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Notes, Short Comments, and Answersto Correspondents.

MISLEADING PRESS CUTTINGS.

IN our issue of Sept. 7th under this heading we called attention to thefact that the Baker’s Record, possibly misled by a press-cuttingagency, had taken us severely to task for the antiquity of our viewsconcerning the methods of baking, having assumed for that purposethat a communication to our columns printed on August 22nd,1829, and reprinted under the title Looking Back," was a recenteditorial article. Now it is the turn of Milling. In the issue

of Milling of Sept. 14th the editor regrets that we should now beopening a correspondence on the use of alum in bread, inasmuch as" the day of alum in British bakeries passed away a full generationago." THE LANCET took vigorous steps to insure that passing awaysome three generations ago, and we think that the editor of Millingmight well let his numerous readers know that he has done us aninjustice.

"LOATHSOME BED STUFFING."

To the Editors of THE LANCET.SIRS,-Your article on Sept. 7th, p. 727, on the above subject is

a very opportune one in view of the diseases we are having importedinto this country and which the authorities profess they do notknow the origin of. This being a free trade country we do nothave the easy means of knowing where goods originally comefrom they have in a protected country. Rags come to this

country from Russia through Germany, and we know that

cerebro-spinal meningitis has had for generations a habitat there.What more likely than that this is the medium of transit? Weknow that during the late war these rags could not be had ; they areagain on the market. Why, I have often been asked, if the rags wereinfected, have. no troubles been traced to the factory where theywere being torn up ? Simply because in the process of teasingthere is a natural disinfectant given off. This, however, isabsent when one is lying on a bed, and the human systemis also more susceptible to disease at night than throughthe day. Also, and this is important, you may not inhale suffi-cient microbes in one night to be deadly, but continue the processand see the result. Your correspondent "R. B. K." describes the

process of making a new bed(?) and it is certainly bad enough, but heis apparently not aware of a worse evil in the trade-viz., brokers buyat sales old beds and simply put new cases on and sell them for new.In Glasgow recently all the old bedding from a disused poorhouse wassold by auction. Fleas are quite common amongst unwashed flocks,but I must speak respectfully of them as they do not bite me, but Icannot say that they would not carry infection to me on their feet (seeTHE LANCET, July 27th, p. 216, and Sept. 14th, p. 779). If ever therewas a case calling for Parliamentary intervention in the interests

of public health surely this is it.

I am, Sirs,’yours faithfully,Sept. 16th, 1907. A. B. DEWAR.

To the Editors of THE LANCET.

SIRS,-I have read with great interest " R. B. K,’s " letter descriptiveof the "cleaning" of bedding; it is certainly a case typical of hundredsin which, to the uninitiated, everything seems clean and wholesome.Similar deception prevails very largely, I am sorry to say, in thenew bedding trade where a clean tick covers the filthy flock, already sographically and correctly described in your columns, and dealers havethe audacity to label these death-traps " sanitary bedding."

I am, Sirs, yours faithfully,Sept. 16th, 1907. Isis.

THE MEDICAL BADGE.

To the Editors of THE LANCET.

SIRS.-In support of Dr. J. Dulberg’s letter I beg to remind yourreaders that in 1903 when a commercial traveller in professional attiresupplanted an eminent surgeon in attendance on an accident in aMidland town I wrote suggesting a distinguishing badge for medicalmen and inclosed illustrations that would be definite to the public,accurately descriptive to fellow medical men, and not at all repulsive tothe wearer, but no one followed on and the matter ended. Since then Imet with occasion for such a mark. I was standing on the platformat Charing Cross terminus when one of two young girls faintednear me, and being the only medical man present, so far as I know,I took charge and had her removed to the waiting-room, where quitehalf a dozen gentlemen in frock coats and silk hats came up at intervals,felt her pulse, examined her pupils, and asked questions. Wishing toget away, I inquired of each whether he was a medical man andreceived a negative reply. In these circumstances I remained on dutyuntil the patient recovered, but it was extremely distasteful to me tobe subjected to such interferences. Had there been any recognised

badge should certainly have stuck it in my coat or hat to avert theattentions of these amateur medical practitioners.

I am, Sirs, yours faithfully,Knightwick, Worcs., Sept. 16th, 1907. JOHN GOOD.

*** Mr. Good incloses coloured illustrations of his proposed badge. Itconsists of a shield charged with a Greek cross. This and the shieldare to be coloured differently for the different qualifications or forthe positions held by the wearer. The cross is also charged with arose, thistle, or shamrock.-ED. L.

ENGLISH AS TRANSLATED FROM THE FRENCH.

WE have received from an esteemed correspondent a circular dealingwith a purgative medicine which shows very well the pitfalls intowhich a translator may be led by relying solely on a dictionary. Itreminds us of the schoolboy who rendered "He sealed it with hisown seal " by " Sigillavit sua propria phoca."

Les pastilles auraix sont le seul médicament guerissant laconstipation et les affections qui en derivent. C’est egalementle seul laxatif agreable a prendre qui n’irrite ni ne congestionne1’intestin, tout en donnant des selles abondantes, sans jamais decoliques.The pastilles auraix are the only medicament healing the con-

stipation and the affections from it descend. It is the only laxativeagreable to take who not incense, and not congestion, the entrailsand giving plentiful saddle and never cholic.

THE CONTROL OF HEMORRHAGE IN BULLET WOUNDS OFTHE LUNGS BY AMYL NITRITE.

Dr. Ernest A. Sweet, in the August number of the Military Surgeon,Pennsylvania, advocates the use of amyl nitrite in controlling hoemor-rhage in bullet wounds of the lungs. Dr. Sweet has given the drugan extended trial and has succeeded in checking haemorrhage in everycase but one, excepting those cases which proved fatal from ruptureof aneurysmal dilatation, causing suffocation of the patients. Since

nearly one-half of the men killed in battle succumb from penetratingwounds of the chest followed by haemorrhage as an immediate andserious complication, the introduction of a satisfactory method oftreatment is highly important. The administration of amyl nitriteby inhalation of five minims in the form of glass capsulesshould differ in no respect from the method adopted in the treatmentof angina pectoris and asthma. Dr. Sweet recommends that if

bleeding fails to cease after the physiological action of the drughas been produced and maintained for several minutes the administration of the drug should be discontinued, as success is not likelyto result.

EAR PLUGS.

To the Editors of THE LANCET.

SIRS,-In answer to " F. G." I recommend Hawksley’s Antiphones,or sound deadeners. These plugs, fitted into the external ear, can beworn day or night by those for whom the noise makes study or restimpossible. They have been much used by the Services during biggun or rifle practice, and by sportsmen who fear gun-deafness.

I am, Sirs, yours faithfully,M.B.

* ** We have received specimens of the antiphones from Mr. T.

Hawksley, 357, Oxford-street, London, W. They are composed of waxand wool. In cold weather the wearer is instructed to warm them bythe hand when they can be easily shaped into a cone and mouldedinto the external ear by the finger. The price is 3s. 6d. per pair. Wehave had letters from medical correspondents advocating the employ-ment of ear plugs in the circumstances described by " F. G.," but wetake it that he wants details of a particular apparatus and not recom-mendations of their use.-ED. L.

AN APPEAL.

Dr. Herbert A. Smith writes to us on behalf of the wife of a medical manwho has been reduced to great poverty owing to the mental failureof her husband’ who was for some years in practice. He is now undercare but his wife has been left with six children and very scantymeans. The British Medical Benevolent Fund has granted hersome temporary assistance and it is now proposed to place her in asmall business, while a friend who keeps a school has offered to boardand educate several of the children for a nominal fee. Dr. HerbertSmith is willing to act as treasurer of a fund for her relief and willbe happy to send details to anyone who may care to help. Dr.Herbert Smith’s address is The Acacias, Uxbridge-road, West

Acton, W.

SECOND-HAND BOTTLES.

To the Editors of THE LANCET.

! SIRS,-Although my opinion as a bottle manufacturer may be con-, sidered biased, nevertheless I venture to give vent to my surprise that) no steps have ever been taken to protect the public against the per-1 nicious use of second-hand medicine bottles. Sanitary authorities, whor usually are so keen at ferreting out evils, appear to close an indulgent) eye to this pernicious practice. Old used bottles, some of them havingI been the receptacle of poisonous chemicals which crystallise and never

942

can be thoroughly washed out, become the prey of the rag and bonpicker, who subsequently sella them to a bottle dealer, who in turnsubjects them to an apology for cleaning in surroundings which andanything but salubrious. The greatest surprise, however, I mus

express that the very persons who should know better-namely, doctor-buy such second-hand bottles because they are a few pence cheapethan new bottles. Some doctors buy these bottles in the full knowledge that they are second-hand ; others, again, may do so in ignorancethe bottles having been mixed with new ones by dishonest dealers..think that so powerful a journal as yours should enter into a vigorouscampaign against the use of second-hand bottles of any descriptiorwhatsoever. I am, Sirs, yours faithfully,Holborn, E.C., Sept. 23rd, 1907. U. A. PFEIFER.

DEATH FROM AN ESCAPE OF COAL GAS (?).To the Editors of THE LANCET.

SIRS,-I should very much like your opinion upon a case recentlythe subject of an inquest. Deceased was found dead in bed at 7 A.M.he was in his nightshirt, a sheet partially covering his legs, and he haca book by his side on the bed. The room smelt strongly of gas and thEone gas burner, which was about seven feet from his head, was turned on ; there was no tubing attached to it. The window was shut and theback of the register was closed ; there was no covering over the keyholeof the door and there was a space between the bottom of the door andthe oilcloth of one-third of an inch with no mat.A penny-in-the-slot meter was in use and was empty. It is believed,

and so far as possible was proved, that less than one penny worth ofgas was in the meter when he went to bed. He might have got upafter midnight, gone downstairs and along a passage, and put morepennies in the me’ er. He had never done so before and the landlordbelieves it would have been impossible without rousing the household.The cubic capacity of the room was about 950. One pennyworth ofgas, which would have been about four hours in escaping, would be25 feet. This would give about 2½ per cent. of gas in the atmosphereof the room. Would this produce death? The verdict of the jury wasAccidental death caused by an escape of gas."

I am, Sirs, yours faithfully,Sept. 21st, 1907. M. C. W.

*** We do not think that a proportion of 2½ per cent. of coal gasin the atmosphere of a bedroom would destroy life; that is to say, ifthe coal gas contained only the usual proportion of carbon monoxide-i.e., about 7 per cent. But the proportion of CO in coal gas variesmuch and the present fashion of "enriching" ordinary coal gas tendsto increase the amount of CO. Our correspondent gives us noinformation as to the composition of the gas. It must be rememberedalso that the slot machine may have delivered more gas for a pennythan it was estimated to deliver.-ED. L.

-P. I. J.-We cannot answer our correspondent quite fully. THE LANCETwas born in a hurry into a world that was hardly ready toreceive it, and its very masculine mother was quite possiblyignorant of the proper steps to take to nurture the infant. Thefirst number appeared on Sunday, Oct. 5th, 1823. It consistedof 36 demy octavo pages and was printed and published byA. Mead at 201, Strand, opposite St. Clement’s Church. Bythe second number the printer and publisher was changed, thename being now given as C. R. Clement, but the sameaddress is used. The reason for the change may have been thatthe first printer and publisher became timid, for a promise ofrevelations concerning the manners of a certain minister, whichwas made in the first number, was very faithfully redeemed in thesecond number. The third and fourth numbers were printed at

21, Great New-street, by C. R. Clement, and published at 201, Strand,without a publisher’s name. By the fifth number a further changehad taken place; the printer remained unaltered but the officeof issue was now 4, Catherine-street. Strand, no publisher’s namebeing given. The sixth, seventh, and eighth had the same imprintas the fifth, but the ninth number was printed and published byJ. Onwhyn, at 4, Catherine-street, Strand. The address of J. Onwhyn,who was the father of Thomas Onwhyn. the huthorous artist, is

given in the " National Dictionary of Biography" as 3, Catherine-street, Strand; we like to think that his early connexion withourselves enabled him to enlarge his premises.

Beljast.-There is no one book on the subject. Our correspondentshould consult a work on medical electricity, such as "Medical

Electricity," by H. Lewis Jones, M.D., fifth edition (London H. K.Lewis); or " A Manual of Practical Medical Electricity," by DawsonTurner, M.D., fourth edition (London : Baillière, Tindall, and Cox).The process is painful and only about 10 to 20 hairs can be removedat one sitting. The amount of scarring depends upon the skill ofthe operator.

Swiss.-Our correspondent is advised to consult his usual medicalattendant.

Anglo-Indian.-Our correspondent has omitted to inclose either nameor address.

C )MMUNiOATiO!f8 not noticed in our present issue will receive attentionin our next.

Medical Diary for the ensuing Week.OPERATI’ONS.

METROPOLITAN HOSPITALS.MONDAY (30th).-London (2 P.M.), St. Bartholomew’s (1.30 r.n2.j, St.

, Thomas’s (3.30 P.M.), St. George’s (2 P.M.), St.’ Mary’s (2.30 P.M.),Middlesex (1.30 P.M.), Westminster (2 P.M.), Chelsea (2 P.M.),Samaritan (Gynaecological, by Physiciahs, 2 P.M.), Soho-square(2 P.M.), City Orthopaedic (4 P.M.), Gt. Northern Central (2.30 P.M.),

-

West London (2.30 P.M.), London Throat (9.30 A.M.), Royal Free(2 P.M.), Guy’s (1.30 P.M.), Children, Gt. Ormond-street (3 P.M.),St. Mark’s (2.30 P.M.).

TUESDAY (1st).-London (2 P.M.), St. Bartholomew’s (1.30 P.M.), St.Thomas’s (3130 P.M.), Guy’s (1.30 P.M.), Middlesex (1.30 P.M.), West-minster (2 P.M.), West London (2.30 P.M.), University College(2 P.M.), St. George’s (1 P.M.), St. Mary’s (1 P.M.), St. Mark’s(2.30 P.M.), Cancer (2 P.M.), Metropolitan (2.30 P.M.), London Throat(9.30 A.M.), Samaritanar(9.30 A.M. and 2.30 P.M.), Throat, Golden-square (9.30 A.M.), Sohlo-square (2 P.M.), Chelsea (2 P.M.), CentralLondon Throat and Ear (2 P.M.), Children. Gt. Ormond-street(2 P.M., Ophthalmic, 2.15 P.M.), Tottenham (2.30 P.M.).

WEDNESDAY (2nd).-St. Bartholomew’s (1.30P.M.), University College(2 P.M.), Royal Free (2 P.M.), Middlesex (1.30 P.M.), Charing Cross(3 P.M.), St. Thomas’s (2 P.M.), London (2 P.M.), King’s College(2 P.M.), St. George’s (Ophthalmic, 1 P.M.), St. Mary’s (2 P.M.),National Orthopaedic (10 A.M.), St. Peter’s (2 P.m.), Samaritan(9.30 A.M. and 2.30 P.M.), Gt. Northern Central (2.30 P.M.), West-minster (2 P.M.), Metropolitan (2.30 P.M.), London Throat (9.30 A.M.),Cancer (2 P.M.), Throat, Golden-square (9.30 A.M.), Guy’s (1.30 P.M.),Royal Ear (2 P.M.), Royal Orthopedic (3 P.M.), Children, Gt.Ormond-street (9.30 A.M., Dental, 2 P.M.), Tottenham (Ophthalmic,2.30). P.M.

THURSDAY (3rd).-St. Barth9lomew’s (1.30 ,P.M.), St. Thomas’s(3.30 P.M.), University College (2 P.M.), Charing Cross (3 P.M.), St.’‘’George’s (1 P.M.), London (2 P.M.), King’s College (2 P.M.), Middlesex(1.30 P.M.), St. Mary’s (2.30 P.M.), Soho-square (2 P.M.), North-WestLondon (2 P.M.), Gt. Northern Central (Gynaecological, 2.30 P.M.),Metropolitan (2.30 P.M.), London Throat (9.30 A.M.), Samaritan(9.30 A.M. and 2.30 P.M.), Throat, Golden-square (9.30 A.M.), Guy’s(1.30 P.M.), Royal Orthopaedic (9 A.M.), Royal Ear (2 P.M.), Children,Gt. Ormond-street (2.30 P.M.), Tottenham (Gynaecological, 2.30 P.M.).

FRIDAY (4th).-London (2 P.M.), St. Bartholomew’s (1.30 P.M.), St.Thomas’s (3.30 P.M.), Guy’s (1.30 P.M.), Middlesex (1.30 P.M.), CharingCross (3 P.M.). St. George’s (1 P.M.), King’s College (2 P.M.). St. Mary’s(2 P.M.), Ophthalmic (10 A.M.), Cancer (2 P.M.), Chelsea (2 P.M.), Gt.Northern Central (2.30 P.M.), West London (2.30 P.M.), LondonThroat (9.30 A.M.), Samaritan (9.30 A.M. and 2.30 P.M.). Throat,Golden-square (9.30 A.M.), City Orthopaedic (2.30 P.M.), Soho-square(2 P.M.), Central London Throat and Ear (2 P.M.), Children, Gt.Ormond-street (9 A.M., Aural, 2 P.M.), Tottenham (2.30 P.M.),St. Peter’s (2 P.M.).

SATURDAY (5th).-Royal Free (9 A.M.), London (2 P.M.), Middlesex(1.30 P.M.), St. Thomas’s (2 P.M.), University College (9.15 A.M.),Charing Cross (2 P.M.), St. George’s (1 P.M.), St Mary’s (10 P.M.),Throat, Golden-square (9.30 A.M.), Guy’s (1.30 P.M.), Children, Gt.Ormond-street (9.30 A.M.).

At the Royal Eye Hospital (2 P.M.), the Royal London Ophthalmic(10 A.M.), the Royal Westminster Ophthalmic (1.30 P.M.), and theCentral London Ophthalmic Hospitals operations are performed daily.

SOCIETIES.THURSDAY (3rd).-NORTH-EAST LONDON CLINICAL SOCIETY (Prince

of Wales’s Hospital, Tottenham, N.).-4.15 P.M.: Opening Address:-Dr. H. White: The Various Conditions causing Enlargement of theLiver.

FRIDAY (4th).-W.EST LONDON MEDICO-CHIRURGICAL SOCIETY (West, London Hospital, Hammersmith-road, W.).-8.30 P.M.: Annual

Presidential Address:-Mr. R. Lake: The Relationship of Diseaseof the Ear, Nose, and Larynx to General Medicine.

LEOTURES, ADDRESSES, DEMONSTRATIONS, &0.MONDAY (30th).-POST-GRADUATE COLLEGE (West London Hospital,

Hammerfimir,b road, W.).-2 P.M.: Medical and Surgical Clinics.X Rays. Mr. Dunn : Diseases of the Eye. 2.30 P.M.: Operations.

MEDICAL GRADUATES’ COLLEGE AND POLYCLINIO (22, Chenies-street,W.C.).-4 P M : Dr. G. Little: Clinique. (Skin.)

TUESDAY (1st).-POST-GRADUATE COLLEGE (West London HospitalHammersmith- road, W.).-2 P.M.: Medical and Surgical Clinics.X Rays. Dr. Ball: Diseases of the Throat, Nose, and Ear. 2.30 P.3f..Operations. Dr. Abraham: Diseases of the Skin.

MEDICAL GRADUATES’ COLLEGE AND POLYCLINIC (22, Chenies-streetW.C.).-4 P.M.: Dr. H. Campbell: Clinique. (Medical.)

LONDON SCEOOL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE (Dreadnought Hospital,Greenwich).-2.30 P.M.: Operations. 2.30 P.M.: Dr. R. T. Hewlett:MediciLe. 3.15 P.M.: Mr. Carless: Surgery. 4 P.M.: Mr. M. Morris:Diseases of the Skin. Out-patient Demonstrations :-10 A.M.:Surgical and Medical. 12 noon : Skin.

WEDNESDAY (2nd).-POST-GRADUATE COLLEGE (West London Hos-pital, Hammersmith-road, W.).-10 A.M.: Dr. Ball: Diseases of theThroat, Nose, and Ear. Dr. Saunders: Diseases of Children. 2 P.M.;Medical and Surgical Clinics. Mr. K. Scott: Diseases of the Eye.X Rays. 2.30 P.M.: Operations. Dr. Robinson: Diseases of Women.

MEDICAL GRADUATES’ COLLEGE AND POLYOLINIC (22, Chenie6-straet,W.C.).-4 P.M.: Mr. J. Berry: Clinique. (Surgical.)

LONDON SCHOOL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE (Dreadnought Hospital,Greenwich).-2.30 P.M.: Operations. 2.30 P.M.: Dr. F. Taylor :. a