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TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION TO THE LANCET.
321 much more likely to be retarded. The ultimate establishment of our claims can only be managed by a steady and fixed determination never to yield an iota of our rights; be quietly urging them when opportunities offer; and abovy all, by showing ourselves worthy of, and perfectly qualified for, the position we demand. Such means will have a thousand times more effect than the most fiery discussions, or the most inflamed statements. Trusting, for the honour of our body, that " Amicus Justitise" is not one of the number, I remain, Sir, your obedient servant, Portsmouth, March, 1852. AN ASSISTANT-SURGEON.
NEW MEDICAL COLLEGE. - A Sermon will be preached at St. Martin’s Church, by the Rector, on Sunday morning next, in aid of this Institution. The medical gentlemen of the district will doubtless support the cause by their
To the .ZMti’0?’ of THE LANCET. it is gratifying SiR,-By a leading article of the last LANCET, to perceive that you do not adopt the fears of " Amicus Justitia;" regarding the present Admiralty; but you have been led into the mistake of confounding the present First Sea Lord, Rear-Admiral Hyde Parker, with Admiral Sir William Parker, who has for six years been Commander-in-Chief of the Mediterranean, and has not yet returned. Rear-Admiral Hyde (not Sir Hyde) Parker is cot known in the service to have shown any prejudice against medical officers; but Sir William Parker has been used as a tool by Admiral Berkeley, during past years, to harass and Sir William is a decided Whig. annoy assistant-surgeons. Rear-Admiral Hyde has not shown any political leaning, but is believed to be Conservative. The two are no relations. Any evasion of the decision of Parliament is little likely to receive any encouragement from the Rear-Admiral, whose stern sense of of justice is well known in the navy. I am, Sir, very obediently yours, RETEX. March, 1852.
has drawn up a memorial, requesting that measures be adopted, and a fund established, to enable midwives to be properly educated at the I,ying-in Hospital, Duhlin, preparatory to their entering upon their duties as midwives. Dr. Mackey requires that they should not only be well educated in midwifery, but that they should also be women of excellent character for sobriety and moral conduct.
Medical News. APO’!’FIECARIES’ HALL.-Names of
gentlemen
who
passed their examination in the science and practice of medicine, and received certificates to practise, on Thursday, Jlarch 18th, 1852. HOLMES, ARTHUR NEWSTEAD, Pocklington, York. LANGWORTHY, SOUTIIMEAD, Modbury, Devon. ROBINSON, FRANCIS, Ware, Herts. MEDICAL BENEVOLENT FuND.ŇThe dinner In behalf of this Fund is announced to take place at the London Tavern on Thursday, May 20th; and from the first list of stewards already published, we feel confident that it will receive the support of the entire profession. MEDICAL CANDIDATE FOR PARLIAMENT.—Mr. Hartley Kennedy, the author of the well-known work on Cholera, and lately holding a high position in the Medical service of India, is a candidate for the Inverness Burghs. The medical gentlemen of the district, it is to be hoped, will cordially support him. PRINCELY MUNIFICENCE.-Edward Lonlie, Esq., of Norfolk, who lately died, has bequeathed to University College Hospital, upon the demise of his wife, the whole of his property, which is sworn to be worth .625,000. BLOOD-STAINS.-In concluding the evidence given Milton Hall,
a short time since at the Marylebone police-court, before Mr. Broughton, in the case of William Styles, Dr. Hassall made the following observations, important in a medico-legal point of view, in reference to blood-stains:-" That, while the determination, by means of the microscope, of the nature of blood-stains, even when very recent, formed on cloth, linen, and other soft and porous textures, is usually a matter of considerable difficulty, and is often impossible, the determination of such stains, however old, as are placed on glass, porcelain, wood, and other hard and smooth surfaces, is in general unattended with difficulty, and extremely satisfactory. This difference is to be explained thus: in the one case the fibrin, albumen, and serum of the blood are in
part absorbed, and pass into the cavities of the hairs of the wool
or
fibres
linen ; the blood corpuscles are thus deprived of their preservative fluids, and shrink up-become misshapen or disintegrated; while, in the other case, the fibrin and albumen harden around the blood-discs in drying, and thus preserve them slightly altered in form only." Dr. Hassall stated that he had frequently succeeded in identifying the blood of different animals, preserved on slips of glass, after the lapse of six years. The
presence.
The mortality THE MILLBANK PENITENTIARY. amongst the unfortunate inmates of this prison is again becoming the subject of public observation, and will, no doubt, be brought -
before Parliament. Last week no less than four died in it. Two of the victims were youths of eighteen years of age.
MIDWIFERY.—Dr.
Mackey, of the Waterford Union,
OF SiR CHARLES FORBES.—Died, on the instant, at his residence, Argyll-street, Sir Charles Fergusson Forbes, M.D., K.C.H., and Deputy Inspector General of Army Hospitals, aged seventy-three. HEALTH OF LONDON DURING THE WEEK ENDING
DEATH
22nd
rate of mortality continues to In the last week of February the deaths were 1069 ; in the first two weeks of March they rose successively to 1128 and 1232; and in the week that ended last Saturday they were 1208. In ten corresponding weeks of the years 1842-51 the average number of deaths were 1051, which, if raised in a certain proportion according to increase of population, will be 1156. The number returned for last week, therefore, exceeds the corrected average by 52. It appears from a review of corresponding weeks that last year alone (in which hoopingcough, influenza, bronchitis, &c., were fatal at this season) exhibits a mortality greater than that of last week; and it is remarkable how nearly the numbers of the two weeks approach each other in all the leading classes of fatal causes, except those which contain the diseases now mentioned. In the same week of last year 47 persons died of " dropsy, cancer, and other diseases of uncertain or variable seat;" in the week ending last Saturday the number was 44 ; from " tubercular diseases" the respective numbers were 228 and 224 ; from " diseases of the nervous system," 134 and 145 ; from diseases of the heart, &c.,’ 53 and 51 ; from "diseases of the digestive organs," 75 and 74 ; from " atrophy," 25 and 31 ; from " age," 69 and 62. The deaths from diseases of the respiratory organs last week numbered 269 (the average being 219), and are thus distributed : laryngitis 2, laryngismus stridulus 6, pleurisy 3, bronchitis 126, pneumonia 83, asthma 29, and other diseases of the same organs, not specified, 20. Bronchitis was much more fatal than in any corresponding week of ten years, except that of 1851, when it carried off 156 persons. Phthisis also continues fatal, though the number, which was 182 in the preceding week, has declined to 151. The zymotic class shows about an average number of cases: smatl-pox carried off 18 children and 4 persons of mature age ; 9 children died of measles, 20 of scarlatina, 54 of hooping cough, 11 of croup, and 5 of thrush. Twenty-two persons died of diarrhoea and dysentery, 4 of influenza, 32 of typhus, &c., 1 of rheumatic fever, 12 of erysipelas, and 2 children of syphilis. Four women died of puerperal fever, besides three others after childbirth. With reference to 3 out of the 22 cases of smallpox, it is reported that vaccination had been previously performed. Last week the births of 897 boys and 813 girls, in all 1710 children were registered in London. The average number in seven corresponding weeks of 1845-51 was 1452.
SATURDAY, MARCH 20.-A high
prevail
in the
metropolis.
TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION TO
or
stains should be examined in white of egg, and not in water.
NAVAL MEDICAL STORES.-The
sum
of
£ 23,000
required for medicines and medical stores for the Navy.
is
THE
LANCET.
To be paid in Advance. Post-office Orders to be made payable to EDWARD at the Strand Post-office. ,
THOMAS,
322 (Soho.)-The Apothecaries’Act came into operation on the 1st Of August, 1815. All persons in actual practice as apothecaries at that date were held exempt from any penalties under the Act for practising after.
A. B.,
PORTRAITS AND BIOGRAPHIES OF
Members of the Medical &
wards.
Surgical Profession
subject of the next Portrait & Biography will be JAMES RANALD MARTIN, ESQ., F.R.S The
T O C O R R E S P O N D E N T S WE must request that correspondents forwarding us communications will only write on one side of the MSS. ;and it would also facilitate our labours if a slight mark were attached to the portion of newspapers that they wish to draw our attention to. ltl1’. Housley, late R.N.-Our valued correspondent will perceive that the mistake he refers to is corrected in the letter of Retex. The similarity of the names of the two admirals led us inadvertently into error. A Young Practitioner.—Rupture of the membrane sometimes occursduring the operation, and inflammatory symptoms generally ensue. Our correspondent would do well to call in an experienced practitioner. Enquirer.—It is quite true that the ’° doctor" alluded to was obliged to leave the town in which he practised. A few years since he had a first-rate connexion; but by an unwise step he adopted the delusion of
homoeopathy, and
soon
became
Mr. Wilson.-We must refer Of THE LANCET.
our
beggared. correspondent
to the
advertising columns
Fairplay.-In such a case the charges should be of a liberal kind. A late Pupil of University College.-You are not obliged to avail yourself of the invitation; it would be bad taste to return it. M.D. Edin., (Liverpool.)-Thirty-four volumes of Transactions have been published by the Medico-Chirurgical Society. A complete index to the first thirty-three has been lately issued. All can be purchased. The catalogue of the library is out of print. Sydenham.—The clique which controls the affairs of the Sydenham Society must be turned out before our correspondent can hope for redress. 6
’
A student evidently could not claim exemption, and would be compelled to pass his examination before the Board. No doubt the claim to practise as an apothecary, on the ground of being ’° in practice before the Act of 1815," is occasionally made where no such right actually exists. If a practitioner sues as an apothecary, he must either exhibit his certificate, if called upon to do so, or show his right to claim, from being in actual practice as an apothecary before the ist of August, 1815. Failing to prove this, he would be non-suited. The evidence necessary to sub. stantiate the claim to practise, under these circumstances, would consist in the proof of attendance and the supply of medicines to one or more patients. In the case of Handey v. Henson, the druggist who had sup. plied the plaintiff with drugs was called to prove that he was in practice before the Act, as lie had given him orders previous to that period. It would be evident, however, that such a claim to practise would not be allowed if it could be shown that the person claiming was under age at the time of the passing of the Act. In instituting a prosecution against a person for practising as an apothecary without a certificate, it is neces. sary to obtain the sanction of the Company to the proceeding. With respect to the Poor-Law part of the question, that shall be answered next Week
Surgeon, (Brighton.)-Valentine’s knife for microscopical dissections may be procured at Fergusson’s, West Smithfield. G. H. H.-There is no occasion for alarm. If G. H. H. will forward to us an address, he shall receive a private note. A Surgeon de facto, and Anti-Humbug.-The case detailed by Mr. Remington does not call for the rejoinder of Anti-Humbug. The " system" of homoeopathy is one of delusion and humbug, and in dealing with such an evil, hair-splitting and "word-catching" need not be resorted to. We denounce globulism as a dishonest and unworthy species of trickery, alike detrimental to the legitimate practitioners of medicine and the safety of the public. M. Boissonneau’s reply to llir. Grossmith arrived too late for insertion in the present number. Chirurgus has been misinformed. The operation was performed at King’s College, and not at Guy’s Hospital. The case ended fatally. D. C.-All the information required by our correspondent may be obtained of the secretary. A Suferer shall receive a private note if he will send his address. D..4. W.—Occasionally the dovetailed divisions grow up and form one bone, as it were, in the human skull. THE letter of Dr. Davey arrived at too late a period to admit of its insertion this week. A Constant Reader.—The 11 Draught" is not likely to pass into a law this session. Petitor.-The title of "doctor" can only be conferred by an university. It would be most unwise to do away with the inducements which now exist to obtain an university education. A
-
LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANIES. To the Editor of THE LANCET. SIR,—Owing to the indefatigable exertions of THE LANCET, several of the assurance offices, after years of obduracy, have acknowledged the right of the profession to be paid for their medical reports; and the Directors of the New Equitable have taken a position which entitles them to the everlasting gratitude of my professional brethren. This office places medwal opinions and judgment at the very foundation in conducting the business of life assurance, and the fees paid by the Directors are commensurate with that bold and just arrangement, two I SUPPLY OF VACCINE LYMPH. guineas being deemed by them only an adequate professional acknowledgTo the Editor of THE LANCET. ment for a medical report. The new office, of course, is assailed by the old SIR,—Being engaged in vaccinating several parishes, and having thereestablishments, which haveliterally cheated the profession to the extent of fore abundance of vaccine lymph, I shall be happy to supply a portion of it hundreds of thousands of pounds. Of course, quacks and other knaves and a pre-paid envelope. impostors join in the cry; the press is also used for the purpose;but I wish to any gentleman who will furnish me with I am, Sir, yours, &c., to inquire whether any person has a right to address to me, by post, a J. P. TERNIE. Kimbolton, March, 1852. printed paper once or twice a month, in which the interests of the profession are malignantly attacked, and evidently done either for hire or for the gratiAn Old Subscriber.—The fee to a medical witness in criminal cases, and fication of a private feeling of revenge. Now, Sir, I ask another questionunder ordinary circumstances, is one guinea per day, and his travelling What is the name, or what are the names, of this libeiler or these libellers? expenses to the place at which the trial is conducted. If he be detained I know one of them. If you will allow me to take him in hand, I will on his subpoena for several days, he can claim for them. impale the fellow on the "hornsof a dilemma from which he shall nevel R. 0. W.-A reference to Dr. Pereira’s " Materia Medica" would afford the escape. I remain, Sir, yours, &c., information required. A COUNTRY SURGEON. COMMUNICATIONS, LETTERS, &c., have been received from-Dr. Cogswell; Bethlem Hospital.—We are unable to answer inquirers’ questions, although A Constant Reader; Petitor; Mr. Jones, (Dover ;) Mr. W. Falshaw; Mr. it is certain the matron has resigned, and a searching investigation has M. D. Thompson, (Staleybridge ;) Mr. E. Lee, (Cardigan;) An Irish been instituted, which may lead to organic changes. Practitioner; Chirnrgus ; Mr. J. Mawer ; M.D. Edin. ; Lymph ; G. 11. H. ; G. F. —The most recent work on the subject is that of Mr. Curling. Mr. Dr. J. G. Davey ;T.L.W., (Liverpool;) Observer; D. C. ; Enquirer; Syme, of Edinburgh, also published a work on the subject some years Mr. Wilson; Mr. Edwin G. Honey; G. F.; R. 0. W. ; Mr.Dickson; since. J. J. B. L.; Spes; A Young Practitioner, (Manchester;) Mr. R. Slater; Mr. R. C. Dangar; Mr. C. F. Dennet; A Surgeon’s Son; Dr. Henry Spatula, (Liverpool.)—1. It can dismiss.-2. It is probable that they would not.-3. Yes.-4. Reference must be made to such an order, and an Cooper, (Hull;) An Old SuLscriber; Mr. Jefferys; Spatula, (Liverpool;) average struck for a certain number of years of the remuneration received Messrs. Moore and Buckley ; Mr. H. Howard, (New Buckenham, Noras extras by the medical officer. Due regard being paid to such average, folk;) A Surgeon, (Brixton;) Dr. E. Williams, (Dublin;) Dr. W. B. the vestry would probably receive the sanction of the Board to enter into Herapath, (Bristol;) Dr. Bakewell, (Church Stretton, with enclosure; the arrangement.-5. Under such circumstances, an appeal might be Dr. Beales, (Leicester;) Mr. W. Pinchard, (Taunton;) Dr. Whatmough, made to the Poor-law Board.-6. Yes; but an appeal to the Board might (Wickford, with enclosure;) Mr. W. Jessop, (Sawbridgeworth;) Mr. be made. Worship, (Riverhead;) Mr. C. Hornsley; Retex; Messrs. Ritchie and 2!7f. E. Lee, (Cardigan.) —We believe that the arrangements have not yet: M’Call; Dr. Bucknell, (Exminster, with enclosure ;) Dr. Bagnell, (Cahir;) been made. Mr. A. H. Churchill, (Gravesend;) Mr. T. W. Crosse, (Norwich;) Mr. J. An Irish Practitioner.-The injustice referred to would be remedied by the; Brown, (Newcastle-on-Tyne;) Mr. Sampson; Dr. Cutts, (Chesterfield, with enclosure,) Mr. T. S. Guppy, (Modbury;) Mr. H. W. Ley; Mr. Bill in question. The subject will be strictly attended to. Chignell, (Ramsey;) Mr. J. P. Williams, (Llanwrst;)Mr. G. Slater, Railway Accident.-The letter of the correspondent who wrote to us re. specting a railway accident, and requesting a private note, has been mis. (Bedworth;) Dr. Mitchell, (Liverpool;) Mr. T. Slater, (Liverpool;) Mr. laid. The purport of the letter was to inquire to whom he was to senc1 J. Cowburn, (Pennybridge;) Mr. Housley, late R.N.; A late Pupil of his account for attendance on some persons whom he attended for in. University College; Sydenham; G. F.; A Surgeon de facto, and Antijuries sustained upon a railway. The account must be rendered to the Humbug; A. B., (Soho;) A Surgeon, (Brighton;)Studens; A Sufferer, parties who employed him. Fairplay ; &c.&c. -
NEW MEDICAL COLLEGE. - A Sermon will be preached at St. Martin’s Church, by the Rector, on Sunday morning next, in aid of this Institution. The medical gentlemen of the district will doubtless support the cause by their
To the .ZMti’0?’ of THE LANCET. it is gratifying SiR,-By a leading article of the last LANCET, to perceive that you do not adopt the fears of " Amicus Justitia;" regarding the present Admiralty; but you have been led into the mistake of confounding the present First Sea Lord, Rear-Admiral Hyde Parker, with Admiral Sir William Parker, who has for six years been Commander-in-Chief of the Mediterranean, and has not yet returned. Rear-Admiral Hyde (not Sir Hyde) Parker is cot known in the service to have shown any prejudice against medical officers; but Sir William Parker has been used as a tool by Admiral Berkeley, during past years, to harass and Sir William is a decided Whig. annoy assistant-surgeons. Rear-Admiral Hyde has not shown any political leaning, but is believed to be Conservative. The two are no relations. Any evasion of the decision of Parliament is little likely to receive any encouragement from the Rear-Admiral, whose stern sense of of justice is well known in the navy. I am, Sir, very obediently yours, RETEX. March, 1852.
has drawn up a memorial, requesting that measures be adopted, and a fund established, to enable midwives to be properly educated at the I,ying-in Hospital, Duhlin, preparatory to their entering upon their duties as midwives. Dr. Mackey requires that they should not only be well educated in midwifery, but that they should also be women of excellent character for sobriety and moral conduct.
Medical News. APO’!’FIECARIES’ HALL.-Names of
gentlemen
who
passed their examination in the science and practice of medicine, and received certificates to practise, on Thursday, Jlarch 18th, 1852. HOLMES, ARTHUR NEWSTEAD, Pocklington, York. LANGWORTHY, SOUTIIMEAD, Modbury, Devon. ROBINSON, FRANCIS, Ware, Herts. MEDICAL BENEVOLENT FuND.ŇThe dinner In behalf of this Fund is announced to take place at the London Tavern on Thursday, May 20th; and from the first list of stewards already published, we feel confident that it will receive the support of the entire profession. MEDICAL CANDIDATE FOR PARLIAMENT.—Mr. Hartley Kennedy, the author of the well-known work on Cholera, and lately holding a high position in the Medical service of India, is a candidate for the Inverness Burghs. The medical gentlemen of the district, it is to be hoped, will cordially support him. PRINCELY MUNIFICENCE.-Edward Lonlie, Esq., of Norfolk, who lately died, has bequeathed to University College Hospital, upon the demise of his wife, the whole of his property, which is sworn to be worth .625,000. BLOOD-STAINS.-In concluding the evidence given Milton Hall,
a short time since at the Marylebone police-court, before Mr. Broughton, in the case of William Styles, Dr. Hassall made the following observations, important in a medico-legal point of view, in reference to blood-stains:-" That, while the determination, by means of the microscope, of the nature of blood-stains, even when very recent, formed on cloth, linen, and other soft and porous textures, is usually a matter of considerable difficulty, and is often impossible, the determination of such stains, however old, as are placed on glass, porcelain, wood, and other hard and smooth surfaces, is in general unattended with difficulty, and extremely satisfactory. This difference is to be explained thus: in the one case the fibrin, albumen, and serum of the blood are in
part absorbed, and pass into the cavities of the hairs of the wool
or
fibres
linen ; the blood corpuscles are thus deprived of their preservative fluids, and shrink up-become misshapen or disintegrated; while, in the other case, the fibrin and albumen harden around the blood-discs in drying, and thus preserve them slightly altered in form only." Dr. Hassall stated that he had frequently succeeded in identifying the blood of different animals, preserved on slips of glass, after the lapse of six years. The
presence.
The mortality THE MILLBANK PENITENTIARY. amongst the unfortunate inmates of this prison is again becoming the subject of public observation, and will, no doubt, be brought -
before Parliament. Last week no less than four died in it. Two of the victims were youths of eighteen years of age.
MIDWIFERY.—Dr.
Mackey, of the Waterford Union,
OF SiR CHARLES FORBES.—Died, on the instant, at his residence, Argyll-street, Sir Charles Fergusson Forbes, M.D., K.C.H., and Deputy Inspector General of Army Hospitals, aged seventy-three. HEALTH OF LONDON DURING THE WEEK ENDING
DEATH
22nd
rate of mortality continues to In the last week of February the deaths were 1069 ; in the first two weeks of March they rose successively to 1128 and 1232; and in the week that ended last Saturday they were 1208. In ten corresponding weeks of the years 1842-51 the average number of deaths were 1051, which, if raised in a certain proportion according to increase of population, will be 1156. The number returned for last week, therefore, exceeds the corrected average by 52. It appears from a review of corresponding weeks that last year alone (in which hoopingcough, influenza, bronchitis, &c., were fatal at this season) exhibits a mortality greater than that of last week; and it is remarkable how nearly the numbers of the two weeks approach each other in all the leading classes of fatal causes, except those which contain the diseases now mentioned. In the same week of last year 47 persons died of " dropsy, cancer, and other diseases of uncertain or variable seat;" in the week ending last Saturday the number was 44 ; from " tubercular diseases" the respective numbers were 228 and 224 ; from " diseases of the nervous system," 134 and 145 ; from diseases of the heart, &c.,’ 53 and 51 ; from "diseases of the digestive organs," 75 and 74 ; from " atrophy," 25 and 31 ; from " age," 69 and 62. The deaths from diseases of the respiratory organs last week numbered 269 (the average being 219), and are thus distributed : laryngitis 2, laryngismus stridulus 6, pleurisy 3, bronchitis 126, pneumonia 83, asthma 29, and other diseases of the same organs, not specified, 20. Bronchitis was much more fatal than in any corresponding week of ten years, except that of 1851, when it carried off 156 persons. Phthisis also continues fatal, though the number, which was 182 in the preceding week, has declined to 151. The zymotic class shows about an average number of cases: smatl-pox carried off 18 children and 4 persons of mature age ; 9 children died of measles, 20 of scarlatina, 54 of hooping cough, 11 of croup, and 5 of thrush. Twenty-two persons died of diarrhoea and dysentery, 4 of influenza, 32 of typhus, &c., 1 of rheumatic fever, 12 of erysipelas, and 2 children of syphilis. Four women died of puerperal fever, besides three others after childbirth. With reference to 3 out of the 22 cases of smallpox, it is reported that vaccination had been previously performed. Last week the births of 897 boys and 813 girls, in all 1710 children were registered in London. The average number in seven corresponding weeks of 1845-51 was 1452.
SATURDAY, MARCH 20.-A high
prevail
in the
metropolis.
TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION TO
or
stains should be examined in white of egg, and not in water.
NAVAL MEDICAL STORES.-The
sum
of
£ 23,000
required for medicines and medical stores for the Navy.
is
THE
LANCET.
To be paid in Advance. Post-office Orders to be made payable to EDWARD at the Strand Post-office. ,
THOMAS,
322 (Soho.)-The Apothecaries’Act came into operation on the 1st Of August, 1815. All persons in actual practice as apothecaries at that date were held exempt from any penalties under the Act for practising after.
A. B.,
PORTRAITS AND BIOGRAPHIES OF
Members of the Medical &
wards.
Surgical Profession
subject of the next Portrait & Biography will be JAMES RANALD MARTIN, ESQ., F.R.S The
T O C O R R E S P O N D E N T S WE must request that correspondents forwarding us communications will only write on one side of the MSS. ;and it would also facilitate our labours if a slight mark were attached to the portion of newspapers that they wish to draw our attention to. ltl1’. Housley, late R.N.-Our valued correspondent will perceive that the mistake he refers to is corrected in the letter of Retex. The similarity of the names of the two admirals led us inadvertently into error. A Young Practitioner.—Rupture of the membrane sometimes occursduring the operation, and inflammatory symptoms generally ensue. Our correspondent would do well to call in an experienced practitioner. Enquirer.—It is quite true that the ’° doctor" alluded to was obliged to leave the town in which he practised. A few years since he had a first-rate connexion; but by an unwise step he adopted the delusion of
homoeopathy, and
soon
became
Mr. Wilson.-We must refer Of THE LANCET.
our
beggared. correspondent
to the
advertising columns
Fairplay.-In such a case the charges should be of a liberal kind. A late Pupil of University College.-You are not obliged to avail yourself of the invitation; it would be bad taste to return it. M.D. Edin., (Liverpool.)-Thirty-four volumes of Transactions have been published by the Medico-Chirurgical Society. A complete index to the first thirty-three has been lately issued. All can be purchased. The catalogue of the library is out of print. Sydenham.—The clique which controls the affairs of the Sydenham Society must be turned out before our correspondent can hope for redress. 6
’
A student evidently could not claim exemption, and would be compelled to pass his examination before the Board. No doubt the claim to practise as an apothecary, on the ground of being ’° in practice before the Act of 1815," is occasionally made where no such right actually exists. If a practitioner sues as an apothecary, he must either exhibit his certificate, if called upon to do so, or show his right to claim, from being in actual practice as an apothecary before the ist of August, 1815. Failing to prove this, he would be non-suited. The evidence necessary to sub. stantiate the claim to practise, under these circumstances, would consist in the proof of attendance and the supply of medicines to one or more patients. In the case of Handey v. Henson, the druggist who had sup. plied the plaintiff with drugs was called to prove that he was in practice before the Act, as lie had given him orders previous to that period. It would be evident, however, that such a claim to practise would not be allowed if it could be shown that the person claiming was under age at the time of the passing of the Act. In instituting a prosecution against a person for practising as an apothecary without a certificate, it is neces. sary to obtain the sanction of the Company to the proceeding. With respect to the Poor-Law part of the question, that shall be answered next Week
Surgeon, (Brighton.)-Valentine’s knife for microscopical dissections may be procured at Fergusson’s, West Smithfield. G. H. H.-There is no occasion for alarm. If G. H. H. will forward to us an address, he shall receive a private note. A Surgeon de facto, and Anti-Humbug.-The case detailed by Mr. Remington does not call for the rejoinder of Anti-Humbug. The " system" of homoeopathy is one of delusion and humbug, and in dealing with such an evil, hair-splitting and "word-catching" need not be resorted to. We denounce globulism as a dishonest and unworthy species of trickery, alike detrimental to the legitimate practitioners of medicine and the safety of the public. M. Boissonneau’s reply to llir. Grossmith arrived too late for insertion in the present number. Chirurgus has been misinformed. The operation was performed at King’s College, and not at Guy’s Hospital. The case ended fatally. D. C.-All the information required by our correspondent may be obtained of the secretary. A Suferer shall receive a private note if he will send his address. D..4. W.—Occasionally the dovetailed divisions grow up and form one bone, as it were, in the human skull. THE letter of Dr. Davey arrived at too late a period to admit of its insertion this week. A Constant Reader.—The 11 Draught" is not likely to pass into a law this session. Petitor.-The title of "doctor" can only be conferred by an university. It would be most unwise to do away with the inducements which now exist to obtain an university education. A
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LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANIES. To the Editor of THE LANCET. SIR,—Owing to the indefatigable exertions of THE LANCET, several of the assurance offices, after years of obduracy, have acknowledged the right of the profession to be paid for their medical reports; and the Directors of the New Equitable have taken a position which entitles them to the everlasting gratitude of my professional brethren. This office places medwal opinions and judgment at the very foundation in conducting the business of life assurance, and the fees paid by the Directors are commensurate with that bold and just arrangement, two I SUPPLY OF VACCINE LYMPH. guineas being deemed by them only an adequate professional acknowledgTo the Editor of THE LANCET. ment for a medical report. The new office, of course, is assailed by the old SIR,—Being engaged in vaccinating several parishes, and having thereestablishments, which haveliterally cheated the profession to the extent of fore abundance of vaccine lymph, I shall be happy to supply a portion of it hundreds of thousands of pounds. Of course, quacks and other knaves and a pre-paid envelope. impostors join in the cry; the press is also used for the purpose;but I wish to any gentleman who will furnish me with I am, Sir, yours, &c., to inquire whether any person has a right to address to me, by post, a J. P. TERNIE. Kimbolton, March, 1852. printed paper once or twice a month, in which the interests of the profession are malignantly attacked, and evidently done either for hire or for the gratiAn Old Subscriber.—The fee to a medical witness in criminal cases, and fication of a private feeling of revenge. Now, Sir, I ask another questionunder ordinary circumstances, is one guinea per day, and his travelling What is the name, or what are the names, of this libeiler or these libellers? expenses to the place at which the trial is conducted. If he be detained I know one of them. If you will allow me to take him in hand, I will on his subpoena for several days, he can claim for them. impale the fellow on the "hornsof a dilemma from which he shall nevel R. 0. W.-A reference to Dr. Pereira’s " Materia Medica" would afford the escape. I remain, Sir, yours, &c., information required. A COUNTRY SURGEON. COMMUNICATIONS, LETTERS, &c., have been received from-Dr. Cogswell; Bethlem Hospital.—We are unable to answer inquirers’ questions, although A Constant Reader; Petitor; Mr. Jones, (Dover ;) Mr. W. Falshaw; Mr. it is certain the matron has resigned, and a searching investigation has M. D. Thompson, (Staleybridge ;) Mr. E. Lee, (Cardigan;) An Irish been instituted, which may lead to organic changes. Practitioner; Chirnrgus ; Mr. J. Mawer ; M.D. Edin. ; Lymph ; G. 11. H. ; G. F. —The most recent work on the subject is that of Mr. Curling. Mr. Dr. J. G. Davey ;T.L.W., (Liverpool;) Observer; D. C. ; Enquirer; Syme, of Edinburgh, also published a work on the subject some years Mr. Wilson; Mr. Edwin G. Honey; G. F.; R. 0. W. ; Mr.Dickson; since. J. J. B. L.; Spes; A Young Practitioner, (Manchester;) Mr. R. Slater; Mr. R. C. Dangar; Mr. C. F. Dennet; A Surgeon’s Son; Dr. Henry Spatula, (Liverpool.)—1. It can dismiss.-2. It is probable that they would not.-3. Yes.-4. Reference must be made to such an order, and an Cooper, (Hull;) An Old SuLscriber; Mr. Jefferys; Spatula, (Liverpool;) average struck for a certain number of years of the remuneration received Messrs. Moore and Buckley ; Mr. H. Howard, (New Buckenham, Noras extras by the medical officer. Due regard being paid to such average, folk;) A Surgeon, (Brixton;) Dr. E. Williams, (Dublin;) Dr. W. B. the vestry would probably receive the sanction of the Board to enter into Herapath, (Bristol;) Dr. Bakewell, (Church Stretton, with enclosure; the arrangement.-5. Under such circumstances, an appeal might be Dr. Beales, (Leicester;) Mr. W. Pinchard, (Taunton;) Dr. Whatmough, made to the Poor-law Board.-6. Yes; but an appeal to the Board might (Wickford, with enclosure;) Mr. W. Jessop, (Sawbridgeworth;) Mr. be made. Worship, (Riverhead;) Mr. C. Hornsley; Retex; Messrs. Ritchie and 2!7f. E. Lee, (Cardigan.) —We believe that the arrangements have not yet: M’Call; Dr. Bucknell, (Exminster, with enclosure ;) Dr. Bagnell, (Cahir;) been made. Mr. A. H. Churchill, (Gravesend;) Mr. T. W. Crosse, (Norwich;) Mr. J. An Irish Practitioner.-The injustice referred to would be remedied by the; Brown, (Newcastle-on-Tyne;) Mr. Sampson; Dr. Cutts, (Chesterfield, with enclosure,) Mr. T. S. Guppy, (Modbury;) Mr. H. W. Ley; Mr. Bill in question. The subject will be strictly attended to. Chignell, (Ramsey;) Mr. J. P. Williams, (Llanwrst;)Mr. G. Slater, Railway Accident.-The letter of the correspondent who wrote to us re. specting a railway accident, and requesting a private note, has been mis. (Bedworth;) Dr. Mitchell, (Liverpool;) Mr. T. Slater, (Liverpool;) Mr. laid. The purport of the letter was to inquire to whom he was to senc1 J. Cowburn, (Pennybridge;) Mr. Housley, late R.N.; A late Pupil of his account for attendance on some persons whom he attended for in. University College; Sydenham; G. F.; A Surgeon de facto, and Antijuries sustained upon a railway. The account must be rendered to the Humbug; A. B., (Soho;) A Surgeon, (Brighton;)Studens; A Sufferer, parties who employed him. Fairplay ; &c.&c. -