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at length a few months ago, does him great credit, andwill, no doubt, be a means of making many of our professionalbrethren acquainted with the researches of M. Lugol, who mustotherwise have remained ignorant of them. We recom-inend it to our readers as a faithful and elegant translation.

Lugol’s treatise comprising merely the causes of scrofula, inorder to render the work complete, Dr. Ranking has added ashort account of the symptoms and treatment of the various formsof that disease, in an Appendix. Dr. Ranking has acquitted him-self ably of the task, and has thus greatly added to the practicalTalue of his translation.

MISS MARTINEAU’S CASE.

The following is a condensation of the " MEDICAL REPORT OFTHE CASE OF MIss H- M-," published on the 1st instant (datedDec. 14,1844), by Mr. T. M. GREENHOW, F.R.C.S.E., and SeniorSurgeon to the Newcastle-upon-Tyne Infirmary and Eye Infir-mary,* and drawn up and printed for general circulation, with 11 theentire concurrence of the patient," "scarcely any one," Mr.<}REENHow adds, having been really 11 ignorant of the generalcharacter of the precise causes of her continued suffering."

CASE.-In a letter from Venice, dated June 14th, 1839, MissM., set. 37, first communicated to me that during the precedingyear she had been sensible of a " great failure of nerve and spirits,and of strength." Frequently she experienced sharp pain in theuterine region, the catamenia occurring every two or three weeks;and a very irritating discharge, of a brown or yellowish colour,taking place in the intervals. The irregular uterine discharges Icontinued, occasionally mixed with clotted blood, and she suffered ’,from many distressing symptoms, evidently arising from uterineirritation ; " inability to stand or walk, aching and weariness ofthe back, extending down the legs to the heels ;" " tenderness andpain, on pressure, in the left groin, extending by the hip to theback. The spirits became much depressed, and the power ofenjoyment was gone." At the same time, "a membranous sub-stance, like the end of a little finger," was discovered projecting fromthe os uteri, described in the following terms, by a friend whoaccompanied Miss M. on her journey. " Twice there has beena discharge similar in colour and substance to blood. Two daysago it was found, that from the same passage (vagina) was pro-truding the extremity of a solid substance, totally insensible, of areddish-brown colour, in form resembling the end of a bullock’stongue, with a decided edge or point-it can be pushed backwithout difficulty or pain, but it falls again." Either prolapsusuteri or a polypous tumour, of a fibrous nature, was conjecturedto be the occasion of these appearances. From Lucerne, July 6,1839, Miss -11. wrote respectmg one character of the complaint,(retroversion of the uterus) which took place:-" I cannot walkwithout injury, but keep my feet laid up, and my knees somewhatraised, as the easiest posture. I began to use the syringe, as youand Dr. Nardo (an Italian physician) recommended: it was agreat relief, but in three days there was no room for it, and on thisaccount I have never been able to use it since. I discontinuedthe sponge, finding it irritating, as you say, and it is not now

necessary." The sponge was used as a pessary, and the syringe forinjecting tepid fluid into the vagina. The occupation of the vaginaby the enlarged and retroverted uterus I wish to be held in view.

In July, 1839, Miss M. arrived in Newcastle, and placed her-self under my care, suffering from the various morbid nervoussensations already described, moderate walking exercise beingattended with great inconvenience. The whole symptoms werereferrible to some derangement of the uterus, which, on exami-nation, was found large, retroverted, and fixed low down in thevagina, the os and cervix uteri occupying the anterior part of thecavity, and the body and fundus of the organ passing horizontallybackwards, till the latter approached the sacrum. The enlargeduterus thus occupying the antero-posterior diameter of the pelvis,pressed, respectively, against the urethra and neck of the bladder,and the lower part of the rectum, and this pressure often causedgreat uneasiness. while the fundus uteri extended backwardstowards the sacrum, the cervix was bent downwards behind thepubes, nearly at a right angle, and, hanging from the lip was asmall polypus, which was soon removed; but without alleviationof the symptoms. I was assured by my patient that the pro-jecting body which shewed itself at Venice was different from,

* London : Samuel Highley, 32, Fleet Street, and E. Charnley, Newcastle.1845. 8vo. Pp. 24.

and much larger than, this small polypus; and though the osuteri was not dilatable with the finger, and, from its preternaturalposition, was in a very unfavourable condition for the exclusionof any body contained within the uterus, I for some time hopedthat another and larger polypus might again appear. Warmbaths and ergot of rye did not promote this object, and soon onlyappropriate palliatives were employed.The tenderness in the left groin was somewhat relieved by

leeches, but total rest soon became absolutely necessary, and thenervous discomfort indicated recourse to opiates, used in greatmoderation, but without much relief being obtained. Subse-quently oppressive retching supervened, and much difficulty inmicturition and in emptying the bowels attended the pressure ofthe uterine tumour, as well as the distressing pains frequentlyextending to the heels. The abdomen became considerably dis-tended, from flatus and other contents, for the uterus couldnever be felt above the brim of the pelvis, though it doubtless,by pushing the viscera upwards, in some measure produced ageneral enlargement of the figure. Not unfrequently, althoughaperients or injections were used, a gradual accumulation in thebowels took place, giving rise to increased distress, requiringactive purgatives. The constant aching in the back rendered itpainful to rest upon the sacrum on the sofa, so a prone positionwas adopted.

Litt)e variation took place in the symptoms, or in the affectedorgan, and in 1840 I stated the case to Sir Charles M. Clarke,who thought that rest and palliative treatment-the generalhealth being carefully maintained-could alone be dependedon ; but in September, 1841, Sir Charles visiting this part ofthe country, after a very careful investigation, gave the follow-ing opinion in writing, dated September 30th. He says,

" I per-fectly agree with you that the disease was an enlargement of thebody of the uterus, that the neck was perfectly healthyE; althoughthe majority of these enlargements of its body do not yield toexternal applications or to internal remedies; nevertheless, thedisorder produces mechanical symptoms only, and does not lead toany fatal result, to which disease of the neck does lead. In aninstance or two, I have known such complaints as Miss M.’ssubside ; and I would employ for this purpose the continued ex-ternal use of iodine ointment," but which my patient refused tocarry into effect. Therefore I proposed a course of iodide ofiron, which, with short intervals, was persevered in till July orAugust, 1844. The distressing sickness was thus greatly miti-gated, the appetite improved, and increased health and mentalenergy shewed itself." The following, in September, 1843, washer own opinion of its effects at that time :&mdash;" I suppose I owemy much improved comfort mainly to the pills (iodide of iron);indeed, it is very great. The pulling and sinking-the mecha-nical troubles, as one may call them-of course continue ; but thealmost total absence of sickness, and the striking lessening of the’ distress’ are such a comfort tome!" Occasional examinationsof the affected organ took place, but no change could be disco-vered, excepting the appearance of a membranous substance atthe os uteri, which, generally, scarcely protruded beyond its lips,though occasionally described as larger, resembling the appear-ance observed at Venice, though smaller. It proceeded from theinterior of the uterus, and had no attachment to the neck, thefinger passing round it on all sides, naturally giving rise to therenewed supposition that the uterus contained a polypous growth,whose separation might be effected by time.On April 2nd, 1844, I first detected a change in the uterus.

The fundus was less fixed, and could be slightly raised from itsposition. The membranous pendicle remained.

In June, Miss M. suffered much from indigestion, with loadedbowels. The symptoms proper to the organic affection, espe-cially the distressing pain in the back, were increased; meanswere used to correct the visceral derangement, and a plasterwith belladonna was applied to the sacral region, from which butslight relief was obtained. The unwonted symptoms of indispo-sition had subsided, when, on June 22nd, the mesmeric treatmentwas commenced, of which a full account has been published inthe Atlienaum by Miss M. From this time she ceased to be pro-perly under my care, though her accustomed remedies were notyet laid aside, but on Sept. 4th I carefully repeated my examina-tion, and found, as on April 2nd, the posterior connexions of theuterus less fixed. The retroversion continues, but the fundus,which rests against the rectum and sacrum, feels looser, and ad-mits of being raised to some extent with the finger in vaginam.It is less firm in substance, and the os uteri, to a certain extent,dilatable. Within, and slightly projecting from the os uteri, canbe felt two substances, which convey to the finger a sensation asif two lumbrici, of moderate size, hung through the mouth of theuterus. These bodies are said, on pressure, occasionally to exudea reddish discharge. Miss M. informed me that the catameniahave resumed their natural course, and that the breasts have in-

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creased in bulk. The iodide of iron, and all aperients, have beendiscontinued, the bowels having lately acted with regularity.The use of opiates has been greatly diminished by enema, and in-ternally altogether omitted. The sickness and other gastric in-conveniences have ceased ; the irritation in the rectum and neckof the bladder are no longer complained of; quietude has suc-ceeded to irritability of the nervous system. 11 th.-Comfortable,and opiates greatly diminished; other medicines unnecessary.33een in the garden on a sofa cushion. 21st.-Reports favourably.Opiate reduced to a very small dose. Walked to the Haven, with Ino uneasy effects. Oct. 8th.-Can walk two miles and a half. IOpiates discontinued. At first the nights were bad. Last night ’,Bne slept well, having taken a quantity of brandy and water. Noirritation at the neck of the bladder. Some pressure still onrectum, otherwise feels well. Bowels regular.

Dec. 6th.-Again carefully examined the uterus, which is less&bgr;,xed. The retroversion continues, the fundus still extending to-wards the sacrum, while the os uteri approaches the pubes. Thetwo membranous pendicles remain hanging out of the os uteri.The health quite good, and the catamenia regular ; the nervouspains and irritations all subsided. Renewed habits of activityseem to have greatly contributed to restore the symmetry of theabdomen.A glance at the prescriptions employed, excepting on particu-

lar emergencies, during the last three years, wiil shew the errorof supposing that Miss M. was in the habit of seeking relief inlarge and unmeasured doses of opium. (It is unnecessary to copythem in this analysis.)Knowing well that no malignant disease of the affected organ

existed, I always believed that a time would arrive when my pa-tient would be relieved from most of her distressing symptoms,and released from her long- continued confinement. The cata-menial crisis appeared the most probable period, but I did notdespair of this happening sooner; though she never willingly lis-tened to my suggestions of the probability of such events, butseemed always best satisfied with admissions that she must everremain a secluded invalid-an additional symptom of the morbidinfluence over the nervous system, of the class of diseases inwhich this case must be included. Oftener than once I have usedthe expression that, probably, before long, Miss M. would take upher bed and walk. In this case the advocates of mesmerism maytry to find arguments in support of their opinions. But the ex-

perienced practitioner will have little difficulty in bringing thewhole into harmony with the well-established laws of human

physiology. The condition of the uterus in December, 1844, isbut the natural sequel of progressive improvement begun inApril; and the time had arrived when a new and powerful sti-mulus only was required, to enable the enthusiastic mind of mypatient to shake off the nervous symptoms.

THE GOVERNMENT MEDICAL BILL.

MEETINGS OF THE MEDICAL PROFESSION.

FINSBURY.

ON Saturday night a large and influential meeting of the generalpractitioners residing in the borough of Finsbury, was held at th*Freemasons’ Tavern, to take into consideration the best means ofopposing Sir James Graham’s Medical Profession Bill-Mr.CLIFTON, of Islington, was unanimously elected to the chair.The CHAIRMAN opened the business of the evening. He was

sure there would be a perfect unanimity of feeling among allpresent. The circumstances were most important which hadcalled them together. Within the last thirty years the status ofthe general practitioner had been greatly improved by his ownexertions. The general practitioners, it would seem, had beenraised to their high position only for the purpose of an attemptbeing made to crush them. There seemed to be a conspiracyamong certain parties to sacrifice them; but they were not to beeasily crushed. The general practitioners had done much forthe cause of humanity. They had arrested the progress of thatscourge of the human race, the small-pox. The reward theyhad met with for their humanity was to degrade them by reduc-ing their charge for vaccination to eighteenpence. He could notbut express the strongest feeling of indignation at the conduct ofthe College of Surgeons. They had seriously injured thecharacter and lowered the status of the general practitioner;and yet the general practitioners were on a footing of perfectequality as regarded professional knowledge and skill withthe council of the College of Surgeons. (Applause.) The con-duct of that body was a virtual robbery; for they had receivedthe money of the general practitioners, while they, by their

recent proceedings, stripped them of their rights. Still morecalculated to degrade and annihilate the medical profession wasthe Bill now before the legislature. (Hear, hear.) He trustedthere would be a feeling of entire cordiality and unanimityamong them. He believed sincerely that if this Bill were car-ried into a law, it would not only give a serious blow to themedical profession, but would prove most injurious to the bestinterests of society. He trusted they would shew, by their energyand determination, that they would not be crushed, but woulddeprive Sir James Graham of the pleasure of being cheated,even though he seemed to be most desirous to cheat. (Loudcheering.)

Mr. HILLIER rose to move the first resolution. Their chair-man had ably stated the circumstances under which they had as-sembled. He would, therefore, at once read the resolution whichhad been intrusted to him; the resolution was-

" That in the opinion of this meeting any legislative enactmentfor the regulation of medical and surgical practice should affordthe utmost possible protection to the public against ignorant andunqualified practitioners, and should maintain the just rights andinterests of those who have proved by competent examinationtheir fitness to undertake the important duties of their profes-sion." "

He was sure all would concur in the propriety of adopting thisresolution. Should the Bill of Sir James Graham pass into alaw, they might all take up their hats and seek some other modeof earning a livelihood. It would be entirely destructive of thegeneral practitioner. The speaker then proceeded at some lengthto point out the circumstances under which the general practi-tioners had attained their present high position. He thereforetrusted that they would oppose that measure with the utmostdetermination, but at the same time in a gentlemanly manner.

, If they so opposed it, he had no doubt they would succeed intheir efforts; for he had the best reason for believing that the

legislature was disposed to listen to their representations. Mr., Hillier then sat down amidst cheers.

Mr. SANER seconded the resolution. He had been in practicefor fifty years, and the Bill would not affect him personally. He

resisted it, however, from a full conviction of the evils that wouldresult from throwing open the profession; and he mentioned thecase of a tinker who, previously to 1815, established himself ingeneral practice. The resolution was then put and carried una-

’ nimously.Mr. HUNTER proposed the second resolution, and proceeded to

. analyze the leading provisions of the Bill. That Bill proceeded

. on a wholesale scale of repeal It proceeded to repeal all thelaws which had been passed relative to the medical professionfrom the time of Henry VIII. down to the year 1815. By onestroke of the pen eleven different acts of the legislature wereentirely cancelled. The effect of the Bill would be to let looseon the country a host of unqualified men, who would thus be puton the same footing as the regularly educated gentlemen who com-posed that meeting. The registry of qualified men would practi-cally be a nullity, for ignorant people would never take thetrouble to examine as to who were regular practitioners and whowere not. It was just the same as if Sir James Graham were torepeal all the excise laws, and then publish a list of those whowere licensed to distil or sell spirits; telling the public they

l would be able by that list to distinguish between those who were! --sgitimate dealers and those who were smugglers. The Bill wouldF open a door to 30,000 chemists, who were ready to start as prac-. titioners the moment they had an opportunity. They would

also have an extensive importation of Germans, and Americans,: aye, " Doctors" from all countries. (A laugh.) The result ofignorant persons practising as medical men would be not onlyL that thousands of the community would lose their health andE their limbs, but their lives also. (Hear, hear.) The conduct ofl Sir James Graham was most censurable in relation to the modet in which he bad brought it before the legislature. There was a

flippancy in his manner most discreditable to a home secretary’ of such a country as England. It was difficult to understandthe feelings of any man who could so introduce a measure inwhich the interests of the whole community were so seriously in-t volved. He quoted, in a manner which could not be sufficiently’ censured, the well-known lines-

" Doubtless the pleasure is as greatt Of being cheated as to cheat."f I3e would like to know what pleasure Sir James Graham couldJ himself enjoy from being cheated by some quack doctor, who, by; his empiricism, subjected him to the most excruciating torture.t If this Bill passed, any man might with impunity kill as manyt persons as he pleased by his unskilful medical treatment.- Should the Bill pass, no respectable man would think of bringing1 up his son to the medical profession. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Hunterr concluded by moving the following resolution, namely :