of the trunk on the pelvis, its anterior inclination, a projecting of the belly, apparent shortening of stature, circular movements of the transverse diameter of the pelvis, want of fixity of the heads of the ossa femorum, alternate movements of elevation and descent of the head of the thigh-bone along the dorsum of the os ilium, all begin to be manifest.

When the sexual characters begin to develop themselves, the increase of the pelvis, more rapid and conspicuous in the girl than in the boy, renders in her the effects of this malformation much more apparent. Young females, from the play of the heads of the ossa femorum, become almost incapable of any great exertion, the heads ascending nearly to the crista of the ossa ilium; in those who are corpulent, pregnant, or dropsical, it amounts to an impossibility. The only palliative remedy is a broad belt round the pelvis, with iron supports down to the feet."

7. Circular and Flap Amputations.-The Edinburgh surgeons are known to be Flappists. Mr. Lizars makes no sort of hesitation in putting the circular mode hors de combat. "The circular incision," says he, " is now abandoned, and if applicable any where, it is to that of the arm between elbow and shoulderjoints; the first incision should sweep down to the bone, as done in time of Celsus, and revived by Dupuytren, and not layer after layer of skin, superficial and deep muscles, as recommended by Allanson and Hey."

This is more positive than convincing. The circular method is very far from abandoned. It is almost universally practised in London, and extensively in France, to say nothing of other parts of the world. Malgaigne, whose Manual of Operative Surgery is in every body's hands, and is the best work of the kind, admits that, on the whole, the circular method is the best. So far as our own experience goes, we prefer it, as a general mode of proceeding.

8. The Tourniquet superseded." The tourniquet is now only used by operators of the old school, or those of the modern ignorant of anatomy."

This is de trop.

p. 206.

We shall notice the succeeding part of our dexterous friend's system of surgery, when it appears. Mr. Lizars has acquired a high reputation as an operator and a teacher, and his opinions on many points are necessarily worth knowing.

The work of Dr. Burns is of a more elaborate character than that of Mr. Lizars. It is not simply devoted to the obvious phenomena of disease and to the treatment required for them; but it treats at length of the principles both of pathology and treatment, those generalizations so important yet so difficult to draw.

Mr. Burns remarks, in his Preface, that a work on surgery to be comprehensive, must be divided into three parts.

First, a detail and exposition of those particular actions and conditions which are connected with injuries and operations in general, and of those doctrines and principles which furnish the rules of practice. Second, a minute and distinct description, of the relative situation, and particular connexion, of parts which may become the seat of disease, or the subject of operation. This constitutes what has been called Surgical Anatomy, and it is just as essential to the surgeon for the purpose of information and direction, as maps and charts are to the traveller and navigator. Third, an inquiry into the nature and treatment of individual diseases and injuries, and the best and safest way, of performing particular operations.

The first volume is devoted to the first of these objects. It comprises eleven chapters, which are headed, in succession, Preliminary Remarks on ActionOf Inflammation-Of Mortification-Of Suppuration-Of Ulceration—Of Tu

mors-Of Adhesion Of Hæmorrhage and Wounded Arteries-Of Aneurysm and the Artificial Means of restraining Hæmorrhage-Of certain States connected with, or produced by, Wounds and Injuries-Of the Management of the Constitution under Disease and Injury.

The second volume carries out the remainder of our author's plan, and embraces the other objects proposed by him. The volume itself is intended, as he informs us, for two purposes :-First, to be a guide, or assistance, to the student, in the dissecting-room, enabling him, with one of the ordinary manuals, to trace the different parts of the body, with a view to their practical importance, and to acquiring a facility of finding them, when necessary, in the living subject. If employed for this purpose, it will be much for his advantage, that he mark the differences which may exist, in the individual he is examining. Second, to assist the surgeon in studying the nature of injuries, the relations of tumors, and in planning his operations.

It contains five chapters-the first, of the Anatomy of the Neck—the second, of the Anatomy of the Head-the third, of the Anatomy of the Clavicular Region, and Upper Extremity-the fourth, of the Pelvic Region-the fifth, of the Anatomy of the Inferior Extremity.

In a short notice it is impossible to present either a criticism or an analysis of so extensive a work. The first volume being mainly dedicated to principles, their comprehensive characters forbid a barren sketch of them. The second volume being filled with details, their extent interferes similarly with the reviewer. The only mode we can adopt for giving an idea of the nature of the volumes and the manner in which the subjects are handled, is to take a chapter in the first volume, and enumerate the main points that it discusses, and then to take a chapter in the second volume, and expose its entrails in the same

manner.

We will take the tenth chapter in the first volume. Its heads are-of shock and its different kinds—exhaustion—rallying-reaction-acute sensation or pain -irritation-different states of danger, and the principle to be followed in deciding on operations-fever-arteritis-phlebitis-inflamed lymphatics-neuritis -neuralgia.

Suppose we pitch on the second chapter in the second volume-on the Anatomy of the Head. It is devoted to the-tongue-its size, shape, &c.—structure covering and papilla-diseases-submaxillary gland-extirpation of-sublingual-disease of-tonsil and its diseases-parotid gland and its diseasesextirpation of-ear-nostril-lachrymal duct-frontal, and other sinuses-antrum and its diseases-orbit-lachrymal gland-eyelid-sac-nerves in the orbit -muscles of the face-articulation of the jaw, and dislocation-tumors-lips— facial artery-transversalis faciei, &c.—temporal and internal maxillary—epistaxis-opening the temporal artery-veins of the face-nerves-wounds.

In conclusion, we recommend those students and surgeons who wish to learn the sentiments of Dr. Burns, or to consult a very comprehensive treatise on the principles and practice of surgery, to consult the work itself.

RECENT WORKS ON ANATOMY.

I. MANUAL OF DESCRIPTIVE AND PATHOLOGICAL ANATOMY. By J. F. Meckel, Professor of Anatomy at Halle, &c. Translated from the German into French, with additions and notes, by A. J. L. Jourdan, Member of the Royal Academy of Medicine at Paris, &c. and G. Breschet, Adjunct Professor of Anatomy at the School of Medicine, &c. Translated from the French, with Notes, by A. S. Doane, A.M., M.D. and others. In two vols. 12mo. 1838.

II. PRACTICAL AND SURGICAL ANATOMY. By W. J. Erasmus Wilson, Lecturer on Practical and Surgical Anatomy and Physiology. Illustrated with fifty engravings on wood, by Bagg. Small 8vo. pp. 492. III. A TEXT BOOK OF HUMAN ANATOMY, DESIGNED TO FACILITATE THE STUDY OF THAT SCIENCE. By Robert Hunter, M.D., Professor of Anatomy, Andersonian University, Glasgow. Small 8vo. pp. 220, 1838. IV. THE SCIENCE OF THE CEREBRO-SPINAL PHENOMENA ATTEMPTED. By John S. Waugh, M.D. Annan. London, 1838.

V. OUTLINES OF HUMAN OSTEOLOGY. By F. O. Warde. Renshaw, London, 1838.

VI. THE SURGICAL ANATOMY OF THE PERINEUM.

By Thomas Morton, formerly one of the House-Surgeons of the University College Hospital. Large 8vo. pp. 80. 4 Plates.

VII. QUAIN'S PLATES. Fasciculi 62 and 63.

THE list of anatomical works is startling. We are certainly growing an anatotomical people. Let us look at the works seriatim.

1. The merits and defects of Meckle's treatise are so well known that it would be idle to descant on them. But the English reader is now, for the first time, put in possession of the work. This was a desideratum which has been supplied. So far as we have glanced at it, the translation seems to be a good one.

2. Mr. Wilson is well known in London as a zealous practical anatomist and teacher. His manual contains many useful hints in the way both of teaching and of learning. The following brief quotation will give an idea of his plan and his plans.

"The Aorta arises from the left ventricle, at the middle of the root of the heart. It ascends at first to the right, then curves backwards and to the left, and descends on the right side of the vertebral column to the fourth lumbar vertebra. Hence it is divided into the ascending, arch, and descending aorta. RELATIONS. The Ascending aorta has in relation with it, in front, the trunk of the pulmonary artery, thoracic fascia, and pericardium; behind, the right pulmonary veins and artery; to the right side, the right auricle and superior cava; and to the left, the left auricle and trunk of the pulmonary artery. Plan of the relations of the ascending Aorta.

3. Mr. Hunter's text book appears to be compiled with diligence and care.

4. There is no knowing where the cerebro-spinal system will carry us. The reflex function had gone pretty far when it led, in the hands of Mr. Grainger, to walking being merely the effect of the ground upon the shoe-leather. But Dr. Waugh, of Annan, rather bothers us. He has created a new science, with new

names, and whoever unwarily falls into the middle of it, will assuredly find himself in a strange land, and be accosted in an unknown tongue. We extract, at random, a passage,

"It may now be known, then, that the unspecial perceptive oli-versal filaments, and the unspecial protective versal filaments, conducting unspecial influence from the convolutions of the right cerebral hemisphere, accompany each other from the places of anastomosis at the bottoms of these convolutions, to within a very short distance of the median plane of the cerebro-spinal apparatus. In the instance of the minor system of the corpus callosum, the two orders of unspecial versal filaments in question accompany each other as far as the curvilinear line on the right side of the median line of that corpus. In the instance of the fornix another portion of those same two orders of unspecial versal filaments accom pany each other as far as its right side. In the case of the anterior commissure, the same accompaniment takes place, till where the fasciculus of the anterior commissure leaves the mass of the right hemisphere. It may here be observed, that the most beautiful analogy prevails between the unspecial and special versal apparatuses of the primary cerebro-spinal ganglions, which are subservient to perceptive consciousness. As the unspecial perceptive oli-versal filaments accompany the unspecial protective versal filaments, for a certain distance from the unspecial grey tissue of the cerebral convolutions of the same side on which they originate; so the special perceptive oli-versal filaments accompany the special protective versal filament, for a certain distance, greater or less according to circumstances, from the special grey tissue in which they originate. This beautiful analogy assures me of the truth of the positions which it embraces. Its simple elegance will not be fully perceived till we come to treat of the special versal apparatuses of perceptive consciousness in their order."

We tremble for the fate of the "oli-versal" filaments. Men, we fear, will be prejudiced against them.

5. Mr. Ward's is, after all, the best account, so far as it goes, of the bones, that has yet been published,

As a sample, we may take at hazard the following simple account of the motions of the ribs, and their effects on the capacity of the thorax.

"If we examine in a skeleton the hoop formed by a pair of true ribs and costal cartilages, we shall find that it is inclined in two senses: 1st, the suture hoop is inclined downward and forward, from its spinal to its sternal attachment, so that its anterior is lower than its posterior portion; 2dly, each lateral segment of the hook is inclined downward and outward from the median plane of the body, so that the middle of the shaft of each rib is below the middle of a straight line connecting its extremities. To bring a rib thus inclined into a horizontal position, two things would be necessary: 1st, its anterior extremity must be raised to a level with its posterior extremity; and then its middle portion must be raised to a level with its ends. It is evident that the former of these actions would carry forward the anterior extremity of the rib and the sternum; thereby increasing the antero-posterior diameter of the chest; and that the latter would carry outward the middle of the rib, thereby increasing the transverse diameter of the chest; so that, performed simultaneously, they would dilate the cavity in both directions at once. Now each rib is provided with muscles by which its inclination with regard to the spine, and its inclination with regard to the median plane, are simultaneously diminished, all its parts being brought nearer to the horizontal plane in which its posterior extremity is situated. When we add that these muscles act during inspiration, and that their antagonists restore the ribs and sternum to their former position during expiration, the alternate dilatation and contraction of the walls of the thorax, are sufficiently explained; and we may proceed to consider how the same mobile walls are enabled to fulfil the condition required during all the more forcible actions of the muscles to which they give origin."

We have recommended this little work to our class.

6. Mr. Morton's book is also a good one. It comprises the recent information, and is likely to be very serviceable to young surgeons.

7. Of Quain's plates, we can only say that at present they maintain their character of excellence.

NATURAL HISTORY.

I. A HISTORY OF BRITISH BIRDS. By William Yarrell, F.L.S., V. P.Z.S. Illustrated by a Wood-cut of each Species and numerous Vignettes. Part IX. Price 2s. 6d.

II. A GENERAL OUTLINE OF THE ANIMAL KINGDOM. By Thomas Rymer Jones, F.Z.S. Professor of Comparative Anatomy in King's College, London. Illustrated by numerous Engravings on Wood. Part II. October, 1838.

Or the first of these works it is almost needless to speak. It supports its own and its predecessor's character-no mean praise. We wish we could inoculate all our readers with a love of natural history. Let them get these works at all events. They are a pleasant addition to any library.

As a

This part of Mr. Jones's work presents to us the polygastrica-the acalephæ and the sterilmintha. This work was much wanted, particularly by the younger members of the profession, whose attention we strongly direct to it. specimen of the style, we quote a short passage on the luminousness of the acalephæ.

"We are equally at a loss to account for the production of the irritating secretion in which the power of stinging seems to reside, but it is observed that the tentacula seem to be more specially imbued with it than other parts of the body. Perhaps the most remarkable property of the acalephæ is their phosphorescence, to which the luminosity of the ocean, an appearance especially beautiful in warm climates, is principally due. We have more than once witnessed this phenomenon in the Mediterranean, and the contemplation of it is well calculated to impress the mind with a consciousness of the profusion of living beings existing around us. The light is not constant, but only emitted when agitation of any kind disturbs the microscopic medusa which crowd the surface of the ocean: a passing breeze, as it sweeps over the tranquil bosom of the sea, will call from the waves a flash of brilliancy which may be traced for miles; the wake of a ship is marked by a long track of splendour; the oars of your boat are raised dripping with living diamonds; and, if a little of the water be taken up in the palm of the hand and slightly agitated, luminous points are perceptibly diffused through it, which emanate from innumerable little acalephæ scarcely perceptible without the assistance of a microscope. All, however, are not equally minute, the Beroes, in which the cilia would seem to be most vividly phosphorescent, are of considerable size; the Cestum Veneris, as it. glides rapidly along, has the appearance of an undulating riband of flame several feet in length; and many of the larger Pulmonigrade forms shine with such dazzling brightness, that they have been described by navigators as resembling 'white-hot shot' visible at some depth beneath the surface. This luminousness is undoubtedly dependent upon some phosphorescent secretion, but its nature and origin are quite unknown."

Mr. Jones has our best wishes for the success of his work. Mr. Van Voorst, the spirited publisher of the series, deserves every encouragement.