CONGENITAL HYDROCEPHALUS.

CONGENITAL HYDROCEPHALUS.

638 the work concludes with au appendix, in which the results of the recent examination of gall-stones and of experiments on the excretion of hippuric...

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638 the work concludes with au appendix, in which the results of the recent examination of gall-stones and of experiments on the excretion of hippuric acid in jaundice are detailed. The present volume (English translation) is illustrated by thirty-six woodcuts, which have been copied from those in the German edition by Dr. Westmacott. The German edition is accompanied by an atlas of fourteen coloured plates. One of these has been here reproduced as a woodcut; while twenty- seven of the most important of the remaining figures will be found in two lithographic plates, executed by that able artist, Mr. Tuffen West. We would observe, however, for the sake of those who may wish to possess the whole results of Frerichs’ labours in this important and difficult region of pathology, that since the appearance of the first volume, Messrs. Vieweg, Professor Frerichs’ publishers, have brought out an English edition of the coloured atlas alone, for which Messrs. Williams and Nor-

gate are agents. Any detailed analysis of the

attractions to the naturalist, the lover of wild mountâin scenery, and especially to the geologist. Its proximity to Biarritz and its temperate climate are not the least of its attractions. The season for visiting Eaux Bonnes is from the beginning of June to the end of September.

New Inventions IN AID OF THE

PRACTICE OF MEDICINE AND SURGERY. TWINBERROW’S PATENTED IMPROVED EYE DOUCHE

Tms little contrivance

styled it,

an

common use

contents of

is, doubtless, as the inventor has improvement. By the action of the eye-douche in the stream is intermittent, so that each jet causes

work so comprehensive as this is would be quite unnecessary. Suffice it to say that the members of the Sydenham Society could not receive any better return for their subscription than this treatise upon Diseases of the Liver by Professor Frerichs. They are much indebted to Dr. Murchison for the very satisfactory manner in which he has performed a laborious task and a responsible duty. a

Clinical

Essay on the Mineral Waters of Eaux Bonnes (Pyrenees), and tlteir YaLue in Consumptive Diseases. By Dr. LUCIEN LEUDET, Consulting Physician at Eanx Bonnes. London: Fieldson and Jary.

ABOUT twenty-two miles south of Pau, in a picturesque part of the south of France, is the well known watering place of Eaux Bonnes. It lies at the bottom of a narrow gorge or ravine in the Pyrenees, which is traversed by the Gave de Gabas. At one time it numbered some twenty or more hotels and lodging-houses, which were overhung by precipitous rocks. The place has much increased of late ; and last year the first stone of an hospital to contain seventy-five beds was laid by the Empress Eugenie. In the present essay Dr. Leudet endeavours to show the great value of the mineral waters of Eaux Bonnes in phthisical and other affections ; and, according to his observations, they possess virtues which should not be overlooked by those delicate persons who require the benefits of a stay at a watering place. The waters are slightly alkaline, they are used as baths as well as for drinking, and they differ from all other mineral springs in the Pyrenees. The warm springs, for bathing, attain a temperature of 91° Fahrenheit, and the cold ate sufficiently so to prove quite agreeable to drink. The principal diseases of the respiratory organs under treatment at this resort are phthisis, chronic bronchitis, asthma, and laryngitis, besides skin affections. The effects of the waters are described in what the author calls the pure tuberculous, the scrofulous, and the arthritic varieties of phthisis. The waters are, perhaps, more beneficial in the second form-the scrofulousthan in the others; they are more particularly suited to the scrofulous diathesis, and are more apt to modify and cure it. The three stages of the complaint are amenable to their influArthritic consumption is the most frequent variety met ence. with at Eaux Bonnes. Some patients thus affected, or with softened tubercles, or even large cavities, at the summit of their lungs, and who have undergone frequent attacks of haemoptysis, have annually visited Eaux Bonnes for the last ten or fifteen years. This annual return, Dr. Leudet states, is a matter of necessity to them : they themselves feel the want of it. It is the eliminative action of these sulphurous waters on the lungs that gives them the power to stay and arrest the disease; and the result of experience at this place goes to prove, according to the author, that phthisis may be cured, and is often cured, in all its stages. This is certainly strong testimony; but we must refer the reader for further information to the eaay itself. Besides its mineral waters, Eaux Bonnes offers

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a separate shock to the eye, which must be regarded as objectionable in the majority of cases of ophthalmic affection, and especially so in those instances where much nervousness is present. In the employment, however, of the instrument under notice this objection is completely obviated, the fluid being projected in a continuous, soft, and gentle shower. Moreover, the force can with readiness be regulated ; and the patient has only to apply the eye to the cup, and is thereby relieved of the trouble and annoyance of himself holding the pipe and cup, as in other syringes in common use.

Thp. whole a,nnaratus is not

devised, but is got up in an admirable manner, so as to be rendered easily portable. In the employment of it another great advantage is gained,-namely, that the surgeon has not to wait for all that preparation which, in the time taken to collect together the paraphernalia necessary for the full irrigation of the eye, disquiets the patient, and is likely to render the proposed operation abortive.

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CONGENITAL HYDROCEPHALUS. To the Editor ofTHE LANCET. SIR,-Should you think the following case of any interest to the profession, be pleased to insert it in THE LANCET :In the course of the day of May 2nd, 1861, I was called to see a patient whom I had before attended at the birth of one child about three years previous. On examination I found matters progressing favourably, and pronounced that my services would not be required for some hours, but that the child

would be a fine one when born. About twelve o’clock in the I was again summoned to my patient, and found the labour progressingslowly but favourably. About five o’clock in the morning of the 3rd of May the child was born, and some little things were required to rouse it, such as blowing in the face, &c.; after which all went on well until a short time afterwards, when it was perceived that the head increased unusuallv in size, and the sutures did not close. Still the child continued in tolerable health, generally lively and cheerful. The head continued to increase gradually for seven months, and it was then, in December last, attacked with bronchitis, from which he died, the head having attained the following enormous dimensions, the measurement being taken soon after the child’s death :-Circumference round the forehead, 32 in.; circumference under the chin and top of the forehead, 30 in. ; from one ear to the other, 22 in.; diameter from the forehead to the back, 10 in.; and the diameter from one ear to the other, 9Q in. I think the case unique, and that must be my apology for I am, Sir, yours respectfully, troubling you. WILLIAM KENT, F.R. F.R.C.S. C. S. Nantwich, June, 1862.

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