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the ignorance or the prejudices of the poor in resisting reme-dial or preventive measures well calculated to accomplishgood results, if fully and fairly put into practice. The Vacci-nation Act has been known to be a failure to a very con-siderable extent, because the advantages capable of beingderived from it are offered through the agency of one vac-cinating contractor in one large district, whose offer of ser-vices amongst the public is sometimes received with caution,hesitation, and suspicion, and often rejected; for the verynatural reason that the offer comes from one unknown to andunapproved by the parties proposed to be vaccinated, whilethe interest of a non-contracting practitioner is most unfairlyintruded upon, and the fruits, perhaps, of a long and persever-ing practice thus pillaged; for let it be remembered that thepauper portion of subjects vaccinated under the Act form but ,,a very small part of the returns.

If, then, the abolition of the present contract system can beeffected, to the advantage of the rich, the poor, and the wholemedical profession, and all this upon the principle of regard- II.ing the liberty of the subject, I do think that no liberal and Ijust community should conceal from itself the fair prospect ofrealizing such advantages.

I am, Sir, your obedient servant,WM. MooRMAN, Junior, Surgeon.

St. Columb, Cornwall, July 9, 1849

THE "WALKER FUND."

"’IT were well, considering what Mr. Walker has donefor science, if a representation of his circumstances weremade by his professional brethren, to the Government,to obtain for him, if possible, some pension for the re-

mainder of his life - a pension from the Governmentfund, which ought to be devoted to persons who, by theirscientific or literary labours, have rendered services to theircountry. Meanwhile, it is necessary to relieve Mr. Walker’sembarrassments; and in proposing that a subscription beopened for that purpose, it affords us great pleasure to beenabled to state that Dr. Alison, Professor of Practice ofMedicine in the University of Edinburgh, Mr. Goodsir, Pro-fessor of Anatomy in the University of Edinburgh, and theRev. W. Stevenson, of South Leith, have consented to receivecontributions.’ We are also glad to announce that Profes-sors Sharpey and Grant, of University College, and ProfessorsTodd and Bowman, of King’s College, London, agree to be-come treasurers, and we hope their example will be followedan other parts of Great Britain, by gentlemen who will com-municate with the treasurers in Edinburgh or in London:’-THE LANCET, March 31st, 1849.

Subscriptions received in London, and forwarded to theTreasurers in Edinburgh:-

THE LONDON AND PROVINCIAL MEDICALDIRECTORY.

[LETTER FROM MR. JOHN CHURCHILL.]To the Editor of THE LANCET.

SiR,—Will you permit me to take advantage of your replyto a correspondent, " Scrutator," (see Notices to Correspon-dents in THE LANCET of July 13th,) to announce to that gen-tleman, and to the profession generally, that the editorial, as

well as the publishing, department of the " London and Pro-vincial Medical Directory" is now in my hands, and thatany information with regard to errors and omissions will bemost thankfully received. "Scrutator" intimates that he willundertake to point out five hundred errors, if you will publishthem. You very properly advise him to send the list to theeditor of the " Directory." I sincerely hope that "Scrutator"will act on your suggestion, and thus render, not only myself,but the profession generally, an essential service. The utilityof the " Medical Directory" is universally admitted. Its cor.rectness has been frequently questioned; but let everymember of the profession, annually called upon to do so bycircular, contribute his quota of information, and there willbe no longer any complaint of the kind. I beg to assure theprofession, that as I have now the entire management of thework, no expense, no trouble, shall be spared-no efforts un.tried, to make the " Medical Directory" worthy of their con.tinued patronage and support.

I have the honour to be. Sir. vour obedient servant.JOHN CHURCHILL.

Medical News.

ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS.-The following gentlemenhaving undergone the necessary examinations for the diploma,were admitted members of the college at the meeting of theCourt of Examiners on the l3th inst. :-

ASSAID, SAID, Syria.BASSETT, WILLIAM FREDERICK, London.ELLIS, THOMAS, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin.HODSON, GEORGE, Chester.HUGHES, HENRY WILLIAM, Gawchmai, Anglesea.KING, GEORGE, Melksham, Wiltshire.LAKE, GEORGE ANTHONY KIRSOPP LAKE, Teignmouth,Devon.

LINNOCK, CHARLES HENRY, Eastbourne, Sussex.MANIFOLD, WILLIAM HARGRAVES, Liverpool.MORRIS, CHARLES JAMES, Gloucester-terrace, Hyde-park.PHILLIPS, HENRY JOHN, Kensington.SQUIRE, WILLIAM, Silsoe, Bedfordshire.TURNEIt, GEORGE BROwN, Horton, Gloucestershire.

The following gentlemen were also admitted members onthe 16th inst:-

BRADLEY, WILLIAM, Preston, Lancashire.CROAK, JOHN EvELYN, Northfleet, Kent.FINNIMORE, THOMAS ARTHUR, Harrow-road.GovETT, PHILIP WILLIAM, Plymouth.

’, KING, JAMES WILLIAM, Dublin.’, LE KREUx, FREDERICK, London.’

LoVEGROVE, GEORGE HYMENFus, Gloucester.lfIoRRIS, JOHN ALBERT, St. James’s Palace.MOORE, WILLIA31 JAMES, Hales Owen, Worcestershire.

THE FELLOwSHIP."-The Court of Examiners of the RoyalCollege of Surgeons have just given notice of their intention toexamine candidates for the fellowship on Tuesday and Thurs-day, the 7th and 9th of August next. Additional particularsmay be obtained on reference to our advertising columns.I APOTHECARIES’ HALL.-Names of gentlemen who passedtheir examination in the science and practice of medicine, andreceived certificates to practise, on Thursday,

July 12,1849.HILL, WILLIAM BYRON, Exeter, Devon.MEADOws, DANIEL, Witnesham, Suffolk.MOORE, ALFRED WILLIAM.SHIELD, ROBERT DELAFOSSE, Clun, Salop.

ROYAL COLLEGE OF ScpGEONS.—At a meeting of the councilof this college, yesterday afternoon, Mr. Joseph Henry Green,F.R.S., senior surgeon to St. Thomas’s Hospital, was electedpresident, and Messrs. James Moncrieff Arnott, F.R.S., andSurgeon to University College Hospital, and John Flint South,surgeon of St. Thomas’s Hospital, were elected vice-presidentsof the College for the ensuing year; at the same meeting,Messrs. Hodgson and Wormald, the two recently elected mem-bers, took their seats.THE CHOLERA IN PARIS.—The mortality in private life has

been as follows: July 6th, 15 deaths; 7th, 12; 8th, 11; and9th, 11. In civil hospitals and asylums we have the followingreturns: July 9th, 25 cases, 6 deaths, and 33 recoveries; July10th, 31 cases, 11 deaths, and 41 recoveries; July llth, 17 cases14 deaths, and nine recoveries; July 12th, 17 cases, 11 deaths

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and 16 recoveries. The military hospitals continue almost freefrom new cases, and the epidemic is evidently on the wane.We wish we could say as much for London and the provinces.A remarkable relation seems to have existed in certain depart-ments, especially in La Marne, between the miliary sweatingfever and the cholera. We find, in various communications,sent to the medical papers by persons who were appointed tothe affected localities by the board of health, that the leasterror of diet committed by patients labouring under themiliary affection, immediately caused a repulsion of the erup-tion towards the intestinal canal; this usually gave rise to anattack of cholera, mostly followed by death in twenty-fourhours. The miliary sickness is, however, reported to havebeen of a very mild character, and rarely fatal.Linesfomnd written on a fly-leaf of a manuscriptcopy of"Lacuna’s

Epistle to Galen," in the library of New College, Oxford.July 6, 1849.

OF PHYSICKE.A doubtful arte, a knowledge still unknown,Which enters but the heavy heads aloneOf those who broken with unthankful toyleSeek others health, and lose their own the while.

CHOLERA IN THE PROVINCES.-At Portsmouth the disease hasbeen progressively on the increase. At Plymouth, Stone-house, &c., it has appeared with such intensity, that many ofthe population have left their town dwellings, and are bivouacking in tents on the Hoe, and other surrounding openspaces. Liverpool, Bristol, and Southampton are sufferingseverely from the epidemic.PARIS IIOSPITALS.-Our readers are aware that the Paris

civil hospitals are now administered by a director-general,assisted by a supervising council. In this latter body, threemedical men are admitted, one to represent the Faculty ofMedicine, the second the physicians, and the third the sur-geons of hospitals. Three several lists, of three candidateseach, chosen by their colleges, have been presented to thePresident of the Republic, who has appointed M. Berard forthe faculty, M. Horteloup for the physicians, and M. Monodfor the surgeons of hospitals.A BIRMINGHA-. INQUEST.—An inquest was held, on Tuesday

last, at the Star, Dale-end, before J. B. Davies, Esq., M.D.,Coroner, on the body of a married woman, named ElizabethPriffett. On the previous Thursday the deceased was takenill, and on the following morning her husband gave her a de-coction of boiled pennyroyal and yarrow; the woman con-tinued to get worse, and on Saturday morning she was attendedby Mr. Richards, of the " Medico-botanic stores," but died onthe following day.-George Priffett, the husband of the de-ceased, acknowledged having treated her as described, andsaid he considered himself competent to do so. Witness con-sulted Mr. Richards, and under his directions administeredto her some anti-spasmodic drops, assafœtida, composition pow-der, tincture of cayenne, injection powder, myrrh, bay-berry,skull-cap, and lobelia, which he received from a personnamed Simmons, at the stores in Ann-street.—Geo. Richardsadmitted prescribing for the deceased, and Thomas Simmonsmaking up the prescription.--Mr. Knowles, Professor of Bo-tany and Materia Medica at the Queen’s College, who made apost-mortem examination of the deceased, deposed that shedied from peritonitis, and under such circumstances it was im-proper to administer cayenne and lobelia. Lobelia was a.

poison,and a powerful and dangerous remedy, unless cautiouslyused. In the state the deceased was, such a dose of the thingsas had been stated to have been given to her would accelerateher death, although he would not undertake to say, that hadproper medical aid been procured for the deceased, she wouldstill have been alive. - The Coroner having summed up,strongly for manslaughter, the jury returned a verdict of11 Died by the visitation of God!" and desired, through theCoroner, to express to Mr. Richards, Simmons, and Priil’ett, acensure as strong as language could convey, and their sense ofthe impropriety of the conduct pursued.-The Coroner gavethe parties a severe lecture, and the proceedings terminated.—Aris’s Bir2ningham Gazette.

MEDICAL PORTRAITS.—We have just received two portraits,(the last of the series now publishing under the superintend-ence of Mr. T. M. Stone,) of Professor Edward Forbes, ofKing’s College, and Henry Hancock, Esq., of Charing-crossHospital. The likenesses are excellent, and well maintainthe reputation of Mr. Maguire. M. Claudet, so well known-as a daguerreotypist, has just published an admirable andstrikingly characteristic likeness of the late lamented con-servator of the Hunterian Museum, Mr. William Clift, to anotice of whom some editorial remarks were last week de-

voted. Mr. Bosley, the artist, has succeeded, first, in correctlycopying, and then, in our opinion, greatly improving, the like-ness taken by the daguerreotype. Every member of theprofession ought to have the portrait of Mr. Clift.PERMUTATION OF CHAIRS IN THE FACULTY OF MEDICINE OF

PARIS.—We were lately (THE LANCET, Vol. i. 1849, No. 25, p.684) condemning the privilege of exchanging chairs; as thiscustom entirely defeats the intention of the " concours:’ Weare glad to record that the Minister of Public Instruction hasresisted the decision of the committee of professors, and thecouncil of the University, which had lately sanctioned such anexchange; and that the mutation of Dr. Denonvilliers will nottake place ! It is to be hoped that henceforward no professorwill be allowed to teach a branch, for the chair of which hehas not competed.RAILROADS AND AcuE.—Dr. Pieragnuoli,who practises at San

Miniato, a place situated on the line of railway between Turinand Genoa, has noticed, that since the establishment of theline, intermittent fevers, which before were hardly known inthe locality, have become very frequent and intractable. Heattributes this fact to the stagnation of waters consequent onsome cuttings made for the levelling of the railroad. Analo-gous results were noticed and published respecting the railwayfrom Strasburg to Basle.

APPOINTMENT.—Mr. James Robinson, surgeon-dentist to theRoyal Free Hospital, has been appointed surgeon-dentist to hisRoyal Highness Prince Albert.PLANS OF MEDICAL REFORM IN FRANCE.—The Minister for

Public Instruction has just published in the .Moniteur (theofficial paper of the Government) a series of considerationsregarding the higher branches of instruction in the variousfaculties, followed by the appointment of a committee, com-posed of the most eminent men conversant with public tuition,whose duty will be to propose such reforms as will seem tothem desirable. A special committee is likewise appointedto deliberate on the improvements to be introduced into thelaws regulating the practice of medicine. The latter is com-posed of professors of the medical faculty of Paris, and distin-guished members of the Academy of Medicine. An attemptat medical reform was made under Louis-Philippe, two yearsago; it had the same fate as the trials made in the samedirection in London-viz., it failed. We are anxious to seehow the subject will be treated under the present government.REPUBLICAN DICTATION.—GiVE TO ALL OR NONE.—Among

the crosses of the Legion of Honour which are to be grantedto the profession at Paris, in acknowledgment of their ex-ertions and self-denial during the reign of cholera, two havebeen oflered to the internes of the hospitals. The Minister ofthe Interior lately requested them to make the choice of thetwo most worthy among themselves. These gentlemen con-vened a meeting, and it was there decided that these dis-tinctions should be refused. This is hardly treating the kindintentions of Government as they deserve, and the decision isthe more to be regretted, as the mode adopted by the ministerprecludes every kind of favouritism.MORTALITY IN THE METROPOLIS.—The return for the week

ending July 14 exhibits a serious increase. The death, whichin the previous week were 1070, have in the last mounted to1369, an excess above the average of 361. Deaths from cho-lera were 339-more than double the mortality of the pre-ceding week; those from diarrhoea and dysentery, which in theformer week were 54, have rapidly increased to 100, which ismore than in any corresponding week of five previous years.The total in the week from the three diseases is therefore 439,and makes an excess of 347 on the average of former years.The mortality from all other zymotic or epidemic diseases is191, the average being 210. The progress of cholera in Londonis traced in the returns of the last six weeks, in which thenumbers were successively 22, 42, 49, 124, 152, and 339; theprogress of diarrhoea and dysentery in the same periods isshown as follows:-25, 38,19, 33, 54, and 100. During thesesix weeks cholera was fatal to 425 males, and 303 females, ofwhom 387 died on the south side of the river, 101 in the westand northern districts. Considerably more than one-half ofdeaths from diarrhoea last week occurred under two years ofage; whereas of the 339 deaths from cholera, 192 occurred be-tween the ages of 15 and 60. Last week 49 persons died ofcholera in the district of Lambeth, 3 in Rotherhithe, and 23 inBermondsey; but the epidemic now increases generally overthe metropolitan districts. Hooping-cough, pneumonia, andphthisis are at present fatal to more than the usual number;the second, as well as the first, almost entirely to young per-

. sons. Typhus, measles, scarlatina, and small-pox are about the

. average, or fall considerably under it. The barometer has

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been high during the week. It reached 30.252 in. on Wednes-day ; the mean of the week was 30.129 in. The temperatureof the air was highest ort Sunday, when it reached 840.1 in the

shade, and 109° in the sun at Greenwich. The mean of theweek was 66°8 ; considerably higher than in previous weeks.No electricity manifested.

BOOKS RECEIVED FOR REVIEW.

Urologie: Traite des Angusties ou Retrecissement dede L’Uretre, leur traitement rationel. Par le Dr. Leroy,d’Etiolles. 1845. Paris and London: Bailliere, 8vo, pp. 488.Resume des Perfectionnements apportesa la Therapeutique

des Retrecissements de L’Uretre, et des Maladies du Col dela Vessie. Par Leroy, d’Etiolles. 4 to, pp. 7.

Recneil de Lettres et de Memoires, addresses a 1’Academiedes Sciences, pendant les Annees 1842 et 1843. Par Leroy,d’Etiolles, M.D., 1844. Paris and London: Bailliere. 8vo,pp. 364.

Observations on the Pathology of Croup, with Remarks onits Treatment by Topical Medications. By Horace Green,A.M., M.D. New York and London: Wilev. 1849. 12mo,pp. 115.

Notes on Spa and its Chalybeate Springs. By ThomasCutler, M.D., Physician to the Spa General Dispensary, &c.London: Dulan & Co.: Brussels, Muquerdt, 1848. 12mo,pp. 150.

Fruits and Farinacea the Proper Food of Man; being anAttempt to prove, from History, Anatomy, Physiology, andChemistry, that the Original, Natural, and Best Diet of Manis derived from the Vegetable Kingdom. By John Smith.Second Edition. Foolscap 8vo. pp. 342. London : JohnChurchill.Observations on London Milk, showing its Unhealthy Cha-

racter and Poisonous Adulterations; with Remarks on the ’,Food of the Cows, their Pestilential Places of Confinement;with Suggestions for Remedying the Evil. By H. HodsonRugg, M.R.C.S., Cerresponding Member of the National Vac-cine Establishment, &c. London: Bailey & Moon. 1849.

This pamphlet contains many most extraordinary statements, which ought to be read and known throughout the metropolis. ’

TO CORRESPONDENTS.THE letter of Messrs. Ray and Farmer arrived too late for insertion thisweek.

IF A. B. C. will forward to us his name and address, in confidence, he shallreceive a private note.

WE do not recollect receiving ,1li.. Milton’s communication.THE letter of E. J. J. is unavoidably excluded this week.Owen shall be answered next week.

T. A. H., (Gravesend,) is quite right.To the Editor of THE LANCET.

Sm,—You are right: the Medico-Chirurgical Society wants reform.They want to have referees of papers who know something of medical lite-rature. There is a paper, vol. xxxi., by Dr. T. Thompson, recommending,in the loosest manner, the trisnitrate of bisrruth in the diarrhoea of phthisis.This is given as a novelty. and allnwed to pass as such by the learned Society.Yet nearly three years ago, (Gaxette des Höpitaux, Sept. 1846,) Rayer eontri-buted six times as much really useful matter on the same medicine in the samedisease, as Dr. T. T. now writes ! Dr. T. T. knew the referees to be informedper parliamentury ’,that is slow) train, and so laughed at their beards, asthey have done at the mustachios of the public.-Truly yours, Sir,

July, 1849. ? ?

WHEN individuals are canvassing for public appointments, and have toaddress a large number of persons with whom the election rests, it isallowable to them to print any testimonials which they consider will attesttheir fitness for the post they solicit; but certainly it is not in good tasteor befitting a member of a liberal profession, to send such circularsfiying about throughout a neighbourhood at all times and seasons, for thesake of securing practice. We are induced to make this remark, in con- sequence of having received, by post, such a circular issued by a Dr. Y-,near London, on the margins of which the sender has written some verysevere criticisms on its grammatical construction, and the lapse of pro-fessional dignity which he considers it exhibits. We are always muchbetter pleased to use friendly remonstrances than sharp castigation,although, as our readers well know. we do not hesitate to adopt thelatter, pro re nata, as the prescriptions say. We earnestly advise Dr.Y-, then, to abstain from issuing any more of these circulars, (if theyare really issued by him,) and to do his best to call in as many as he canget, which are now in circulation. We have every wish to confine the

department of our journal, headed by the sable animals, (vide last num-ber,, to gibbeting the circulars of the extra-professional quacks; webelieve that legally-qualified members of the profession will deem it nogreat advantage to have their productions introduced to public notice inthat column. ,

G. D., who has also addressed us relative to the circular above alluded to,has pointed out to us a passage in one of the letters-testimonial, wbieb,on examination, has much surprised us. We cannot understand how aphysician of deserved reputation could suffer himself to indite the fulsomepanegyric, that the inhabitants of - and its vicinity are much to.becongratulated on having secured the services of one who is so able te dis-charge the important duties of his profession in a thoroughly effectivemanner." The insinuation which such a testimonial is calculated to

convey against the other practitioners of the locality, could not, we aresure, have been present to the mind of the writer; and this only affordsan instance of the loose or daring style in which recommendations aretoo frequently drawn up. Such an one is honourable to neither the givernor the recipient.

WE assent to the opinion of Krites. Persons do not make water;" wbatis secreted by the kidneys can hardly be considered the pure element,(although the conservators of the public health, who unconcernedly sufferthe sewers of the metropolis to discharge considerable Quantities of itintothe Thames, to be again taken out with the "‘ water," and used for do.mestic purposes, seem to consider it all the same thing, and " of no con.sequence," as Mr. Toots would say.) To "pass urine" is the correctphrase, to which we always alter the former expression when it occurs incontributions sent tor insertion in our pages.

We- regret that we cannot find room this week for the important corre.spondence between Mr. Garlick and the Halifax Board of Guardians, andthe Poor-law Board. It shall certainly appear in the next LANCET, andwe recommend it to the attention of all poor-law medical officers. If allunion surgeons would show the bold and manly front to the boards whichMr. Garlick has done, they would soon have less to complain of, and betreated with more respect.

X.-In some women the fluid is of such an irritating nature, that a dis.charge very similar to that of gonorrheea may be produced in connexionat this period, without well-grounded suspicion of infidelity on the part ofthe femate.

A. Z.-We believe that strong acetic or pyroiigneoas acid has provedefficient.

An Assistant.-We have made inquiries respecting the Association alludedto, but cannot obtain any conect information.

WE shall feel much pleasure in attending to the request of Observer.M..D.—Since the last Passengers’ Act was passed, such abuses as- are

described have been prevented. Qualified men are now selected, andwith an amount of pay which appears to give them satisfaction. Wewish our correspondent would make his proposals in person, at the Emi.gration Office, and let us know the result. In consequence of ill health,Mr. Wakley has not once attended the House of Commons this session.

IN stating the name of the physician who attends at the druggist’s in Ber-mondsey New-road, our correspondent should have authenticated hiscommunication by attaching, in confidence, h’s own name and address.What proof have we, as the matter stands, that " little F. 0. Davis, ofSnow’s-fields, Long-lane," is the party in question ? ?

THE letter from the Students of St. Thomas’s Hospital, and the "questions,"were accidentally excluded last week, but shall certainly appear in the nextnumber of THE LANCET. It would be a violation of good faith to disclosethe name of the " Student."

L.S.A. is, we apprehend, unjustly smart on -Mr. O’Shea. The subject, wethink, may as well be left in its present position. Mr. O’Shea writes

openly and boldly, and does not shrink from a contest.UNFORTUNATELY, the letter of Guyensis is libellous.An Old Medical ReformeR.-In the next session of parliament.Ethicus.-The case is not yet sufficiently advanced for publication.WE do not admire the circular of Dr. Henderson in any respect. The

pamphlet he encloses shall receive "careful perusal," as he requests.We had already received and acknowledged another copy.

THE work of Mr. Dendy shall receive an early notice, in conjunction Withsome others on skin diseases.

3,,rr. Bateman’s translation of the Essay of Dr. Aurias on Hemicrania, shallbe published within the next week or two.

J. G. X.-He is stated, in the Medical Directory, to be both a licentiate ofthe Society of Apothecaries, and a member of the College of Surgeons.

A Subscriber.- to THE LANCET,-The address is 281, Strand, and on applica-tion there, particulars respecting the Reviver would, no doubt, be readilyforwarded to our correspondent.

ERRATUM.—At p. 25 of this vol., lines 15 to 17,for 11 following vaccinationand inoculation," read "following the disease, when it occurs aftervaccination."

Communications have been received from-Dr. Arnott, (Brighton;) Mr.Joseph Bell, (Gateshead;) X.; An Extra-Licentiate; N. B., (Neweastle;) ? ? ; Mr. Chippendale; Mr. Garlick, (Halifax;) Mr. Bird, (St. Pancras;)Mr. Bateman; C. C. E.; Mr. John Churchill; J. G. X.; Mr. Gilbert,(Kingsland-road ;) G. F. W., (Crewkerne;) X. X.; Dr. Brown, (Dumfries;)Mr. Beeke, (Northampton;) A Young Member of the College; Pater;Baths and Washhouses ; E. Wilham, (Manchester;) G. D. ; Krites; M.D.,(Grange-road;) T.G.; Studens; A. Z.; Video; Owen; Civilian ; ASub-scriber to THE LANCET; Dr. Henderson, (Gateshead;) S. ; A General

Practitioner; A Student, (London Hospital;) Mr. H. Budd, (Lymington;)A. B. C.; Messrs. Ray and Farmer, (Milton, Kent.)

Dumfries and Galloway Herald and Register, July 12; Dumfries and Gallo-way Standard and Advertiser, July 11; have been received.