- Email: [email protected]
THE BRITISH MEDICAL DIRECTORY.
233 the
compliment paid to him, by the valuable and unexpected THE BRITISH MEDICAL DIRECTORY. presentation; and remarked, in the course of his observations, AT page 292 of this work for the present year, Dr. Theophilus that he had now seen existing for years, in the Pine-street school, a feeling of reciprocity and kindness between lecturers C. Lewis, residing at North-side, Bethnal-green, London, is and students, such as in his experience rarely existed in other entered, amongst his other titles, as a Fellow of the Royal Several toasts were subsequently prosimilar institutions. College of Surgeons by se)2io?,ity, whereas he obtained that disposed ; the party separating about eleven o’clock. - We tinction by examination. Dr. Lewis is now surgeon of the understand that the time-piece is worth upwards of fifty Own Queen’s Light Infantry Militia. guineas. ST. MARY-LE-BONE BANK FOR SAVINGS, WELBECKSTREET, CAVENDISH-SQUARE.—The twenty-fourth annual general meeting of this institution, was held on Thursday, the 2nd of February, at the office, No. 76, Welbeck-street, CavendishTO CORRESPONDENTS. square, the Rev. John Hume Spry, D.D., in the chair. It Royal Maternity Charity.—We have received a letter from Mr. Bamford, appeared from the several reports read to the meeting that The in which the opinion is expressed that the committee of this institution the progress of the bank during the past year had been of a "are already fully in possession of all the facts" connected with the case, satisfactory description, no less than 2611 new deposits having and that "they would not dishonour their functions by going through the been made in the past year. 23,308 deposit accounts remained of an inquiry." We have stated elsewhere our views upon this burlesque open on the 20th of November last, of which 17,836 held We do not think it Mr. Bamford’s letter at to subject.
balances averaging less than £3 Os. 3d. each.
OBITUARY. At Charlemont-street, Dnblin, .JOHN M’GOWAN, student in medicine, T.C.D., nephew of John M’Gowan, Carrickfergus. -At Trinidad, W. I., HENRY F. BARNETT, aged twenty-nine, youngest son of the late Dr. -
of Worcester. At Campden, Gloucestershire, HIRON, aged thirty-nine.-At Worcester, JAMES P. SHEPPARD, aged sixty-six, many years senior surgeon to the Worcester Infirinaiy.
Barnett,
-
WILLIAM
HEALTH
OF
LONDON
DURING
THE
WEEK
ENDING
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY
18. --The rate of mortality has recently undergone no material variation, but a decrease, though not great, indicates an improvement in the public health. The deaths registered in the metropolis, which in the week that ended February 4th, were 1204, declined in the week following to 1178, and last week to 1154. In the ten corresponding weeks of the years 1844-53, the average number of deaths was 1085, which, if raised in proportion to the increase of population, becomes 1194. The number returned last week is therefore less by 40 than the estimated amount. The mortality from hooping-cough continues high, and 83 children, which is nearly double the average, were carried off by this complaint last week. Scarlatina was fatal in 35 cases, an amount which is not excessive, though the disease appears to have been severe in some families. Eight deaths were caused by small-pox.
MEETINGS OF THE MEDICAL SOCIETIES IN LONDON DURING THE ENSUING WEEK. NOTE.—When the day of the month is not specified, no meetings take place. Days and Hours of Meetings.
Societies.
Medical
Society of London, 32A, George-street, Hanover-squareí Epidemiological, 53, Berners-street Chemical, 5, Cavendish-square Medico-Churgical, 53, Berners-st. Pathological, 33, George-street, Hanover-square..................í Pharmaceutical, 17, Blooinsbury-sq. Hunterian, 4, Bloomfield-street,
......
Finsbury ..........................í North London, 2, Cambridge-terrace, Camden-town...........
Harveian, 64, Fdgwzare-road ......... Royal Institution, Albemarle-street Western Medical and Surgical, 44, Sloane-street
.................í
Sat. 8 Mon. Mon. Tues.
r. 31.
8½ P.M. 8 P.M. 8 P.M.
Tues. 8 Wed.
Next
Meetings.
Feb. 25
"
28
P.M.
8½ P.M.
Wed. 8
Wed.
necessary
publish
length. Dr. Boulton, (Horncastle.)—We have received the guinea for the subscription for Mr. Housley, and have handed it over to the treasurer.
P.M.
March 1
7½P.M.
Thurs. 8
P.M.
Fri. 8s P.M. Fri. P. M.
8
"
" "
2
3 3
DR. WILLIAMS ON THE CURE OF EPILEPSY. To the Editor of THE LANCET. SIR,—In Mr. Hooper’s letter, in THE LANCET of Feb. llth, he appears to attribute too much importance to the effects of the cotyledon umbilicus in the case of Epilepsy to which he refers, and I would invite attention to the following points :-That the patient, previously instructed by me, not feeling so well, with irritation about the nose and rectum, had administered a strong turpentine enema, "and he soon felt tcsrm all ove)’, and decidedly relieved." This, in my opinion, ivas the powerful agent which dissevered the first epileptic link; for although he had been under my care more than five weeks, he had not then taken a single dose of cotyledon, (vide THE LANCET, p. 130.) Turpentine is a very potent remedy; it rouses and stimulates the system; it acts upon the capillaries and upon the kidneys ; and I have two or three times seen general erysipelas induced by a single turpentine enema, showing that its action is by no means to be trifled with. The patient chiefly cured by its use, and whom I again saw only a few days since, is still quite well. He then told me, "that whenever he had found the old feeling conning on, he had his turpentine injection, and immediately felt relieved." So comparatively unimportant had I consideredthe cotyledon in this individual instance, that when enumerating and commenting upon the remedies employed, I did not even mention the cotyledon umbilicus. The experience auorded by your Analytical Sanitary Commission has rendered me peculiarly cautious in the use of new remedies, and also of the more potent medicinal agents when not obtained from the same establishment, it having been so clearly shown by your Commission how greatly the strength of medicines varies at different chemists. Consequently, having this fully in view, on changing Mr. Hooper’s cotyledon for Mr. Davenport’s, I sent very special written directions for the dispenser. The cotyledon must not be regarded as a specific for the cure of epilepsy; it benefits—nay, even cures some cases, especially those dependant upon congestiaii and irritation of the brain, but unfortunately it will frequently be found utterly valueless. It acts apparently as a derivative, often producing one, two, or three relaxed alvine evacuations daily; it also appears to have some influence upon the kiclneys. There are three preparations of the cotyledon umbilicus in general use. The succus or preserved juice—dose, one to three or four drachms ; the inspissated juice—dose, half a drachm to a drachm; the extract—dose, five to ten or fifteen grains. The of the suecus is, that when large doses are required, a considerable quantity of spirit is necessarily administered; in other respects I have found this decidedly the most useful preparation. The inspissated juice, in whatever way prepared, is to an uncertain extent impaired by the process of inspissation, and does not produce an effect corresponding to its relative or reputed strength. The extract is unfortunately very deliquescent ; it is, however, for dispensing, much cheaper than either of the other preparations, and I have known one patient cured by its sole use ; indeed it was this very case which made Mr. Davenport’s name first known to me. Conversing with a surgeon, when in consultation, on another disease, he, having in vain tried everything, asked me how he could cure an epileptic patient, who could not, or rather would not, pay a guinea for the advice. Having heard the particulars, I recommended the cotyledon umbilicus to be administered twice a day for a considerable time. Davenport’s extract, in the form of pills, was given for a period of five months. No fits occurred; the patient considered he was cured, and absented himself whhout leave from his medical attendant. In a month, however, he returned, his fits having- again recurred. On renewing the medicine, his disease was again eombated; and this is one of the great points in treatment, not to be content with having suspended the attack for two, four, or even six months, but to take the greatest care, continuously, to follow on from day to day the treatment, in some cases No patient can be considered absoeven occasionally augmenting the dose. lutely cured who has not had a perfect immunity from an epileptic fit, or even from the epileptic aura, for six or possibly even for twelve months. As to the individual preparations of Messrs. Davenport and Hooper, I believe them to be equally excellent; and to show that Mr. Davenport can efficiently extract the virtues of the cotyledon, I will, with ycur permission, in THE LAxcEr of next wec’k, give the condensed details of a most interesting case of epilepsy, to which he has already referred, and which has been entirely cured by the sole use of his expressed juice of the cotyledon umbilicus.
disadvantage
I
Tavistock-square,
1 an), Sir, Feb. 1854.
your obedient servant,
JOSEPH WILLIAMS, M.D.
A Constant Rearder.—The lieeilce of the Apothecaries’ Society is not necessary in order to qualify a man to carry on the business of a "chemist and druggist." Our correspondent must, however, limit his interpretation as to what constitutes the legitimate business of a "chemist and druggist" so as not to touch upon the functions of an apothecary, otherwise he may un. dunbteclly receive the "penalty" of the law.
.
compliment paid to him, by the valuable and unexpected THE BRITISH MEDICAL DIRECTORY. presentation; and remarked, in the course of his observations, AT page 292 of this work for the present year, Dr. Theophilus that he had now seen existing for years, in the Pine-street school, a feeling of reciprocity and kindness between lecturers C. Lewis, residing at North-side, Bethnal-green, London, is and students, such as in his experience rarely existed in other entered, amongst his other titles, as a Fellow of the Royal Several toasts were subsequently prosimilar institutions. College of Surgeons by se)2io?,ity, whereas he obtained that disposed ; the party separating about eleven o’clock. - We tinction by examination. Dr. Lewis is now surgeon of the understand that the time-piece is worth upwards of fifty Own Queen’s Light Infantry Militia. guineas. ST. MARY-LE-BONE BANK FOR SAVINGS, WELBECKSTREET, CAVENDISH-SQUARE.—The twenty-fourth annual general meeting of this institution, was held on Thursday, the 2nd of February, at the office, No. 76, Welbeck-street, CavendishTO CORRESPONDENTS. square, the Rev. John Hume Spry, D.D., in the chair. It Royal Maternity Charity.—We have received a letter from Mr. Bamford, appeared from the several reports read to the meeting that The in which the opinion is expressed that the committee of this institution the progress of the bank during the past year had been of a "are already fully in possession of all the facts" connected with the case, satisfactory description, no less than 2611 new deposits having and that "they would not dishonour their functions by going through the been made in the past year. 23,308 deposit accounts remained of an inquiry." We have stated elsewhere our views upon this burlesque open on the 20th of November last, of which 17,836 held We do not think it Mr. Bamford’s letter at to subject.
balances averaging less than £3 Os. 3d. each.
OBITUARY. At Charlemont-street, Dnblin, .JOHN M’GOWAN, student in medicine, T.C.D., nephew of John M’Gowan, Carrickfergus. -At Trinidad, W. I., HENRY F. BARNETT, aged twenty-nine, youngest son of the late Dr. -
of Worcester. At Campden, Gloucestershire, HIRON, aged thirty-nine.-At Worcester, JAMES P. SHEPPARD, aged sixty-six, many years senior surgeon to the Worcester Infirinaiy.
Barnett,
-
WILLIAM
HEALTH
OF
LONDON
DURING
THE
WEEK
ENDING
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY
18. --The rate of mortality has recently undergone no material variation, but a decrease, though not great, indicates an improvement in the public health. The deaths registered in the metropolis, which in the week that ended February 4th, were 1204, declined in the week following to 1178, and last week to 1154. In the ten corresponding weeks of the years 1844-53, the average number of deaths was 1085, which, if raised in proportion to the increase of population, becomes 1194. The number returned last week is therefore less by 40 than the estimated amount. The mortality from hooping-cough continues high, and 83 children, which is nearly double the average, were carried off by this complaint last week. Scarlatina was fatal in 35 cases, an amount which is not excessive, though the disease appears to have been severe in some families. Eight deaths were caused by small-pox.
MEETINGS OF THE MEDICAL SOCIETIES IN LONDON DURING THE ENSUING WEEK. NOTE.—When the day of the month is not specified, no meetings take place. Days and Hours of Meetings.
Societies.
Medical
Society of London, 32A, George-street, Hanover-squareí Epidemiological, 53, Berners-street Chemical, 5, Cavendish-square Medico-Churgical, 53, Berners-st. Pathological, 33, George-street, Hanover-square..................í Pharmaceutical, 17, Blooinsbury-sq. Hunterian, 4, Bloomfield-street,
......
Finsbury ..........................í North London, 2, Cambridge-terrace, Camden-town...........
Harveian, 64, Fdgwzare-road ......... Royal Institution, Albemarle-street Western Medical and Surgical, 44, Sloane-street
.................í
Sat. 8 Mon. Mon. Tues.
r. 31.
8½ P.M. 8 P.M. 8 P.M.
Tues. 8 Wed.
Next
Meetings.
Feb. 25
"
28
P.M.
8½ P.M.
Wed. 8
Wed.
necessary
publish
length. Dr. Boulton, (Horncastle.)—We have received the guinea for the subscription for Mr. Housley, and have handed it over to the treasurer.
P.M.
March 1
7½P.M.
Thurs. 8
P.M.
Fri. 8s P.M. Fri. P. M.
8
"
" "
2
3 3
DR. WILLIAMS ON THE CURE OF EPILEPSY. To the Editor of THE LANCET. SIR,—In Mr. Hooper’s letter, in THE LANCET of Feb. llth, he appears to attribute too much importance to the effects of the cotyledon umbilicus in the case of Epilepsy to which he refers, and I would invite attention to the following points :-That the patient, previously instructed by me, not feeling so well, with irritation about the nose and rectum, had administered a strong turpentine enema, "and he soon felt tcsrm all ove)’, and decidedly relieved." This, in my opinion, ivas the powerful agent which dissevered the first epileptic link; for although he had been under my care more than five weeks, he had not then taken a single dose of cotyledon, (vide THE LANCET, p. 130.) Turpentine is a very potent remedy; it rouses and stimulates the system; it acts upon the capillaries and upon the kidneys ; and I have two or three times seen general erysipelas induced by a single turpentine enema, showing that its action is by no means to be trifled with. The patient chiefly cured by its use, and whom I again saw only a few days since, is still quite well. He then told me, "that whenever he had found the old feeling conning on, he had his turpentine injection, and immediately felt relieved." So comparatively unimportant had I consideredthe cotyledon in this individual instance, that when enumerating and commenting upon the remedies employed, I did not even mention the cotyledon umbilicus. The experience auorded by your Analytical Sanitary Commission has rendered me peculiarly cautious in the use of new remedies, and also of the more potent medicinal agents when not obtained from the same establishment, it having been so clearly shown by your Commission how greatly the strength of medicines varies at different chemists. Consequently, having this fully in view, on changing Mr. Hooper’s cotyledon for Mr. Davenport’s, I sent very special written directions for the dispenser. The cotyledon must not be regarded as a specific for the cure of epilepsy; it benefits—nay, even cures some cases, especially those dependant upon congestiaii and irritation of the brain, but unfortunately it will frequently be found utterly valueless. It acts apparently as a derivative, often producing one, two, or three relaxed alvine evacuations daily; it also appears to have some influence upon the kiclneys. There are three preparations of the cotyledon umbilicus in general use. The succus or preserved juice—dose, one to three or four drachms ; the inspissated juice—dose, half a drachm to a drachm; the extract—dose, five to ten or fifteen grains. The of the suecus is, that when large doses are required, a considerable quantity of spirit is necessarily administered; in other respects I have found this decidedly the most useful preparation. The inspissated juice, in whatever way prepared, is to an uncertain extent impaired by the process of inspissation, and does not produce an effect corresponding to its relative or reputed strength. The extract is unfortunately very deliquescent ; it is, however, for dispensing, much cheaper than either of the other preparations, and I have known one patient cured by its sole use ; indeed it was this very case which made Mr. Davenport’s name first known to me. Conversing with a surgeon, when in consultation, on another disease, he, having in vain tried everything, asked me how he could cure an epileptic patient, who could not, or rather would not, pay a guinea for the advice. Having heard the particulars, I recommended the cotyledon umbilicus to be administered twice a day for a considerable time. Davenport’s extract, in the form of pills, was given for a period of five months. No fits occurred; the patient considered he was cured, and absented himself whhout leave from his medical attendant. In a month, however, he returned, his fits having- again recurred. On renewing the medicine, his disease was again eombated; and this is one of the great points in treatment, not to be content with having suspended the attack for two, four, or even six months, but to take the greatest care, continuously, to follow on from day to day the treatment, in some cases No patient can be considered absoeven occasionally augmenting the dose. lutely cured who has not had a perfect immunity from an epileptic fit, or even from the epileptic aura, for six or possibly even for twelve months. As to the individual preparations of Messrs. Davenport and Hooper, I believe them to be equally excellent; and to show that Mr. Davenport can efficiently extract the virtues of the cotyledon, I will, with ycur permission, in THE LAxcEr of next wec’k, give the condensed details of a most interesting case of epilepsy, to which he has already referred, and which has been entirely cured by the sole use of his expressed juice of the cotyledon umbilicus.
disadvantage
I
Tavistock-square,
1 an), Sir, Feb. 1854.
your obedient servant,
JOSEPH WILLIAMS, M.D.
A Constant Rearder.—The lieeilce of the Apothecaries’ Society is not necessary in order to qualify a man to carry on the business of a "chemist and druggist." Our correspondent must, however, limit his interpretation as to what constitutes the legitimate business of a "chemist and druggist" so as not to touch upon the functions of an apothecary, otherwise he may un. dunbteclly receive the "penalty" of the law.
.