X120per annum.

THE Committee of the Brighton Sanitary Asso-ciation announces that the sanitary department of the TownMuseum will soon be open to the public. The object in pro-viding this department is "to instruct people as to the bestand most wholesome way of living," the instruction being can-veyed "in a way likely to reach all classes." This is an in-

teresting experiment on the part of our Brighton friends, andwe wish them as much success as they can desire.THE mortality in the eight principal towns of Scot-

land during September, as in the three previous mouths,greatly exceeded the average. In Glasgow and Greenock themortality of children under five years of age exceeded 50 percent. of the total deaths. Scarlatina was the most fatal epi-demic in the towns ; it caused 21 6 per cent. of the deaths inPaisley, and 25 3 per cent. of the deaths in Leith.

THE " Lincolnshire Chronicle" announces, with greatregret, the death of a gentleman widely known and esteciiied inthe county-Dr. S. Trought, of Louth. He had been severaltimes mayor of the borough, was an alderman and magistrateat the time of his death, and, being exceedingly popular, hisfuneral was quite of a public character, all classes uniting todo honour to his memory. Dr. Trought was a contributor toTHE LANCET in 1828-29.

DR. WALKER, the medical officer of health for theborough of Hanley, reports to the local authorities that thegreat mortality of the last few months has been caused bythe existence of nuisances which a systematic house-to-housevisitation would have discovered and mitigated. He recom.mends that the Nuisances Removal Act should be enforced soas to bring the inhabitants to a sense of their shortcomings.

DR. WHITMORE’S report on the health of the parishof Marylebone during the last two months is a favourable one.The decline of diarrhoea, which in August was very prevalentamong children, is attributed chiefly to the gradual decline oftemperature and to the measures of disinfection adopted.Scarlatina was destructive : its incidence did not appear to begreatly influenced by defective sanitary conditions, some of themost malignant cases frequently cccurring in wealthy families,where the sanitary surroundings of patients were all that couldbe desired, and vice versd. Only one death occurred fromsmall-pox, vaccination being increasingly resorted to.

INDIAN STATISTICS.—From the Indian correspondentof The Times we are glad to learn of the efforts whichare being made to supply the long felt need of trustworthyIndian sanitary and vital statistics. As a groundwork weare promised a census of our whole Eastern empire (except thefeudatory states) in 1871 ; in relation to which the census ofthe North West and Central Provinces, and of the Punjab,lately taken, will afford interesting points of comparison.Under the auspices of the statistical committee established byLord Elgin a large amount of valuable infomation is being ac-cumulated, and special reference is made to the report relativeto the Central Provinces just sent to the Government of India.The vital statistics embrace returns of births, marriages,deaths, of vaccination, and of hospitals ; and particular stressis laid upon the uniformity of these returns, which is requiredfrom all the different reporting authorities.

DISEASE AND CRIME.—The directors of convictprisons in England report a great increase in recent years inthe proportion of convicts who are of a weakly and diseasedconstitution. Of 6552 male convicts in confinement on the7th of April, 186s, no less than 1981 were either confirmedinvalids, or fit only for light labour. Of 1237 convicts disposedof from Millbank Prison in the year 1867, only 688, or 55 percent., were removed to the public works prisons as fit for hardlabour, and 136 to public works for light labour, the remainderbeing sent to the invalid prisons. The medical officer ofMillbank Prison states that the vast majority of the 284;

prisoners who were removed thence to Dartmoor and Wokingin 1867 as invalids, were suffering on their reception fromdisease or infirmity. He does not concur in the opinion enter-tained by some that invalid convicts have in most cases dis-qualified themselves for hard labour by indulgence in viciousand irregular habits previous to imprisonment ; he considersthat the great majority of these prisoners are either men oforiginally feeble constitutions, or the subjects of diseases orinfirmities which they have contracted through circumstancesover which they have had no control.-The Times.A NEW MEDICAL PERIODICAL AT HAVANNAH.—We

have received the numbers for April and July, 1868 (Nos. 1and 2), of a quarterly journal presenting a new feature, as itcombines medicine, surgery, and deizti6ti-y. It is printed inNew York, and edited by Drs. Wilson and Gonzalez, dentistsat Havannah. European medical literature contributes

largely to its contents; but we notice several original articlesof value, such as the " Physiological and Pathologicallnflu-ence of Tropical Climates "; and some very interesting dentalobservations.

Obituary.DR. JOHN ROBERTSON SIBBALD.

THls well-known Edinburgh practitioner has passed fromamongst us, after a few weeks’ illness, and will undoubtedlybe missed by many friends and former patients. Dr. Sibbald’was a native of Edinburgh. After studying at the MedicalSchool there, he obtained the licence of the College of Sur-geons in 1818. After prosecuting his studies at London and:Paris, he returned to Edinburgh, and commenced practice. In