bility seems to center there, and the pain is always referred to that region.

The case seems to present more features in common with recorded cases of hystero-epilepsy than of any other disease.

The beneficial effect of morphine, after the complete failure of the bromides to quiet spasmodic action in this case, is noteworthy.

W. H. PRATT, M. D.
Stillwater, Minn.

EPIDEMIC INFLUENZA.

This disease, which appears so often in this region, has been more than usually troublesome the past year. At times whole families have been affected and it has been the starting point of many serious disorders. Catarrh of the middle ear, conjunctivitis, tonsillitis, both corporeal and follicular, bronchitis and pneumonia have been common results. In the latter part of winter pneumonia of this character was epidemic, and in elderly people was very fatal.

What peculiar property of our atmosphere gives rise to so much influenza, it is interesting to inquire.

From the earliest settlement of the state we find complaints of this annoying disease; and the reports of the medical officers on duty at Fort Snelling, show that it prevailed extensively among the Indians in that vicinity long before white settlers came.

It is not confined to any particular season, and in few cases can it be traced to any unusual exposure or imprudence. That the cause is somewhat allied to the peculiar influence which brings hay fever is probable, but from its prevalence often in the extreme cold weather of this latitude it is certain no vegetable exhalation can have any

thing to do with it. It is undoubtedly a nervous affection; beyond that we know little.

I have anxiously looked to our meteorological reports; the study of ozone, etc., to get some explanation of this baleful influence, but so far without success.

Report of the Committee on Surgery.

C. A. WHEATON, CHAIRMAN.

Mr. President, and Gentlemen of the State Society:

I regret to say that the working force of your Surgical Committee has been seriously crippled by the unavoidable absence from the State of Dr. Geo. D. Wood of Faribault, and by the inability of Dr. Rosser of Brainerd to participate in the report by reason of his official duties in connection with another committee of which he is the chairman. As will be seen by the subjoined papers, a number of gentlemen have liberally responded to our circulars which asked for contributions, on surgical subjects. I have written a brief paper on "Railway Shock," and its influence from an operative standpoint. I had hoped that its presentation to the Society would have elicited some discussion, but unfortunately at the time of its reading there was a small attendance and but little was said— I will, however, include it with my report, with the hope that another year will bring about a general discussion of this much abused and long neglected subject.

During the past twelve months five (5) cases of pleural abscess have come under my care, all requiring incision and drainage. I have been much impressed by the greater ease with which such cases are managed when resection of a rib is practiced instead of a simple incision. The operation if done subperiosteally, is effected without Injury to the intercostal vessels, insures a sufficiently large

ng to admit of the easy reintroduction of the drainand does not, in my experience, add to the operation of tapping the chest.

In my

thing to do with it. It is undoubtedly a nervous affection; beyond that we know little.

I have anxiously looked to our meteorological reports; the study of ozone, etc., to get some explanation of this baleful influence, but so far without success.

Yours Truly,

D. W. HAND.

Report of the Committee on Surgery.

C. A. WHEATON, CHAIRMAN.

Mr. President, and Gentlemen of the State Society:

I regret to say that the working force of your Surgical Committee has been seriously crippled by the unavoidable absence from the State of Dr. Geo. D. Wood of Faribault, and by the inability of Dr. Rosser of Brainerd to participate in the report by reason of his official duties in connection with another committee of which he is the chairman. As will be seen by the subjoined papers, a number of gentlemen have liberally responded to our circulars which asked for contributions, on surgical subjects. I have written a brief paper on 'Railway Shock," and its influence from an operative standpoint. I had hoped that its presentation to the Society would have elicited some discussion, but unfortunately at the time of its reading there was a small attendance and but little was said— I will, however, include it with my report, with the hope that another year will bring about a general discussion of this much abused and long neglected subject.

66

During the past twelve months five (5) cases of pleural abscess have come under my care, all requiring incision and drainage. I have been much impressed by the greater ease with which such cases are managed when resection of a rib is practiced instead of a simple incision. The operation if done subperiosteally, is effected without injury to the intercostal vessels, insures a sufficiently large opening to admit of the easy reintroduction of the drainage tube, and does not, in my experience, add to the gravity of the operation of tapping the chest.

In my