A NEW FACE-SCREEN.

466 Obstetrical and Gynaecological Section, considers The Place of Csesarean Section in the Treatment of Placenta Pr2evia, and comes to the conclusion that there is no place for this pro. cedure as a treatment, the existing methods being sufficient. Dr. R. Ackerley has a valuable paper in the Odontological Section on the Condition of the Mouth in 1000 Consecutive Cases of Chronic Disease. Among the 1000 cases of well. to-do people more than 1 in 5 showed a foul mouth. The cases were of the type usually seen at the spas—sufferers from various forms of dyspepsia, affections of the stomach and bowels, rheumatism, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, arterio. sclerosis, and neurasthenia. Dr. Ackerley attributes a con. siderable proportion of this chronic illness to neglected oral sepsis, defective teeth, and defective mastication, and pleads for a thorough-going treatment of the mouth in all cases. In the June number of the Proceedings we may call attention to the papers on Lupus in the Dermatological Section by Dr. S. E. Dore, Sir Malcolm Morris, Dr. Wilfred S. Fox with Sir Malcolm Morris, and Dr. J. H. Sequeira. The papers describe interesting cases for differential dia. gnosis, a case of lupus with epithelioma, and one withsclerodactyly. In the Proceedings for May Mr. Herbert Tilley records a case of a Portion of Mutton Done removed from the Right Bronchus ten days after it had lodged there, and in the Proceedings for June a case of Removal of a Penny JOURNALS AND MAGAZINES. the Medwine.-The Proceedings of Royal Society of May from the (Esophagus 13 days after it had been swallowed. Mr. and June numbers of the Proceedings contain a large number Frederick J. McCann in the same number notes a successful of interesting contributions, to which we wish to call some- case of Eclampsia Gravidarum treated by Cæsarean Section, what belated attention. Among the contents of the May issue and considers the applicability of Cæsarean section in this condition. The discussion disclosed a considerable divergence we may note first Dr. F. Langmead’s paper on Eighty ConCases of Wasting Infants Fed on Undiluted Citrated of view. In the Odontological Section the report of the secutive Milk. This method of modifying milk was first advocated by Honorary Curator (Mr. J. F. Colyer) is given, and records Sir Almroth E. Wright in THE LANCET of July 22nd, the transference of the museum from 20, Hanover-square to 1893, p. 194. Dr. Langmead does not find this method the Royal College of Surgeons. The Curator is in want of suitable for infants below a fortnight old, and for those specimens, and appeals particularly for odontomes, anomalous teeth, and skulls illustrating irregularity of the teeth. above he uses 2 gr. sodium citrate in watery solution to every ounce of milk. Dr. Langmead records that "he expected to meet with children for whom citrated milk seemed unsuitable, but so far he had not done so." In the Clinical Section Mr. Charters J. Symonds records a case of Rodent Ulcer Successfully Treated by Radium, although, A NEW FACE-SCREEN. while the skin has recovered, there is still active disease THE accompanying drawings represent a shield for the in the deeper parts." In the discussion of this and mouth and nose which Messrs. Down Bros. have made for me. other papers on radium treatment some doubts were It is very simple in construction, being extremely light and of a framework of plated copper upon which a layer expressed as to the possibility of radium beneficially acting consisting of batiste is stretched. The frame can also be made of upon malignant tumours. In the Electro-Therapeutical aluminium. At the upper end are two curved wire ear-pieces Section Dr. A. Howard Pirie records some cases of Treat- (Fig. 1) ; in the alternative model (Fig. 2) these latter are ment of Hodgkin’s Disease by X Rays, the glands treated replaced by loops made of elastic, which are more convenient being reduced to their normal size and the red blood for nurses. The whole shield is sterilisable to any extent and FIG. 2. FIG. 1. corpuscles and the lymphocytes increased, while the large mononuclears have decreased." Mr. C. Thurstan Holland and other speakers in the discussion quoted cases in which the glands had improved under X ray treatment, but in which the patients had nevertheless eventually died. In young people X ray treatment seemed to have more permanent results. Dr. J. Edward Squire’s paper in the Medical Section gives the results of 15 years’ records at the Mount Vernon Hospital on Hospital Infection of Tuberculosis. The staff at this hospital are systematically examined on entering and on leaving, and the examinations having been made by Dr. Squire himself constitute a can be used for the following purposes, viz. : (1) examina. continuous record. The conclusion arrived at after a careful tion of the mouth, nose, larynx, &c. ; (2) for all operations, and exact analysis is that "the risk of tuberculous infection, especially those on the mouth, nose, and larynx, such as even in a hospital for consumptives, appears to constitute a removal of tonsils and adenoids, tracheotomy, &c. ; and for changing tracheotomy tubes in diphtheria, &c. very slight danger." In the Neurological Section, Two Cases (3) There is no doubt that doctors and nurses run great risk of a Nervous Disease of Undetermined Nature occurring in a of infection when examining and operating on many parts of Brother and Sister are recorded by Dr. Guy E. M. Wood and the body, and this shield not only protects them to a very Dr. S. A. K. Wilson. The cases appeared to be a family large extent, but also protects the patient from any secre. disease of a degenerative nature. Dr. Henry Jellett, in the tion or breath from the mouth or nose of the doctor or nurse.

useful one, made with intelligence ; the type is clear and the printing good-particularly good for India. As, however, the author tells us the work is meant for distribution amongst the general public, we must take exception to the inclusion of certain mischievous advertisements at the end of the book, notably those recommending certain remedies for the treatment of syphilis and of gonorrhoea in both sexes, and others of drugs which excite sexual appetite andrestore lost manhood." Such advertisements should not occur. A Synopsis of the British Pharnzucopcezct, 1898. Compiled by H. WiPPELL GADD. Seventh edition. London : Bailliere, Tindall, and Cox. 1910.-This little pocket-book is full of useful data, a fact which has called for a seventh edition. It bears evidence of very careful compilation, and certain analytical factors which are included will afford the pharmacist some useful information. The work of reference to official preparations, to their characters and dose, is made easy by the clearness of the text, by the general observations, and by the uniform tabulation of the facts. An important departure is the addition of the new poisons schedule (Poisons and Pharmacy Act, 1908) at the end of the book, with the clauses of which, of course, it is essential pharmacists should be familiar.

a

I shaped

New Inventions.

467 It is quite comfortable and can be worn for hours without any inconvenience. I hope that this little shield will supply a much-needed want, and I shall be glad to receive any

criticisms. WILLIAM IBBOTSON, M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P. Lond. Hospital, W.

London Throat

Reports and Analytical Records FROM

THE LANCET LABORATORY. OLIVE OIL (B

(CHALIE, RICHARDS,

AND

HOLDSWORTH

G

AND

BRAND). Co., 4, PALL MALL EAST,

.LONDON. S.W.)

THIS oil is shipped by a well-known house in Bordeaux which sends to this country both oil and wine. Apart from the absence of substitutes or adulterants, it is desirable, particularly for dietetic purposes, that olive oil should contain a minimum of free fatty acids. An acid olive oil is very distasteful to the palate and may easily give rise to nausea and dyspeptic conditions. We have examined salad oils containing an objectionable quantity of free fatty acid, and the amount in commercially bad samples may exceed 20 per cent. We found in the B and G brand olive oil 1 per cent. only of free fatty acid. It is scarcely necessary to add, in view of this fact, that the oil possesses a clean, bland, nutty flavour. Physical and chemical tests such as the specific gravity, the iodine absorption, and the temperature test with sulphuric acid showed that the oil is of a very high quality. The use of pure olive oil in dietetics is important, since the substitutes with which it is often mixed are less digestible.

advances are made, as palatable an article as possible." We have recently received from them an assortment of foods,’ and the results of the analyses impress us with the care of the An excellent biscuit known as the biogene manufacturers. biscuit contains chiefly milk protein, and another digestive biscuit of light bran, known as "biobran drops," should The list includes be useful in obesity and constipation. biscuits which closely some shortbreads and chocolate We found resemble the ordinary starchy preparations. them to contain a negligible quantity of starch. Lastly, we have examined a sample of red currant jelly which in appearance is indistinguishable from the ordinary preparation. It contains glycerine, and the sugar present is due entirely to the fruit employed. We obtained with a solu tion of it a reduction of Fehling’s solution, and by Fischer’s reaction the formation of glucosazone. as

POM POWDER TOILET SOAP.

(POM, LIMITED, LEEDS-STREET, LIVERPOOL.) This is a clean, white, impalpable powder, occurring in the form almost of fine dust. It is very convenient to use and readily lathers. On submitting it to analysis it was found to be free from uncombined alkali and to contain a useful vehicle in the form of fine chalk. The soap powder is delicately scented and makes altogether an agreeable and useful article in the toilet. HAYDEN’S VIBURNUM COMPOUND. AND Co., 4, 10, AND 12, OLD SWAN-LANE, UPPER THAMES-STREET, LONDON, E.C.) Virburnum prunifolium has some reputation as an ovarian and uterine anodyne, and has therefore been used in amenor-

(THOMAS CHRISTY

rhoea, menorrhagia, and in obstetrical practice generally.

There appear to be different views in regard to its efficacy, some authorities stating that it gives excellent results in the CALSA. treatment of dysmenorrhcea, after-pains, and ovarian irrita(MESSRS. TORBET, LIMITED, 10, BUSH-LANE, CANNON-STREET, LONDON, tion, and commending it in cases where there is a disposition E.C.) to while others state that experience fails to miscarriage, We found " calsato be a particularly pure specimen of in belief the qualities claimed for it. Hayden’s justify agar-agar. It is suggested for use in what is called the is said to be made from viburnum however, compound, rational treatment of constipation. In assisting in the viburnum opulus (Guelder rose), which is regarded as being removal of toxic products from the bowel its administration more effective than viburnum prunifolium. Hayden’s comeffects a general improvement of health ; morbid conditions contains and scutellaria laterialso dioscorea (colic root) depending upon auto-intoxication are said to be removed. pound in as useful and convulsive described being neuralgia There is thus evidence in favour of the use of calsa for flora, affections. This compound is evidently favourably regarded but in severe not in mucous administration, colitis, only in American gynaecological practice, and is supplied exmigraine, asthma, and bronchitis. Calsa does not contain any laxative drug, so that its action is left entirely to its softening clusively to the qualified practitioner to be used under his effect upon the contents of the bowel and to its absorbing direction. THE SIMS FILE FOR AMPOULES. properties. A mild laxative may be added if deemed to be (AGENCY; SQUIRE AND SONS, 413, OXFORD-STREET, LONDON, W.) desirable. We have given these files a practical trial and we find that PERPETUALE. answer their purpose admirably. In making a file they (R. W. MILLS AND CO., BOURNE, LINCOLNSHIRE.) mark on the glass ampoule it is important that it should be In accordance with the suggestion made recently in our made clean, so that when the small tube is fractured the columns that in the treatment of the septic bowel lactic fracture shall be completely regular and no splinters proof the acid might be administered, instead organisms which duced. We understand that amongst the Continental produce it, the above firm have prepared an aerated beverage and Germany, where the France which we found to contain 0’ 84 per cent. of anhydrous lactic nations, particularly method of medication is largely followed, hypodermic acid.- The statement is made that perpetuale contains 1 per ampoule these files are extensively used. Their shape resembles cent. of lactic acid, but as the acid is extremely hygroscopic that of a saw, and the edges are finer than those of a the difference between the claimed figure and that actually found is no doubt due to water present in the original acid triangular file. They are, moreover, flat and easily packed, used. The beverage is quite palatable, being pleasantly acid, and the teeth are cut deep so that the filing quality lasts but it contains some sugar which tempers the acid flavour to longer. They are made from a specially selected steel. On evaporation a residue was obtained amountsome extent. MILK FOODS. to 9’03 UNITED of (WILTS DAIRIES, LIMITED, DEVIZES.) cent., per ing consisting chiefly sugar. We have on a previous occasion dealt with the products of DIABETIC FOODS. the above firm in our laboratory, but recently some important (MESSRS. BONTHRON AND CO., 50 AND 52, GLASSHOUSE-STREET, LONDON, W) changes in regard to the composition of these foods have been The above well-known manufacturers of diabetic foods brought to our notice, and, so far as our analysis has gone, make a feature of studying the requirements of those patients we consider them improvements. The infants’ food, for who are restricted to certain foods, with the view of offering, f example, presents a composition closely resembling that of