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disease has not yet been exterminated from the city.An increased number of cases of relapsing fever haveoccurred, but the mortality from this disease is small.In Calcutta the plague seems to be very gradually increasing.It will be remembered that a very gradual developmentcharacterised the first outbreak in Bombay. The totals nowstand at 104 cases and 77 deaths-a mortality of 74 per cent.Inoculation with Haffkine’s prophylactic fluid is becomingmore popular, the total number inoculated up to June 9thbeing 1239. Large numbers of the people continue to leavethe city and judging by the favourable results of clearing outlarge sections of a population and putting them in health-camps the greatest safety after all probably lies in night. Itis interesting to note the rise in virulence of the plague asan epidemic advances. In Karachi the present outbreak com-menced at the end of March. For the first week in Aprilthe mortality of plague cases was 55’5 per cent., for thesecond week 63-3 per cent., for the third week 74’6 percent., for the fourth week 66’7 per cent., for the fifth week77’9 per cent., for the sixth week 79’8 per cent., and for theseventh week 89’8 per cent. This fearful mortality occurredjust after the highest plague figures had been recorded.From this time, however, the epidemic rapidly declined.For the eighth week the mortality of plague cases sinks to77’5 per cent., which it also maintains for the ninth week, andfor the tenth week it sinks to 73’7 per cent. The epidemichas been shorter in duration but more severe in characterthan the outbreak last year. The numbers show that com-

pared with the population it has been twice as deadly aseven the second outbreak in Bombay. The later season

and the exodus of people probably account for its shorterduration. The mortality of this outbreak has been 87’4 percent. ; last year it was 81 per cent.

Considering the various dangers which the English medicalmen and nurses engaged in attendance on plague cases haveincurred nut only from plague and other diseases but in verymany instances from physical injury, it would be justly areward of merit if the Government of India were to

recognise their services by some mark of distinction. Theduties of both medical men and nurses have beenarduous and for the most part uninteresting: the climateis trying for new-comers and the pay is not onlyconsiderably lower than their position warrants butis inadequate to the services rendered. Should plaguedevelop as the colder weather advances, and should theGovernment of India require further assistance, I stronglyadvise both medical men and nurses not to come to India at1he present rates of pay. Expenses are heavy, it is onlya temporary appointment, there is no prospect after theplague is over, inconveniences are numerous, and you areperhaps isolated from all your friends.June 16th.

LIVERPOOL

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

The Mayor of Bootle.DR. JOHN McMURRAY, the popular mayor of Bootle, will

be formally presented at an early date with his portraitreproduced in oils. A short time ago a number of repre-sentative gentlemen in Liverpool organised a subscriptionfur the purpose. The painting has been executed by Mr.C. J. Orchardson and is to be exhibited in the Walker Art

Gallery at the forthcoming Liverpool autumn exhibition.Health of Birken7tead : -Dr. Marsden’s Report for 1897.The annual report of the medical officer of health of

Birkenhead on the sanitary condition of the borough justissued records a steady improvement in the health of theinhabitants, the death-rate being lower than in any year.ince 1881 with the single exception of 1894. The densityuf the population is now 28’83 per acre over the whole

borough, against 20’06 at the time of the incorporationtwenty years ago, the population being then 77,260 comparedwith 111,000 in the middle of 1897. The pressure is chieflyfelt in the townships of Birkenhead and Tranmere: thedensity in Birkenhead being 50’62 per acre, against 39’33 in1878, and in Tranmere 31’83 per acre, compared with 17’64inthe same year. During the year 1897, 4982 nuisances werereported, 4666 being abated without compulsion. Dr.Marsden remarks that in some hotels girls follow theiroccupation for upwards of 100 hours a week, and he con-siders it desirable that the benefits of the Shop Hours’ Act

should be extended to them also, restricting their workinghours to 74 per week. The medical officer states that the

quality of the water is excellent and that the average supply -

is 17 gallons per head. As far as bacteriological examina.tion of the water is concerned it was found that the

Spring Hill well is the most perfect, the Borough-roadcoming next in order. Dr. Marsden has not confidencein the future quality of the Flaybrick-hill source.

Altogether the report as affecting the water-supply is

very satisfactory. During the past year 402,652 lb.of meat were condemned as unfit for human food, repre-senting 124,6621b. more than were seized in the previousyear. The total number of seizures of unwholesome fooctwas 1618. Of the total quantity of meat seized 377,869lb.were condemned at the Woodside and Wallasey lairages.During the year numerous complaints had been received ofoffensive effluvia from open sewer ventilators. The medicalofficer expresses the opinion that the ventilators are a

.

nuisance and in narrow streets a distinct danger and

suggests that the whole of the grids should be closed andall interceptors between house drains and the sewers re-

moved. Every ventilating shaft attached to the housedrains would then act as a ventilator for relieving thegaseous pressure in the sewers, while affording absoluteimmunity from the danger of forcing the house-traps,During the year 2028 cases of infectious diseases were

notified, being 1050 less than in 1896. The birth-rate was31’68 per 1000 of the population for the whole borough andthe death-rate was 18’39 per 1000 of the population. Thebirth-rate was 0’8 per 1000 lower than the average for thepreceding ten years, and the death-rate was 1’5 per 1000lower.

Children’s Convalescent Home, B’est Kiirby.The Lord Mayor of Liverpool and the Lady Mayoress

visited the West Kirby Convalescent Home on June 29th andexpressed themselves highly pleased with all the arrange-ments provided for the comfort of the children. Last year832 children received the benefits of the institution, stayingan average time of three and a half weeks. The averagenumber of children in the home during the year was 57.There are 76 children in residence at the present time, andso great is the demand for admission that all the prospectivevacancies are filled up to the end of July. The committee

contemplate the extension of the building by the erection of _

a new wing at a cost of .63500, which will be begun as soonas the sum of 2000 shall have been guaranteed. Snb-

scriptions amounting to £ 900 have already been receivedtowards this purpose.

Bequests to Liverpool Hospitals.By the will of the late Mr. Andrew Gibson, shipowner, of

Liverpool and West Kirby, the following charities havereceived L100 each : the Liverpool Royal Infirmary, the

Royal Southern Hospital, and the Liverpool Northern

Hospital.New Cheshire Infirmary.

Mr. W. H. Verdin, D.L., is about to present to the townsof Winsford and Middlewich a new infirmary, which byspecial permission of Her Majesty is to be called theAlbert Infirmary. Mr. Verdin will also provide for the

furnishina of the infirmary with a complete equipment. TheDuke of Westminster has consented to perform the openingceremony.July 12th.

_______________

SCOTLAND.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENTS.)r

Meeting of the British. Medical Association at Edinburgh.THE recent Army Warrant dealing with the reconstruction

of the Army Medical Service has given rise to the hope insome quarters that a corresponding alteration will ere lougbe made in the Volunteer Medical Service. With a viewto discussing the position it is hoped that a meeting ofVolunteer medical officers may be held in Edinburgh duringthe visit of the Association. Information regarding thismeeting may be obtained in the reception room.

Hawkhead Asylum.The hospital in connexion with this asylum was formally

opened on July 8th. A large company of ladies andgentlemen, including the representatives of the Govan Parish

177SCOTLAND.-IRELAND.

Coimcil, Dr. Clouston, Dr. Yellowlees, and others, travelledby special train from Glasgow to attend the ceremony. Itis now seven years since building operations were commencedand the asylum to accommodate 300 patients was opened in1895; the present hospital has accommodation for 200patients. After the ceremony an address was delivered byDr. Clouston, of Morningside Asylum, Edinburgh, who spokeat length on the modern treatment of the insane. Dr.Clouston remarked on the value of hospitals in connexionwith asylums and claimed that the first building devoted to,uch a purpose was the one at Morningside. He expressedhis gratification at the extension of this system, which hadreceived the commendation of the Commissioners in Lunacy.The Hawkhead hospital seemed to him to combine all thescientific ideas which were known for the amelioration of theinsane.

Iniporta-nt Prosecutiont under the Medical Act.At Glasgow Sheriff-court on July 8th Abraham S.

Eastburn, who was alleged to call himself physician andsurgeon, professor, American eclectic medical specialist, andusing the letters A.M.S., was charged at the instance of theScottish branch of the General Medical Council with

having been guilty of an ofEence within the meaning of thelledical Act, 1858, in so far as during the month of June,1898, he falsely pretended to be, and took, or used, the nameor title of a physician, doctor of medicine, licentiate inmedicine and surgery, or other names, titles, or descrip-tions, implying that he was registered under the MedicalAct, or that he was recognised by law as a physicianor surgeon, or a practitioner in medicine, wherebylie had incurred a penalty not exceeding £20. Mr.R. P. Lamond appeared for the prosecution and Mr.A. S. D. Thomson, advocate, represented the respon-dent. Evidence was led for the prosecution. William M.Leitch, printer, produced specimens of bills which he printedfor the respondent. He printed 20,000 of the large bills inthe course of a year. A million of the small handbills wereordered at a time, but the delivery was spread over a longperiod. Robert Forrester deposed that he was handed oneof the respondent’s bills in Hope-street and that he took thename of the man who was delivering the bills. He alsodescribed the respondent’s premises, which bore a large signwith the words "Consulting Rooms. Prof. Eastburn, A.M.S."James Robertson, solicitor, registrar to the Scottish branchof the General Medical Council, produced the MedicalRegister to show that the respondent’s name was not inthe official list. He said there was no such title as

"A.M.S." granted by the universities or medical corpora-tions in the United Kingdom. ’’M.S.’’ was the recognisedabhreviatiol1 for Master in Surgery. Members of the publichad often directed his attention to the respondent’s bills.The subject had also been brought before the General,11(,di(,al Council, which decided unanimously to institute thepresent proceedings. In the end Eastburn was convictedand fined R20.July 13th.

IRELAND.(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENTS.)

The Irish Medical Association.THE Committee of Council met on July 5th and

further considered amendments to clauses in the LocalGovernment Bill which affect the medical profession.

The Health Exhibition, Dublin.A meeting of the committee was held at the Institute

of Civil Engineers of Ireland on July 4th, when the largenumber of English firms who had applied for and had beengranted space was noted. The offer of Messrs. Hendersonand Sons to lend plants and flowers for decorating the

building was accepted with thanks.

The Ulster Medical Society.The annual meeting of the Ulster Medical Society was

held on July 7th in the Belfast Museum, Dr. Lindsay, thePresident, being in the chair. The reports of the secretaryand treaburer were passed. These indicated that the societyi, in a most flourishing condition. There are 151 membersand the attendance at the meetings showed an average eachnight of over 43. The balance in hand at present is £2510a.

The following office-bearers were elected for next session :-President: Dr. Joseph Nelson. Vice-Presidents: Dr. JohnCampbell and Dr. David Gausscn. Treasurer: Dr. JohnMcCaw. Secretary : Dr. James Colville. Pathological secre-taries : Dr. J. Lorrain Smith and Dr. Lynass. Librarian:Dr. Cecil Shaw. Council: Professor Byers, Dr. McKisack,Dr. Calwell, Dr. J. Walton Browne, Dr. E. C. Bigger, andMr. W. G. MacKenzie.

The Death of 1)i,. David Johnston.I regret to announce the death of one of the best known

and most highly respected practitioners of Belfast-Dr.David Johnston, who died at his residence in that city onJuly 6th from cerebral disease, at the age of sixty-three years.A few years ago he fractured his patella and he was alwaysslightly lame since that accident. Two years ago he hadanother fracture of a leg and since then he had practicallyretired from active practice. Dr. Johnston was born near

Castledawson, in County Derry, in 1835, but at an early agehe came to Belfast and entered Queen’s College, where hewas a most hard-working student. He graduated M.D. ofQueen’s University in 1866 and in the same year he became aMember of the Royal College of Surgeons of England. He

shortly afterwards began practice in Belfast, where he spentthe remainder of his life and where he had an extremelylarge clienthe amongst the working and middle classes, withwhom he was a great favourite and by whom he was deeplyrespected for his skill, his care, and his unfailing kindness.He was one of the best accoucheurs of his day inBelfast. The funeral took place on July 8th, an immenseconcourse of medical confrères, friends, and former patientsattending to show a last act of respect. He leaves a familyof two sons and one daughter, his wife having died seventeenyears before him.

Pauper Attendants irt the Belfast Union Infirmary.The Local Government Board have written to the Belfast

Board of Guardians stating that their inspector, Mr. Agnew,has again informed them that the pauper attendants act asassistant nurses and not as cleaners only, and they wiselyrecommend the guardians to confer with their responsiblemedical officers on the subject, the Local Government Boardbeing very properly opposed to paupers being allowed toattend on the sick.

Sale of the Omagh Infirmary.At a meeting of the County Tyrone Infirmary Board (held

on July 8th) a resolution was passed in favour of selling theold building to the post-office authorities.

The Eaboratories at Queen’s College, Belfast.In the House of Commons on July 8th on a discussion of

the vote of 136,976 to complete the sum for public worksand buildings in Ireland Mr. Arnold-Forster pointed out thatthe item for Queen’s College, Belfast, was part of an expendi-ture which had already been sanctioned for that place andhe thought it was high time that laboratories in this Collegeshould be completed. That College was doing better workthan any of the other Queen’s colleges and it was turningout a large number of active men. The medical side of the

College was increasing in importance and members everyyear.

Belfast Royal Hospital.A special meeting of the corporation was held on July llth

to consider the proposed revised charter for the governmentof the new Royal Victoria Hospital. The principal altera-tions in the charter as agreed upon between the Board ofManagement of the Royal Hospital and the new VictoriaHospital are as follows: 1. The hospital is to be called RoyalVictoria instead of "Royal" " Hospital. 2. The qualifica-

: tion of life governors to remain as at present (subscription of: £50), but the qualification of annual subscribers to be £2 2s.instead of £1 1s. ; present life governors of the Royal Hospitalretain their status as regards the new hospital. 3. Medical,surgical, and other official appointments to the hospital to

be made by the board of management instead of as hithertoby the general committee. 4. The representatives of themedical and surgical staff on the general committee to be5 instead of 2 members and one-fifth of the 60 persons

elected to the general committee in addition to the lifer governors and honorary officers to be ladies. 5. The boardof management to consist of the honorary officers. 5 annuallys elected members of the medical and surgical staff, thei present life governors, with 15 life governors and 15 annual. subscribers elected by the general committee ; one-fifth of the