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THE BERLIN HYGIENIC EXHIBITION.
974 immense wheel-the movement of which must be quite beyond her muscular power-to which three men are attached.
an
How the men are connected to the wheel we are not shown. appear to simply adhere to it by their backs. They are nude, and their anatomy is particularly good, as indeed are the anatomical details of all Mr. Jones’s figures. Here again, however, the pathological element comes in. The colour of the men’s skin is most unwholesome, and reminds us of nothing so much as the integument of a badlv injected body. They all seem very ill, and in actual pain. They show the aesthetic lower jaw-a long prominent jaw, with no fat in the infra-maxillary region; and the aesthetic neck-a thin neck with a conspicuous sterno-mastoid muscle showing in a very aggressive way its two heads of origin. And here one might point out an anatomical flaw in the design. These men are very unevenly emaciated. Their heads and necks are those of cachectic persons, yet their bodies and limbs are well nourished and very muscular. If the artist had only thrown a little more life and blood into these figures they would stand out as perfect studies of the human form. Two artists deal with the mournful subject, " By the waters of Babylon we sat down and wept." In No. 43 the females represented are all limp and ill, and have for the most part that type of countenance known in medicine as the " abdominal face."" The picture represents disease rather than emotion, and it seems a pity that so much artistic talent should have been expended in producing this exhibition of human prostration. In No. 156, also dealing with the same subject, we find the same unhealthy-looking women depositing themselves very close to the waters of Babylon. It mav be hypercritical to observe that the females are not all 44 sitting down," and so far as we can judge none of them are weeping. The central figure sits with her hands clasped to the back of her head, and from the expression of her face one would judge that she had been fleized with sudden pain about the occiput. Another female seems to be completely exhausted, and may be taken as a representative of artistic collapse. The figures are well drawn, but the picture is sad, and the sadness is such as is allied to pity for the sick and enfeebled. One might here allude to a strange production of Mr. T. M. Whistler, entitled " A Nocturne in Blue and Silver." To the uninitiated it merely appears to be a splash of colours with blue predominating, and to the medical mind may suggest an endeavour to represent the apotheosis of a blood e usion —a kind of etherialised ecchymosis. Near this nocturne is Mr. Nettleship’s powerful picture, entitled "Blind," upon which we commented in our issue of May 5th. In a pleasant little drawing by Miss M. Sharp, entitled "The Bath" (329), attention may be drawn to the vertebrae of one of the figures who is sitting with her nude back confronting the spectator. The spines of the lower dorsal vertebrae are remarkably prominent-so prominent as to suggest Pott’s disease, and this suggestion may take a little from the pleasure the picture affords. In No. 204, by Mr. Watts, will be found a well-executed study of a somewhat ghastly and anaeuaic invalid lolling out of an armchair ; and in No. 235, "A Neapolitan Flower Girl," by Mr. Walter Maclaren, an excellent drawing of a pair of well-moulded feet. Mr. Calderon’s picture (No. 82) and Mr. Glassby’s marble (No. 367) are both excellent studies of the female figure from the nude ; the latter, representing Medusa leaving the Temple, is peculiarly graceful. In No. 385-a study of a nude figure-the man appears to us to have the serratus magnus muscle in duplicate on his right side. Apart from this the figure is finely executed and admirable in its anatomical details.
They
-
that this minor detail is almost the only matter which has had to be completed since the opening. Theroofitgisof
and is supported in each square division by four iron columns. Incidental to the exhibition, and doubtless intended as an attraction for the general public, are several objects of special interest. Amongst these the panorama of Gastein is deserving of mention. This celebrated mineral-water resort is often visited by the Emperor of Germany, and doubtless it is to this circumstance that its choice for pictorial representation upon the present occasion may be attributed. Though occupying comparatively little space, the plans and volumes contributed by the Munich Hygienic Institute are interesting as showing the successful results of the energy displayed in the cause of sanitary reform by Herr von Pettenkofer, the eminent director of the establishment in question. The plans referred to represent the details of the institute itself, and regret has been expressed in several journals that no model of the building has been sent for exhibition. The course of study and experiment includes physical and chemical examination of the air, ventilation and heating, examination of water and earth, disinfection, analysis of food, and, finally, examination in a hygienic sense of clothing, dwellings, and public buildings. It is needless to state that these various tests are carried out in the greatest perfection according to the most recent methods. There is also a comprehensive display of meteoro. logical instruments and other analogous scientific appliances. Amongst the instruments of precision which are exhibited is an apparatus for measuring even the smallest currents of air. As by its means it is possible to determine the circu. lation of the air between the innermost garments and the skin, its importance in the question of hygienic dress is in. contestable. It is invented by Dr. Recknagel, Director of the Royal Industrial School at Kaiserslautern. A special interest is attached to the objects exhibited by the Berlin Physiological Institute. Some of these refer particularly to the subject of electro-physiology, and the methods of treating nervous disorders according to the principles of that science. Professor Fritsch con. tributes an apparatus for the photographic reproduction of microscopical preparations. In this particular branch of medical science the reearches of the exhibition have led to many notable improvements in the practical application of its fundamental theories. The Austrian Government has authorised the various provinces of the Empire to send competent representatives to the exhibition, in order to report upon its contents to the respective local authorities. In their observations these dele. gates are to keep specially in view the requirements of their districts and the possibility of utilising, in the interests of the public health, such hygienic improvements as may meet their approval. The popular cookery school is an object of interest; and certainly a scheme of well-ordered cookery is not out of place in an exhibition which professes to deal with all that influences the health, either beneficially or injuriously. Amongst other notable features of the exhibition will be the delivery of lectures on sanitary matters by leading authorities. In this manner the promoters are endeavouring to carry out the principle of public sanitary instruction. The Empress of Germany has evinced a marked personal interest in the success of the exhibition and has presented forty gold medals, the adjudication of which will be decided by twenty-one members of the central committee. The list of names includes some of the most eminent medical men in
corrugated zinc,
Germany.
THE BERLIN HYGIENIC EXHIBITION.
An exhibition of special interest to the medical pro. fession is that which deals with the treatment of the sick and wounded in the army and navy. One of the railway arches in the grounds is fitted up to represent a ship’s hospital on the principle adopted in the German corvettes. By a system of suspended berths the patients are protected as far as possible from the effects of the vessel’s movements. The various appliances required for removing patients to and from the land, as well as for their treatment on board ship, are kept in cupboard-like spaces under the berths. Ventilation is provided for bvas
THIS building, which was opened on May 12th, is constructed of stone, iron, and glass, displaying in its plan several innovations of practical importance. It is divided into twenty-five quadrangular spaces, each of them being about twenty yards in length and the same in breadth. These are arranged in a square block containing five rows rising through the deck to a height of eight of five each. There are open spaces in some of them and or ten feet, with a movable hood. The lower end of the several covered approaches. The front of the building is which ensure an efficient introduction of openings has surmounted by a dome, which is only now receiving the fresh air. The objects contributed by the Altona Society for finishing touches. It is, however, creditable to all concerned carrying sick and wounded in the field include an ingeniously
metal pipe pipe
975
arranged set of the usual appliances for treating broken the value of the personal estate amounting to over 230,000. limbs. These are constructed in pieces so that they can The testator gives his capital and interest in the partnership be placed in a saddle pocket. In another pocket various business of the custody and care of lunatics, carried on at bandages and preparations can be carried which are required Brislington House Asylum, to his sons Charles Henry and Another useful Bonville Bradley, subject to the payment thereout of in the antiseptic treatment of wounds. the annuities of 91000 to his wife, Mrs. Mary Fox, and of f200 appliance is the adaptation to holster-like openings in forepart of the saddle of two wooden cases opening in the to his daughter, Janet Sarah, for their respective lives, and form of books, one containing surgical instruments and of the capital sums of E3000 each to his sons, John Charles the other medicines. An appliance for carrying the Bradley and Herbert Francis, and of E2000 each to his sons wounded is fitted with netting instead of drill, and there Edward Long, Francis Frederick, and Lewis Wyndham. is a feather pillow filled with spiral springs, on which the There are a few other bequests, and the residue of his prodivided between all his children except patient’s head rests. When placed on a cart for trans- perty is to be Bonville Henry, Bradley, and Janet Strah. port there can be springs placed underneath in such a Charles will The of James Manby Gully, M.D., formerly of way that the effect of jolting is much diminished. Ambulance waggons of various forms of constructions are also Great Malvern, but late of Orwell-lodge, Bedford Hill-road, exhibited. Balham, who died on March 27th last, was proved on the lst ult., by Mr. W. C. Gully, Q.C., the son, the sole executor, the value of the personal estate amounting to over THE PLAINT OF THE APOTHECARIES. £29,000. The testator leaves his house and land in New Zealand, and an annuity of £400, to his son Charles James ON Friday, May 25th, a deputation from the London for life, with an annuity of E300 to his wife Marie if she him ; E500 to each of the three younger daughters Society of Apothecaries waited upon Mr. Mundella at the survive of his said son on their respective marriages ; an annuity of Privy Council Office, for the purpose of urging that that body 9300 to his sisters, Anne and Ellen, during their joint lives, should be represented on the new Medical Board to be and one of E250 to the survivor; E500 to his brother John formed under the Medical Act Amendment Bill now before Pritchard ; and a specific legacy to a friend. The residue of the House of Commons. Mr. Saner (Master of the Society), his real and personal estate he leaves to his son William Mr. Statham (former Master), Dr. Randall (chairman of the Court. The will and codicil of George Ireland Russell, M.D., Court of Examiners), and Mr. Upton (clerk of the Society), late of 39, The Terrace, Gravei4end, who died on F.R.C.S., out that the Bill as originally framed allowed for last, were proved on April 27th by Mr. E. T. the representation of the Apothecaries’ Society on the March 30th Divisional Board, but the Society had been struck out on Keeling and Mr. E. W. Bewley, the executors, the value of the third reading of the Bill in the House of Lords. The the personal estate being over £13,000. The testator gives deputation desired the Society reinstated as a part of the an annuity to his granddaughter Emily Howard Coombe; Board. Mr. Mundella, in reply, said that the fact of the settles his freehold property in The Terrace upon his eldest George Ireland; and there are some special legacies to him, Apothecaries’ Society being in the number of representative son bodies that would form the Medical Council showed that to his other son William, and to his daughter, Mrs. Frances the Government were in favour of the Apothecaries’ Society Field. The ultimate is to be divided between his said three and his daughter, Mrs. Laura Beaumont. being included. However, in its passage through the Lords children The will of Richard Hunt, M.D., of 111, Boyson-road, the Bill underwent several important modifications, and Lord Salisbury moved to omit the name of the Society, and Walworth, who died on April 17th last, was proved on if the Government had not accepted this the Bill would have the 8th ult. by Mr. Joseph Stanley Oakenfull, one of the been wrecked. However, that arrangement was not binding executors. The only legatee under the will is the testator’s daughter, Miss Mary Isabel Hunt. on the House of Commons. He should consult his colleagues The Governon the matter, and see what could be done. ment were anxious to dojustice to those who had done good service in the past, and to take care that the medical education of the future should be worthy of the country. A meeting of the members of the Apothecaries’ Hall of "A.udi alteram partem." Ireland was held last week for the purpose of asserting the claim of the Hall, under the Medical Act Amendment Bill, LORD BYRON’S FOOT. to appoint a representative on the Irish Medical Board as It was one of the existing medical authorities in Ireland. To the Editor of THE LANCET. stated that of the 2450 medical men practising in Ireland by SIR,-I have not yet had an opportunity of reading Mr. far the greater number were acting as general practitioners, Jeaffreson’s work on "The Real Lord Byron," but I have as and well as medicine compounding prescrining dispensing under the Poor-law and Government Boards. If the Bill seen your interesting leader on the subject, and would were passed in its present form the status of the licentiates venture to offer a few remarks on that portion of it which would be lowered, but it would also have an injurious effect refers to the condition of his lordship’s foot. It is not to be The Bill was wondered at that a on the future of the general practitioner. good deal of public curiosity should have essentially one to provide a general practitioner for the been exercised regarding the poet’s deformity. Byron was United Kingdom, and therefore it was of the greatest ima handsome man, and a sensitive one, so that he naturally purtance that the licentiates under it should be properly felt his defect very keenly and took great pains to hide it educated and suitably examined as regarded the pharmaceutical position of their duties, as well as the medical from the observation of even his most intimate friends. As and surgical. The following resolution was unanimously evidence of this you point out that during his last illness he carried :-" That this meeting, having considered the had the blisters, which the doctors ordered, placed above his Medical Act Amendment Bill at present before Parliament, knees, because he objected to have his feet exposed. Bearing out the same idea is a description which I have someare filled with consternation by the discovery that the claim of their branch of the profession is entirely ignored by where read, given by one of his friends, of a stealthy visit the Bill, and that this act of injustice has been committed made to the room in which the dead body of the poet lay, curiosity prompting her to lift the covering and to gaze, notwithstanding that their claim had been duly recognised in her for the first time, in awe, upon the twisted foot and shrunken the first copy of the Bill introduced in the House of Lords." limb about which so much mystery existed. The abnormalities of great men are often as much matters of observation as their excellences, and if Byron has suffered more than many in this regard he has himself in great measure to WILLS OF MEDICAL MEN. blame even in respect of his foot deformity. Mr. Jeaffreholds it, amongst other restorations, to be an error S THE will and two codicils of Francis Ker Fox, M.D.,son that t Byron had what is commonly called a club-foot, and of Brislington, Somersetshire, who died on January 7th describes the deformity as consisting of some elevation of the were proved on the 19th ult. at the Bristol district reheel, with a little distortion inwards, which should gistry by Charles Henry Fox, M.D., Bonville Bradley (constitute a slight form of equino-varus. Now, unless he I undeniable authority for his description, this cannot be Fox, M. D., and Herbert Francis Fox, the sons, the executors,has
pointed
Correspondence. r
last,
an
How the men are connected to the wheel we are not shown. appear to simply adhere to it by their backs. They are nude, and their anatomy is particularly good, as indeed are the anatomical details of all Mr. Jones’s figures. Here again, however, the pathological element comes in. The colour of the men’s skin is most unwholesome, and reminds us of nothing so much as the integument of a badlv injected body. They all seem very ill, and in actual pain. They show the aesthetic lower jaw-a long prominent jaw, with no fat in the infra-maxillary region; and the aesthetic neck-a thin neck with a conspicuous sterno-mastoid muscle showing in a very aggressive way its two heads of origin. And here one might point out an anatomical flaw in the design. These men are very unevenly emaciated. Their heads and necks are those of cachectic persons, yet their bodies and limbs are well nourished and very muscular. If the artist had only thrown a little more life and blood into these figures they would stand out as perfect studies of the human form. Two artists deal with the mournful subject, " By the waters of Babylon we sat down and wept." In No. 43 the females represented are all limp and ill, and have for the most part that type of countenance known in medicine as the " abdominal face."" The picture represents disease rather than emotion, and it seems a pity that so much artistic talent should have been expended in producing this exhibition of human prostration. In No. 156, also dealing with the same subject, we find the same unhealthy-looking women depositing themselves very close to the waters of Babylon. It mav be hypercritical to observe that the females are not all 44 sitting down," and so far as we can judge none of them are weeping. The central figure sits with her hands clasped to the back of her head, and from the expression of her face one would judge that she had been fleized with sudden pain about the occiput. Another female seems to be completely exhausted, and may be taken as a representative of artistic collapse. The figures are well drawn, but the picture is sad, and the sadness is such as is allied to pity for the sick and enfeebled. One might here allude to a strange production of Mr. T. M. Whistler, entitled " A Nocturne in Blue and Silver." To the uninitiated it merely appears to be a splash of colours with blue predominating, and to the medical mind may suggest an endeavour to represent the apotheosis of a blood e usion —a kind of etherialised ecchymosis. Near this nocturne is Mr. Nettleship’s powerful picture, entitled "Blind," upon which we commented in our issue of May 5th. In a pleasant little drawing by Miss M. Sharp, entitled "The Bath" (329), attention may be drawn to the vertebrae of one of the figures who is sitting with her nude back confronting the spectator. The spines of the lower dorsal vertebrae are remarkably prominent-so prominent as to suggest Pott’s disease, and this suggestion may take a little from the pleasure the picture affords. In No. 204, by Mr. Watts, will be found a well-executed study of a somewhat ghastly and anaeuaic invalid lolling out of an armchair ; and in No. 235, "A Neapolitan Flower Girl," by Mr. Walter Maclaren, an excellent drawing of a pair of well-moulded feet. Mr. Calderon’s picture (No. 82) and Mr. Glassby’s marble (No. 367) are both excellent studies of the female figure from the nude ; the latter, representing Medusa leaving the Temple, is peculiarly graceful. In No. 385-a study of a nude figure-the man appears to us to have the serratus magnus muscle in duplicate on his right side. Apart from this the figure is finely executed and admirable in its anatomical details.
They
-
that this minor detail is almost the only matter which has had to be completed since the opening. Theroofitgisof
and is supported in each square division by four iron columns. Incidental to the exhibition, and doubtless intended as an attraction for the general public, are several objects of special interest. Amongst these the panorama of Gastein is deserving of mention. This celebrated mineral-water resort is often visited by the Emperor of Germany, and doubtless it is to this circumstance that its choice for pictorial representation upon the present occasion may be attributed. Though occupying comparatively little space, the plans and volumes contributed by the Munich Hygienic Institute are interesting as showing the successful results of the energy displayed in the cause of sanitary reform by Herr von Pettenkofer, the eminent director of the establishment in question. The plans referred to represent the details of the institute itself, and regret has been expressed in several journals that no model of the building has been sent for exhibition. The course of study and experiment includes physical and chemical examination of the air, ventilation and heating, examination of water and earth, disinfection, analysis of food, and, finally, examination in a hygienic sense of clothing, dwellings, and public buildings. It is needless to state that these various tests are carried out in the greatest perfection according to the most recent methods. There is also a comprehensive display of meteoro. logical instruments and other analogous scientific appliances. Amongst the instruments of precision which are exhibited is an apparatus for measuring even the smallest currents of air. As by its means it is possible to determine the circu. lation of the air between the innermost garments and the skin, its importance in the question of hygienic dress is in. contestable. It is invented by Dr. Recknagel, Director of the Royal Industrial School at Kaiserslautern. A special interest is attached to the objects exhibited by the Berlin Physiological Institute. Some of these refer particularly to the subject of electro-physiology, and the methods of treating nervous disorders according to the principles of that science. Professor Fritsch con. tributes an apparatus for the photographic reproduction of microscopical preparations. In this particular branch of medical science the reearches of the exhibition have led to many notable improvements in the practical application of its fundamental theories. The Austrian Government has authorised the various provinces of the Empire to send competent representatives to the exhibition, in order to report upon its contents to the respective local authorities. In their observations these dele. gates are to keep specially in view the requirements of their districts and the possibility of utilising, in the interests of the public health, such hygienic improvements as may meet their approval. The popular cookery school is an object of interest; and certainly a scheme of well-ordered cookery is not out of place in an exhibition which professes to deal with all that influences the health, either beneficially or injuriously. Amongst other notable features of the exhibition will be the delivery of lectures on sanitary matters by leading authorities. In this manner the promoters are endeavouring to carry out the principle of public sanitary instruction. The Empress of Germany has evinced a marked personal interest in the success of the exhibition and has presented forty gold medals, the adjudication of which will be decided by twenty-one members of the central committee. The list of names includes some of the most eminent medical men in
corrugated zinc,
Germany.
THE BERLIN HYGIENIC EXHIBITION.
An exhibition of special interest to the medical pro. fession is that which deals with the treatment of the sick and wounded in the army and navy. One of the railway arches in the grounds is fitted up to represent a ship’s hospital on the principle adopted in the German corvettes. By a system of suspended berths the patients are protected as far as possible from the effects of the vessel’s movements. The various appliances required for removing patients to and from the land, as well as for their treatment on board ship, are kept in cupboard-like spaces under the berths. Ventilation is provided for bvas
THIS building, which was opened on May 12th, is constructed of stone, iron, and glass, displaying in its plan several innovations of practical importance. It is divided into twenty-five quadrangular spaces, each of them being about twenty yards in length and the same in breadth. These are arranged in a square block containing five rows rising through the deck to a height of eight of five each. There are open spaces in some of them and or ten feet, with a movable hood. The lower end of the several covered approaches. The front of the building is which ensure an efficient introduction of openings has surmounted by a dome, which is only now receiving the fresh air. The objects contributed by the Altona Society for finishing touches. It is, however, creditable to all concerned carrying sick and wounded in the field include an ingeniously
metal pipe pipe
975
arranged set of the usual appliances for treating broken the value of the personal estate amounting to over 230,000. limbs. These are constructed in pieces so that they can The testator gives his capital and interest in the partnership be placed in a saddle pocket. In another pocket various business of the custody and care of lunatics, carried on at bandages and preparations can be carried which are required Brislington House Asylum, to his sons Charles Henry and Another useful Bonville Bradley, subject to the payment thereout of in the antiseptic treatment of wounds. the annuities of 91000 to his wife, Mrs. Mary Fox, and of f200 appliance is the adaptation to holster-like openings in forepart of the saddle of two wooden cases opening in the to his daughter, Janet Sarah, for their respective lives, and form of books, one containing surgical instruments and of the capital sums of E3000 each to his sons, John Charles the other medicines. An appliance for carrying the Bradley and Herbert Francis, and of E2000 each to his sons wounded is fitted with netting instead of drill, and there Edward Long, Francis Frederick, and Lewis Wyndham. is a feather pillow filled with spiral springs, on which the There are a few other bequests, and the residue of his prodivided between all his children except patient’s head rests. When placed on a cart for trans- perty is to be Bonville Henry, Bradley, and Janet Strah. port there can be springs placed underneath in such a Charles will The of James Manby Gully, M.D., formerly of way that the effect of jolting is much diminished. Ambulance waggons of various forms of constructions are also Great Malvern, but late of Orwell-lodge, Bedford Hill-road, exhibited. Balham, who died on March 27th last, was proved on the lst ult., by Mr. W. C. Gully, Q.C., the son, the sole executor, the value of the personal estate amounting to over THE PLAINT OF THE APOTHECARIES. £29,000. The testator leaves his house and land in New Zealand, and an annuity of £400, to his son Charles James ON Friday, May 25th, a deputation from the London for life, with an annuity of E300 to his wife Marie if she him ; E500 to each of the three younger daughters Society of Apothecaries waited upon Mr. Mundella at the survive of his said son on their respective marriages ; an annuity of Privy Council Office, for the purpose of urging that that body 9300 to his sisters, Anne and Ellen, during their joint lives, should be represented on the new Medical Board to be and one of E250 to the survivor; E500 to his brother John formed under the Medical Act Amendment Bill now before Pritchard ; and a specific legacy to a friend. The residue of the House of Commons. Mr. Saner (Master of the Society), his real and personal estate he leaves to his son William Mr. Statham (former Master), Dr. Randall (chairman of the Court. The will and codicil of George Ireland Russell, M.D., Court of Examiners), and Mr. Upton (clerk of the Society), late of 39, The Terrace, Gravei4end, who died on F.R.C.S., out that the Bill as originally framed allowed for last, were proved on April 27th by Mr. E. T. the representation of the Apothecaries’ Society on the March 30th Divisional Board, but the Society had been struck out on Keeling and Mr. E. W. Bewley, the executors, the value of the third reading of the Bill in the House of Lords. The the personal estate being over £13,000. The testator gives deputation desired the Society reinstated as a part of the an annuity to his granddaughter Emily Howard Coombe; Board. Mr. Mundella, in reply, said that the fact of the settles his freehold property in The Terrace upon his eldest George Ireland; and there are some special legacies to him, Apothecaries’ Society being in the number of representative son bodies that would form the Medical Council showed that to his other son William, and to his daughter, Mrs. Frances the Government were in favour of the Apothecaries’ Society Field. The ultimate is to be divided between his said three and his daughter, Mrs. Laura Beaumont. being included. However, in its passage through the Lords children The will of Richard Hunt, M.D., of 111, Boyson-road, the Bill underwent several important modifications, and Lord Salisbury moved to omit the name of the Society, and Walworth, who died on April 17th last, was proved on if the Government had not accepted this the Bill would have the 8th ult. by Mr. Joseph Stanley Oakenfull, one of the been wrecked. However, that arrangement was not binding executors. The only legatee under the will is the testator’s daughter, Miss Mary Isabel Hunt. on the House of Commons. He should consult his colleagues The Governon the matter, and see what could be done. ment were anxious to dojustice to those who had done good service in the past, and to take care that the medical education of the future should be worthy of the country. A meeting of the members of the Apothecaries’ Hall of "A.udi alteram partem." Ireland was held last week for the purpose of asserting the claim of the Hall, under the Medical Act Amendment Bill, LORD BYRON’S FOOT. to appoint a representative on the Irish Medical Board as It was one of the existing medical authorities in Ireland. To the Editor of THE LANCET. stated that of the 2450 medical men practising in Ireland by SIR,-I have not yet had an opportunity of reading Mr. far the greater number were acting as general practitioners, Jeaffreson’s work on "The Real Lord Byron," but I have as and well as medicine compounding prescrining dispensing under the Poor-law and Government Boards. If the Bill seen your interesting leader on the subject, and would were passed in its present form the status of the licentiates venture to offer a few remarks on that portion of it which would be lowered, but it would also have an injurious effect refers to the condition of his lordship’s foot. It is not to be The Bill was wondered at that a on the future of the general practitioner. good deal of public curiosity should have essentially one to provide a general practitioner for the been exercised regarding the poet’s deformity. Byron was United Kingdom, and therefore it was of the greatest ima handsome man, and a sensitive one, so that he naturally purtance that the licentiates under it should be properly felt his defect very keenly and took great pains to hide it educated and suitably examined as regarded the pharmaceutical position of their duties, as well as the medical from the observation of even his most intimate friends. As and surgical. The following resolution was unanimously evidence of this you point out that during his last illness he carried :-" That this meeting, having considered the had the blisters, which the doctors ordered, placed above his Medical Act Amendment Bill at present before Parliament, knees, because he objected to have his feet exposed. Bearing out the same idea is a description which I have someare filled with consternation by the discovery that the claim of their branch of the profession is entirely ignored by where read, given by one of his friends, of a stealthy visit the Bill, and that this act of injustice has been committed made to the room in which the dead body of the poet lay, curiosity prompting her to lift the covering and to gaze, notwithstanding that their claim had been duly recognised in her for the first time, in awe, upon the twisted foot and shrunken the first copy of the Bill introduced in the House of Lords." limb about which so much mystery existed. The abnormalities of great men are often as much matters of observation as their excellences, and if Byron has suffered more than many in this regard he has himself in great measure to WILLS OF MEDICAL MEN. blame even in respect of his foot deformity. Mr. Jeaffreholds it, amongst other restorations, to be an error S THE will and two codicils of Francis Ker Fox, M.D.,son that t Byron had what is commonly called a club-foot, and of Brislington, Somersetshire, who died on January 7th describes the deformity as consisting of some elevation of the were proved on the 19th ult. at the Bristol district reheel, with a little distortion inwards, which should gistry by Charles Henry Fox, M.D., Bonville Bradley (constitute a slight form of equino-varus. Now, unless he I undeniable authority for his description, this cannot be Fox, M. D., and Herbert Francis Fox, the sons, the executors,has
pointed
Correspondence. r
last,