society determined to call your attention, as well as that of the profession, through the columns of THE JOURNAL of the American Medical Association, to the error you make in your advertising literature. To quote from leaflet "Petroleum Internally: Its Action"; "Already, at the second annual meeting of the American Therapeutic Society, held at Washington in May, 1900, it was decided (as a result of laboratory and clinical experience extending 'over fifty selected cases') to advocate the following; to wit: (1) that 'refined purified petroleum should be more extensively employed as a therapeutic agent,' and (2) that 'the reasons for its use should be more widely communicated to the profession at large.'' The society has never in any manner endorsed a remedy. There may have been individual opinions expressed, but these could be regarded only as coming from the individual and not from the society, as the above quotation would indicate. In this particular instance, however, the quotation is at direct variance with the papers and records of the society, as will be shown by the paper read at the 1900 meeting by Dr. Reyburn on the "Inertness of Petroleum Compounds When Given Medicinally." N. P. BARNES, Secretary American Therapeutic Society. Queries and Minor Notes. Queries for ANONYMOUS COMMUNICATIONS will not be noticed. this column must be accompanied by the writer's name and address, but the request of the writer not to publish his name will be faithfully observed. TIME TO TAKE ALKALIES TO MAKE URINE ACID. To the Editor:-I most respectfully state, for the benefit of J. W. B., of Virginia, page 275, of THE JOURNAL, July 23, that alkaline salts given before meals enter immediately into the circulation of the blood, decomposing the neutral phosphates of soda therein, forming acid phosphate of soda, which, being eliminated by the kidneys, increases the acidity of the urine. On the other hand, when alkalies are given after meals, during digestion, the acid reaction of the gastric juice decomposes the salt forming CO2 (presuming the alkall is one of the carbonates), the free salt entering the blood increases the alkalinity of that fluid. See Bartholow's Therapeutics. J. T. HOWARD, M.D. THE OLDEST STUDENTS' MEDICAL CLUB. LOWELL, MASS., July 23, 1904. To the Editor:-In reply to the inquiry of Dr. Cordell, in THE JOURNAL of this date, relative to the oldest students' medical club, I would offer the following: Dr. John Warren formed a students' club for the study of anatomy while he was a student at Harvard College, 1767-1771. This was before the founding of the Harvard Medical School. The club seems to have continued during the Revolution at least, for we find references to it in the letters of one of the members, William Eustis, written during that period. The Boylston Medical Society of Harvard University was formed in January, 1811, "for the purpose of promoting emulation and inquiry, and of disseminating medical knowledge among its members." It is composed of men who, at the time of their becoming members, are students at the Medical School of Harvard University. The first president of the society was Dr. John C. Warren. The Society has been in continuous existence since its birth to the present time. THOMAS F. HARRINGTON, M.D. Marriages. EARLE C. GLENN, M.D., to Miss Ellà G. Ensor, at Baltimore, June 30. H. EDWARD SAUER, M.D., to Miss Nellie Delia Bogle, both of Chicago, July 27. JAMES H. BARTLEY, M.D. to Miss E. Grace Laughlin, both of Zillah, Wash., June 11. WILLIAM L. SEABURY, M.D., to Miss Mattie May Tubman, at Glasgow, Md., July 11. CARROLL B. BACON, M.D., to Miss Jennie F. Yells, both of Waterloo, N. Y., June 29. C. W. RUSSELL, M.D. Elysian, Minn., to Miss Gertrude Fuller of St. Paul, Minn., June 21. HENRY J. HINKEL, M.D., Baltimore, to Miss Katherine L. Prevost, at Rockville, Md., March 2. CAPT. IRVING W. Rand, M.D., U. S. Army, to Mrs. Kathryn Brown, at San Francisco, Cal., June 15. CLARENCE WHITTINGHAM HOPKINS, M.D., to Miss Mary Emma Kinzie, both of Chicago, July 27. WILLIAM W. QUINLAN, M.D., to Mrs. Truman W. Miller, both of Chicago, at Haverhill, Mass., July 12. JOHN ARTHUR LUETSCHER, M.D., to Miss Charlotte Elizabeth Zumbleson, both of Baltimore, July 16. P. N. KURZWEIL, M.D., Brooklyn, N. Y., to Miss Minnie Lustgarten of New York City, June 26. ANDERS EINAR JOHNSON, M.D., Madison, Minn., to Miss Dina Rindal of Muskegon, Mich., June 17. THOMAS ASH CLAYTON, M.D., Washington, D. C., to Miss Helen Niernsee at Columbia, S. C., June 30. FRANCIS M. HARRINGTON, M.D., Pawtucket, R. I., to Miss Lena O'Keefe of Providence, R. 1., June 20. THOMAS H. DANIEL, M.D., Tennessee, to Miss Sarah B. Dunnington, at the University of Virginia, July 19. WILLIAM ALGERNON BRAND, M.D., Redwood Falls, Minn., to Miss Irene Ross of Black Duck, Minn., June 29. LORENZO SEYMOUR MORGAN, M.D., of Illinois, to RUTH BENNETT, M.D., of Los Angeles, Cal., Nashville, Tenn., June 29. Deaths. Henry E. Paine, M.D. Bellevue Hospital Medical College, New York City, 1863, for many years a member of the American Medical Association; a practitioner of Dixon, Ill., since 1865; formerly house surgeon in Bellevue Hospital, and assistant to Dr. Flint in his physiologic experiments; an acting assistant surgeon in the Army during the Civil War; district surgeon of the Chicago and Northwestern Railway, and local surgeon for the Illinois Central Railroad; a member of the National Association of Railway Surgeons; died at his home in Dixon, July 24, from pulmonary abscess, after an illness of two months, aged 63. J. Fussell Martenet, M.D. University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, 1880, of Baltimore, a member of the American Medical Association; for several years in charge of the department of children in the Johns Hopkins Hospital Dispensary, and state vaccine agent, died at Johns Hopkins Hospital, July 18, from typhoid fever, aged 46. Caroline H. Daniels, M.D. Ohio, for many years a medical missionary in Southern China, died at the University Hospital, Ann Arbor, Mich., July 2, from tubercular meningitis, aged 60. Norborn T. Greer, M.D. University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, 1892, died at his home in Rocky Mount, Va., July 7, after a lingering illness, aged 70. William C. Cole, M.D. Louisville Medical College, 1872, a member of the Morgan County and Illinois State medical societies and the American Medical Association; assistant physician at the Illinois Central Hospital for the Insane, Jacksonville, died at his apartments in the institution, June 28, aged 59. Richard T. Dozier, Jr., M.D. College of Physicians and Surgeons, Baltimore, 1890, a member of the American Medical Association, died at his home in Milledgeville, Ga., from disease of the stomach and liver, after a short illness. Samuel L. Abbot, M.D. Harvard University Medical School, Boston, 1841, for 50 years on the staff of the Massachusetts General Hospital, died at his home in Boston, July 1, from apoplexy, aged 87. William T. Blackford, M.D. New York University, New York City, 1851, of Graysville, Ga., while walking on a railroad track near Ringgold, Ga., was struck by a train and instantly killed, July 9, aged 75. George Ford Goers, M.D. College of Medicine, Syracuse, (N. Y.) University, 1898, died at his home in Syracuse, June 27, from cardiac paralysis following diphtheria, aged 28. William H. Githens, M.D. Medical Department of the University of Iowa, Keokuk, 1853; surgeon during the Civil War. died at his home in Hamilton, Ill., June 29, aged 77. Alfred Sutton Hayden, M.D. Ohio, 1881, died suddenly at his home in Salem, Ohio, July 3, from Bright's disease, aged 62. William S. Spriggs, M.D. Ohio, of Sarahsville, Ohio, died suddenly from apoplexy, June 30, while making a professional call, near Belle Valley, Ohio, aged 67. Samuel M. Brown, M.D. Indiana, 1897, for 55 years a practitioner of New Bethel, Ind., died at his home in that place, June 25, after a long illness, aged 82. Edmund T. Brown, M.D. Medical Department of Washington University, St. Louis, 1901, of Muldon, Miss., committed suicide by taking morphin, June 23. Robert J. Flint, M.D. Illinois, 1894, died at his home in Antwerp, N. Y., from pulmonary tuberculosis, June 29, after a protracted illness, aged 33. Wilford F. Hall, M.D. Chicago Medical College, 1874, of MeLeansboro, Ill., died at a hospital in Chicago, June 18, after a lingering illness, aged 53. Howard C. Hanson, M.D. Medical School of Maine at Bowdoin College, Brunswick, died, June 22, from acute mania at Portland, Maine. Henry E. Harold, M.D. Indiana, 1899, of Lafayette, Ind., died in Indianapolis, June 30, from tuberculosis of the lungs, after a long illness. Starkie S. Daniel, M.D. University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, 1887, died at his home in Winton, N. C., June 19. James B. Bell, M.D., 1846, died at his home in Kansas City, Mo., July 13, from kidney disease, aged more than 80. Kenan Hall, M.D. College of Physicians and Surgeons, Baltimore, 1881, died at his home in Macon, Ga., July 10. William W. Curtis, M.D., died at his home in Hampton Falls, N. H., June 14, aged 89. Addison H. Chaffee, M.D., 1872, died suddenly at his home in Breckenridge, Mo., July 4. Nathan S. Brown, M.D., died at his home in State Line, Ind., July 7, aged 82. Association News. Transactions of the Sections. Nine of the sections of the Association have ordered their proceedings bound in book form. The transactions of a section will include the papers read at the Atlantic City session, with illustrations and discussions, the minutes of the session, and a list of those registered or of those interested in that Specialty. The volume measures about 6 by 9 inches, contains from 100 to 500 pages and is well bound in cloth, appropriately lettered. The following sections have ordered transactions: Practice of Medicine; Obstetrics and Diseases of Women; Surgery and Anatomy; Ophthalmology; Diseases of Children; Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery; Laryngology and Otology; Materia Medica, Pharmacy and Therapeutics; Pathology and Physiology. On publication, some of these books sell for $1.25 and some for $1.50. Every year there are many requests for copies after the supply has been exhausted. The number printed is very slightly greater than the number paid for in advance. This announcement is made now that those who wish copies and who have not ordered paid in advance, is $1 per copy for each of the above named sections. This is the price paid at the annual sessions, at which time the great majority of all subscriptions are ceived. This price is less than cost and therefore no orders are desired that are unaccompanied by the money. (If personal check is sent, 10 cents additional should be added to pay cost of exchange.) This announcement will not appear gain. The printing of some of these books has commenced. may do The price, if SO. The Public Service. Army Changes. re Memorandum of changes of stations and duties of medical officers, C. S. Army, week ending July 23, 1904: Geer. Charles C.. asst.-surgeon, reports from sick leave of abence to sick in U. S. Army General Hospital. Washington Bararks. D. C. Billingslea. C. C., and Eastman, Wm. R.. asst.-surgeons, arrived t San Francisco on the Thomas from Manila, P. I. Palmer, Fred W., asst.-surgeon, reports departure from Jefferson Barracks. Mo., en route to San Francisco with recruits. Bevans, James L., asst.-surgeon, relieved from duty at Fort Barrancas. Fla., and ordered to Fort H. G. Wright, N. Y., for duty. Ford, Clyde S., asst.-surgeon, relieved from duty at Fort H. G. Wright, N. Y., and ordered to Fort Barrancas, Fla., for duty. Owen. L. J., asst. surgeon, reported for temporary duty at Fort Hancock, N. J. Ford, Clyde S., asst.-surgeon, promoted captain and asst.-surgeon, U. S. Army. to rank from June 16, 1904. Brown, Henry L., asst.-surgeon, assigned to duty at Columbus Barracks, Ohio. Baily, Howard H., asst.-surgeon, assigned to duty at Plattsburg Larracks, N. Y. Humphreys, Harry G., asst.-surgeon, assigned to duty at Fort Freeman, Paul F., asst.-surgeon, assigned to duty at Fort Slocum, Gilchrist, H. L.. and Reynolds. Chas. R., asst.-surgeons, report arrival at Gettysburg, Pa., on detached duty with company of instruction, H. C. Rhoads, Thos. L., asst.-surgeon, reports for uty as attending surgeon and examiner of recruits, Philadelphia. Skinner, Geo. A.. asst. surgeon. left Fort Harrison, Mont., en route to Yellowstone Park with battalion Twenty-fourth Infantry, on practice march. Minor, James C., contract surgeon, left Army and Navy General Hospital, Hot Springs, Ark., June 27 on leave of absence. Connor, Michael E.. contract surgeon, granted leave of absence for one month from Fort Miley, Cal. Whitney, Walter. Brown, Polk D.. contract Stallman, George E.. Francisco, wiil sail August 1 for the Philippine Division. dental surgeon. now at San Lauderdale, Clarence E., contract dental surgeon, granted leave of absence for two months from the Philippine Division, with permission to visit Japan. ་ Navy Changes. Changes in the medical corps, U. S. Navy, for the week ending July 23, 1904: DeValin, C. M., P. A. surgeon, detached from the Albany and ordered home to wait orders. McDonnell, W. N., A. A. surgeon, detached from the Glacier and ordered to the Marcellus. McMurdo, P. F., A. A. surgeon, detached from the Gloucester and ordered to the Navy Yard, League Island, Pa. Black, W. H., A. A. surgeon, detached from the Navy Yard, N. Y., August 12 and ordered to the Naval Station, New Orleans. Bogert, E. S., Jr.. surgeon, orders of July 15 modified, ordered to continue duty at the Naval Academy. Curtis, L. W., surgeon, detached from the Buffalo, and ordered home to wait orders. Parker, E. G.. P. A. surgeon, detached from the Wheeling and ordered to the Buffalo. Sutton, R. L.. asst.-surgeon, detached from duty with the Marine Battalion on the Isthmus of Panama and ordered to the Naval Hospital, New York, N. Y., for treatment. Grieve, C. O., asst.-surgeon, detached from the Naval Station, Cavite, P. I.. and ordered to the Naval Station, Guam, L. I. Cather, D. C., asst.-surgeon, appointed asst.-surgeon, with rank of lieutenant, junior grade, from July 2, 1904. Marine-Hospital Service. Official list of the changes of station and duties of commissioned and non-commissioned officers of the Public Health and MarineHospital Service for the seven days ended July 14, 1904: Stoner, J. B., surgeon, to proceed to Ocean City, Md.. Chincoteague and Wachapreague, Va.. for the physical examination of certain keepers and surfmen of the Life Saving Service. Guiteras, G. M., surgeon, granted leave of absence for seven days from July 14. Grubbs, S. B.. passed asst.-surgeon, to proceed to Moss Point, Miss.. for special temporary duty. Billings, W C.. passed asst. surgeon, department March 28. 1904, granting Passed Asst.-Surgeon Billings leave of letter of absence for two months and three days, amended to read one month and twenty-eight days. Korn, W. A., ass.-surgeon, relieved from duty at Philadelphia, Pa., and directed to proceed to Perth Amboy, N. J., for duty. Amesse. J. W., asst.-surgeon, department letter of March 26. 1904. granting Asst.-Surgeon Amesse leave of absence for two months and fifteen days, amended to read two months and eleven days from May 1. Glover, M. W., asst.-surgeon, granted leave of absence, on account of sickness. for seven days. Bahrenburg, L. P. H., asst.-surgeon. relieved from duty at Chicago and temporary duty at Evansville, Ind.. and directed to proceed to Delaware Breakwater Quarantine and report to the medical ical officer in command for duty and assignment to quarters. Stimson. A. M.. asst.-surgeon, on being relieved at New Orleans, La.. by Asst. Surgeon E. M. Steger, to proceed to Washington, D. C.. and report to the director of the Hygienic Laboratory for duty. Ward. W. K.. asst. surgeon. on being relieved at Reedy Island Quarantine by Asst.-Surgeon G. L. Collins, to proceed to Washington. D. C.. and report at the Bureau for instructions preliminary to assignment to duty in the office of the United States Consul at Bridgeton, Barbadoes. British West Indies. Roberts. Norman. asst.-surgeon, relieved at New Orleans, La.. and directed to proceed to Evansville. Ind.. and assume temporary charge, relieving Asst. Surgeon L. P. H. Bahrenburg. Collins. G. L.. asst.-surgeon, relieved from duty at Ellis Island, N. Y.. and directed to proceed to Reedy Island Quarantine and report to the medical officer in command for duty and assignment to quarters. relieving Asst.-Surgeon W. K. Ward. Steger, E. M., asst.-surgeon, relieved from duty at Ellis Island, N. Y., and directed to proceed to New Orleans and report to medical officer in command for duty in connection with the examination of aliens, relieving Asst. Surgeon A. M. Stimson. Brown, B. J., Jr., acting asst.-surgeon, granted leave of absence for twenty-one days from July 8. Cleaves, F. H., acting asst. surgeon, granted leave of absence for twenty-three days from July 8. Goldsborough, B. W., acting asst.-surgeon, granted leave of absence for three days from July 13. Gregory, G. A., acting asst.-surgeon, granted leave of absence for seven days from July 5. Keatley, H. W., acting asst.-surgeon, granted leave of absence for two days from July 8, 1904, under paragraph 210 of the regu lations. Savage, W. L... acting asst.-surgeon, granted leave of absence for thirty days from August 1. Stevenson, J. W., acting asst.-surgeon, granted leave of absence for ten days from July 10. Tappan. J. W., acting asst.-surgeon, granted leave of absence for thirty days from July 10. Weldon, W. A., acting assistant surgeon, granted leave of absence for thirty days from July 8. Allen, G. C., pharmacist, granted leave of absence for thirty days from July 13. BOARDS CONVENED. Board convened at Washington, D. C., July 11, 1904, for the physical examination of an officer of the Revenue-Cutter Service. Detail for the board: Asst.-Surgeon General G. T. Vaughan, chairman; Asst.-Surgeon A. J. McLaughlin, recorder. Board convened at the Marine Hospital, Baltimore, July 12, 1904. for the physical examination of an officer for the RevenueCutter Service. Detail for the board: Asst.-Surgeon C. W. Wille, chairman; Acting Asst.-Surgeon J. G. Evans, recorder. Health Reports. The following cases of smallpox, yellow fever, cholera and plague have been reported to the Surgeon General, Public Health and Marine Hospital Service, during the week ended July 22, 1904: SMALLPOX-UNITED STATES. Colorado: Denver, May 28-July 9, 3 cases. District of Columbia: Washington, July 9-16, 1 case. Georgia: Macon, July 2-9, 2 cases. Illinois Chicago, July 9-16, 10 cases: Springfield, July 11-18, 5 cases. Iowa Clinton, July 2-9, 1 case imported from St. Louis. Louisiana : New Orleans, July 9-16, 3 cases traceable to importation. Michigan Detroit, July 9-16, 1 case; at 71 localities, July 2-9, present. Missouri: St. Louis, July 9-16. 3 cases. New Hampshire: Manchester, July 9-16, 3 cases. New York: July 9-16. Buffalo, 1 case; Niagara Falls. 1 case. SMALLPOX-FOREIGN. Austria: Prague, June 18-July 2, 7 cases. Great Britain : July 2-9, Birmingham, 1 case; Liverpool, 1 case; June 18-July 2. Bradford 7 cases; Nottingham, 22 cases: June 25-July 2, Edinburg, 2 cases; London 10 cases, 1 death; Manchester, 1 case; Newcastle-on-Tyne, 8 cases, 2 deaths; Glasgow, 19 cases, 2 deaths. India: Bombay, June 14-21, 13 deaths; Calcutta, June 11-18, 2 deaths. Italy Palermo. June 18-July 2. 2 cases, 1 death. Mexico City of Mexico, June 26-July 10, 5 cases. 6 deaths. Russia Moscow, June 18-25, 10 cases, 7 deaths; St. Petersburg, June 25-July 2, 13 cases, 4 deaths. Turkey Alexandretta, June 18-25, 1 death: Beirut, June 18July 2, present. reorganization has been carried on effectively, and when the house of delegates met, May 19, 80 of the 99 counties had com pleted their organization and had elected representatives. The new constitution adopted at Sioux City in April, 1903, was not satisfactory to a few counties in the state, and efforts were made to overthrow the constitution and begin again. Dr. John S. Lewis, Dubuque, introduced a memoir, asking that a review of the work done at Sioux City be made, and attacking the constitutionality of the adoption, etc. This, through the indulgence of the president, Dr. Joseph A. Scroggs of Keokuk, was referred to a special committee of five, who reported at the second afternoon session, upholding the action of the convention in 1903, and recommending the constitution. The debate on this report was limited to one hour, Dr. Lewis consuming most of the time for his side, and making a very scholarly and telling speech. Dr. David S. Fairchild, Des Moines, answered Dr. Lewis. The vote was overwhelmingly in favor of the report. The election of officers resulted as follows: Dr. David C. Brockman, Ottumwa, president; Drs. J. Fred Clarke. Fairfield, and Dr. Jennie McCowen, Davenport, vice-presidents; Dr. Vernon L. Treynor, Council Bluffs, secretary; Dr. William B. Small, Waterloo, treasurer, and Dr. Edward E. Dorr, Des Moines, delegate to the American Medical Association. Michigan. MUSKEGON COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY.--On a call issued by Dr. William T. Dodge, Big Rapids, councilor for the Eleventh District, twelve physicians of the county met at Muskegon, June 23, and organized a county society on the standard plan. Missouri. STODDARD COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY.-Dr. James J. Norwine. Poplar Bluff, met the physicians of Stoddard County at Bloomfield, June 22, and organized a county medical society with an initial membership of 20, and the following officers: President. Dr. Thomas B. Hurnbaugh, Bloomfield; vice-president, Dr. Tazwell B. Wingo, Dexter; secretary, Dr. D. R. Corbin, Bloomfiel. and treasurer, Dr. Sammuel M. Evans, Bloomfield. MISSOURI STATE MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.-A pro ferma decree of incorporation was applied for by this association July 2 The object of the organization was given as the advancement of medical science and the medical profession. The petition was signed by the officers and members of the association. Oklahoma. COMANCHE COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY.-Physicians of the county met with Dr. Mahlon A. Kelso, Enid, councilor for the Third District, at Lawton, July 6, and organized a county society on the standard plan, with the following officers: Dr. Ferdinand Shoemaker, Lawton, president; Dr. Adam B. Fair. Lawton, vice-president; Dr. Richard H. Tullis, Lawton, treas urer, and Dr. J. Angus Gillis, Frederick, secretary. KAY COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY.-On June 21 Dr. Mahlon A. Kelso, Enid, councilor for the Third District, organized this society on the standard plan at Newkirk, with a membership of fourteen, and the following officers: Dr. Mark M. Lively. Blackwell, president; Dr. James S. Scott, Ponca City, vicepresident; Dr. Abraham L. Hazen, Newkirk, secretary; Dr. W. A. T. Robertson, Ponca City, treasurer; Drs. Edgar J Orvis, Autwine, one year, Otis H. Morey, Ponca City, twe years, and Virgil A. Wood, Blackwell, three years; and dele gate to the territorial society. Dr. Otis T. Morey, Ponca City. Tennessee. SMITH COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY.-Physicians of the county met at Carthage, June 24, and organized a medical society on the standard plan. Book Notices. EPILEPSY AND ITS TREATMENT. By William P. Spratling, M.D Superintendent of the Craig Colony for Epileptics at Sonyea, N. Y Illustrated. Cloth. Pp. 522. Price, $4.00 net. Philadelphia New York, London: W. B. Saunders & Co. 1904. This book is by far the largest and most ambitious work en epilepsy published in this country since 1870, when the classi cal treatise of Echeverria appeared. The author has had most exceptional opportunities for the observation and study of the disease, having been medical superintendent of the New Yors Colony for Epileptics for a period of nearly ten years. This is one of the largest colonies in the world and we believe it is the best of them. Those parts of the book based on the author's personal experience and investigations are beyond criticism. The chapter on the general treatment of epilepsy is one of the best we have read: concise, practical and most timely. The chapter on the medical treatment is not so strong because it contains less of the author's individual opinion and makes more of an attempt to cover the many methods advocated by others. The discussion on the surgical treatment of the disease is very well balanced and on the whole a safe guide, but we believe that a description of surgical technic is entirely out of place in a work of this kind. The directions given for opening the cranial cavity and for performing abdominal section would be ridiculously inadequate if the operator had had no surgical training and they are entirely superfluous for a trained surgeon. The chapters on status epilepticus contributed by L. Pierce Clark and that on the pathology of epilepsy by Drs. Prout and Clark are masterly, covering the ground fully and in a manner quite beyond criticism. In our opinion two defects mar the work and detract from its value. First, the author apparently lacks a good, broad, neurologic training. This want has allowed considerable loose and inexact statement to creep into the text. Second, the arrangement and manner of presentation of the matter might be much more effective. These are not irremedial faults and may be corrected in the second edition, which is sure to be called for. As a whole the book covers the subject very completely and contains some matter which is peculiarly good, and some which is difficult to find elsewhere. For example, the chapter on the sequelæ of epileptic convulsions is a valuable contribution to the subject, the part on exhaustion-paralysis being a real contribution to the literature. The description of the unusual and psychic forms of epilepsy will be of great value to the general practitioner, and the chapters on the psychologic and medicolegal aspects of epilepsy contains much of value, and which is scarcely accessible to him who has not accumulated a considerable library on epilepsy and allied subjects. The one chapter which appears to us to be altogether lacking in fullness is that on diagnosis. Three pages serve to cover the diagnosis of epilepsy from hysteria, a differential diagnosis which involves many of the fine clinical features of both diseases. It is to be hoped that in future editions this subject will be more thoroughly presented. LECTURES ON CLINICAL PSYCHIATRY. By Dr. Emil Kraepelin. Professor of Psychiatry in the University of Munich. Authorized Translation from the German. Revised and Edited by Thomas Johnstone. M.D. Edin.. M.R.C.P. Lond., Member of the MedicoPsychological Association of Great Britain and Ireland. Cloth. Pp. 305. Price. $3.50 net. New York: Wm. Wood & Co. 1904. The English reading members of the profession are certainly under great obligations to the editor and publishers and unknown translator of this work. It has been a standard in Germany ever since its appearance. The author may be said to stand at the head of the alienists of Germany, and he is second to none in the world. In clearness of expression and pleasing manner of presentation of the subjects considered the work is certainly remarkable, and is destined to become a classic. While it does not explore all the by-ways of mental disease, there is no feature of clinical psychiatry omitted which would be of importance to the general practitioner. It is to be hoped that this translation will have a wide circulation, and that it will be very generally read not only by those particularly interested in mental disease, but by a great many general prac titioners. Indeed, we are sure that numberless asylum physicians might study it with great edification, and with considerable benefit to their patients. Where all is good it is difficult to discriminate. but we believe that the chapters on melancholia, maniacal depressive insanity, dementia precox, irrepressible ideas and irresistible fears and the one on morbid personalities are particularly practical and valuable. A TEXT-BOOK OF OPERATIVE SURGERY, Covering the Surgical Anatomy and Operative Technic Involved in the Operations of General Surgery. Written for Students and Practitioners. By Warren Stone Bickham, Phar. M., M.D., Assistant Instructor in Operative Surgery. College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York. Second Edition. With 559 Illustrations. Cloth. P'p. 984. Price. $6.00 net. Philadelphia, New York and London: W. B. Saunders & Co. 1904. The first edition of this work, which appeared but six months ago, was reviewed in these columns. There have been no additions nor material changes in this, the second edition, but some of the slight clerical errors to which attention was directed in the former review have been corrected. That the first edition was exhausted within six months must be a source of gratification to the author, as well as an indication of the manner in which the work has been received by the profession. Society Proceedings. COMING MEETINGS. AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Portland, Ore., July 11-14, 1905. Academy of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology, Denver, August 24-26. Medical Society of the Missouri Valley, Council Bluffs, Iowa, August 25. Oregon State Medical Association, Portland, August 30-31. Wyoming State Medical Society, Rawlins, September 13. American Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, St. Louis. September 13 15. American Electro-Therapeutic Assn.. St. Louis, September 13-16. Medical Society of the State of Pennsylvania, Pittsburg, September 27-29. ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN MEDICAL COLLEGES. Minutes of the Fourteenth Annual Meeting, held at Atlantic City, N. J., June 6, 1904. MORNING SESSION. The Association convened in the Hotel Islesworth, and was called to order at 10:45 a. m. by the president, Dr. J. R. Guthrie, Dubuque, Iowa. On motion, the roll call of members was postponed until the afternoon session, and the first portion of the program was proceeded with, as announced. Dr. J. A. Bodine was called to the chair, while the president, Dr. Guthrie, delivered the presidential address. President's Address. Gentlemen of the Association:-I desire to thank you most heartily for the honor you have conferred on the college which I represent in selecting me to preside over the deliberations of this meeting, and to earnestly solicit your cordial co-operation to the end that the objects of this Association may be splendidly subserved. Born of courage and conviction, this Association has a record of which to be justly proud. The past is secure, the present ours and the future largely in our hands. Yea, with us, and our fidelity and loyalty to the fundamental objects of this Association, rests the advancement of medical education in this country. The association was born in 1890, and the part it has taken in the United States is highly commendable. From this congratulatory retrospect, let us be stimulated and encouraged to win still more substantial victories in the cause of medical education in the near future. Let us not tickle ourselves overmuch over these successes, but confront rather the plain facts. A brief comparison of our standards with those of other countries will convince us that they are yet far too low, and for the accomplishment of the greatest good must be advanced. Our standards are lower than those in Great Britain, and on the continent, and the contest must go on until all this is changed. Commercialism stifles the professional spirit and is one of the greatest evils of our time. One of the most powerful causes of this defect is the overcrowding of the profession. The percentage of physicians in this country is higher than many other places on the globe, one to every 500 persons; twice as many as in Great Britain. The number of students graduated this year will be twice that needed to keep up this congestion. Where is the remedy? What is the antidote? In what way may the colleges lessen this evil? Manifestly we need not more students, but a better grade and quality. We are to be congratulated on the forward step taken at the last meeting, in elevating the standard of admission into the colleges of this association. That was truly commendable, and further progress is in sight. But far more important and praiseworthy is the firm, consistent adherence to the entrance requirements already fixed. The present needs are not so much for higher standards of admission, as for firmer, more conscientious enforcement of the rules. The entrance examinations should be conducted by some one not connected with the teaching force of our schools and entirely free from any bias. The association took a most commendable stand on this point at its New Orleans meeting. Our requirements are now too wow and must be increased gradually; perhaps not for some time to dea and a baccalaureate degree as an entrance qualification, for that hardly seems practical in a country so broad and diversified as ours. Yet the time is not far distant when in addition to a four years' high school course, two years training in scientific study will be demanded. This training would fit students for leaders, not camp followers, in the onward march of scientific, rational medicine. The evolution of the combined course is along parallel lines and is, perhaps, growing in the minds of the best educators. Without attempting a discussion of the arrangement of the course in any detail, it should be insisted on that four full years is spent in purely medical study. Four years is none too long to spend in the purely technical study of the science of medicine. Any shading of the combined course should be in academic rather than medical studies. Why is a demand made for a shorter course? Does such a demand grow out of present economic conditions? Certainly not, with one physician to each five hundred persons in this country. Does the cause of education or do the best interests of humanity demand this change? Certainly not! Commercialism alone demands a contraction of the course of study. Uniformity in many things is quite impossible, but this is not so in reference to the college year. It should be made nine full months, and to apply to every medical school throughout the country. The answer is made that a seven months term gives time for the student to earn money for the next year, while nine months offers no such advantage. Here the objection is purely mercenary and not at all from the best interest of education nor humanity. Again, a better standard of final examinations should be established and fully lived up to by every college in this association. The present method of final examination is notoriously deficient. Any student can, after a four-year course, with the aid of quiz compends, pass this test, and yet he may be unfit for the duties and responsibilities of the profession. He passes a purely didactic examination. Insisting, as we do, on laboratory methods of instruction, we should also demand an examination in laboratory work. This would test the student's actual knowledge and his ability to apply that knowledge in solving problems. Inseparably connected with the foregoing, is the question of advanced credit, and like it, born of commercialism, a desire to obtain a shorter route into the medical profession. With this parentage it must certainly be viewed with suspicion. In what interest is the demand for advanced credit made? Is it in the interest of a better quality of medical training? We fear it is not. Is it in the interest of the healing art, or our common humanity? Emphatically, no! Baccalaureate degrees are freqeuntly of such uncertain value, and many times of no value, that the question is both difficult and important. All are. I think, agreed to this proposition that for a student to receive advanced standing for a baccalaureate degree, this degree must have been earned along scientific laboratory courses. The scientific education of today should be secured in a college with large endowment so that the various laboratories may be provided with the best modern equipment and enough competent instructors so that the section method in laboratory teaching may be properly carried out. Dr. W. W. Keen, four years ago, at the meeting of the American Medical Association in this city, argued in favor of a large endowment for the medical college, an end which, if once attained, will solve this entire question. No advanced standing should be allowed for any degree unless for those who pursued the scientific course with a view to acquiring a medical education. I am convinced that the granting of credit for any degrees whatsoever should be abolished in the interest of humanity, our profession and the cause of higher education. That there is great need of active systematic work in the improvement of our standards, no one for a moment doubts. There are over fifty regular medical schools in the United States outside of this Association. An organized effort should be made to bring in the best of these, not to strengthen the association, but by co-operation elevate the general status of the profession. Work can be accomplished by co-operation on the part of this association with the "National Association of Licensing Boards." A uniform statutory requirement is at present im practical owing to the variable condition of population and education. Yet it must be conceded that state licensing boards will insist on such qualifications as the majority of recognized medical colleges demand. Early in the past year an intimation was heard that the American Medical Association might and would make some requirement for admission of its members which would elevate or help to elevate the educational standard in America. This statement was definitely made, through THE JUORNAL of the American Medical Association, the mouth-piece of this association, and it was heard again in the majority report on entrance examinations at our meeting at New Orleans. If this idea was ever seriously considered. the actual workings of the reorganization scheme of the Association, doing away with all requirements and practically admitting every one regardless of qualifications must effectually disabuse us of any such notion. The reorganization accomplished the desired result of the association's growth numerically, but not its growth or improvement in educational attainment. President Rodman, in his address, recommended a committee for inspection of all schools, members of this association and those applying for membership. The secretary, in his report, made the same suggestion, asking for an appropriation of $400 for defraying such expenses. The minutes of the last session show this suggestion was referred to the committee on by-laws. But no record of any action is found in the minutes of any meeting. I believe the suggestion is worthy of consideration, and hope the association will take affirmative action at once. In conclusion, I believe the time has come when this Association should decide in favor of: 1. Uniformity of length of term, and make the minimum nine months. 2. That we should seek to establish practical uniformity of curricula. 3. That this association should require a definite number of hours as a minimum in any one subject. 4. That our methods of final examination should be changed as to include a test of a student's knowledge of laboratory methods and of his ability to apply his knowledge in solving problems at the bedside. 5. That the standard of requirements of admission should be raised as rapidly as practical to junior standing. Our medical schools must be liberally endowed, thus liberating faculties from the need of student tuition, and forever relieving medical education of the baneful influence of commercialism. Our colleges of medicine must no longer be places for imparting a certain amount of knowledge, but outposts on the field of discovery in rational medicine, devoted to original research work. The Association is to be congratulated on the advancement made in the past, urged to look seriously at the present, and hopefully to the future. On motion of Dr. Wm. H. Wathen, a committee of three was appointed to consider the suggestions contained in this adThe chair apdress, and to report at the afternoon session. pointed on this committee Drs. Wm. H. Wathen, Seneca Egbert and S. C. James. Dr. Wm. H. Wathen of Louisville, Ky., followed with a paper entitled "The True Purpose of Education." On motion the discussion on this paper was deferred until after the reading of the papers by Drs. Taylor and Kober, the three to be discussed together, inasmuch as they dealt with related subjects. Prof. Henry L. Taylor of Albany, N. Y.. read a paper on "What Credit, If Any, Should Be Given by Medical Colleges to Holders of Baccalaureate Degrees?" Dr. Geo. M. Kober of Washington, D. C., contributed a paper entitled "A Plea for Uniform Curricula in Medical Colleges." Committee on National Uniformity of Curricula. Dr. Kober, in his paper, offered the following resolution: Resolved, That a Committee on National Unifomity of Curricula be appointed, to co-operate with a similar committee appointed by the National Confederation of State Examining and Licensing Boards, for the purpose of presenting a minimum standard of |