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NORTHERN COUNTIES NOTES.
776
CHEYNE-STOKES RESPIRATION. To the Editors
of THE LANCET,
old gentleman in very comfortable circumstances whose age is now eighty-six. In childhood he had teething convulsions, from which dates external strabismus of the right eye. He has been very deaf for many years, and is now suffering from cerebral softening. About five months ago he had one afternoon three slight epileptic fits, which, however, do not seem to have affected his general condition and have not been repeated. For nearly a year he has had general anasarca, especially of the feet and legs, but no ascites. He sleeps well, and eats well, though he has to be fed. He is at times very irritable, and obstinate, and always speaks very loudly ; he will sit for hours looking over books which he often holds upside down, although I have reason to believe the sight of the left eye is good. He has incontinence of urine and occasionally also of faeces. The urine contains no albumen and no sugar, is acid, with a specific gravity of 1020. For several weeks at every visit, which I make twice a week, I have noticed very well marked Cheyne-Stokes respiration, which his nurse assures me is also present in sleep; if excited it will cease until tranquillity is restored. After the pause the breathing begins faintly at first, and then becomes stronger and louder until it resembles that of a man who has been running, then gradually declines until it ceases entirely. The pause almost invariably lasts thirty.5.ve seconds, and then he breathes from nineteen to twentyone times during the next forty seconds, and this sequence .continues, I have reason to believe, throughout the day. If he speaks during the breathing space, he speaks like a man out of breath from running. I am not prepared to say whether this condition immediately followed the fits, nor can I say exactly how long it has continued. He is com,pletely dressed every day and is carried downstairs ; and, if fine, will go out for a drive or sit in his garden. I am, Sirs, yours truly, J. ELLIOT SQUARE, F.R.C.S.
SIRS,-For some years I have had under my
care an
To the Editors of THE LANCET. SIRS,-Ayropos of the discussion upon Cheyne-Stokes xespiration going on in your columns, to show that it is not rincompatible with longevity, I would mention the following
which, as it happens to be that of my own father, I have had special opportunity of noting, and I drew the attention to this same point of Dr. C. J. B. Williams when visiting him as long ago as 1874, as well as Dr. Milner Fothergill, who came down to see him three years later. My father, who will shortly enter his ninety-third year, has displayed this peculiarty for many years, and apparently without any ,detriment or embarrassment to his vital functions. The phenomenon is marked by the usual rhythmical details, - completing a cycle-viz., the gradual abridgment of the respiratory process, the breathing becoming more and more shallow until the pause is reached, which after a short interval is broken by four or five forced inspiratory efforts in .rapid succession, as if labouring to compensate for the sus,pended function and to reduce the arrears of carbonic acid ,accumulation. I may mention that, beyond occasional syncope and vertigo, from brain shrinkage and other senile - changes, the cerebral condition generally seems unimpaired, .and his mental activity is of a high order for his time of life; there is nothing remarkable in the circulatory system; the ,pulse, though of late more frequently unrhythmical, is sometimes a steady and regular 72. His general average of respirations is about 24. Ross and other neurologists appear to - associate Cheyne-Stokes respiration, and rightly too, as a rule, with cerebral cardiac and renal affections, while, .after his experiments with animals, Langendorff was led to believe it was due to a spasm of the arteries of the .medulla; but under the circumstances such a case as the above might be regarded rather as a fitful departure from the normal condition than an actual disorder of the ’nervous mechanism, constituting a temporary loss of - coordination of the respiratory function and possessing I do not observe more clinical interest than significance. any instance of or allusion to this phenomenon in Professor Humphry’s recent work, "Old Age." I am, Sirs, yours truly, March 27the, 1890. H. S. ’case,
TORONTO UNIVERSITY LIBRARY RESTORATION. To the Editors of THE LANCET. SIRS,-If my recollection from two visits to the University of Toronto serves me correctly, its library, which has recently been destroyed by fire, included a valuable collection of medical and surgical works. There are many authors and possessors of duplicate copies of such works in this country who have only to be reminded of the severe loss the colonial university has sustained to desire to be included in the list of donors to the new library. I have no doubt that the hon. secretary to the Toronto University Library Restoration, 13, King’s Bench-walk, Temple, will take charge of and acknowledge any donations that may be sent I am, Sirs, yours truly, to him. REGINALD HARRISON.
DISEASE OF THE SACRO-ILIAC JOINT.
SIRS,-It may interest the profession to know that I again trephined the sacro-iliac joint on Sunday last at Stockport in an obscure case of eight years’ standing, with a satisfactory result. The upper half of the joint was found to be carious, and a cavity was discovered behind the first portion of the rectum. On its completion the case will be published in full.-I am, Sirs, yours truly, _
MAYO COLLIER.
NORTHERN COUNTIES NOTES. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) Newcastle Clinical Society. THE meeting of the Newcastle Clinical Society on March 27th was the best, as regards attendance, of the session. Dr. Beatley presided. Dr. Ridley, hon. sec., showed cases of mastoid disease, in which trephining had been performed, with good results as to health and hearing. Dr. H. S. Baumgartner also showed a case in which the mastoid had been recently trephined, with good results; also a cyst of the broad ligament of the uterus, removed by shelling out from between the peritoneal coats of the ligament. The patient, a girl aged nineteen, made a good recovery. Mr. Adam Wilson showed a stomach with trumpet-shaped perforating ulcer of the pylorus. Dr W. Murray spoke of the value of turpentine, given in half-ounce doses, in the treatment of haemorrhage arising in these cases, which generally occurred in anaemic females. He also read a paper on "Starving into Health," or otherwise fasting into health, in which he quoted cases of apoplexy, obesity, and dropsy, where the patient’s life was evidently saved by a period of absolute starvation, extending in some cases to fourteen days. The reading of this paper, for which Dr. Murray was accorded a cordial vote of thanks, gave rise to an animated and most interesting discussion. Some of the speakers, however, as Dr. Murray pointed out, considerably diverged from the text of his paper, and got on to side lines, such as venesection and mercurial treatment, while the sole point of his paper was starvation or total abstinence from food in the treatment of various diseases. This he very fully explained by illustrative cases and
analogies.
The late Rev. J. H. Rutherford. The committee of the schools with which the late Rev. J. H. Rutherford was so intimately connected, taking into account his expressed wish and the work already done by him in the direction of extending the School of Science and Art in Newcastle as a link between the elementary schools and the University, have resolved to erect a building of accommodating 1200 students, with class rooms complete, to be called " The Rutherford Memorial College," at a cost of £ 10,000. The Luke Armstrong ltlenzorial Fund. The committee of the Luke Armstrong Memorial Fund have issued a balance sheet and list of subscriptions, and mention is made that within three months the sum of 683 was subscribed, a proof of the estimation in which Dr. Luke
capable
777
public. The Fellows approved in principle of prolongation of the term of Scholarship presidency, and referred the resolution to the Council, for the student who obtains the highest position in the recommending it to draw up a fresh scheme. A committee honours division of the examinations of the University of was thereupon appointed, and on May 21st, 1889, the comDurham for M.B. Mr. A. E. Cope, who has been entirely mittee reported that they had been unable to come to any educated at the Newcastle College of Medicine, has been satisfactory conclui-ion, and referred the question back to, awarded the first Scholarship, but it is open to all students the Council, and, if necessary, to the College. I may add that Dr. Moore and Dr. Carte, who are candidates for the graduating for the M.B. degree at Durham. for next June, are both willing, if elected,, Vice-Presidency Gateshead. to hold office for two years, and Mr. Croly (Vice-President A very handsome testimonial has been presented to Mr. for 1889-90) is also willing to hold office as President for A. Abraham, surgeon, of Gateshead, by the George Thornton two years if elected in June. In this way the biennial France Lodge of Oddfellows, as a token of esteem for him presidency could be settled in a satisfactory manner, %vitb6 personally, and in recognition of his skill as their medical the consent of all parties interested. adviser. This is the second presentation to Mr. Abraham The Clzctrge against a lledieal Student. within the last few months. medical student who had pleaded guilty to an the Adams, Death of a Centenarian at Whitby. indictment charging him with stealing overcoats belonging On Thursday last Ann Hunter died at Whitby Union to other students, was on Saturday, at Green-street CourtWorkhouse at the age of 100, having attained her centenary house, brought up for sentence. The Recorder, being anxious on New Year’s Day last. She was a widow, and an inmate to ascertain whether a sentence of imprisonment would have of the workhouse for many years. Her husband died about the effect of afterwards preventing the accused pursuing his medical studies, deferred passing sentence until next two years ago. sessions. The late Mr. Matthew Brumell of Morpeth, City of Dublin Hospital. A very handsome and elaborately carved oak chair screen The expenditure last year over receipts came to £1088. has been erected in St. Mary’s Church, Morpeth, to the The bequests included one of J62700 from the trustees of the memory of the late Mr. Brumell, who practised in Morpeth " Bannon" estate. The board have obtained adjoining for fifty years. It is the gift of his widow, Mrs. Ellen and as soon as funds permit, to increase the trust, premises, Brumell. accommodation for patients, as also to improve the arrange The Water-supply of North Shields. ments for the resident staff and for the nurses in the hospitala The medical officer of health for North Shields, Mr J. E. Cork South Charitable Infirmary. Gofton, in his report for the past year, refers to the limited accommodation and unsatisfactory condition of the hospital During last year 13,470 persons received either medical or for purposes of isolation, and states that in his opinion the surgical relief at this institution, yet the hospital does not water-supply is in a dangerous condition. He thinks that receive the support it deserves, and the expenditure exceeded the town refuse is deposited too near for safety. Mr. John the income by a comparatively large amount. The exPattinson, also of Newcastle, the well-known analytical penditure on stimulants has been gradually curtailed from expert, stated that the analysis showed so much organic im- £ 153 3s. 7d. in 1883 to :E69 19s. 4d. in 1889. purity as to make it very doubtful whether the water from Dublin, March 31st.
Armstrong
was
held
by
his friends and the
amount subscribed has been invested to found
a
,
reservoir is suitable for drinking or not; it should not, he says, be used for this purpose if better water can be had; and, further, Mr. Pattinson states that all the samples taken from the reservoirs contain extraordinarily large amounts of solid matter in solution, chiefly sulphate of lime, so that they are in this respect (of hardness) most unsuitable waters for a town supply, and that it is doubtful if such quantities of lime salts may not be hurtful to health. one
Hair Teasing in Tynemouth Workhouse. A paper has been sent to the guardians of the Tynemouth Workhouse, prepared by the medical officer of the Local Government Board, condemnatory of hair teasing as an employment for inmates. The report stated that nineteen inmates over seventy years of age and three under fifty had been employed in teasing hair. The subject has been referred by the guardians to their medical officer for report. Newcastle-on-Tyne, April lst.
(FROM
OUR
DUBLIN. OWN CORRESPONDENT.)
The Presidency of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. UP to the present time the President of the Royal
the chair for twelve being elected to the presidency the following year. There were many who considered the scarcity of members of the surgical profession in Dublin who might be expected to hold that office rendered it advisable for the College to allow the President to hold office for two years. On the subject now before the College an interested person might argue that if the present President had determined to compete for a second year’s tenure of that office due notice should have been given at the annual elections last June, inasmuch as there was sure to be some feeling in certain quarters at the prospect of a contest for the presidency. I believe it is probable that, if a contest should unfortunately take place, a meeting of the Fellows of the College will be called to consider the position, as likely to be injurious to the best interests of the College, and to cause an amount of friction among the Fellows greatly to be deplored. The following considerations may explain the difticulties. On June 21st, 1888, the
College
of
Surgeons
has
only occupied
months, the vice-president
in due
course
CANADA.
(FROM
A
CORRESPONDENT.)
The Toronto University Library. THE destruction of the University buildings, with its valuable library and museum, has called forth a widespread feeling of sympathy, and subscriptions of money and books have already been received from friends in England, Scotland, and the United States. The subscriptions towards the library fund amount to over 26,000 dols. and more than. As only 150,000 dols. was the amount of 500 volumes. insurance upon the building and library, it will be necessary to raise by subscription a large sum to defray the cost of restoration. The Ontario Government have introduced a Bill granting 160,000 dols., and it is expected the City of Toronto will vote at least 50,000 dols., while the Province of Quebec has given 10,000 dols.-all towards the building fund. The University will be rebuilt upon the samegeneral external design as the old building, that portion formerly used as Convocation Hall being rebuilt as the library, and a new and larger hall erected for purposes of’ convocation ; the museum to be removed to the biological I department, thus allowing sufficient space in the new building for the much-needed additional lecture rooms. No doubt the powers that be will endeavour to make the place fireproof, paying proper attention to the illuminating apparatus, and obviate the use, even upon special occasions, of the mischievous coal oil lamp. The prospects are encouraging for the speedy restoration of this the capstone of our provincial educational system, and thus, " purged as by fire" from the calcined ruin, Toronto University willarise as in its former beauty of symmetry. The University of Toronto Medical Society. This Society, which has been in existence for a number of years, having decided to establish a lectureship similar to’ those carried on in Great Britain, has arranged with Dr. E. C. Seguin of New York to deliver the first of the series. Most interesting and instructive lectures were delivered on March llth and 12th, on "The Management of The lecturer treated the some Important Neuroses." subject in a manner showing the thorough work accomplished by one who is a master student among neurologists.
CHEYNE-STOKES RESPIRATION. To the Editors
of THE LANCET,
old gentleman in very comfortable circumstances whose age is now eighty-six. In childhood he had teething convulsions, from which dates external strabismus of the right eye. He has been very deaf for many years, and is now suffering from cerebral softening. About five months ago he had one afternoon three slight epileptic fits, which, however, do not seem to have affected his general condition and have not been repeated. For nearly a year he has had general anasarca, especially of the feet and legs, but no ascites. He sleeps well, and eats well, though he has to be fed. He is at times very irritable, and obstinate, and always speaks very loudly ; he will sit for hours looking over books which he often holds upside down, although I have reason to believe the sight of the left eye is good. He has incontinence of urine and occasionally also of faeces. The urine contains no albumen and no sugar, is acid, with a specific gravity of 1020. For several weeks at every visit, which I make twice a week, I have noticed very well marked Cheyne-Stokes respiration, which his nurse assures me is also present in sleep; if excited it will cease until tranquillity is restored. After the pause the breathing begins faintly at first, and then becomes stronger and louder until it resembles that of a man who has been running, then gradually declines until it ceases entirely. The pause almost invariably lasts thirty.5.ve seconds, and then he breathes from nineteen to twentyone times during the next forty seconds, and this sequence .continues, I have reason to believe, throughout the day. If he speaks during the breathing space, he speaks like a man out of breath from running. I am not prepared to say whether this condition immediately followed the fits, nor can I say exactly how long it has continued. He is com,pletely dressed every day and is carried downstairs ; and, if fine, will go out for a drive or sit in his garden. I am, Sirs, yours truly, J. ELLIOT SQUARE, F.R.C.S.
SIRS,-For some years I have had under my
care an
To the Editors of THE LANCET. SIRS,-Ayropos of the discussion upon Cheyne-Stokes xespiration going on in your columns, to show that it is not rincompatible with longevity, I would mention the following
which, as it happens to be that of my own father, I have had special opportunity of noting, and I drew the attention to this same point of Dr. C. J. B. Williams when visiting him as long ago as 1874, as well as Dr. Milner Fothergill, who came down to see him three years later. My father, who will shortly enter his ninety-third year, has displayed this peculiarty for many years, and apparently without any ,detriment or embarrassment to his vital functions. The phenomenon is marked by the usual rhythmical details, - completing a cycle-viz., the gradual abridgment of the respiratory process, the breathing becoming more and more shallow until the pause is reached, which after a short interval is broken by four or five forced inspiratory efforts in .rapid succession, as if labouring to compensate for the sus,pended function and to reduce the arrears of carbonic acid ,accumulation. I may mention that, beyond occasional syncope and vertigo, from brain shrinkage and other senile - changes, the cerebral condition generally seems unimpaired, .and his mental activity is of a high order for his time of life; there is nothing remarkable in the circulatory system; the ,pulse, though of late more frequently unrhythmical, is sometimes a steady and regular 72. His general average of respirations is about 24. Ross and other neurologists appear to - associate Cheyne-Stokes respiration, and rightly too, as a rule, with cerebral cardiac and renal affections, while, .after his experiments with animals, Langendorff was led to believe it was due to a spasm of the arteries of the .medulla; but under the circumstances such a case as the above might be regarded rather as a fitful departure from the normal condition than an actual disorder of the ’nervous mechanism, constituting a temporary loss of - coordination of the respiratory function and possessing I do not observe more clinical interest than significance. any instance of or allusion to this phenomenon in Professor Humphry’s recent work, "Old Age." I am, Sirs, yours truly, March 27the, 1890. H. S. ’case,
TORONTO UNIVERSITY LIBRARY RESTORATION. To the Editors of THE LANCET. SIRS,-If my recollection from two visits to the University of Toronto serves me correctly, its library, which has recently been destroyed by fire, included a valuable collection of medical and surgical works. There are many authors and possessors of duplicate copies of such works in this country who have only to be reminded of the severe loss the colonial university has sustained to desire to be included in the list of donors to the new library. I have no doubt that the hon. secretary to the Toronto University Library Restoration, 13, King’s Bench-walk, Temple, will take charge of and acknowledge any donations that may be sent I am, Sirs, yours truly, to him. REGINALD HARRISON.
DISEASE OF THE SACRO-ILIAC JOINT.
SIRS,-It may interest the profession to know that I again trephined the sacro-iliac joint on Sunday last at Stockport in an obscure case of eight years’ standing, with a satisfactory result. The upper half of the joint was found to be carious, and a cavity was discovered behind the first portion of the rectum. On its completion the case will be published in full.-I am, Sirs, yours truly, _
MAYO COLLIER.
NORTHERN COUNTIES NOTES. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) Newcastle Clinical Society. THE meeting of the Newcastle Clinical Society on March 27th was the best, as regards attendance, of the session. Dr. Beatley presided. Dr. Ridley, hon. sec., showed cases of mastoid disease, in which trephining had been performed, with good results as to health and hearing. Dr. H. S. Baumgartner also showed a case in which the mastoid had been recently trephined, with good results; also a cyst of the broad ligament of the uterus, removed by shelling out from between the peritoneal coats of the ligament. The patient, a girl aged nineteen, made a good recovery. Mr. Adam Wilson showed a stomach with trumpet-shaped perforating ulcer of the pylorus. Dr W. Murray spoke of the value of turpentine, given in half-ounce doses, in the treatment of haemorrhage arising in these cases, which generally occurred in anaemic females. He also read a paper on "Starving into Health," or otherwise fasting into health, in which he quoted cases of apoplexy, obesity, and dropsy, where the patient’s life was evidently saved by a period of absolute starvation, extending in some cases to fourteen days. The reading of this paper, for which Dr. Murray was accorded a cordial vote of thanks, gave rise to an animated and most interesting discussion. Some of the speakers, however, as Dr. Murray pointed out, considerably diverged from the text of his paper, and got on to side lines, such as venesection and mercurial treatment, while the sole point of his paper was starvation or total abstinence from food in the treatment of various diseases. This he very fully explained by illustrative cases and
analogies.
The late Rev. J. H. Rutherford. The committee of the schools with which the late Rev. J. H. Rutherford was so intimately connected, taking into account his expressed wish and the work already done by him in the direction of extending the School of Science and Art in Newcastle as a link between the elementary schools and the University, have resolved to erect a building of accommodating 1200 students, with class rooms complete, to be called " The Rutherford Memorial College," at a cost of £ 10,000. The Luke Armstrong ltlenzorial Fund. The committee of the Luke Armstrong Memorial Fund have issued a balance sheet and list of subscriptions, and mention is made that within three months the sum of 683 was subscribed, a proof of the estimation in which Dr. Luke
capable
777
public. The Fellows approved in principle of prolongation of the term of Scholarship presidency, and referred the resolution to the Council, for the student who obtains the highest position in the recommending it to draw up a fresh scheme. A committee honours division of the examinations of the University of was thereupon appointed, and on May 21st, 1889, the comDurham for M.B. Mr. A. E. Cope, who has been entirely mittee reported that they had been unable to come to any educated at the Newcastle College of Medicine, has been satisfactory conclui-ion, and referred the question back to, awarded the first Scholarship, but it is open to all students the Council, and, if necessary, to the College. I may add that Dr. Moore and Dr. Carte, who are candidates for the graduating for the M.B. degree at Durham. for next June, are both willing, if elected,, Vice-Presidency Gateshead. to hold office for two years, and Mr. Croly (Vice-President A very handsome testimonial has been presented to Mr. for 1889-90) is also willing to hold office as President for A. Abraham, surgeon, of Gateshead, by the George Thornton two years if elected in June. In this way the biennial France Lodge of Oddfellows, as a token of esteem for him presidency could be settled in a satisfactory manner, %vitb6 personally, and in recognition of his skill as their medical the consent of all parties interested. adviser. This is the second presentation to Mr. Abraham The Clzctrge against a lledieal Student. within the last few months. medical student who had pleaded guilty to an the Adams, Death of a Centenarian at Whitby. indictment charging him with stealing overcoats belonging On Thursday last Ann Hunter died at Whitby Union to other students, was on Saturday, at Green-street CourtWorkhouse at the age of 100, having attained her centenary house, brought up for sentence. The Recorder, being anxious on New Year’s Day last. She was a widow, and an inmate to ascertain whether a sentence of imprisonment would have of the workhouse for many years. Her husband died about the effect of afterwards preventing the accused pursuing his medical studies, deferred passing sentence until next two years ago. sessions. The late Mr. Matthew Brumell of Morpeth, City of Dublin Hospital. A very handsome and elaborately carved oak chair screen The expenditure last year over receipts came to £1088. has been erected in St. Mary’s Church, Morpeth, to the The bequests included one of J62700 from the trustees of the memory of the late Mr. Brumell, who practised in Morpeth " Bannon" estate. The board have obtained adjoining for fifty years. It is the gift of his widow, Mrs. Ellen and as soon as funds permit, to increase the trust, premises, Brumell. accommodation for patients, as also to improve the arrange The Water-supply of North Shields. ments for the resident staff and for the nurses in the hospitala The medical officer of health for North Shields, Mr J. E. Cork South Charitable Infirmary. Gofton, in his report for the past year, refers to the limited accommodation and unsatisfactory condition of the hospital During last year 13,470 persons received either medical or for purposes of isolation, and states that in his opinion the surgical relief at this institution, yet the hospital does not water-supply is in a dangerous condition. He thinks that receive the support it deserves, and the expenditure exceeded the town refuse is deposited too near for safety. Mr. John the income by a comparatively large amount. The exPattinson, also of Newcastle, the well-known analytical penditure on stimulants has been gradually curtailed from expert, stated that the analysis showed so much organic im- £ 153 3s. 7d. in 1883 to :E69 19s. 4d. in 1889. purity as to make it very doubtful whether the water from Dublin, March 31st.
Armstrong
was
held
by
his friends and the
amount subscribed has been invested to found
a
,
reservoir is suitable for drinking or not; it should not, he says, be used for this purpose if better water can be had; and, further, Mr. Pattinson states that all the samples taken from the reservoirs contain extraordinarily large amounts of solid matter in solution, chiefly sulphate of lime, so that they are in this respect (of hardness) most unsuitable waters for a town supply, and that it is doubtful if such quantities of lime salts may not be hurtful to health. one
Hair Teasing in Tynemouth Workhouse. A paper has been sent to the guardians of the Tynemouth Workhouse, prepared by the medical officer of the Local Government Board, condemnatory of hair teasing as an employment for inmates. The report stated that nineteen inmates over seventy years of age and three under fifty had been employed in teasing hair. The subject has been referred by the guardians to their medical officer for report. Newcastle-on-Tyne, April lst.
(FROM
OUR
DUBLIN. OWN CORRESPONDENT.)
The Presidency of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. UP to the present time the President of the Royal
the chair for twelve being elected to the presidency the following year. There were many who considered the scarcity of members of the surgical profession in Dublin who might be expected to hold that office rendered it advisable for the College to allow the President to hold office for two years. On the subject now before the College an interested person might argue that if the present President had determined to compete for a second year’s tenure of that office due notice should have been given at the annual elections last June, inasmuch as there was sure to be some feeling in certain quarters at the prospect of a contest for the presidency. I believe it is probable that, if a contest should unfortunately take place, a meeting of the Fellows of the College will be called to consider the position, as likely to be injurious to the best interests of the College, and to cause an amount of friction among the Fellows greatly to be deplored. The following considerations may explain the difticulties. On June 21st, 1888, the
College
of
Surgeons
has
only occupied
months, the vice-president
in due
course
CANADA.
(FROM
A
CORRESPONDENT.)
The Toronto University Library. THE destruction of the University buildings, with its valuable library and museum, has called forth a widespread feeling of sympathy, and subscriptions of money and books have already been received from friends in England, Scotland, and the United States. The subscriptions towards the library fund amount to over 26,000 dols. and more than. As only 150,000 dols. was the amount of 500 volumes. insurance upon the building and library, it will be necessary to raise by subscription a large sum to defray the cost of restoration. The Ontario Government have introduced a Bill granting 160,000 dols., and it is expected the City of Toronto will vote at least 50,000 dols., while the Province of Quebec has given 10,000 dols.-all towards the building fund. The University will be rebuilt upon the samegeneral external design as the old building, that portion formerly used as Convocation Hall being rebuilt as the library, and a new and larger hall erected for purposes of’ convocation ; the museum to be removed to the biological I department, thus allowing sufficient space in the new building for the much-needed additional lecture rooms. No doubt the powers that be will endeavour to make the place fireproof, paying proper attention to the illuminating apparatus, and obviate the use, even upon special occasions, of the mischievous coal oil lamp. The prospects are encouraging for the speedy restoration of this the capstone of our provincial educational system, and thus, " purged as by fire" from the calcined ruin, Toronto University willarise as in its former beauty of symmetry. The University of Toronto Medical Society. This Society, which has been in existence for a number of years, having decided to establish a lectureship similar to’ those carried on in Great Britain, has arranged with Dr. E. C. Seguin of New York to deliver the first of the series. Most interesting and instructive lectures were delivered on March llth and 12th, on "The Management of The lecturer treated the some Important Neuroses." subject in a manner showing the thorough work accomplished by one who is a master student among neurologists.