- Email: [email protected]
THE QUEEN VERSUS PALMER.
Mr. Griffin’s 3fovement.-Under the signature of Chirurgicus, a correspondent, after descanting ably on the unsatisfactory state of the Union medical officers. remarks :" Our cause, Sir, is a good one, and if sported by the timely interference of Government, and the co-operation of the medical journals, we cannot fail to secure a more adequate return for professional services. To achieve so desirable an object, we must continue to agitate;, and endeavour, by all fair expe.
THE QUEEN VERSUS PALMER.
WE intend to give a full report of the medical and chemical evidence adduced on this important trial after the verdict has been returned. ______________
To secretary,
the world.
Mr. Martin, (Ottawa City.)-The number required has been forwarded. The
immediately removed by a ’,
. slight operation. Dr. David Nelaon’s (Birmingham) letter, "On the Employment of Rennet in Diabetes," arrived too late for insertion in the present number. d. Subscriber.-There are societies of a similar character in most of the Continental states. Dr. Hillier is thanked for the information forwarded. THE POOR-LAW MEDICAL OmCEBS: MR. GRIFFIN AND MR. SWEETING. To the Editor of THE LANCET. SIR,—May I beg of you to insert the following correspondence, which needs no comment of mine. Indeed, I should not trouble you did I not feel that it is imperative in my present position to prove myself not only " sans peur," but I am, Sir, yours, &c., ** sans reproche." RICHARD GRIFFIN. Weymouth, May, 1856. " Royal-terrace, Weymouth, May loth, 1856. " SIR,—In theNotices to Correspondents’ in THE LANCET of this day, I perceive a Mr. Sweeting has addressed a letter to the Editor, in which my
’private professional character is called in question.’ Should you be the gentleman to whom it refers, you will oblige me by forwarding a copy of the letter without delay. I should also be glad to have a copy of the letter addressed by you to the Guardians of the Weymouth Union, in which I understand my name was
introduced. "
"Wm.
I have the honour to
be, Sir, your obedient servant, " RICHARD GRIFFIN.
Sweeting, Esq."
" Monday evening, May 12th. "SIR,—Your note was put into my hands just as I was leaving home. I addressed a communication to THE LANCET, in answer to the inquiry why
your movement had not been supported by the medical officers of the Dorchester Unions.* This, in the judgment of the Editor, might be considered as reflecting upon yourprivate professional character,’ than which nothing was or can be further from my wishes, and even from my thoughts, and I extremely regret that any single expression in my letter could bear that construction. As soon as I saw the Editor’s note, I wrote to request him to destroy my communication. Differing though I do from you in your public professional opinions, nothing could be more foreign to my judgment and feelings than to impugn your private character, which I never heard called in question. I have no remembrance of my letter which was shown to the guardians; it went merely to the expression of my opinion, that your agitation was injudicious, and calculated rather to damage than to advance our interests, and to that opinion I still adhere. " I remain, Sir, your obedient servant, " W. SwEETlNCr. ,R. Griffin, Esq." ’
The three medical officers of the Weymouth Union, resident in Weymouth, from Dorchester Union, have since joined the Poor-law Medical Reform Association.-R. GRIFFIN.
and
one
Americanus.—Either of the publishers mentioned would, doubtless, forward the books required. It is not usual to undertake such commissions at this office. The enclosure arrived safe. Mr. George Smith, (Axbridge, Somerset.)—We have not received any former communication from Mr. Smith. Dr. Burgess’ (Portsmouth) request shall receive attention. A. Z.—We know nothing of the person named. A letter appeared in our last number relative to the subject, which would interest our correspondent. Mr. T. T.-A private note has been sent. T R E A T M E N T O F A S C A R I D E S. To t7te Editor if THE LANCET. SIR—Through the medium of your widely-circulated journal, may I, as an old ask the profession if they are aware of any treatment which has proved successful in permanently destroying those distressing parasites which infest the intestines, more especially the lower bowels-viz., the ascaris vermicularis, or common thread-worm. I have used every mode of treatment I can think of to rid my patient of his tormentors, and good effect usually has ensued ’temporarily; but a short interval of quiet and repose is very speedily succeeded by an increased attack of these merciless intruders. The bitter enemata have proved the best local vermifuges, and the various preparations of iron ’have been tried, with the most careful attention to the diet. Any suggestion from the profession would be gratefully received by Your faithful servant,
.
subscriber,
.
S. S.
Manchester, May, 1856.
558
can never
expect,
our
medical brethren that if they
forego
the
nor
would
they
ever
present oppor.
deserve, to have another. Hoc age!"
OB ALEXIS ST. MARTIN. To the Editor of THE LANCET. SIR,—I shall be greatly obliged if you or any of your readers will inform me where I can procure "Dr. Beaumont’s History of the Case of. Alexis St. I have tried in the ordinary manner, but Martin," with his experiments, &e. have failed, either from seeking it under a wrong title, or else by seeking for it as a separate publication, whereas it may be " a paper" only in some volume
DR. BEAUMONT’S HISTORY
same
time we cannot help saying there must be extreme remissness somewhere. The fellows of the Society ought to bestir themselves, and elect a new one who possesses some energy and zeal, and who would not object to a little trouble. It is the only Pathological Society in Canada, and every effort should be made on the part of the fellows to maintain the reputation and high standing which it has always possessed in that part of
volumes have been out of print some time. Polypheinus.—It is curable. The disease can be
convince
Mr. Moore.—We have not space for the communication. Mr. Birnie.—The paper is in the hands of the printer.
Correspondents.
A. D. X’. F., (Montreal.)—We will bear the subject in mind; but at the
dients, to
tunity to improve their position and settle their futwe rank in the world, they
of Transactions. I trust you will pardon getting the information.
Colchester, May, 1856.
my
troubling
I am,
you, but I know of
no
other way of
Sir, your obedient servant, SAM. A. PHILBRICK.
A Shareholder.-The calculations have been made by the actuary, and examined and verified by the officers of the company. Mr. Peter Hardy, the celebrated actuary, reports that the present position and prospects of the company will justify the directors in declaring a bonus of upwards of ten per cent. Studens.— No. One is natural; the other unnatural. BOARDS
OF
GUARDIANS
AND
POOR-LAW SURGEONS.
meeting of medical officers at Chippenham, convened by Mr. Anstie, of Devizes, on April 30th, Mr. Charles Smith, of Highworth, made the following observations:Gentlemen; In the first place I consider, before petitioning the House of Commons, we ought to make application to the Poor-law Board, which has never been done by the medical officers collectively, only an occasional complainant having solitarily placed his grievances before them; and as they are the representatives of the Government, it seems to me to be disrespectful to them to petition Parliament until we find we can get no redress at their hands. It should be remembered that when the Unions were first formed, it
AT
a
.
"
a proper remuneration for medical relief; and while allowed, the members of the profession themselves raised every obstacle by readily accepting any appointment, however inadequate the salary. I do not so much blame the Boards of Guardians, which are composed chiefly of men brought up to business, who consider on the broad principle that the value of a thing is what it will bring; and if a medical man is anxious to undertake the duties of a district for so much money, they consider he
was a
difficult task to fix
competition
was
knows it will answer his purpose, and they believe he will fulfil his duties. If they paid him double the amount, he could do no more; nor are they capable, individually or collectively, of accurately knowing whether he really did perform his duty or not. Inadequately as we are now paid for our toil of body and mind, we must not forget that the Poor-law Board has greatly bettered our condition, by adding extra fees for accidents, making the salaries fixed and permanent, giving vaccination appointments, and the fees for inspecting and certificating the insane, and by partly paying the salaries from the Consolidated Fund. What I would suggest is, that as the plan of paying the district medical officers so much per head, according to population, has not given either satisfaction or justice, (in consequence of one district being more healthy, the population of others more wealthy than another of similar proportion,) that
the Poor-law Board be solicited to call for a statistical account of the average number of sick in each district annually and separately for the space of at least five or seven years, and then regulate the salaries accordingly. This system would afford a fair opportunity of seeing the inadequacy of most of them. I fear we are too apt to take one-sided views of things. I remember when I attended the meetings at the Hanover-square Rooms, one gentleman objected to keeping the Union books. Now, in my opinion the hebdomadal book, correctly kept, is of the greatest service to the Boards of Guardians, and tends more than anything to prove the utility of the medical officer. Another gentleman told us he had sent out I know not how many mixtures, thousands of pills, powders, &c., during the year in his district. I felt sorely tempted to hint that it might have been better for his patients and himself had he only given one-tenth. Again, another showed a list of parish orders two or three feet in length; it certainly was a startling number, but it was from a densely populated London district. This reminds me of the necessity of calling the attention of the Poor-law Board to the different position of the town and country surgeon. The former has his poor patients living within walkiag distance, and is not required to go any great way from home; whereas in the country one portion of a district may be six or eight miles from the opposite side, and the medical officer, while going there, is often prevented attending to his private practice, notwithstanding it is certain that a large district, amply salaried, is more likely to be well attended to than a small one." ERRATUM.—In the pass-list of the College of Surgeons for May 2nd, in our last number, p. 526, for " Porston, William," read Preston, William." COMMUNICATIONS, LETTERS, &c., have been received from-Dr. Marshall Halt Dr. Knox; Dr. Tyler Smith; Dr. Ramskill; Mr. Critchett; Dr. Andrew Smith; Dr. Gibb; Dr. Day, (St. Andrew’s;) Mr. Griffin, (Weymouth;) Dr. David Nelson, (Birmingham;) Mr. Small; Mr. Geo. Smith, (Axbridge, Somerset;) Mr. H. Fearne, (Scarboro’;) Mr. Sweeting, (Abbotsbl.ry;) Mr.G Duplex; Mr. Bainbridge; Dr. Thos. H. Burgess, (Portsmouth ;) Mr. T. B. Anstie; Mr. Quinton; Mr. A. W. Moore; Mr. Wyatt; Mr. James Cooper, (Cromer;) Dr. C. B. Garrett, (Thames Ditton;) Mr. W. Cribb; Mr. J. C.S. Jennings, (Malmesbury;)Dr. B. J. Boulton, (Horneastle;)Mr. Martin, (Ottawa City;)Dr. Hillier; Mr. Birnie; Advice Gratis; A Shareholder; Polyphemus ; A Subscriber; A Student, (Ulverstone;) A Friend to the Poor; Studens ; A. D. K. F., (Montreal;)A. Z.; Mr. T. T.; Americanus&0.&6.
THE QUEEN VERSUS PALMER.
WE intend to give a full report of the medical and chemical evidence adduced on this important trial after the verdict has been returned. ______________
To secretary,
the world.
Mr. Martin, (Ottawa City.)-The number required has been forwarded. The
immediately removed by a ’,
. slight operation. Dr. David Nelaon’s (Birmingham) letter, "On the Employment of Rennet in Diabetes," arrived too late for insertion in the present number. d. Subscriber.-There are societies of a similar character in most of the Continental states. Dr. Hillier is thanked for the information forwarded. THE POOR-LAW MEDICAL OmCEBS: MR. GRIFFIN AND MR. SWEETING. To the Editor of THE LANCET. SIR,—May I beg of you to insert the following correspondence, which needs no comment of mine. Indeed, I should not trouble you did I not feel that it is imperative in my present position to prove myself not only " sans peur," but I am, Sir, yours, &c., ** sans reproche." RICHARD GRIFFIN. Weymouth, May, 1856. " Royal-terrace, Weymouth, May loth, 1856. " SIR,—In theNotices to Correspondents’ in THE LANCET of this day, I perceive a Mr. Sweeting has addressed a letter to the Editor, in which my
’private professional character is called in question.’ Should you be the gentleman to whom it refers, you will oblige me by forwarding a copy of the letter without delay. I should also be glad to have a copy of the letter addressed by you to the Guardians of the Weymouth Union, in which I understand my name was
introduced. "
"Wm.
I have the honour to
be, Sir, your obedient servant, " RICHARD GRIFFIN.
Sweeting, Esq."
" Monday evening, May 12th. "SIR,—Your note was put into my hands just as I was leaving home. I addressed a communication to THE LANCET, in answer to the inquiry why
your movement had not been supported by the medical officers of the Dorchester Unions.* This, in the judgment of the Editor, might be considered as reflecting upon yourprivate professional character,’ than which nothing was or can be further from my wishes, and even from my thoughts, and I extremely regret that any single expression in my letter could bear that construction. As soon as I saw the Editor’s note, I wrote to request him to destroy my communication. Differing though I do from you in your public professional opinions, nothing could be more foreign to my judgment and feelings than to impugn your private character, which I never heard called in question. I have no remembrance of my letter which was shown to the guardians; it went merely to the expression of my opinion, that your agitation was injudicious, and calculated rather to damage than to advance our interests, and to that opinion I still adhere. " I remain, Sir, your obedient servant, " W. SwEETlNCr. ,R. Griffin, Esq." ’
The three medical officers of the Weymouth Union, resident in Weymouth, from Dorchester Union, have since joined the Poor-law Medical Reform Association.-R. GRIFFIN.
and
one
Americanus.—Either of the publishers mentioned would, doubtless, forward the books required. It is not usual to undertake such commissions at this office. The enclosure arrived safe. Mr. George Smith, (Axbridge, Somerset.)—We have not received any former communication from Mr. Smith. Dr. Burgess’ (Portsmouth) request shall receive attention. A. Z.—We know nothing of the person named. A letter appeared in our last number relative to the subject, which would interest our correspondent. Mr. T. T.-A private note has been sent. T R E A T M E N T O F A S C A R I D E S. To t7te Editor if THE LANCET. SIR—Through the medium of your widely-circulated journal, may I, as an old ask the profession if they are aware of any treatment which has proved successful in permanently destroying those distressing parasites which infest the intestines, more especially the lower bowels-viz., the ascaris vermicularis, or common thread-worm. I have used every mode of treatment I can think of to rid my patient of his tormentors, and good effect usually has ensued ’temporarily; but a short interval of quiet and repose is very speedily succeeded by an increased attack of these merciless intruders. The bitter enemata have proved the best local vermifuges, and the various preparations of iron ’have been tried, with the most careful attention to the diet. Any suggestion from the profession would be gratefully received by Your faithful servant,
.
subscriber,
.
S. S.
Manchester, May, 1856.
558
can never
expect,
our
medical brethren that if they
forego
the
nor
would
they
ever
present oppor.
deserve, to have another. Hoc age!"
OB ALEXIS ST. MARTIN. To the Editor of THE LANCET. SIR,—I shall be greatly obliged if you or any of your readers will inform me where I can procure "Dr. Beaumont’s History of the Case of. Alexis St. I have tried in the ordinary manner, but Martin," with his experiments, &e. have failed, either from seeking it under a wrong title, or else by seeking for it as a separate publication, whereas it may be " a paper" only in some volume
DR. BEAUMONT’S HISTORY
same
time we cannot help saying there must be extreme remissness somewhere. The fellows of the Society ought to bestir themselves, and elect a new one who possesses some energy and zeal, and who would not object to a little trouble. It is the only Pathological Society in Canada, and every effort should be made on the part of the fellows to maintain the reputation and high standing which it has always possessed in that part of
volumes have been out of print some time. Polypheinus.—It is curable. The disease can be
convince
Mr. Moore.—We have not space for the communication. Mr. Birnie.—The paper is in the hands of the printer.
Correspondents.
A. D. X’. F., (Montreal.)—We will bear the subject in mind; but at the
dients, to
tunity to improve their position and settle their futwe rank in the world, they
of Transactions. I trust you will pardon getting the information.
Colchester, May, 1856.
my
troubling
I am,
you, but I know of
no
other way of
Sir, your obedient servant, SAM. A. PHILBRICK.
A Shareholder.-The calculations have been made by the actuary, and examined and verified by the officers of the company. Mr. Peter Hardy, the celebrated actuary, reports that the present position and prospects of the company will justify the directors in declaring a bonus of upwards of ten per cent. Studens.— No. One is natural; the other unnatural. BOARDS
OF
GUARDIANS
AND
POOR-LAW SURGEONS.
meeting of medical officers at Chippenham, convened by Mr. Anstie, of Devizes, on April 30th, Mr. Charles Smith, of Highworth, made the following observations:Gentlemen; In the first place I consider, before petitioning the House of Commons, we ought to make application to the Poor-law Board, which has never been done by the medical officers collectively, only an occasional complainant having solitarily placed his grievances before them; and as they are the representatives of the Government, it seems to me to be disrespectful to them to petition Parliament until we find we can get no redress at their hands. It should be remembered that when the Unions were first formed, it
AT
a
.
"
a proper remuneration for medical relief; and while allowed, the members of the profession themselves raised every obstacle by readily accepting any appointment, however inadequate the salary. I do not so much blame the Boards of Guardians, which are composed chiefly of men brought up to business, who consider on the broad principle that the value of a thing is what it will bring; and if a medical man is anxious to undertake the duties of a district for so much money, they consider he
was a
difficult task to fix
competition
was
knows it will answer his purpose, and they believe he will fulfil his duties. If they paid him double the amount, he could do no more; nor are they capable, individually or collectively, of accurately knowing whether he really did perform his duty or not. Inadequately as we are now paid for our toil of body and mind, we must not forget that the Poor-law Board has greatly bettered our condition, by adding extra fees for accidents, making the salaries fixed and permanent, giving vaccination appointments, and the fees for inspecting and certificating the insane, and by partly paying the salaries from the Consolidated Fund. What I would suggest is, that as the plan of paying the district medical officers so much per head, according to population, has not given either satisfaction or justice, (in consequence of one district being more healthy, the population of others more wealthy than another of similar proportion,) that
the Poor-law Board be solicited to call for a statistical account of the average number of sick in each district annually and separately for the space of at least five or seven years, and then regulate the salaries accordingly. This system would afford a fair opportunity of seeing the inadequacy of most of them. I fear we are too apt to take one-sided views of things. I remember when I attended the meetings at the Hanover-square Rooms, one gentleman objected to keeping the Union books. Now, in my opinion the hebdomadal book, correctly kept, is of the greatest service to the Boards of Guardians, and tends more than anything to prove the utility of the medical officer. Another gentleman told us he had sent out I know not how many mixtures, thousands of pills, powders, &c., during the year in his district. I felt sorely tempted to hint that it might have been better for his patients and himself had he only given one-tenth. Again, another showed a list of parish orders two or three feet in length; it certainly was a startling number, but it was from a densely populated London district. This reminds me of the necessity of calling the attention of the Poor-law Board to the different position of the town and country surgeon. The former has his poor patients living within walkiag distance, and is not required to go any great way from home; whereas in the country one portion of a district may be six or eight miles from the opposite side, and the medical officer, while going there, is often prevented attending to his private practice, notwithstanding it is certain that a large district, amply salaried, is more likely to be well attended to than a small one." ERRATUM.—In the pass-list of the College of Surgeons for May 2nd, in our last number, p. 526, for " Porston, William," read Preston, William." COMMUNICATIONS, LETTERS, &c., have been received from-Dr. Marshall Halt Dr. Knox; Dr. Tyler Smith; Dr. Ramskill; Mr. Critchett; Dr. Andrew Smith; Dr. Gibb; Dr. Day, (St. Andrew’s;) Mr. Griffin, (Weymouth;) Dr. David Nelson, (Birmingham;) Mr. Small; Mr. Geo. Smith, (Axbridge, Somerset;) Mr. H. Fearne, (Scarboro’;) Mr. Sweeting, (Abbotsbl.ry;) Mr.G Duplex; Mr. Bainbridge; Dr. Thos. H. Burgess, (Portsmouth ;) Mr. T. B. Anstie; Mr. Quinton; Mr. A. W. Moore; Mr. Wyatt; Mr. James Cooper, (Cromer;) Dr. C. B. Garrett, (Thames Ditton;) Mr. W. Cribb; Mr. J. C.S. Jennings, (Malmesbury;)Dr. B. J. Boulton, (Horneastle;)Mr. Martin, (Ottawa City;)Dr. Hillier; Mr. Birnie; Advice Gratis; A Shareholder; Polyphemus ; A Subscriber; A Student, (Ulverstone;) A Friend to the Poor; Studens ; A. D. K. F., (Montreal;)A. Z.; Mr. T. T.; Americanus&0.&6.