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ST. ANDREW'S DEGREES.
particular case. The causes of so many coniflicting I opinions and modes of practice are shown to be the result of an imperfect appreciation of the nature and exigencies of particular cases. It has been too frequently the case that practi- I tioners have treated the disease as an invariable quantity. Losing sight of the truth that different cases of rheumatic fever duffer most widely, not in their essential nature, but, in their I collateral circumstances, remedies have been applied to the
might suffice for the wants of the student and practitioner." Following that great master, Haller, the authors have given to anatomy far more prominence than is usually allotted to it in physiologic treatises, they being convinced " that a thorough training in its several branches, descriptive, physiological, and comparative, is necessary to the formation of those habits of mind which best fit their possessor for the successful investigation and the correct appreciation of physiological science." In disease without care or discrimination. The result has been a the section now before us, the subject of Respiration is conlamentable spectacle of contradictory experiences, dependent cluded, after which the topics of "Animal Heat," "Voice," not upon the invalidity of each person’s observations, but, upon "Secretion," "Secreting Glands," "Ductless Glands," " Genethe fact that these various experiences havenot related to ration," "Development," and " Lactation" are discussed in identical morbid states, only to similar ones. The indications detail. The illustrations are full, and many of the cuts are which should govern us in the application of the various re- extremely well executed, some of those appertaining to medies at our command are very lucidly set forth. To neu- Chapter XXXIII. being taken apparently from the phototralize the poison, and to eliminate it, are cardinal points; to graphic representations lately published by Dr. Beale in his allay excessive nervous and vascular excitement, to check the recent monograph upon the Liver. formation of the poison, and to restore perfect assimilation, are objects which complete the Tatio medendi. The individual drugs and plans of medication are passed in review seriaitim. I, The Journal of Psychological Medicine and Mental Pathology. New Edited by FORBES WINSLOW, M.D., D.C.L., &c. &c. While cordially concurring in most of the opinions of our author ’, Series. No. V. January, 1857. London: John Churchill. we cannot that too rather ’, upon practical points, help thinking THE present number is replete with interest, and no doubt much value has been attached to opium. Valuable as this remedy is, we think Dr. Fuller overstates the doses which may will be widely read, introduced, as it is, by a trenchant article be given with advantage. As for treating rheumatic fever on "Prolonged Shower-baths in the Treatment of the Insa.ne." with opium alone, nothing can convince us that such a course It is from the pen of the Editor, and speaks well for his is not most calamitous in its results. Living, patients treated fearlessness and humanity. We entirely agree with him in in this manner lie in a mixed state of depression and irri- thinking that it would have been more wise in Mr. Snape tability ; and if we were to call to mind the cases of most ex- to have left the matter quiet after his restitution than to tensive organic mischief we haveseen in the dead-house, they have re-opened it under the serious aspect of a formal and studied argument in defence of the use of prolonged showerwould certainly be amongst those treated by opium. The subject of heart complications is fully discussed. Un- baths as a safe, efficient, judicious, and curative process of fortunately, there is an air of completeness about the question treatment; hut this position having been resolutely taken, of cardiac diseases, lent to it by the perfection of modern the .Touruul of Psychological Medicine could not ignore the physical diagnosis, which does not correspond with clinical ex- subject. It came formally and legitimately before it; for perience. Given a case of endo- or peri-carditia, we are yet its judgment on the matter, we must refer the reader to its very much at a loss for means by which to allay perverted pages. I "
each
vascular action and limit effusion.
The routine of calomel and
opium, venesection, leeching, and blistering does not form a satisfactory counterpart to our mastery over the diagnostic facts of the case. Indeed, we have seen intra-pericardial effusions which seemed to increase in proportion to the activity of the local depletion and mercurialization. There is, in fact, very much to be learned yet upon this head, and any pretence to a rational system of therapeutics, in respect of the cardiac
of rheumatism, is an immense fallacy. The chapters on Rheumatic Gout and Chronic Rheumatism are deserving of attention, and display a thoroughly practical acquaintance with the diseases in question. We cannot afford space for the discussion of numerous points we would fain dwell upon, and must therefore refer our readers to Dr. Fuller’s work, which will bring them well up to the present state of medical theory and practice quoad Rheumatism, Rheumatic Gout, and Sciatica. The book is, moreover, very readable, an excellence which is by no means as frequently a property of medical writing as we could desire.
complications
Tlte Physiological Anatomy and Physiology of -ilfc6i?. By RocERT BENTLEY TODD, M.D., F. R. S., Physician to King’s College Hospital; and WILLIAM BOWMAN, F.R.S., Surgeon to Iitna’s College Hospital. Part the Fourth. Section II.
London,
1856.
as
London: J. W. Parker & Son.
THIRTEEN years haveelapsed since the first portion of the work now just completed was given to the public. We doubt not, the appearance of this, the last part, will be most heartily welcomed. Of the value of the treatise we need scarcely speak; it is established as one of our most important text-books, and has fully answered its authors’ intentiora of giving ‘’ such a view of the main facts and doctrines of anatomy and physiology, particularly of those bearing on practical medicine and surgery,
ST. ANDREW’S To the Editor
DEGREES.
of THE LANCET.
SIR,-The degree of the University of St. Andrews is in Scotland held to be next to that of Edinburgh. I am in possession of this degree, although matriculated at the University of Edinburgh, a.nd licentiate of the College of Surgeons there
of many years’ standing. My case is similar to that of many others. After some years’ practice, I wished to obtain the degree of my University, but found that I could not obtain it without another year’s residence. It so happened that during my studentship I had taken the tickets of two private lecturers noted for their talent of communicating instruction, instead of the tickets of two professors of the University, whose lectures were noted only for their hypnotic effect on the listeners. My curriculum was therefore declared incomplete, and a further residence of one year necessary before admission as a candidate. Such a sacrifice of time involved the loss of a situation which I held in the public service ; and so I was compelled by the youthful indiscretion mentioned above to search for a degree elsewhere. My Scotch friends advised St. Andrew’s as next in esteem. I started from London one Saturday, and returned on the next with my degree in my pocket,-a wide difference between this and a year lost in Edinburgh ! The examination lasted three days, written and oral; the Latin author transCelsus and undoubtedly the testsadopted sufficiently out what was in each of the candidates. Of these there were thirty-one, seven of whom were rejected. 1 should be happy if Mr. Macleod would test the examina tion by going there himself, as I perceive that he has not yet got the desired handle" to his name. I am, Sir, yours, &c., EDINENSIS. January, 1857.
lated,
brought
"
APPOINTMETS.-Mr. Holthouse has been elected geon, and -Ilr.
Hospital.
Power, assistant-surgeon,
95
sur-
to the Westminster
might suffice for the wants of the student and practitioner." Following that great master, Haller, the authors have given to anatomy far more prominence than is usually allotted to it in physiologic treatises, they being convinced " that a thorough training in its several branches, descriptive, physiological, and comparative, is necessary to the formation of those habits of mind which best fit their possessor for the successful investigation and the correct appreciation of physiological science." In disease without care or discrimination. The result has been a the section now before us, the subject of Respiration is conlamentable spectacle of contradictory experiences, dependent cluded, after which the topics of "Animal Heat," "Voice," not upon the invalidity of each person’s observations, but, upon "Secretion," "Secreting Glands," "Ductless Glands," " Genethe fact that these various experiences havenot related to ration," "Development," and " Lactation" are discussed in identical morbid states, only to similar ones. The indications detail. The illustrations are full, and many of the cuts are which should govern us in the application of the various re- extremely well executed, some of those appertaining to medies at our command are very lucidly set forth. To neu- Chapter XXXIII. being taken apparently from the phototralize the poison, and to eliminate it, are cardinal points; to graphic representations lately published by Dr. Beale in his allay excessive nervous and vascular excitement, to check the recent monograph upon the Liver. formation of the poison, and to restore perfect assimilation, are objects which complete the Tatio medendi. The individual drugs and plans of medication are passed in review seriaitim. I, The Journal of Psychological Medicine and Mental Pathology. New Edited by FORBES WINSLOW, M.D., D.C.L., &c. &c. While cordially concurring in most of the opinions of our author ’, Series. No. V. January, 1857. London: John Churchill. we cannot that too rather ’, upon practical points, help thinking THE present number is replete with interest, and no doubt much value has been attached to opium. Valuable as this remedy is, we think Dr. Fuller overstates the doses which may will be widely read, introduced, as it is, by a trenchant article be given with advantage. As for treating rheumatic fever on "Prolonged Shower-baths in the Treatment of the Insa.ne." with opium alone, nothing can convince us that such a course It is from the pen of the Editor, and speaks well for his is not most calamitous in its results. Living, patients treated fearlessness and humanity. We entirely agree with him in in this manner lie in a mixed state of depression and irri- thinking that it would have been more wise in Mr. Snape tability ; and if we were to call to mind the cases of most ex- to have left the matter quiet after his restitution than to tensive organic mischief we haveseen in the dead-house, they have re-opened it under the serious aspect of a formal and studied argument in defence of the use of prolonged showerwould certainly be amongst those treated by opium. The subject of heart complications is fully discussed. Un- baths as a safe, efficient, judicious, and curative process of fortunately, there is an air of completeness about the question treatment; hut this position having been resolutely taken, of cardiac diseases, lent to it by the perfection of modern the .Touruul of Psychological Medicine could not ignore the physical diagnosis, which does not correspond with clinical ex- subject. It came formally and legitimately before it; for perience. Given a case of endo- or peri-carditia, we are yet its judgment on the matter, we must refer the reader to its very much at a loss for means by which to allay perverted pages. I "
each
vascular action and limit effusion.
The routine of calomel and
opium, venesection, leeching, and blistering does not form a satisfactory counterpart to our mastery over the diagnostic facts of the case. Indeed, we have seen intra-pericardial effusions which seemed to increase in proportion to the activity of the local depletion and mercurialization. There is, in fact, very much to be learned yet upon this head, and any pretence to a rational system of therapeutics, in respect of the cardiac
of rheumatism, is an immense fallacy. The chapters on Rheumatic Gout and Chronic Rheumatism are deserving of attention, and display a thoroughly practical acquaintance with the diseases in question. We cannot afford space for the discussion of numerous points we would fain dwell upon, and must therefore refer our readers to Dr. Fuller’s work, which will bring them well up to the present state of medical theory and practice quoad Rheumatism, Rheumatic Gout, and Sciatica. The book is, moreover, very readable, an excellence which is by no means as frequently a property of medical writing as we could desire.
complications
Tlte Physiological Anatomy and Physiology of -ilfc6i?. By RocERT BENTLEY TODD, M.D., F. R. S., Physician to King’s College Hospital; and WILLIAM BOWMAN, F.R.S., Surgeon to Iitna’s College Hospital. Part the Fourth. Section II.
London,
1856.
as
London: J. W. Parker & Son.
THIRTEEN years haveelapsed since the first portion of the work now just completed was given to the public. We doubt not, the appearance of this, the last part, will be most heartily welcomed. Of the value of the treatise we need scarcely speak; it is established as one of our most important text-books, and has fully answered its authors’ intentiora of giving ‘’ such a view of the main facts and doctrines of anatomy and physiology, particularly of those bearing on practical medicine and surgery,
ST. ANDREW’S To the Editor
DEGREES.
of THE LANCET.
SIR,-The degree of the University of St. Andrews is in Scotland held to be next to that of Edinburgh. I am in possession of this degree, although matriculated at the University of Edinburgh, a.nd licentiate of the College of Surgeons there
of many years’ standing. My case is similar to that of many others. After some years’ practice, I wished to obtain the degree of my University, but found that I could not obtain it without another year’s residence. It so happened that during my studentship I had taken the tickets of two private lecturers noted for their talent of communicating instruction, instead of the tickets of two professors of the University, whose lectures were noted only for their hypnotic effect on the listeners. My curriculum was therefore declared incomplete, and a further residence of one year necessary before admission as a candidate. Such a sacrifice of time involved the loss of a situation which I held in the public service ; and so I was compelled by the youthful indiscretion mentioned above to search for a degree elsewhere. My Scotch friends advised St. Andrew’s as next in esteem. I started from London one Saturday, and returned on the next with my degree in my pocket,-a wide difference between this and a year lost in Edinburgh ! The examination lasted three days, written and oral; the Latin author transCelsus and undoubtedly the testsadopted sufficiently out what was in each of the candidates. Of these there were thirty-one, seven of whom were rejected. 1 should be happy if Mr. Macleod would test the examina tion by going there himself, as I perceive that he has not yet got the desired handle" to his name. I am, Sir, yours, &c., EDINENSIS. January, 1857.
lated,
brought
"
APPOINTMETS.-Mr. Holthouse has been elected geon, and -Ilr.
Hospital.
Power, assistant-surgeon,
95
sur-
to the Westminster