sidered as special tactile organs. He admits, however, that they may, by their elasticity and resistance, help to intensify tactile impressions; performing a function similar to that of the nails, phalanges, &c., but being no more special organs of sense than these are.

[It is to be regretted that a little bitterness seems to have entered into the controversy between Professors Wagner and Kölliker. The former, not content with attacking his opponent in the Allgemeine Zeitung in good vernacular German, borrows a little English, and characterizes Kölliker's style as "not gentlemanlike." We do not profess to be judges of German etiquette; but as a mere question of philosophy we may be permitted to say, that so far as we are acquainted with Professor Kölliker's writings, the English phrase in question is by no means applicable to them.]

On the Innocuousness of the Introduction of Virus and Virulent Matters into the Digestive Canal of Man and Animals. By M. RENAULT.

VARIOUS facts are known, accrediting the opinion that men and animals may feed with impunity on meats, the produce of animals that have died of diseases reputed malignant. M. Renault, director of the veterinary school at Alfort, has recently presented an interesting paper on this subject to the Académie des Sciences, containing many conclusive proofs in favour of this view. From his numerous series of experiments, he draws the following conclusions:--1. The dog and pig may eat with impunity all the products of secretion, and all the cadaveric remains, as blood and flesh, cooked or not, proceeding from animals which have suffered from the various contagious diseases,-glanders, farcy, charbon, rabies, typhus, the peripneumonic epizootic of the ox tribe, and the contagious epizootic of the gallinaceæ.-2. Fowls enjoy the same immunity, except, perhaps, with respect to this last affection.-3. The virulent matters of glanders and farcy, which completely lose their contagious property during the action of the digestive organs of the carnivora, preserve them, though diminished, in the intestinal canal of the horse.-4. The virulent matter of the blood of the spleen, which the dog, pig, and fowl can digest without inconvenience, often gives rise to symptoms of charbon when swallowed by the sheep, goat, or horse.-5. This immunity, which the carnivora and omnivora enjoy, as compared to the herbivora, seems to depend upon the fact, that these viruses, which in their origin are of essentially an animal nature, undergo complete modification in digestive organs fitted for animal matters, by means of which they lose their injurious properties; but which they do not, in the digestive organs of animals fitted to digest vegetable substances only.-6. It is proved that there is no danger for man to derive his nourishment from the flesh or other products of pigs or fowls that have been fed, for a longer or shorter time, with greater or less quantities of the remains of animals that have died of contagious dis eases.-7. There is no sanitary reason why pigs and poultry should be prevented from feeding on such remains.-8. The cooking of meats and the boiling of the fluids which proceed from animals suffering from contagious diseases, have the effect of destroying their virulent properties, and this to such an extent, that the matter of farcy and glanders may now be swallowed with impunity by the horse, sheep and goat; and the remains of birds which have died by epizootic disease, by poultry. So, too, these matters, which in their fresh state are so powerfully and certainly contagious, become quite inert, even by inoculation, after undergoing these processes.--9. Hence it results, that however repugnant it may be for men to feed upon the flesh or milk of animals dying of contagious disease, there is in reality no danger in their doing so, when the meat has been cooked or the milk boiled.-Bull. de Therap., tom. 41, p. 525.

A Remarkable Case of Change of Complexion, with Loss of the Sense of Smell, in a Negro. By JOSEPH C. HUTCHISON, M.D.

THE subject of this notice, a slave (Jo), the property of Mr. B., of this neighbourhood, æt. 45, was born in Ky., of black parents, and was himself perfectly black until twelve years of age. At that time a portion of skin an inch wide, encircling the cranium just within the edge of the hair, gradually changed to white; also the hair occupying that locality.

A white spot next appeared near the inner canthus of the left eye, and from this the white colour gradually extended over the face, trunk, and extremities, until it covered the entire surface. The complete change from black to white occupied about ten years, and but for his hair, which was crisped or woolly, no one would have supposed, at this time, that his progenitors had offered any of the characteristics of the negro, his skin presenting the healthy vascular appearance of a fair-complexioned European. When about twentytwo, dark copper-coloured or brown spots began to appear on the face and hands, being limited, as they are at present, to those portions of the surface exposed to light. He had rubeolo and pertussis when black, and again after having changed to white: eyes black; cannot smell, having lost this sense about the time his sable hue began to disappear: taste unaffected.

With the exception of chronic rheumatism, pertussis, rubeola, and scarlatina, which latter appeared after the change of colour commenced, he has enjoyed uninterrupted good health.

The history of the above case was obtained from the patient himself, and Mrs. B., a respectable and intelligent lady, in whose family he was born and raised. It offers two interesting physiological anomalies--the disappearance of the pigmentum nigrum, and the affection of the olfactory nerve, with total loss of smell. The occurrence of measles and hooping-cough a second time (after having changed his colour), although a singular coincidence, is not very unusual, similar cases having occurred to almost every practitioner.

The integrity of the branches of the fifth pair, being necessary to the proper performance of the functions of all the facial senses, to which they are distributed, was carefully examined, and found to be complete. The secretion from the Schneiderian membrane was not obviously increased or diminished; action of the dilators and compressors unimpaired; common sensibility of the nose perfect, internally and externally. Ether, ammonia, &c., produce a pungent, burning sensation, but excite no odour; the one being distinguished from the other only by its greater degree of pungency. Rancid olive oil, castor oil, alcohol, tinct. camphor, &c., produce no sensation whatever, and cannot be distinguished from water. No obstruction of the nerves. Snuff irritates the Schneiderian membrane so as to excite sneezing.

Notwithstanding this patient was deprived of the sense of smell, we were unable to detect any imperfection in the sense of taste; for he could readily distinguish the taste of substances of not widely different flavours, as well as of those that possess no odour, and which tasted very much alike; and although the tongue is endowed with a very delicate and accurate sense of touch, we do not think he could, by this alone, distinguish between substances of the same temperature, consistence, and form, possessing no irritating

or pungent properties, as, for instance, butter and lard, molasses and honey.—Amer. Journ. of Med. Sci., Jan. 1852.

On the Action of Ozone on Miasmata. By M. SCHÖNBEIN.

M. SCHÖNBEIN's additional researches have still further developed the analogy of this substance to chlorine, and leave no doubt of the injurious effects it may exert on the respiratory organs when in excess. Mice Boon perish in an atmosphere containing The quantity which prevails in the atmosphere is very variable, being proportionate to the amount of electricity, and therefore at its maximum in winter, and its minimum in summer. It is, however, highly probable that, when existing only in minute quantities, it exerts a purifying effect on the atmosphere by destroying various deleterious miasmata. There are a great number of inorganic gaseous bodies, which, when diffused in scarcely appreciable quantities, yet render the air irrespirable-such as the gaseous compounds of hydrogen with selenium, sulphur, phosphorus, and arsenic, gases characterized by the facility with which they become oxidized. Ozone belongs to a class of bodies which, as agents of oxidation, rapidly destroy these hydrogenous compounds. An incessant source of miasmata exists in the variety of gaseous compounds which are incessantly liberated by the decomposition of the innumerable masses of organic beings which perish on the surface of our globe. Although the composition of most of these is unknown, it is to be supposed that their accumulation would render the air untit for respiration. Nature has, however, provided the means of destroying such deleterious compounds as fast as they are generated, for M. Schönbein regards ozone, which is so constsntly generated under electrical indoence, and is so powerful an agent of oxidation, even at ordinary temperature, as specially destined to that end. His experiments prove that air containing of ozone can disinfect 540 times its volume of air pro duced from highly putrid meat: or that air containing of ozone can disinfect an equal volume of air so Corrupted. Such experiments show how little appreciable by weight miasmata may be, which are yet sensi ble to the smell, and how small is the proportion of ozone necessary for the destruction of all the miasmata produced by the putrefaction of organic matter, and diffused in the atmosphere.

1

1

0000

At the

We may admit that the electrical discharges which occur incessantly in different parts of the atmosphere, and determine there the formation of ozone, purify the air by ridding it of oxidizable miasmata. same time that these are destroyed by ozone, the organic miasmata cause its own disappearance, and prevent dangerous accumulation of it. The opinion that storms purify the air may not be without foundation, as a large quantity of ozone is then produced. In the author's experiments, he has always found a large pro portion of ozone in the vicinity of the stormy clouds on the Jura; and the air ozonized by phosphorus for experiment, gives forth a similar smell to that perceived amidst storms in mountainous regions. It is very probable, that in certain localities, the balance between the ozone and the miasmata does not prevail, and disease may be the consequence. As a general rule, however, numerous experiments have shown that the air contains free ozone (though in very different proportions), so that no free oxidizable miasmata can there exist. M. Schönbein recommends that the atmosphere should be tested for ozone, in localities and at periods where fevers and other forms of disease prevail, so that the results of accumulated observations may be obtained.—Arch. des Sciences (Geneve), tom. xviii. p. 194, and Henle and Pfeufer, N. S., Band i. p. 385.

A Case of Phosphorescence of the Urine and Semen. By Dr. LANDERER, of Athens.

A YOUNG Armenian merchant, who had become prematurely aged by debauchery, had been treated for impotence by the most distinguished practitioners of Constantinople. Besides tonics and nervines, a mixture containing phosphorus was exhibited internally, and as it seemed to benefit him, the patient continued it for some months, rubbing into the vicinity of the genitals also a liniment composed of phosphorized oil, laudanum, and tincture of amber. Dr. Landerer found him at Smyrna, much astonished that his urine and semen (for he had spermatorrhea) exhibited phosphorescence in the dark, and continued to do so for seve ral minutes, in spite of the addition of water. Attempts to blow out the light only added to its intensity.Buchner's Repert., viii. 332.

On the Presence of Arsenic in Plants. By M. STEIN.

TEN years since M. Stein observed that charcoal which he employed emitted an arsenical odour when burnt; and the researches of Chatin on the great diffusion of iodine, and of Malaguti, Durocher and Sarzeau upon that of silver and copper, have induced him to re-investigate the subject. He has found arsenic dis tinctly in the ashes of various hard woods, and in those of the straw of rye, though not in the rye itself Cabbages from which the external leaves were removed, turnips, and the tubers of the potato, furnished an ash yielding arsenic-circumstances in fact nowise surprising, since Walchner and others have shown that arable land ordinarily contains arsenic.-Jour. de Chim. Med., 1851, p. 281.

On the Fat of different Regions of the Body. By M. LASSAIGNE.

FROM a variety of examinations that he has made, M. Lassaigne concludes-1. That the fat of the same animal does not present the same composition in the different regions of the body in which it is deposited. 2. That the proportions of stearine and elaine differ in these fats. 3. That the point of fusion in fatty bodies extracted from animals is in general high, in proportion as the fat has been taken from around deep-seated organs. 4. That the quantity of stearine separable by the action of solvents is in an inverse proportion to the fusibility of such fats.-Jour. de Chim. Med., 1851, p. 266.

On the Gastric Juice of the Jackal. By Dr. LANDERER.

A LARGE jackal having been killed near the Hymettus, Dr. Landerer took the opportunity of examining the condition of the gastric juice. He found in the stomach a small quantity of a very acid fluid, which turned the edge of the teeth, and effervesced with carbonates. As the chief constituents of this fluid, he found free muriatic acid, acid phosphate of lime, muriates, sulphates, an albuminous matter, colouring matter of the bile, and a fatty substance extractable by ether. As the digestive powers of this animal are so powerful, he experimented upon an artificial digestive fluid, formed by digesting the mucous membranes of the stomach in water, to which a few drops of muriatic acid had been added. The fluid thus obtained exerted a re

markably powerful effect on coagulated albumen, meat, and other articles of diet. Some of it administered to one of his pupils who suffered from indigestion and flatulence after taking the lightest articles of food, enabled him to manage those of very indigestible quality with ease.-Buchner's Repert., viii. 342.

On a Special Acid of the Lungs. By MM. DUMAS & Verdeil.

M. DUMAS recently! presented a paper to the Academy, giving an account of his and M. Verdeil's researches on a special acid secreted by the pulmonary parenchyma in most animals; and which may be found free, but is usually combined with a salt of soda. Obtained in the crystalline form, it is a brilliant body, strongly refracting light. It does not lose its water of crystallization at a temperature of 100 Cent.; but when heated still more, it decrepitates, melts, and is decomposed, giving rise to empyreumatic products. Much coal remains, which disappears without leaving any traces of ash. It is soluble in water and boiling alcohol; but not in cold alcohol or ether. Its ultimate analysis exhibits definite proportions of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sulphur. It forms crystallized salts with bases, and expels carbonic acid from the carbonates.

The existence of this substance is of high physiological interest; for the acid thus secreted by the parenchyma comes in contact with the carbonate of soda of the blood transported by the capillaries, and decomposes it, uniting with the soda and setting free the carbonic acid which is exhaled. The presence of a portion of this acid in the free state, in the parenchyma, indicates that it is really there that it is formed, and not in the blood, which is an alkaline fluid. By uniting with the soda of the blood, the acid does not change the re-action of that fluid, since it merely takes the place of the carbonic acid which is expelled during expiration-Journ. de Chimie Medicale, 1852, No. 3.

PATHOLOGY AND PRACTICE OF MEDICINE.

On the Influence exerted by Chronic Diseases upon the Composition of the Blood. By MM. BECQUEREL and RODIER.

THE following are the conclusions of a paper recently read at the Academie des Sciences, detailing the results of MM. Becquerel and Rodier's latest hæmatological researches.-1. The majority of chronic diseases and various anti-hygienic circumstances induce an increase or diminution in the three principal elements of the blood-the globules, the fibrine, and the albumen, and this either separately or simultaneously--2. The globules undergo diminution in the course of most chronic diseases of long duration, and especially in organic diseases of the heart, the chronic form of Bright's disease, chlorosis, marsh cachexia, hæmorrhages, hæmorrhoidal flux, excessive bloodletting, the last stages of tubercular disease, and the cancerous diathesis. The same result is observed in those whose food is not sufficient in quantity or reparative power, or who are exposed to insufficient aëration, humidity, darkness, &c.-3. The albumen of the serum of the blood is dimin ished in quantity in the third stage of heart-disease, great symptomatic anæmia, the cancerous diathesis, and insufficient alimentation.-4. The fibrine is maintained at its normal proportion, and sometimes increased, in acute scorbutus. It is diminished in chronic scorbutus, as also in the scorbutic condition symptomatic of certain chronic diseases, which is most often and most markedly observed in organic diseases of the heart.-5. In all the above-mentioned circumstances, the quantity of water contained in the blood becomes very considerably increased.-6. A diminution of the proportion of globules is especially accompanied by the following phenomena: a colourless state of the skin, palpitations, dyspnoea, a bruit de soufflet heard at the base of the heart during its first sound, an intermittent bruit de soufflet in the carotids, and a continuous bruit in the jugulars.-7. The diminution of the proportion of albumen, even though not very considerable, when it takes place in an acute manner, rapidly gives rise to the production of dropsy, but it requires to be much more considerable when not appearing in the acute form. Considered in a general manner, dropsy is the symptomatic characteristic of a diminished proportion of the albumen of the blood.-8. A diminished proportion of fibrine is manifested by the production of cutaneous or mucous hæmorrhages.-9. In anæmia symptomatic of considerable hæmorrhage or insufficient alimentation, the change in the blood is characterized by a diminution of its density, an increase of the water, diminution of globules, a maintenance of the normal proportion or sometimes a slight diminution of the albumen, and a normal proportion of fibrine.10. In chlorosis, which is an entirely distinct affection from anæmia, there may be no changes in the blood whatever. When such are present, they consist in a diminution of the proportion of globules, an increase of that of the water, and the normal quantity or an increase of the fibrine.-11. In the acute form of Bright's disease the fibrine continues normal, and the albumen is diminished. In the chronic form there is a diminution of globules and albumen, and sometimes of fibrine.--12. Most of the dropsies regarded as essential depend upon a diminution of the proportion of albumen; and usually originate in a material cause, consisting in a degeneration of the solid or fluid parts of the economy.-13. In diseases of the heart the blood becomes more and more changed, as they approach the fatal termination. The changes consist in the simultaneous diminution of globules, fibrine, and albumen, and an increase of water.-14. In acute scorbutus, the principles of the blood do not undergo any appreciable modification. In the chronic form the fibrine is notably diminished, while the globules are sometimes considerably increased. In both forms, the increase of the proportion of the soda of the blood explains all the circumstances; but it has not yet been demonstrated.-15. The above modifications should influence our therapeutical management of these different morbid conditions, as each element of the blood is susceptible of special modification. Thus, when the proportion of albumen is diminished, we prescribe cinchona, and a tonic strengthening diet. A diminution of fibrine and an increase of the soda of the blood are to be met by good diet, vegetable acids, and appropriate hygiène ; and by hygienic measures and the exhibition of iron, we combat the diminution of globules.-L'Union Medicale, No. 66.

Case of Absence of the Sternum. By Dr. BENJAMIN.

THIS was observed in a girl (aged 11) yet living. The true ribs are connected together on each side by a strong, narrow, cartilaginous band, the two bands being joined below by a commissure. Between them a space about as broad as the normal sternum exists, filled only with soft parts, and rising and falling with the systole and diastole of the heart. The thorax, deeply depressed where the sternum should be, is else

where much vaulted, and appears to be still more so than it really is, from a deep depression in the abdominal coverings, immediately under the commissure. At this spot there is a firm ligamentous mass connect. ing the commissure and the false ribs together. The interclavicular ligaments and the anterior ligaments of the cartilages of the ribs are wanting; but the two cartilaginous bands impart to the thorax sufficient firmness, and allow of its mobility, although no movement of the anterior ends of the ribs on their axes can take place. The respiration is, however, but little impeded from this. The muscles of the thorax which have attachments to the sternum, are, as far as can be ascertained, attached to the cartilaginous bands or their commissure. The heart is pushed towards the right side, and its apex beats between the fourth and fifth ribs. It is directly in contact with the skin in the space between the cartilaginous bands, and its pulsations, though not abnormal, are there visible. During deep inspirations, the skin in the sternal region is projected strongly forwards. The liver is felt high up under the thoracic parietes. During the first years of life the girl suffered from a difficulty of breathing, which has now ceased, except when she ascends stairs hastily. She is in good health, but not strong; and none of her four sisters have any organic defect.

Dr. Vaughan describes (in the New York Med. Repository,' 1801) the dissection of a child, aged 13, who from its birth had suffered from difficulty of breathing. The sternum was found absent, its place being supplied by a small connecting cartilage. The heart was very large and the pericardium full of fluid. The liver extended into the mediastinum. Another case is related by Dr. Saske, in the Oesterr. Med. Wochenschrift,' 1844, which refers to a man, aged 22, who had always enjoyed good health, and followed his occupation as a musician, notwithstanding the absence of the sternum. The ribs were connected by a cartila ginous border, a rudiment of the xiphoid cartilage alone existing. He did not apply on account of disease; but to be examined for exemption from military duties. Sömmering also met with a living man destitute of sternum. Wiedemann relates another example in his Programma upon the subject.-Oppenheim's Zeitschrift, Band lxiv. p. 91.

On a form of Sanguineous Tumour of the Cranium. By MM. STROMEYER and DUFOUR. PROFESSER HECKER described, in 1845, a hitherto unobserved affection, under the name of varix circumscriptus venæ diploica frontalis, consisting in a sanguineous tumour of the cranium, having connexion with the veins of the diploe, and through these with the sinus of the dura mater-an incomplete formation of the outer cranial wall being present. To this M. Stromeyer proposes to give the name of Sinus Pericranii, and furnishes notes of two examples he has met with. One of these occurred in a child six years old, who, four years since, fell from a considerable height, producing an indentation of the parietal bone. A swelling formed here, which when full projected to three lines. It filled on occasions which caused congestion of the brain; but otherwise no fluid could be felt in the depressed part. A deficiency of the outer table existed.2. A soldier, aged 20, had had from his birth a large swelling over his left eye, which, on occasions when the brain became congested, projected an inch above the level of the forehead. On emptying the swelling, a depression was felt in the os frontis, as if from a loss of substance. The blood re-entered the tumour half a minute after being pressed out. The condition of the skin was normal.-Schmidt's Jahrb. vol. lxx. p. 146. A case recently related by M. Dufour seems to be of the same nature as the above; and is the more interesting from a post-mortem examination having been made. The subject of it was an old officer, who in 1799 had received, while mounting a breach, a blow on the forehead. In 1847, M. Hutin carefully examined his condition. As there had been no breach of surface, there was no cicatrix; but a very sensible depression of the frontal bone was present, supposed to be due to absorption of the diploe, and approximation of the other two tables. A tumour, covered with very thin skin, and of a livid colour, formed to the size of half an egg when he held his head downwards towards the ground, but disappeared again as soon as he altered his position. No pulsation existed in it, nor did the respiratory actions influence it, during the short period it could be examined-the position necessary for its production causing vertigo. The veteran enjoyed good health, could read without glasses, had a distinct articulation, and slept a good deal. He died of bronchitis (aged 81) in 1851; and after death, inclining the head downwards failed to fill the tumour as it did during life. The brain was found to be healthy. At three centimetres distance from the falx on the right side, the two parietes of the arachnoid and the dura mater were adherent, as was this last to the skull. On detaching these adhesions, several red points, orifices of open vessels, were observed, and opposite to these, small openings in the table of the skull. Water dropped into this space soon filtered through, rendering the skin tumid; and by injecting fluids and passing bristles, the communication between these openings in the bone and the longitudinal sinus was proved to exist. The calibre of the sinus was somewhat enlarged, and it contained a coagulum. On dividing the scalp externally, slender fibrous prolongations were observed to extend from the fibro-muscular layer to be united with the periosteum, at the edge of the depression, which was five centimetres broad and two and a half deep. It was lined by a very delicate periosteum, continuous with these filaments. The edges of the depression consisted of thickened, compact tissue, while the centre was composed of very thin, rarefied bone. The portion of the bone corresponding to the thinning of the external skin (about two centimetres in diameter) was destitute of diploe, and perforated with holes. No internal projection corresponded with the external depression.

Although all tumour was now absent, the mouths of the vessels corresponded with the apertures in the bone, and the affection might not improperly be termed an osteo-vascular fistula, or, according to M. Bouchut, a fistula of the longitudinal sinus. The pathological openings were, however, situated about an inch from the sinus, and the reductibility of the tumour during life is to be borne in mind. M. Dufour thinks the case can be best characterized as one of "sanguineous hernia of the cranial vault, by communication of the meningeal vessels with the external skin, through apertures in the bone." His personal inquiries and literary researches have failed to discover a similar case.-Gazette Medicale, 1851, No. 49.

On a Case of Human Intestinal Calculus. By Dr. BücHNER.

ON examining the body of a man who had been liable to gall-stones, and who died after an attack of peritonits, Dr. Büchner found that this last arose from the presence of a large calculus firmly impacted in one of the convolutions of the jejunum, and entirely filling up the volume of the intestine. Above this, the canal was much distended as far as the stomach, and was filled with fluid fæcal matter, which, however, was, to some extent, enabled to pass the obstruction. Some fingers' breadth below the calculus, a strong contrac

tion, with mortification and perforation, was observed. The calculus weighed rather above an ounce, and its upper end was very pointed and smooth, probably from the peristaltic action. It measured three inches in length, and 4-5ths of an inch in diameter. It was found broken into two pieces, the broken surfaces presenting light and dark coloured concentric rings, like the section of the trunk of a tree. The microscope exhibited, amidst the amorphous mass of which it was composed, large and beautiful crystals of cholester ine; and its chemical examination furnished the constituents of the bile. There was no nucleus found, on a section being made. In the gall-bladder were two calculi of medium size. Dr. Büchner believes that this case of human intestinal calculus found so high up, is unique.-Henle's Zeitschrift, Band x. p. 191.

On the Reciprocal Influence of Acu'e Diseases and Menstruation. By M. HERARD.

M. HERARD terminates a recent memoir with the following conclusions:-1. All acute diseases exert a pretty similar effect on menstruation.-2. This influence varies accordingly as the disease becomes developed during a menstrual epoch, or during an interval.-3. In the first of these cases the menses are usually suppressed completely or incompletely, when they may reappear after some hours or days, though usually in diminished quantity. The patients regard the suppression as being the cause of the febrile disease, although the contrary is the fact and even in the case of acute febrile disease becoming manifested after suppression, we must regard it as a consequence of the chill that has produced this.-4. When an acute febrile disease is developed in the interval, if the next epoch is near at hand, so that the fever continues to it, the menstruation is favoured by the increased hæmorrhagic congestion of the uterus and ovaries.-5. The menses are usually absent or notably diminished in quantity, at the periods which occur during the decline of a disease, or in convalescence. This secondary amenorrhoea, though sometimes persistent, usually only continues for from one to three months.-6. The menstrual eruption in nowise predisposes to disease.-7. Menstruation exerts no appreciable influence on the issue of acute febrile affections. The progress and termination of these are the same, whether the discharge appears or not, whether it is increased or diminished in quantity, is earlier or later in appearance, or whether this takes place at the beginning or end of the affection.-S. In treating acute febrile affections, it is the condition of the disease that must engage our attention; for it is rare that any special therapeutical indication is derivable from the state of the menses; and we must act absolutely in the same way if the menses are on the point of appearing, or are expected, as if they were not so.-9. Bloodletting does not, in general, prevent their appearance or continuance--10. The sudden suppression of the menses by the development of an acute febrile disease, or amenorrhoea consecutive to such disease, does not, in general, call for any special treatment.-L'Union Medicale, 1851, No. 149.

On the Influence of Pregnancy and the Puerperal State on the Progress of Phthisis.

By MM. GRISOLLE & DUBREUILH.

M. GRISOLLE, in reporting to the Academy of Medicine upon a memoir presented by M. Dubreuilh, observes, that the views he formerly expressed have only obtained additional confirmation. In none of the 13 cases related by M. Dubreuilh, or in the 35 now collected by M. Grisolle, has the power formerly vaguely attributed to pregnancy of staying the progress of phthisis, been observed. In some cases, indeed, it seems to have played the part of determining cause, and in others to have aggravated the condition. According, to M. Grisolle's observation, cases in which the first symptoms of phthisis are developed at an early period of pregnancy, and amidst a state of health otherwise satisfactory, are more common than those in which the pregnancy is consecutive to the early appearance of the organic disease. Both observers are, indeed, of opinion that phthisical women conceive with difficulty; and M. Delafond assured the reporter that cows, even at an early period of the disease, usually remained sterile, even though they continued fully alive to the attentions of the bull. He added, also, that in such as did conceive, abortion was common about the fifth or sixth month; while in such as went their full time, the progress of the disease was in nowise modified. In M. Grisolle's former papers he stated that pregnancy, in his cases, so far from retarding, hastened the progress of phthisis; and although the rate was found to be somewhat slow in M. Dubreuilh's cases, this probably arose from their having occurred in private practice, while M. Grisolle's were all hospital patients. Both sets of cases, however, amply disprove the suspending power of pregnancy; and M. P. Dabois' experience has long since led him to a similar conclusion. Phthisis which has appeared at an early period of pregnancy pursues a constantly onward course; and if improvement is to take place at all, it never does so until after delivery. It is rare for phthisis thus complicated to present those intermissions or sudden suspensions of progress sometimes met with in ordinary phthisis. The children brought forth by phthisical mothers, though usually small, are plump and well-looking to an extent that would not, a priori, be expected from persons suffering from so exhausting a disease.

M. DUBREUILH expresses a theoretical opinion in favour of the prevalent belief that the progress of phthisis is hastened by delivery, but his facts are against him; and so complete is the suspension of the disease sometimes, that delusive hopes of cure are entertained.

In regard to the influence of phthisis on pregnancy, both observers are agreed that such patients ordinarily go their full time; which must be regarded as a remarkable fact, when it is considered that more than one-half the pregnant women attacked by pneumonia, abort. Both also find that these women usually have very easy labours-a fact due to the smaller size of the child and the relaxed state of the tissues. Both, too, consider that the attempt to suckle exerts the most disastrous influence upon both mother and child.Bulletin de l'Acad., tom. xvii. pp. 14-25; Rev. Med. 1851, tom ii. p. 649.

On Hereditary Transmission of Phthisis. By M. GUILLOT.

SINCE 1825, M. Guillot has been tracing out the history of certain cases of phthisis, in order to illustrate the laws which regulate the hereditary transmission of this disease. He follows the history of the familyline, in order to ascertain whether this does not, by successive degradation, become exhausted and extinguished. He refers to the case of a man who died of phthisis, aged 66. Before the age of 48 all his four

* British and Foreign Medico-Chirurgical Review, vol. vi. p. 261.