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Medical Diary of the Week.Monday, Dec. 2.

ROYAL LONDON OPHTHALMIC HOSPITAL, Moorfields.-Operations, lO½A.M.ROYAL WESTMINSTER OPHTHALMIC HOSPITAL.--Operations, 1½ P.M.ST. MARK’S Hospital.-Operations, 2 P.M.METROPOLITAN FREE Hospital.-Operations, 2 P.M.MEDICAL SOCIETY OF London.-8 P.M. Open night.-Dr. E. Symes Thomp-

son, " On a Case of Pneumothorax with Empyema, necessitating Opera-tion." - Dr. Sansom, " On a Case of Infantile Paralysis treated by theContinuous Current."-Dr. Douglas Powell, "On a Case of MediastinalTumour."-Mr. Thos. Bryant, "On Fracture of Neck of Thigh-bone."

ODONTOLOGICAL SOCIETY.-8 P.M. Discussion upon the second and finalReport of the Committee appointed to inquire into the Action of NitrousOxide Gas.

Tuesday, Dec. 3.ROYAL LONDON OPHTHALMIC HOSPITAL, MOORFIELDS.-OPERATIONS, 10½ A.M.ROYAL WESTMINSTER OPHTHALMIC HOSPITAL.—Operations, 1½ P.M.GUY’S HOSPITAL.-Operations, 1½ P.M.WESTMINSTER HOSPITAL.---Operations, 2 P.M.NATIONAL ORTHOPEDIC HOSPITAL.-Operations, 2 P.M.ROYAL FREE HOSPITAL.-Operations, 2 P.M.WEST TENDON HOSPITAL.-Operations, 3 P.M.PATHOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON.-8 P.M. The following Specimens will

be exhibited :-Molluscum Fibrosum, a living subject; ObstructedCirculation in the Left Arm with Wasting, a living subject; Medias-tinal Tumours and Dilatation of the Bronchi; Cast of the Lower Ex-tremity, showing Curvature of the Femur; Epithelioma of the LabiumPudendi in a Girl aged twenty; Extreme Aortic Stenosis; Stomachfrom a Case of Poisoning by Hydrofluoric Acid; Cancer of the Tonsil ;Fatty Degeneration, with Calcification of the Pancreas, from a Case ofDiabetes; Five Recurrent Fibroid Tumours, the Sequel to a Case pre-viously reported to the Society; &c. &c.

Wednesday, Dec. 4.ROYAL LONDON OPHTHALMIC HOSPITAL, Moorfields.-Operstions, l0½ .A M.MIDDLESEX HOSPITAL.-Operations, 1 P.M.ST. GEORGE’S HOSPITAL.-ophthalmic Operations, 1-.’ P.M.ST. MARY’S HOSPITAL.-Operations, 11 P.M.ROYAL WESTMINSTER OPHTHALMIC HOSPITAL.-Operations, 1½ P.M.ST. BARTHOLOMEW’S HOSPITAL.-Operations, 1½ P.M.ST. THOMAS’S HOSPITAL.-Operations, 1½ P.M.KING’S COLLEGE HOSPITAL.-Operations, 2 P.M.GREAT NORTHERN HOSPITAL.-Operations, 2 P.M.UNIVERSITY COLLEGE HOSPITAL.-Operations, 2 P.M.LONDON HOSPITAL.-Operations, 2 P.M.SAMARITAN FREE HOSPITAL FOR WOMEN AND CHILDREN.—Operations, 2a P.M.CANOBB HOSPITAL.-Operations, 3 P.M.OBSTETRICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON.-8 P.M. Dr. Edis, "On the Systematic

Examination of the Abdomen with a view to the Rectifying of Malposi-tions."-Dr. Squarey, "On Flexions of the Uterus."-And other papers.

ROYAL MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY.-8 P.M.

Thursday, Dec. 5.ROYAL LONDON OPHTHALMIC HOSPITAL,MOOBFIBLDB.-OperatIODa, lO2 A.M.ST. GHORGB’S HOSPITAL.-Operations, 1 P.M.ROYAL WESTMINSTER OPHTHALMIC HOSPITAL.-Operations. 1’2 P.M.UNIVERSITY COLLEGE HOSPITAL.-Operations, 2 P.M.ROYAL ORTHOPEDIC HOSPITAL.-Operations, 2 P.M.CENTRAL LONDON OPHTHALMIC HOSPITAL.-Operations, 2 P.M.HUNTERIAN SOCIETY.-8 P.M.

Friday, Dec. 6.ROYAL LONDON OPHTHALMIC HOSPITAL, MOORFIELDS.-Operations, 10½A.M.ROYAL WESTMINSTER OPHTHALMIC HOSPITAL.--Operations, 1½ P.M.Guy’s HOSPITAL.-Operations, 1½ P.M.ROYAL SOUTH LONDON OPHTHALMIC HOSPITAL.-Operations, 2 P.M.CENTRAL LONDON OPHTHALMIC HOSPITAL.--Operations. 2 P.M.MEDICAL MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY (St. Bartholomew’s Hospital). - 8 P.M.

Meeting to sanction Rules, elect Officers, receive names of intendingMembers, &e.

Saturday, Dec. 7.HOSPITAL ,FOR WOMEN, Soho-aquare.-Operationa, 9½ A.M.ROYAL LONDON OPHTHALMIC HOSPITAL, MOORFIELDs.-Operations, 10½ A.M.ROYAL WESTMINSTER OPHTHALMIC HOSPITAL.—Operations, 1½ P.M.ST. BARTHOLOMEW’S HOSPITAL.--Operations, 1½ P.M.KING’S COLLEGE HOSPITAL.-Operations, 1½ , P.31.ROYAL FREE HOSPITAL.-Operations, 2 P.M.CHABIN6-CB.osa HOSPITAL.-Operations,2 2 P.M.

Notes, Short Comments, and Answers toCorrespondents.

CALICO BANDAGES.A Leny NURSE has forwarded for our inspection a sample of calico forbandages, prepared with a coloured thread running longitudinallythrough the material at intervals, corresponding to the breadth of thedifferent bandages into which the material is to be converted. When

large numbers of bandages are used, she has found that this simple expe-dient does away with measuring, and economises time, and the suggestionhas been courteously forwarded to us under the impression that it mayprove useful to others.

Dr. James Thompson’s communication arrived too late for insertion in ourpresent number, but shall appear in our next.

Kf, W. Akerman.-Apply to the Under-Secretary for the Colonies.

IRRESISTIBLE MEDICAL VOCATION.THE students of the Faculty of Medicine of Montpellier have lately beenmuch grieved at the death of one of themselves, who had attained a highposition in medicine, though of very humble origin. The deceased, JulianAraspin, was born in a little village of the Pyrenees, and up to his seven-teenth year worked in the fields. At that period he came to Beziers tolearn gardening, but obtained employment as ward attendant at the hos-pital. By his excellent conduct and anxiety to relieve the sick, he wasraised, at Montpellier, to the rank of chief attendant, and then, at the ageof twenty-two, he employed his leisure hours to educate himself. By dintof perseverance and by devoting to study the hours of sleep, he succeededafter severe toil in passing a preliminary literary examination. He had atthat period the support of an eminent member of the Faculty, who hadwatched his efforts with much interest. He soon obtained the lower

grade of officier de santé," but did not rest there. Still engaged as chiefwarder, he now began Latin and Greek, and became successively Bachelorof Arts and Bachelor of Science. Araspin was now entrusted with thecare of the sick as supernumerary "interne" on two different occasionsat the St. Eloi Hospital; and just as he was on the point of reaping thereward of his efforts, fatigue and self-sacrifice cut short his career. Hedied in harness, leaving a bright example of firmness of purpose underunfavourable circumstances.

Mr. H. G. .Armstrong is thanked for his courtesy. The paper came duly tahand.

ADVICE GRATIS.

To the Editor o/TsB LANCET.

SIR,-It is pleasant to find that the eyes of some members of the profes-sion are open to the evils of gratuitous practice: a by-way of our craftsurely not to be tolerated much longer. Where is the root of this noxious

plant? What the origin of this pseudo-philanthropy Is the object ofthose who seek honorary appointments, as they are called, pure and simple ?Do they wish only to benefit their fellow-creatures ? I refrain from answer-ing the question. But if we do not know the cause (and it is not easy todiscover any warrant for this pernicious practice in so wealthy a country asEngland), what are the effects ? Why, the gradual draining of the medicalexchequer, straitened circumstances, life struggles, destitute families, directdescent of the whole body in the social scale, and general drifting of thelower strata in the direction of absolute pauperism. Where is the moralityof all this ?

I think, Sir, that the welfare of the many must no longer be made sub-ordinate to the supposed interests of a few, and they not always hominesclarissimi. What I have, then, to propose as a remedy for this system ofpetty larceny, carried on by the public, and connived at by ourselves, is theabolition of all honorary medical appointments. Every institution shouldbe, and generally is, able to recompense the officers it employs for theirservices, or else to contribute in due proportion to our medical charities,and when it cannot so contribute, he who accepts the unpaid post should doso himself; for it is obvious that if he can spare his time to the public, hecan also spare some portion of his means to the needy of his own profession.In this way some kind of check may be put upon a custom which has growninto a monstrous abuse, into a plaguy excrescence, for which evulsion is theonly radical cure!

I am persuaded that the readers of THE LANCET cannot spend tenminutes better than in looking over the letter of "A Physician" in yourissue of the 26th ult., entitled " Professional Suicide," and I would espe-cially commend its perusal to two important classes-viz., the heads of theprofession and those about to enter it. Yours obediently,November 5th, 1872. F.R.C.S.

A Sewage Utilisation Advocate.-l. Major Scott (Ealing) will furnish allnecessary particulars. - 2. Mr. Stanford read a paper describing his pro-cess at the Chemical Society, Burlington House, on the 7th Novemberlast, and we recommend an application to the Secretary. - 3. We be-lieve that no fourth Report has as yet been issued.

Mr. J. D. Robinson.-We think the following would answer our correspond-ent’s requirements :-Sutton’s Volumetric Analysis, and Parkes’s PracticalHygiene.

INFANTILE PARALYSIS.

To the Editor of THE LANCET.

SIx,-In reply to Dr. Baird’s question in your last number as to thetreatment of this affection, the local hypodermic injection of strychnine isusually employed, according to Mr. R. Barwell, after galvanism and the in-ternal use of the drug have failed. The solution he uses is made by Messrs.Haselden, of Conduit-street. In boys, infantile paralysis often co-existswith, or is caused by, a narrow phimosis, with priapism; the remedy is cir-cumcision. In girls we may have ascarides, highly acid urine, pruritus;for the treatment, more elaborate details, and cases, I would refer Dr. Bairdto Mr. Barwell’s valuable paper in THE LANCET of the 29th ult., pp. 551-2.Dr. Rutherford Haldane, of Edinburgh, has often obtained a cure in casesnot anæmic by substituting ergot of rye for strychnine, and combining italso with iron. The bromide and iodide of potassium are sometimes usefulat first, then tonics ; and if there is any local cause, of course local treat-ment as well as constitutional; if any syphilitic history, small doses ofcalomel. A thorough and persistent use of olive-oil inunction night andmorning might also be of service. "Duo sunt liquores corporibus humanisgratissimi; intus vini, foris olei." (Pliny.) One seldom hears the result ofthese inquiries in THE LANCET; but I hope Dr. Baird will give the resultof his case as a useful guide to others in a similar case.

Yours respectfully,Camelford, Nov. 23rd, 1872. JOHN Mola, L.R.C.P. Edin.

Mark Tapley.-A special certificate is required. Such certificates are sup-plied by gentlemen specially appointed, of whom a list is given in theMedical Directory. We may mention Mr. Marson, of London; Dr. EdmundRobinson, of Birmingham; Mr. Frederick Holmes, of Leeds; Mr. ArthurBrowne Steele, of Liverpool.

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’JC.D., (Berwick-on-Tweed.) - Thanks. Our correspondent’s remarks arquite to the point. What we presume the writer of the article desired t

eonvey was the fact that we could not get behind the consciousness othe lower animals, and that there was a tendency at the present time tbring to their acts what writers desired to find in them, and sometimeto consider such and such acts as the outcome of a ratiocinative processwhen they might, in reality, only be indications of a reflex impulse. Ware far from saying that the dog and his master may not ratiocinate iI

the same way, or that they do not both act in obedience to a thoughfrom within; but we hold that some of the stories in illustration of thaposition are obviously much coloured by the views of those who relatEthem.

A Stutdent, (Glasgow.) - Dr. Balfour Stewart’s Lessons in Elementar3Physics, published by Macmillan and Co.

Mr. Shelley.-A letter addressed to the Editor shall receive attention.

EMIGRANT SHIPS.

To the Editor of THE LANCET.

SIR,-I have read with much interest the report of your Sanitary Commission on Emigrant Ships, and agree generally in the conclusions arrived aiMy experience of emigrant ships led me many years ago to come to thbelief that there was only one way of meeting the difficulty of comforlcleanliness, ventilation, and comparative perfect sanitary regulations, aliithat one way was the construction of a suitable class of ship. The nel

steamships on the Atlantic lines are very superior in their sanitary arrangements as contrasted with those built a few years ago; but in the futurthere will be emigrant vessels three times the tonnage of those now afloatand in these big ships there will be plenty of room for giving marrie(couples and families separate cabins, and dividing the sexes by regula:apartments. In 1861, Mr. Thos. Silver, C.E., of New York, well known iIshipping circles as the inventor of governors for marine engines, and wh(had devoted much consideration to Atlantic steam navigation, suggested aIimproved form of Great Eastern, and in September of that year that high]3gifted gentleman and myself lodged a specification at the Patent Office focertain improvements in the construction of ships. We designed a largesteamer for the Bristol and New York trade, which we called the Spirit oJthe Aqe, and a drawing of the proposed ferry-boat, with full details, wa.published by Foster, of Fenchurch-street. This ship was to have drawneighteen feet of water, possessed greater beam than the Great Eastern, andhad less height out of water. It will be seen by those who look at ourspecification in the Patent Office that the iron ship was to have beendivided into four tubular sections about the load line, with one longitudinalpartition secured to the centre kelson, and the two others to spring fromside or sister kelsons. The two longitudinal divisional side partitions wereto be carried up to the upper deck, and high enough above the deck to formthe sides of a hurricane deck, enclosing cabins and saloon. The machineryand boilers were to be in the side sections, so as to keep the whole centraldivision free from coals, cargo, or stores in the passenger departments.Hot-air pipes were to be fitted to the boilers to distribute heat through thevessel, and flexible hose attached at proper intervals to those pipes were tobe at command to smother conflagration by steam. That is a broad outlineof our ship, which would have been of about 12,000 tons gross register.Such a ship would have made the passage much quicker than any steamerthen or now in existence; and by not being masted and heavily rigged,it would have presented the least resistance to winds and seas, and pre-served the steadiest possible platform, thus diminishing the tendency tosickness. The part, however, which more immediately concerns the subjectwhich you have so forcibly descanted upon was not overlooked. We madepractical experiments, and found that gas, instead of ascending, descended.We, therefore, proposed to insert trap valves in the decks to carry the foulair into the hold, where it would be met by a draught which would lead itinto and through pipes inserted through the decks. These ventilatingpipes or tubes were to have cap cones; and the trap-valves in the decks forthe passage downwards of the carbonic gases were to be in the form of self-acting floats, covered by gratings. To diffuse light between decks, honey-combed framed glass of a peculiar pattern and make are to be let in thedecks. You say, "The ventilation question is difficult of solution, and thosewho have studied the matter know that in this, as in other things, it iseasy to preach and hard to practice." This is true enough; for all who.have been on board of a ship with some hundreds of men, women, andchildren have experienced the difficulty of keeping the cabins clean, sweet,and ventilated. No contrivances can be perfect where space is prescribedand fresh water limited. Mr. Silver and myself felt the force of this, and, to meet the objections on sanitary grounds, planned the hull of a ship whichought to afford the maximum of convenience in every respect. We intendedthat all urinals and closets should be on both sides of the upper deck, butapproached from the deck beneath by a staircase. This would have ob-viated the necessity of going up on deck in the open air in wet and stormyweather, and there would have been no nuisances visible from the deck, asis now too frequently the case. My friend Mr. Silver, who has made manypassages across the Atlantic, still adheres to his ideas of twelve years back,and I do not see any other manner of gaining room except by the use ofimproved ships. Steamers of the size and description here alluded to willpartly solve the sanitary problem; and as the last steamship from thestocks is bigger than its predecessor, it is clear we are sensibly approachingthe time when vessels of 600 feet in length will be preferred by emigrantsand voyagers generally. The Cunarders of a few years ago were 200 feet inlength; but there are now ships over 400 feet, and these latter will be gra-dually superseded by those of larger size. As the tonnage of individual,vessels increases, the means of providing sanitary arrangements will augmentproportionally, aud the wonder will be that the emigrant was not bettercared for in davs gone by. Yours truly,

Catford, S.E., Nov. 23rd, 1872. ’

THOS. MooRE.

THE TIVERTON INFIRMARY.A MEMBER of the Committee, Mr. H. Stokes, in trying to defend the recentappointment, says the object was to save jE20, and avoid the risk of takinga stranger. Mr. Stokes evidently thinks that Tiverton is the only schoolfor house-surgeons, and that strangers "in the lump are bad."

Mr. William Barnett, (Weston-super-Mare.)--Our correspondent probablyalludes to Sir Charles Bell’s Treatise on the Human Hand.

A Parish Officer.-" The provision of a hospital under 29 & 30 Viet., cap. 90, sec. 37, embraces all that is essentially necessary to render the buildingF available for use as a hospital." (See Public Health Laws, by Mr., Cuningham Slea.) Both druggists’ charges and those of our correspondent

would, doubtless, be allowed. But if the Clerk of the Local Board is in

, any doubt as to the legality of any items of expense, he should seek in-! formation from head quarters.

Medicus.-As the members of the staff seem to have been all appointed atthe same time, there can be no question of seniority.

A Surgeon.-We have received more than one copy of the circular in ques-tion, and shall give the matter our attention.

Mr. J. G. Braden.-The suggestion shall be considered.

A WARNING TO ASSISTANTS, INTENDING PARTNERS, AND OTHERS.To the Editor of THE LANCET.

SIR,-In your journal of the 9th instant an advertisement appeared thata "locum tenens," with prospect of partnership and ultimate succession,was required by a gentleman practising in a market town in the West ofEngland. I answered the advertisement, enclosing testimonials, and imme-diately received a letter from the gentleman, who requested a personalinterview, telling me that he was laid up with an accident to his foot, andwanted immediate help, advising me further how best to reach my destina-tion, and desiring me to telegraph to him when he might expect me. I didso, and started at once, lest delay should inconvenience his patients. Whenmy railway journey was over, I found to my surprise that I had sixteenmiles further to go across country, at very great expense and personal in-convenience. On my arrival I was introduced to the incumbent, whom tomy horror I found an old man of about seventy-eight years of age, confinedto his bed, where he had been for the last six months, suffering with gan-grene of the foot. He offered me terms which no gentleman of any profes-sional standing could accept. Finding that he was not suffering from theimmediate effects of an accident, which his letter led me to believe, I left;and on asking for half the expenses which I had incurred through hiscraftiness, for his own convenience, he refused them point blank. Will youplease inform me if I have a remedy against such ungentlemanly treatment 2

Deal, November 20th, 1872. I am, Sir, yours, &c.,

VICTIM.Deal, November 20th, 1872. VICTIM.

*** There is a want of any positive undertaking on the part of the adver-tiser as to the payment of travelling expenses, and he would probablyescape in a legal suit. But his conduct was shabby, not to use a strongerword. The case should serve as a grave warning to those who go greatdistances to enter into negotiations to have a clear understanding aboutthe payment of the expenses.-Ed. L.

Qucæstor (Norwich) will not be wrong in using any of the standard text-books on the subjects alluded to by him. We should advise him to con-sult, in addition, Aitken’s work on Medicine, Parkes’s Practical Hygiene,Roscoe’s Chemistry, and Green’s little book on Pathological Histology.

Mr. John N. Moore.-Equal distribution of patients seems a fair arrange-ment.

L. B. (Devon and Exeter Hospital) is thanked for his communication.

CURIOUS CASE.To the Editor of THE LANCET.

SIR,-An unusual case has been under my professional notice for sometime, which may be interesting to my professional brethren.In the early part of January, 1871, I was requested to visit a girl, aged

about thirteen, living in the village of Turville, Bucks. I found her in alow declining state, and, her parents being very poor, I obtained admissionfor her at the Reading Hospital, from which she was discharged as in.curable about two months afterwards. Soon after her return (March 29th)I was again called to see her, as she was supposed to be in a dying state.After passing a most restless night, she turned on her left side, placing herhand under her head, and fell into unconsciousness. She has neither movedhand nor foot, nor shown any perception of what is passing around hersince. Her breathing is scarcely to be perceived, although her pulse remainsmoderately firm. Thus nineteen months have elapsed from her first attack,during the early part of which period she was supported by half a pint ofgruel and port wine in equal parts in twenty-four hours. During the lastsix months, however, she has taken much less nourishment, simply two orthree tablespoonfuls of wine and milk, which have been administered be-tween two broken teeth. From the commencement of her attack all powerof deglutition has ceased. Yours faithfully,Stokenchurch, Oxon, Nov. 4th, 1872. HENRY HAYMAN, F.R.C.S.

Messrs. Hingston and Son.-Considering the fact that W. J. C. had not beenspecially retained, and that A. H. was sent for independently of W. J. C.,it seems to us that the case and the fee on this occasion should belong toA. H., with the understanding that the patient is at perfect liberty to acton her own preferences in future.

Pero, (Gillingham.)-We will endeavour to obtain the information by nextweek.

Mr. W. H. Folker’s paper shall appear shortly.THE INCOME-TAX.

To tke Editor of THE LANCET.SIR,-In reply to your correspondent in your last issue who signs himself

"A Victim, but one of Thousands," the only remedy which I can conceive tothe practice of over-assessing persons on their income-tax returns is, thatshould such assessors unnecessarily and unjustly assess one too highly, he(the assessor) should, on the appeal being allowed, be mulcted in costs ofappeal, including a fair sum for loss of time in appearing before the Com-missioners. An instance in point. My union salary is d629 9s. Sd. per annum.I have just received notice that I am assessed on that salary underSchedule E to the sum of £ 33 ; consequently I must drive ten miles, anddance attendance probably all day on the Commissioners, thus losing anentire day. I am, Sir, yours, &c.,November, 1872. ANOTHER VICTIM, A ScMROtr.

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Mr. John Crerar.-There is no legal enaetment in existence to that effect.Mr. Winterbotham’s Bill of last year, in its original shape, would haveacted so; but he consented to a modification of it, to the effect that*’ nothing in the Act should render invalid a contract for a deduction ofany sum in respect of medicine, medical attendance, subscriptions to hos-pitals, infirmaries, and dispensaries.......Provided that no deduction shallbe made in respect of medical attendance when the majority of the work- men shall have notified in writing to the master their objection to themedical attendant employed."

Temperature. - Wiinderlich’s work, translated for the ’New SydenhamSociety; also Aitken’s Practice of Medicine.

tULCER OF THE RECTUM AND DIARRHÆA. f

t

To the Editor of THE LANCET. v

SIR,-ln reply to your correspondent, "Medicus," I may state that I have c

under my care at the present time a lady who has suffered severely from f fdiarrhea, at frequent intervals during the last four years. As she has some fdefect in the left lung, the diarrhoea has always been supposed to be con- ‘

Dected with a tubercular condition of the bowel. She has been under the (

professional care of some of the most distinguished physicians in London, e

Paris, and elsewhere. She has passed three winters in the South of Europe, ftaking baths, waters, and physic to a wonderful extent. In July of this year I saw this lady. She then had frequent attacks of diarrhoea, with great pain tin the lower bowel. The fatigue of standing to dress frequently resulted in i

violent action of the bowel, with painful and long-continued tenesmus. She 1was for a time treated with bismuth, opium, hasmatoxylon, &c., with opiumand starch injections. For a few days she seemed to be relieved, but thiswas very temporary. Various forms of treatment were adopted from time totime, but all resulted in failure. At this juncture I proposed to examinethe bowel to see if anything there could be discovered which might accountfor the agonising pains of which she so bitterly complained. This coursenot having before been suggested, she submitted after a little delay. Whenshe " had made up her mind," I placed her on her right side, with the kneesdrawn up. I introduced my left index-finger into the vagina, and requestedher to bear down a little. By this means the bowel was readily turned in-side out, and immediately there came into view a deep angry ulcer, withindurated edges, immediately within the sphincter, and on the opposite side.was a mucous polypus that fell into this ulcer when the sphincter closed.The moment this ulcer was touched, she declared it to be the place fromwhich she had suffered so much; and, further, she said if it was touchedagain she was fearful her bowels would act involuntarily.In a day or two the patient was put under chloroform, the polypus re-

moved, the ulcer freely divided, the knife passing through the sphincter,and the wound dressed with oiled lint. From this time the diarrhæa ceased.In a month the wound had perfectly healed, and she has remained well eversince-so well, indeed, that she is now wintering in England.

I have notes of three other cases, two operated on and cured; the thirddeclines the operation, and the diarrhoea continues in spite of treatment.

Obediently yours,THOMAS CHAMBERS,

Physician to the Chelsea Hospital for Women.Bolton-row, May-fair, November, 1872.

To the Editor of THE LANCET.SIR,-Noticing a letter from "Medicus" in this week’s LANCET on the

above subject, I may state that I have had a ease of ulcer of the rectumunder my care for the last four months. During the whole of this timethere has been no tendency to diarrhoea at all, but rather the reverse, asthe patient has frequently to take seidlitz powders to counteract constipa-tion. The ulcer was large, but not scirrhous, and is now healing nicely.

Yours obediently,Farnham, Nov. 23rd, 1872. JOHN A. LORIMER, L.R.C.P. Lend.

To the Editor of THE Laxos2.SIR, If your correspondent will refer to "Allingham on Diseases of the

Rectum," chap. 10, page 152, on Ulceration of the Rectum, he will find thefollowing paragraph : " In the majority of these cases the earliest symptomis morning diarrhoea," &c. &e. Yours, &c.,London, November, 1872. F.R.C.S.

An Inquirer should adopt a more specific rzom de plume. The changes inshape to which he alludes are attributable to contractions of first onepart and then another of the sarcode.

Mr. Jeaffreson’s request shall be kept in mind.Dr. P. M. R.-1. Such a qualification as that mentioned would not enablethe holder to recover fees. 2. There are no lectures published on thesubject; but Pereira’s book gives ample information on all points ofimportance.

Mr. T. B. gehoe, (Kildare.)-We chronicle such information whenever it isforwarded to us. Our issue of the 23rd inst. contained a notification oftwo cases in point.

FOREIGN DEGREES.To the Editor a/’THB LANCET.

SIa,-With reference to a letter which appeared in your last impression,signed "A M.D. of Giessen," let me ask the writer one simple question:Would he be allowed to practise in Germany on the strength of his diploma?As your correspondent may not be willing to answer the question, or per-haps be in blissful ignorance of the extent of his privileges, let me informyour readers that although some of the third-rate German Universities areperfectly willing to confer a worthless piece of parchment in exchange fora specified number of thalers, yet it is on the distinct understanding thatthe recipient shall exercise his therapeutical skill anywhere but in thedominions of His Majesty the Emperor of Germany. If M.D. of Giessen"wished to enjoy the privilege, which his degree would seem to confer, ofphysicking His Majesty’s subjects, he would have to undergo what is calledthe " Staat’s Examen," at which he would not perhaps find his eight friendsquite so complacent as on a former occasion.One word of advice. Let "M.D. of Giessen" immolate his diploma on thE

kitchen fire. He will then, taking his stand as a plain English "surgeon,’be far more likely to acquire the esteem of his fellow-practitioners thatunder cover of borrowed " skins" strongly suggestive of a certain memorabhfable. Yours truly,November 25th, 1872. R. H., M.D. not oir GIBSSEN.

P. L. DI. 0., (Mcdico.l Club.)-The Act as passed does not affect in any warthe Poor-law medical officers of the metropolis; indeed, they and theircolleagues in all large towns are scarcely in a position to form an opinionas to the working of the Act in rural districts.

Mr. T. A. Handsley.-George’s Patent Calorigen; prices, six guineas andthree guineas.

VALUE OF T DiSIN’-FBCTANTS.To the Editor of THE LANCET.

SIR,-Referring in last week’s LANCET to a recent report of mine, whichwas intended to remove the prejudices entertained by many against disin-fecting chambers, by proving that no danger to the workmen engaged inthe process of disinfection, or to the inhabitants in the locality of a disin-fecting chamber, need be apprehended if due precautions are taken to pre-vent the spread of contagion, and in which I mentioned the fact that noneof the persons in the employ of our contractor for disinfection had sufferedfrom small-pox during the late epidemic, you observe that " the argumentfrom the immunity of the men employed on the premises and of theirfamilies would be a little more convincing if we knew to what extent theywere revaceinated." As the subject is one of undoubted importance, I pro-ceed to make the argument as convincing as I can by stating that theerrzpto.yes are thirteen in number, of whom six are married and have in allfourteen children. Out of this entire number, one-fourth only has been retvaccinated. I am assured that no case of small-pox, scarlet fever, or con-tinued fever has occurred among those persons during the two years inwhich the work of disinfection has been carried on at this particular estab-lishment.-I am, Sir, your obedient servant,

T. ORME DUDFIELD, M.D.,Medical Officer of Health for the Parish of Kensington.

November 19th, 1872.An Undergraduate.-Newth’s 1IoIeehanics; Deschanel’s Natural Philosophy,by Everett (Blackie and Son, London) ; Roscoe’s Chemistry, with work ina Laboratory upon Inorganic Analysis; Henfrey’s Botany; Nicholson’sManual of Zoology (Blnekwood and Sons).. _,.

A CORRECTION.Mr.Edward Peele, L.T.Q.C.P. .L., L. M., calls our attention to the omission of

his name from the list, published in o.ur last issue, of gentlemen who ob-tained the licence in Medicine of the College of Physicians of Ireland inthe early part of the present month.

COMMUNICATIONS, LETTE as, &c., have been received from—.Sir H. Thompson;Professor Humphry, Cambridge; Dr. R. Barnes; Mr. Haynes Walton;Dr. Playfair; Dr. Matthews Duncan; Dr. A. Farr; Mr. J. F. Wright;Hanwell; Dr. Asbnry, Retford ; Mr. Simpson; Mr. Shelley; Mr. Miller ;Mr. E. Paul; Messrs. Hingston and Son, Liskeard; Dr. M’Call Anderson,Glasgow; Mr. H. Carr; Dr. Smith, Shepton Mallet; Mr. South, Bury;Mr. Stevens; Mr. Benson; Mr. Staufield, Malmesbury; Mr. Grant, Saltash ;Dr. Nathan, New York; Mr. T. Watson; Mr. Heaton, Leeds ; Dr. Wilmot,Harrow ; Dr. J. Thompson ; Mr. Danvers; Dr. MacDonell; Mr. T. Smith;Mr. Jeaffreson, Newcastle-on-Tyne; Dr. Kirkland, Slough; Mr. Parsons,Lymington ; Mr. Whittaker; Mr. B. Candlish; Mr. Gibson, Malmesbury;Mr. Howard, Dogsthorpe; Mr. Taylor, Chester; Mr. Morgan, Ystalyfera;Dr. Bland, Minster; Mr. Braden, Lewes; Mr. Craven; Mr. J. Graham ;Mr. Towers; lllr. Shearman, Wisbeach; Miss Bull, Exeter; Mr. Waddell,Norwich ; Mr. Moir, Camelford; Mr. Clifton ; Mr. Armstrong, Newcastle;Mr. Dolman, Cork; Mr. Green, Buxton; Mr. Wade, Ipswich; Mr. James,Canterbury; Mr. Akerman ; Mr. W. F. Teevan ; Mr. Buckley, Stratford;Mr. G. Lawson; Mr. Peele, Dublin; Mr. Kehoe, Kildare ; Mr. G. Matson;Dr. Medhurst; Dr. Rice, Galway ; Mr. Franklin; Mr. Cairns; Dr. Still,Lochmaben; Mr. Moore; Mr. Lowndes, Liverpool; Mr. Lorimer, Farnham;

j Mr. Maberly, Leamington ; Mr. B. Calder, Melbourne ; Mr. Handsley,Alford; Mr. Collins; Mr. Reeves ; Mr. Evans ; Mr. Adams, Maidstone;Dr. T. Chambers; Dr. Casey, Windsor; Mr. 0. Pemberton, Birmingham;Mr. Wilton; Dr. Kloman, Baltimore, U.S.A.; Mr. Winckworth, Brighton;Dr. Batchelor, Hastings; Mr. Alcock, Burslem ; Mr. Ager ; Mr. Rotter;Mr. Bonnor, Empingham; Mr. E. Chambers ; Mr. Cox; Mr. W. Barrett,Weston-super-Mare; Mr. Grier; Mr. Hayes; Mr. Ballantyne, Edgbaston;Mr. Groves; Mr. R. Naylor; Mr. Reading ; Mr. Wilkinson, Manchester;Dr. Rogers; Mr. Stokes, Tiverton; Mr. Wallis, Upnor; Mr. T. Roberts,Bangor; Mr. Porter, Darlington; Mr. Johnstone, St. Ives; Mr. Klymer;Mr. P. Fawcett, Douglas ; Mr. B. Loomes, Shrewsbury ; Mr. C. Soloman,Skirlaugh; Mr. J. Allen; Mr. M’Clagan, Aberdeen; Mr. Folker, Hanley;J.lr. Jones, Rhayader; Mr. J. Baines, Peterborough; Dr. Mackintosh, Cal-lington ; Mr. Gregson; Mr. Robinson ; Mr. Pearson; Mr. E. Curling ;Dr. Ewens; Mr. Hall; A Surgeon; Z.; M.D. not of Giessen; F.R.C.S.;Pero; Another Victim : Quæstor; A Well-wisher to all Learned Societies;Alpha; Medicus ; An Undergraduate ; P. D. H. R.; A Traveller, Paris;

; H. H.; A Lecturer; Greetland; A. Z.; M. R. ; A General Practitioner;. Temperature; J. T.; &c. &c.

Anti-Game Law Circular, London Students’ Gazette, Oswestry Advertiser,. Falmouth Post (Jamaica), Croydon Advertiser, Tiverton Gazette, Buxton

Advertiser, Shanghai News-Letter, ColoniaL Standard (Jamaica), LimolnJournal, Gazette Medicale de Paris, Wrexham Advertiser, Dublin Bv&nivMail, and Shanghai Evening Courier have been received.

TERMS FOR ADVERTISINC IN THE LANCET.

The average number of words in each line is eleven.Advertisements (to ensure insertion the same week) should be delivered atthe Office not later than Wednesday ; those from the country must be accom-Advertisements remittance. insertion the same week) should be delivered atthe Office not later than Wednesday; those from the country must be acom.

panied by a remittance.