A PORTABLE IRRIGATOR

364 described theologically as pollution. This is the sin of Onan, and is condemned by the Roman Church. Coitus reservatus differs from the above in that no emission should take place, and Dr. Stopes gives reasons for supposing that, though not referred to directly or indirectly in the encyclical, it is not regarded by the Catholic Church as sinful. The sinfulness apparently resides in the intention of the male partner to have an ejaculation. Thus Father Thomas Slater is quoted as stating, in a book which carries the imprimatur of Rome, that if the act of coitus reservatus is attempted, the intention being that no ejaculation should occur, and if the strength of the man should fail in such a way that an emission resulted, then the man is blameless, and there is no sin. The psychological distinction between an innocent act and a mortal sin is therefore a delicate one, and Dr. Stopes alleges that in this

matter the doctrines of Rome are balanced on a knife edge. This argument is forcibly presented in the first part of the book. In the second part are described the methods employed by Roman Catholic moral propagandists to defeat the birth control movement. Figures are further submitted which show that, relatively, Roman Catholics are very prolific, and that a disproportion. ately large number of them become, in certain parts of England and Scotland, dependent on public assistance and, in other parts of the world, criminals. Dr. Stopes therefore argues that, in view of the claims made in this country by Roman Catholics for main. tenance by the majority of persons who do not share their religion, they should not oppose the creation for these of birth control facilities of which they need not, but in the general interests might profitably, avail themselves.

NEW INVENTIONS A NEW FLOW

METER

FEELING the need for a flow meter on oxygen valves to indicate the quantity of gas which is being allowed to

S.E., have carried out my suggestions in making this instrument. T. H. R. MCKIERNAN, M.B., B.Ch.

_

_

flow,

I

have the fine

designed adjustment valve, here illustrated, with flow meter combined in one piece. It has been tried out during the past year, and has proved very

useful,

especially

for anaesthesia. It incorporates fine adiustmv and the absence of

joints

I

ment regulating valve, and unions obviates leaks. The meter is made by the Manchester Machine and Instrument Manufacturing Co. Ltd., of 2, Boothstreet, Manchester. K. B. PINSON, M.B., Ch.B. Birm. TONSIL-HOLDING FORCEPS

THE forceps shown in the illustration is a modification of Duval’s peritoneum pattern. The blades are curved to almost a right-angle with the handle, so that when the tonsil is grasped there is ample room for the use of scissors or other instruments to

carry out the enucleation. It has some advantages inasmuch as the tonsil is held firmly and may be drawn well out of the tonsillar fossa. No damage is i,nflicted on the tonsil and the view of the operation field is not restricted. The instrument is extremely light and in practice works well. A smaller size should ’be used for children. Messrs. Down Bros., St. Thomas’s-street, London,

A PORTABLE IRRIGATOR lavage has for the past few years been

INTESTINAL

recognised by urologists, general surgeons, and physicians as valuable for many purposes. As a preliminary to X ray examination of the kidney it is the only certain means of excluding gas from the radiograms-a matter of considerable importance in pyelography. In the treatment of diseases of the urinary system it is of great use in pyelitis and cystitis, and for expulsion of small urinary calculi because of the profuse diuresis it induces. The apparatus here figured, which is made of rubber, can be used on a lavatory seat with a ring- cushion. If required for a bed patient, a special rubber bed-pan can be used. In using the apparatus the tube should first be lubricated with vaseline and passed gently into the rectum. The patient sits upon the cushion with one arm of the tube in the rectum and the e other between the buttock and cushion. Thus a firm pressure is exerted to prevent the tube from being pushed out. When the bag is filled with fluid at body temperature and is suspended two or three feet above the pelvis, the fluid is allowed to flow slowly into the rectum by the regulating clip. The desire to evacuate should be produced by;the flow of one pint of fluid in the first instance and a half pint thereafter. As soon as the slightest discomfort is felt from distension, the flow should be stopped. It will generally be found that the bowel will evacuate about ten times to the gallon of fluid, equivalent to about ten days’ evacuations. With appropriate nozzles the apparatus can be used by the surgeon for intra-uterine washouts, and for vaginal or bladder washouts.

The apparatus is made to my design by the Co. Ltd., of 83/85, Mortimerstreet. W.I. MORTON WHITBY, M.R.C.S. Eng.

Surgical Manufacturing

Genito-urinary Department, West London Hospital.