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keeping, education of children; tradesmen’s bills, wages ofservants, charity, and incidental expenses. Now, if the phy-sician’s practice, his faculties, or his health fail, he has noresources to fall back upon; if he dies, his widow and familyare left without means, perhaps in want; while his. opulentneighbour, who returns £1000 a. year income, pays the sameincome-tax-viz., X29 3s. 4d. ; and, at his death, leaves£20,000, at five per cent., £25,000, at four per cent.; or, theenormous sum of .633,833 6s. 8d., at three per cent!These matters of fact require no comment from me. I do

not plead for myself; for, in addition to a lucrative practice asa surgeon, I have a few " shots in the locker;" but I do pleadfor the widow, the fatherless, and those who have seen"better days."-I am, Sir, your obedient servant,Margate, 1848. JOSHUA WADDINGTON.JOSHUA WADDINGTON.

FATAL INSTANCE OF SPASM PRECEDED BYGASTRALGIA.

W. M. FAIRBROTHER, Surgeon.

To the Editor of TiaE LANCET.SIR,—In reply to " A Provincial Surgeon’s" fatal case, con-

tained in your last number, I would suggest that, from thecircumstance of his patient having previously suffered fromsome gastric affection symptomatic of ulceration of themucous and other coats of the stomach, these probably ulti-mately gave way, giving rise to peritonitis, in consequence ofthe contents escaping into the peritonaeal cavity. I once sawthis on inspection of a case preceded by similar symptoms.

I am; Sir, your obedient servant,March, 1848. M19DICUS.

To the Editor of THE LANCET.

SIR,—The case quoted in the last number of THE LANCET,entitled, " Fatal Instance of Spasm preceded by Gastralgia,"appears to admit of the following explanation, so far as we canarrive at any conclusion at all satisfactory by the help ofdetailed symptoms, even as clearly stated as by your corre-spondent, without the aid of post-mortem examination.Death seems to have been caused in this instance from per-

foration of the stomach, a disease which is remarked to be byno means of unfrequent occurrence. Many cases of organicdisease of this organ present cardialgia as their most promi-nent symptom. This young woman’s attack occurring twohours after the morning meal ; the epigastric pain ; theabdominal tenderness and sp,.tsmi of the, muscles; the useless-ness of remedies ; the gradually sinking- pulse and failingpowers of life; and the time.of death from her first seizure;her sex and age; all indicate perforation of the stomach.The mere disturbance of the nervous centres, from the

presence of effused matter into the peritonaeum, will perhapssufficiently account for the- agonizing pain. As to thatreferred to the left shoulder,-was there no spinal irritationpresent ? or was it not of a reflex character.

I am, Sir, yours, &c.,London-road, 1848. W. M. FAIltBROTHER, Surgeon.

THE CROYDON CASE.

W. PHILPOT BROOKES.

W. P. BROOKES, M.D., &c., Surgeon to District No.2;WIILIAM GREGORY, Surgeon to District No. 3;WILLIAM DALTON, Surgeon to District No. 4;FREDERICK HYETT, Surgeon to District No. 1.

LETTER AND ENCLOSURE 1!’ItVAL i’H. BERNCASTLE.Croydon, March 17th, 1848.

DR. BERNOASTLE presents his compliments to Mr. WAKLEY,and has forwarded to him a copy of resolutions, passed by theUnion-surgeons of Cheltenham, and of their letter to him,requesting their insertion in TuE LANCET. Dr. Bern castlewill feel much obliged by their being inserted, according tothe wish of those gentlemen, in an early number of THELANCET.To Thomas Wakley, Esq., M.P., &e.

[LETTER AND MEMORIAL ADDRESSED TO DR. BERNCASTLE.Albion House, Cheltenham, March 15th, 1848.

DEAR SIR,-Enclosed I beg to hand you a memorial, unani-mously signed by the medical officers of this Union, and torequest, if it meets with your sanction, that you will send acopy of it to THE LANCET, &C.

I am, dear Sir, yours very truly,To Dr. Berncastle, Croydon. W. PHILPOT BEOOKES.

To Dr. Berncastle, Surgeon to the Croydon Union.We, the undersigned medical officers to the Cheltenham

Union, beg to oifer you our sincere and heartfelt condolenceon the late ill-treatment you have received from the Boardof Guardians of the Croydon Union, who, after refusing the Iunfortunate woman Hopkins parochial relief, (and, as we con-

sider, most unjustly,) with the- intention of disguising theirown censurable conduct, endeavour to pass it over by throwingthe onus of the blame upon you.On a careful review of the entire circumstances of the case,

and duly considering the positive orders of the relievingofficer, that you were not to consider Hopkins as a patient ofthe Union, we cannot but agree that you were entirely freefrom censure, and, in fact, treated her with the greatest kind-ness and humanity.

Medical News.

ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS.—The following gentlemen,having undergone the necessary examinations for the diploma,

’ were admitted-members of the College, at the meeting of the’ Court of Examiners, on the 17th instant-viz., Messrs. Frede-

rick Wilkinson, Upper Canada; George Bellasis Masfen,Stafford; James Shorto, Christchurch, Hants; Henry Haden,Sedgley, Stafford; Sarkies Michael Shircore, Calcutta; JohnSebastian Helmeken, London; Robert Laycock, Bramley,near Leeds; Horatio George Martelli, Army, Chatham;Matthew Coleman, Cape Coast Castle, West Africa; Frede-rick Arthur Willington, Balsall, Warwickshire; JamesBailey, Wednesbury, Staffordshire ; and William ThomasAlexander, Royal Navy.A GOOD EXAMPLE.—Essalad Effendi, the Turkish poet, and

author of several works, which found great favour with theSultan, lately died, leaving a considerable fortune, out ofwhich he bequeathed 250,000 francs for rendering the streetsof Constantinople more healthy, and for the sanitary improve-ment of that capital generally, and the remainder of hisproperty to Smyrna, his native town, for the same laudablepurpose.

ST. BARTHOLOMEW’S HOSPITAL MEDICAL SCHOOL.—It is cur-rently reported that Professor Simpson is about to follow theexample set by Professor Syme, and to remove from Edin-burgh to London. It is also rumoured that Dr. Rigby hasresigned, or is about to resign, the lectureship on midwiferyat St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, to make way for Dr. Simpson.At all events, candidates, pupils of the hospital, are in thefield for the expected vacancy; but it is probable that mattershave been arranged beforehand for the translation of Dr.Simpson from Edinburgh to this metropolis.MARISCHAL COLLEGE, ABERDEEN.—Lord Robertson has been

elected rector to this university for the current year. Theother candidate brought forward to oppose his lordship wasMr. Benjamin Disraeli, M.P. It is stated that the inauguraladdress to the students will be delivered by Lord Robertson,before the expiration of the present session.ANNIVERSARY MEETING OF THE MEDICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON.

- The anniversary meeting for the election of officers, theawarding of medals, and other business, was held on the 7thinstant, at the Albion Tavern, Aldersgate-street, the Presidentin the chair. The following were declared office-bearers for-the ensuing session:—President: Mr. Hancock. Vice-Presi-dents : Dr. Clutterbuck, Dr. Chowne, Mr. Hilton, Mr. Dendy.Treasurer: Mr. Clifton. Librarian: Mr. Harrison. Secre-taries iit Ordinaroy: Dr. Smiles, Mr. Barlow. Secretary forForeign Correspondence : Dr. Davidson. Councillors: Mr.Headland, Mr. Eales, Mr. Linnecar, Dr. Garrod, Mr. Middle-ton, Mr. Hutchinson, Mr. Pilcher, Mr. Stedman, Mr. Bishop,Mr. Clarke. Dr. Thompson, Mr. A. Fisher, Mr. Hird, Dr. Cop’land, Dr. Waller, Mr. Hooper, Dr. Bennett, Dr. L. Stewart,and Mr. Holding. Fellow to deliver the Oration, 1849, Dr.Willshire. Subjects for the Fothergillian Medal, 1849: Onthe Influence of Civilization on Health and Disease; 1850, OnTetanus.Mr. HIRD afterwards delivered the Oration. At the open-

ing of his address, the orator paid a high compliment to thememory of the illustrious persons who had preceded him inthe discharge of his honourable duty, and availed himself ofthe opportunity of portraying the great advantages arising tothe members of the profession from associations of a like cha-racter to that of the" parent medical society of the metropolisof the world." The proceedings of the Society during thepast year were stated to have been equally fruitful in im-portant discussions and practical results, as any that precededit since its foundation. These observations were followed bya comprehensive view of the new discoveries in medical and

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surgical science made during the past year. He expatiated shillings only. It was stated in the room that the propertyen the great services rendered to the art and science, of medi- left by the deceased amounted only to £5000, exclusive ofcine by the aid of chemistry, and the -use of the microscope. that arising from the sale of the effects.To this instrument of physical science, it was observed, we THE CHOROID PLEXUS THE ORGAN OF SLEEP.—Dr. Osborne,are indebted for the establishment of that law of organization on the 13th instant, made a communication to the Medicalwhich affords us the means of following the processes of de- Association of the College of Physicians of Dublin, the objectvelopment (the formative activity, the origin of being or pro- of which was to show that the choroid plexus is the organ ofduction, as Aristotle finely said) which had completely sub- I sleep, that it is an erectile tissue, and in the performance ofverted the older theories of development, and substituted this function enlarges its dimensions, so as not only to corn-that which refers the origin of every structure, animal and press the origins of the cerebral nerves and spinal marrow,vegetable, to the development of a primary nucleated cell. but to prevent the blood from circulating through the upperIn the study of medicine, the -orator observed, it is as with regions of the brain. He considers the ventricles as thenature generally, which, according to a happy expression of cavities intended for its reception, and expects that great lightGoethe, knows no pause in unceasing movement, development, will be thrown upon the pathology of epilepsy by examinationand production, and has attached a curse to standing still, of the choroid.Man can only act upon nature, and appropriate her forces in THE FELLOWSHIP.—The next examination of candidates forrelative value and measure. On the subject of sanitary the Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons is appointedreform, the bills of mortality in large towns were adduced as to take place on Monday and Wednesday, the 3rd and 5th ofaffording the most powerful reasons for the interference of April next. Several members have already entered theirthe legislature. Governments, however, it was proverbial, names.

paid little attention to the lives of the inhabitants-in proof ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS. - The annual course ofof which the administration of the medical part of the new -lectures in the theatre of this institution have been com-poor-law was set forth as conclusive evidence. Mr. Hird menced by Professor Owen, F.R.S. They have been attendedstated that it seemed almost incredible, considering the great by a large number of the members and articled students, ofattainments possessed by medical men, in addition to the high the- College, and several distinguished visitors, among whommoral bearing that was expected of them, as a guarantee of were observed, Lord Robert Grosvenor, Dr. Buckland thefitness for the exercise of their profession, that so great an learned Dean of Westminster, and Sir G. Staunton, M.P.insult as the "system of tender" should be offered them, and BENEFICENCE.—The late Miss Ann Colyer, of Farningham,that they should be expected to compete for the medical Kent, has bequeathed the following munificent sums tosuperintendence of poor-law Unions at a price that would not medical charities-viz., the Charing-Cross Hospital, X600;even afford the means of existence. The subject of medical the Westminster Hospital, .E2000; and a similar sum to thereform was also fully treated. The orator did not agree London Hospital. This lady also left a sum of £1000 towith the sketch of a draft which had been agreed upon by King’s College Hospital, as notioed in a former number ofthe representatives of the Colleges of Phvsicians and Sur- this journal. The funds of the University College Hospitalgeons, the Society of Apothecaries, and the National Insti- have also been augmented by the munificent donation of £500tute of Medicine, Surgery, and Midwifery. He was afraid from Charles Dixen, Esq., who lately presented a similar sumthe establishment of a new College, requiring for the attain- to the Hospital for the cure of Consumpton, at Brompton.ment of its diploma the same kind of scientific acquirements ROYAL COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS.—The lectures at this insti-as the Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons, would imply tution commenced on Wednesday last. Dr. James Arthurinferiority in degree. A modification in the charters of the Wilson delivers the Lumleian Lectures, the subject of whichexisting Colleges, requiring of all medical practitioners the is-" Pain : its Varieties and Treatment." The Croonianpossession of,a diploma or licence from both, he considered Lectures will be given by Dr. Conolly,-" On Insanity, in itsfar preferable to the plan proposed. Without wishing to Medical and Social Relations." The Lectures on Materia.abolish that system of subdivision of labour which he thought Medica will be delivered by Dr. Golding Bird,—" On thehighly advantageous both in the scientific prosecution and Influence of Recent Researches in Organic Chemistry: onthe practical application of our profession, Mr. Hird expressed Therapeutics, especially in Relation to the Depuration of thehis desire that academic distinctions should be conferred only Blood." These lectures will be delivered every Wednesdayon those who have afforded evidence of more extensive and Friday until their completion.learning and experience in the respective departments of NAVAL SURGEONS.—At the last meeting of the Court oftheir profession than their fellow members, and not on an Examiners of the Royal College of Surgeons, Messrs. Jamesassumed superiority, founded on the department of practice Crispin Walsh and Lowry John Monteith passed their exa-a party may choose to pursue. Distinctions of this kind minations for naval surgeons. These gentlemen had pre-would be an honour, a recommendation, a guarantee of capa- viously been admitted members of the College, the diplomacity and a title to public confidence. Mr. Hird concluded his of the former bearing date May 6th, 1839, and that of theaddress with some observations on medical ethics, the ob- latter, August 6th, 1841.servance of which would inevitably tend to raise the pro- MEDICAL APPOINTMENT.-At the Quarter Sessions for thefession. He instanced the life of Lettsom as a brilliant county of Gloucester, held on Tuesday, March 21st, W. P.example of professional honour. Brookes, M.D., was elected medical visitor for the CheltenhamTwo silver medals were afterwards awarded. The first was district of lunatic asylums, in the room of Dr. Boisragon,

given to Mr. J. F. Clarke on his retiring from the office of retired.senior secretary, as an " especial mark of the Society’s favour." FAMINE AND FEVER ON THE CONTINENT,-According to theIn awarding this medal, the President took occasion to speak Breslau journals, the ravages of famine and typhus in somein terms of much commendation of the services rendered to districts of Silesia are most fatal; and in the district of Plesse,the Society, and to the profession in general, by the retiring it is calculated that there are no less than 3000 childrensecretary, from the reports of the proceedings of that and which the epidemic has rendered orphans.-Dublin Medicalother societies in the pages of this journal. The second medal Press.was awarded to Dr. Lever, of Guy’s Hospital, for a most ex- REMEDY pop TOOTHACH.—A mixture of two parts of thecellent and highly practical paper read during the session liquid ammonia of commerce with one of some simple tincturebefore the Society, and entitled, " On Sanguineous Tumours of is recommended as a remedy for toothach, so often un-the Labia obstructing Delivery." The fellows of the Society controllable. A piece of lint is dipped into this mixture, andand their friends afterwards sat down to an excellent dinner. then introduced into the carious tooth, when the nerve isTHE LATE MR. LISTON.—The sale of the effects of this late immediately cauterized, and pain stopped. It is stated to be

eminent surgeon took place a short time since, in Clifford- eminently successful, and in some cases is supposed to act bystreet, when, as might be expected from the distinguished neutralizing an acid product in the decay-ing tooth.position of Mr. Liston, most of the articles realized good ILLNESS OF BERZELIUS.—The affliction under which thisprices, in consequence of the great wish of many members eminent chemist labours is well known to most of our readersof the profession to possess themselves of some article formerly -viz., paralysis of the lower half of his body. Recently, thein his possession; amongst the purchasers were some members moxa was tried, the patient being rendered insensible byof both Houses of Parliament. Viscount Palnaerston, it was chloroform; this potent remedy for a time afforded muchstated, gave three guineas for one bottle of wine, "lot 365, one relief, but unfortunately he soon again relapsed into hisjeroboam of claret." Messrs. Quekett and Stone purchased former pitiable condition. But all his sufferings this distin-largely for the Museum and Library of the Royal College of guished man submits to with a philosophic fortitude; andSurgeons; Mr. Dalrymple was also a great purchaser. The science is still so dear to him, that he dictates to an amanu-engraving of John Abernethy fetched three guineas, whilst ensis as he lay, whilst experiments are being performed inJohn Hunter (by Sharp) was knocked down for twenty-eight his presence.

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MORTALITY OF THE METROPOLIS.—Deaths in the weekending March 18th, 1118, an increase of 38 over the precedingweek. Deaths from zymotic diseases, 289 ; from small-pox,23; measles, 29; scarlatina, 51 ; hooping-cough, 30 ; typhus,73-an increase in those from the three latter, but a decreaseas regarded those from the former-named diseases. Deathsfrom phthisis, 148 ; bronchitis, 81; pneumonia, 65. Meantemperature, 4101 Fahr., or nearly the same as in the pre-ceding week ; temperature of dew-point, 3702, and rain was

very general. Electricity almost uniformly positive. Births,1436.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.March 25th.-As the numbers of THE LANCBT for a new quarter will

commence on Saturday next, April 1st, the Introductory Address to Dr.GARROD’S Course of Lectures on the Chemistry of Pathology and Thera-

peutics will not be published until that day-the publication of the lecturesthus beginning with a new quarter. We find that if the Introductory Lecturehad been published this day, as previously announced, the course wouldhave been commenced at the conclusion of the quarter, and the ’° monthlypart" for March would only have contained the first of the series. By pub-

lishing the first lecture on Saturday next, the monthly part for April willcontain the first four lectures of the course.

Many newspapers are forwarded to the Editor of THE LANCET containingarticles to which it is desired to direct his attention. In searching for sucharticles, the labours of the Editor would be greatly abridged if the corre-spondents who forward the papers would mark the articles or passageswhich it is their desire should attract his notice.A Working Surgeon is advised to " bear the ills he has" rather than 11 fly

to others that he knows not of." Such attempts have often been made,and almost as often failed.

Lector Scalpelli will not, we suspect, with his present qualifications, beenabled to register as a physician under any Medical Bill that may beenacted into a law.The report of a case, forwarded by Dr. Reed, of Hertford, shall receive

insertion as early as practicable.Mr. Mitchell will have observed that the communication to which he has

referred was published in the last number of THE LANCET.

31. E. R.—We think not. It is highly probable that the qualification inquestion will be duly recognised; but if obtained subsequently to thepassing of the Bill, it may share a different fate.E. J. T.-A knowledge of neither French nor German is required from

students by the examining boards at the College of Surgeons or Apothe-caries’ Hall, though we consider that at the present day it would be well ifsome acquaintance with both were officially recommended. An acquaint-ance with Greek is not imperative, but at the College of Surgeons it isdeemed a circumstance in favour of the party going up for examination.The knowledge of Latin is indispensable.Amator Veritatis.-To the first question, Yes; to the second, No.JM. D.-It is impossible to predicate, with the least degree of certainty,

what will be the provisions of a Bill which may receive the sanction of theParliamentary Committee; but it is quite clear that all the members of theprofession should be anxiously alive to passing events. A strong attach-ment is still exhibited, in the old corporations, for maintaining classes anddistinctions, which we sincerely believe are injurious to the character andutility of the profession. During a period of twenty-five years, have wenow been actively engaged in upholding the just claims of thousands ofsurgeons who admirably perform all the duties appertaining to medicalpractitioners of the first standing. With deep regret should we see themstigmatized, in belonging to the lowest class in the profession. But whyshould the burden of the conflict be thrown upon one who has borne somuch already?M.D., (Norwich,) in consequence of the descriptions of qualification,

which are attached to the name of a practitioner at Coventry, is desirous ofascertaining whether the Royal College of Physicians is in the habit ofgranting the extra licence to persons who practise pharmacy. The titles of

qualification attached to the name to which our correspondent has referredare, "Gen. Pract., M.R.C.S., 1839. Ext. Lic. R.C.P. Lond., 1844." Wemay state that Mr. Upton, solicitor to the Apothecaries’ Society, who isexceedingly well-informed on the subject of medical law, is of opinion thatphysicians who are legally qualified to practise as such in England and Walesare also equally entitled to practise as apothecaries without obtaining thelicence to practise as an apothecary.Dignitas.-We have received the card headed with the name of Dr. Moore.

We really apprehend that our correspondent has been imposed upon, andthat the card has been published by some malicious person desirous of in-flicting upon Dr. Moore a serious injury. Aline on the subject from Dr.Moore himself would set the question at rest. A more objectionable cardthan the one which has been forwarded to us we have seldom seen.We could not well answer the question of Jtf. E. J. Tilt without seeing

one of the papers referred to. If he will forward one to us he shall receivean early reply. It appears to us, however, that the subject might becompressed into a space much less than that which he mentions.

iJ’Ir. T. B. Haslam (Heudick) need not have troubled himself to forwardthe stamps. His petition has not yet been formally presented, but, what ismuch better, it was read to the House by Mr. Wakley, in the debate onLord Ashley’s resolutions.W. H. and J. G., (Gargrave.)-On an average, the weight of the white of

an egg is rather more than twice that of the yolk, or as 604 to 289. Thewhite in 100 parts contains, of solid matter, 15; water, 85-the solid mattercontaining about twelve parts of albumen. The yolk contains in 100 parts,of solids, (albumen, 17, fats, 29,) 46 parts; water, 54. Therefore, measuringthe nutritive power of the different parts of any egg by the amount ofalbumen, the white of an egg is superior to the yolk; but if we estimate

by the total amount of solids, the value of the white and yolk would benearly equal. As, however, the different parts of an egg contain differentprinciples, the white having nearly all the alkaline salts, and the yolkthe phosphoric acid, lime, &c., neither of them would alone serve for thenutriment of man, even if supplied in abundance. When combined, how.ever, the egg probably contains all the principles required.A Friend in the Gallery.—A report of the whole discussion would fill our

journal. Lord ASHLEY was perfectly sincere, and his humane efforts havenot been duly appreciated. The resolutions, it should be remembered,received the hearty support of the Committee of the so-called Medical Con.vention of Poor-law Medical Officers.H. S. M.-It is not a bad application, but we strongly advise our corre-

spondent to apply to a surgeon without delay.Communications have been received from-Mr. Falconer, (Christchurch,

Hants;) E. J. T.; Mr. Coventry; M.D., (Norwich;) A Working Surgeon;Mr. Haslam, (Heudick, Carnarvon;) Dignitas; An Admirer of THE LANCET,(Newcastle;) Dr. Osborne; Lector Scalpelli; Mr. Williams; Dr. Berncastle,(Croydon;) Mr.I’on; Mr. E. J. Tilt; Mr. H. Smith; One who has Passed;Mr. Gream; W. H. J. G.; A Surgeon, (Stepney;) Amator Veritatis; Dr.Cattell, (Braunston;) A Student; Mr. L. 0. Fox, (Broughton, Hants;)Mr. I’Anson, (Whitehaven) ; A Provincial Physician; Fiat Justitia; Dr. DeMeric; M. E. R. ; A Reader from Manchester; An Old Subscriber; Dr.Cattell, (second communication;) Dr. Buck, (Kennington;) Mr. Ibell,(Ross;) Mr. Evans, (Winster, Derbyshire;) Mr. George G. Bird, (Swansea;)Secretary to the Birkenhead Medical Society; Mr. Mack, (Bradford;) Mr. W.Brooks, (Cheltenham;) Dr. R. Ross, (Boulogne;) H. S. M., (Brompton;)An Assistant Surgeon R.N., three communications and a private letter;G. L. E.; Mr. Harding; M. G. F.; One of the Permissi extra urbem; Dr.M. Heely, (Ennis;) A General Practitioner; A Freeholder of North Devon;M. F. G., (Brighton;) Mr. McDougall, (Birkenhead;) Mr. Home; Mr.

Alderton; Dr. G. A. Mantell.Eddowes’ Shrewsbury Journal, March 22nd, has been received.