- Email: [email protected]
UTERINE PATHOLOGY AND TREATMENT.
vomica, ! It were well, as this lamentable event proves, if lay persons would not pretend to more technical knowledge than they really possess, nor presume to read prescriptions and give directions guided only by a slender acquaintance with such writings. As it happened that the blame of the death was not found to rest upon one person alone, the jury returned a verdict of "Death caused accidentally and by misfortune," accompanied by a censure on the conduct of both the physician and the dispenser. ____
SUICIDE WITH NUX VOMICA.
F. B-,
a
young
woman
of dissolute habits and violent
temper, about eighteen years of age, and residing at Hamniersmith with her parents, who were persons in very humble circumstances, after an altercation with her mother, left her
Correspondence. "Audi alteram partem:’
CASES
OF
ASPHYXIA.
To the Editor of THE LANCET. attention has just been directed to Dr. Marshal! SIR,—My Hall’s paper regarding asphyxia, published in THE LANCET. It is a subject which occupied my anxious consideration for some period previous to my reading a paper on the subject before the Bath and Bristol Branch of the Provincial Medical and Surgical Association, and was published in their Journal as long since as the 8th and 22nd of April, 1853. The cases. therein referred to occurred in my practice on the 13th of April and 30th of October, 1850; but feeling that the sentiments I entertained on the subject were totally opposed to the hithertoexpressed opinion of the whole medical world, I instituted a series of experiments on animals, to prove the truth of my theory before submitting the subject to the profession. I am
home between seven and eight o’clock one evening, with the intention, it would appear, of obtaining the means of suicide. She went successively to the establishments of two legallyqualified medical practitioners, and asked for sixpennyworth of arsenic, " to poison rats." Her excited condition was noticed by one, if not both, of those gentlemen, and they very properly refused to supply her with that or any other poison- not one of those who rush into print," but finding the subject. ous substance for the ostensible purpose set forth. At length she resorted to the shop of a druggist, who sold her-not did not attract the notice of the profession as I wished, I went saw my highly esteemed former teacher, Dr. arsenic, indeed, for the Sale of Arsenic Prevention Act had to London, and the subject, who advised me to publish my views Todd, upon come into half an nux force—but ounce of vomica, already mixed with an equal quantity of magnesia. The whole, or thereon; but a change of my sphere of practice at that time my so doing more fully, and I contented myself nearly the whole, of this she is supposed to have taken, in prevented beer or some other fluid, shortly after arriving at her home, with the circulation of a number of copies of my paper pubwhich she reached about eight o’clock P.M. Soon afterwards, lished in the Journal. Feeling the subject to be second to she was heard screaming in a watercloset adjoining, by her none in importance to the people, from the necessity of immefather and some other persons, who removed her indoors, and diate action in the absence of a medical man in cases of laid her upon the ground while a surgeon was sent for. Her drowning, &c., on the 16th of July last, I pointed out, in a to the Editor of The Times, with reference to another mother, absent at first, meanwhile returned home, and was letter informed by the girl that she had taken poison, as also at what case which had lately occurred, the danger which arises from use of the hot bath in cases of asphyxia, and that it should place she had bought it. The mother immediately went to the make inquiry of the druggist, who told her what was the poi- never be used, the practice being unscientific in the extreme, that even in cases in which I had formerly used it only son he had sold. Up to the period of this having been ascer- and with a view of restoring circulation in the extremities, it had in was in attendwho had been called and Dr. tained, Parker, I also gaveacopy of my paper to the ance, found nothing to guide him as to what antidote ought to proved instantly fatal. be administered, there being yet no characteristic signs indi- President of one of the Colleges at Oxford, about two years of the arrangements about to be made in the cating sufficiently the nature of the substance which had been since, because University, in consequence of the frequent accidents resulting swallowed. He, however, first gave an emetic consisting of from Upon reference to my paper published in the half a drachm of sulphate of zinc, as being probably suitable I there Journal, said,-" I am anxious to learn -whether did and was foldeleterious this not act, against any agent; lowed by a dose of ipecacuanha, which provoked some vomit- galvanism is usually resorted to at receiving-houses in such cases, and with what benefit; also whether the warm bath may ing. Dr. Parker now sent for several quarts of milk, intending not frequently, especially at such an advanced age, produce to wash out the stomach with it; but tetanic rigidity of the so be likely to prove injurious, rather than jaw speedily set in, and the teeth became so firmly closed to- syncope, andAnd beneficial." constantly find, in medical all as to render to the introduce attempts gether stomach-pump works or charts again: "We lists of remedies in cases of accident containing Permanent next took and in unavailing. opisthotonos place, that condition the girl remained until her death, at three or poisoning, the warm bath recommended as of great value. o’clock on the next morning, probably about seven hours after We must, however, remember, that nothing is to be more the poison had been taken. Before the tetanus appeared, there dreaded than syncope, for then the functions of respiration, and circulation are almost or altogether suspended, even was complete paralysis of the lower extremities. The intellecalthough previously thoroughly established. In cases, then, tual functions apparently remained perfect to the last. At the post-mortem examination, which was made on the of asphyxia, or (speaking more properly) of apparent death by and external dry warmth will restore the exday succeeding the death, the countenance was placid; the apnoea, frictions of the reflex functions; but after restoring, we may citability were and some in remained extended, ankle-joints rigidity other parts of the body. The lungs were found healthy, only again exhaust by the continued application of one stimulant,. their posterior portions being gorged with blood, probably even wa1’mth. But by employing at intervals electricity, owing to the position in which the body had been lying. The warmth, and other stimulants, we shall excite the reflex heart was flabby and spongy to the touch. The diaphragm function, without exhausting or destroying it." In conclusion, allow me to express my wonder that the The intestines were greatly distended was found congested. with flatus. The stomach and gullet were much inflamed. medical profession has not sooner awakened to the importance of this subject. I rejoice in knowing that I am at. The brain and spinal cord were not examined. The determination of the state of mind at the time of the length supported by so able a physiologist as Dr. Marshall suicide-a difficult subject forced by law upon the attention of Hall, to whom the world has been long since indebted for his. coroners’ juries-became in this instance a matter demanding experiments relating to the reflex function. I am, Sir, yours obediently, some deliberation. A verdict of felo-de-se is very rarely reJ. C. S. JENNINGS. turned or recommended for adoption to a jury in the western division of Middlesex. In this case, the following verdict was I returned: " That the deceased had destroyed herself by means of a certain poison-to wit, nux vomica; and that the state of UTERINE PATHOLOGY AND TREATMENT. her mind when she committed suicide was to them unknown." To the Editor of THE LANCET. The jury doubtless revolted at the thought of returning a verdict entailing penalties characteristic of barbarous ages, and SIR,—In consequence of the extraordinary statement made which only afflict the living under the pretence of degrading by Dr. Tyler Smith as to the effectof escharotics in the treatment of uterine disease, I felt strongly that all who had made the dead. use of those agents should fearlessly state their convictions. It ROYAL LONDON OPHTHALMIC HOSPITAL.—Her Majesty has now become still more imperative they should do so. As the Queen has graciously been pleased to present the munificent to Dr. Henry Bennet, who for upwards of ten years has boldly donation of £100 towards the expenses of the recent enlarge- and openly laid his practical views before the profession, he ment and improvement of this hospital. was sure courageously to meet any charge affecting himself
boating.
551
and as surely vindicate himself. Those who have followed him in his practice, and adopted the precautions with which he hedges round the use of the cautery or the stronger escharotics, know that there is slight probability of mischief or danger. My own settled conviction, derived from practical experience, is, that those agents are not only safe, but necessary, and that by their means we successfully cope with erodent ulcer of the cervix, cauliflower excrescence, indurated ulceration, and other forms of disease, that without them are altogether intractable. Notwithstanding the " many bitter things" which have been said, the advocates of potassafusa rise superior to Basil Valentine, so humorously spoken of in your last number; for while his brother monks succumbed to his experiment, our more interesting patients, previously bowed down with the pallor and dejection of uterine disease, are restored to health and comeliness. All the world would, I am sure, regret to see Dr. Tyler Smith descend from his high position to follow in the steps of Gui Patiu! The late controversy has shown that, in truth, the battle of uterine pathology, &c., has but begun. The question happily is thoroughly practical as well as scientific, and is easy of settlement by practical men. The " points" are well defined. On one side the broad principle is laid down, that in chronic intractable disease of the uterus the therapeutics are principally surgical, and that all surgical agents are not only admissible, but in turn requisite. On the other hand, Dr. Tyler Smith, accepting the pathological proclzacts of "inflammation," but ignoring the antecedent condition, affirms that the stronger escharotics are dangerous, and therefore inadmissible, and that their use even is "mutilation." We must again ask for facts. Dr. Shute, of Torquay, has already ably responded, and has .added one more link to a chain, which would encircle the island, could we but gather and connect the series. But can we not " collect evidence on the spot" ? This would be of inestimable value. If I am not mistaken, Dr. Bennet was followed at the Western General Dispensary by Dr. Robert Barnes. Many cases would probably remain under treatment; some vvhich had been previously treated might return. He would probably enter upon the very field worked by the disputants with no predetermined opinions on uterine pathology. So far In the preas I know he has never published on the subject. sent aspect of the question, his testimony would carry great weight. The question is no longer personal, but scientific; deeply interesting, no doubt, it is to the profession. It is vitally important to the female community--indeed I may say to the whole community. I hope therefore it will not be deemed impertinent to call thus publicly on Dr. Robert Barnes to make known his opinions on uterine disease and its treatment. This appeal I make to him most earnestly, and to it Dr. Bennet, I think, ought not, and Dr. Tyler Smith cannot, object. I am. Sir. vours trulv. B. J. BOULTON, M.D.
Cartwright, Colne; Mr. Kendrick and Mr. J. R. King, Melk. sham; Mr. Knaggs, Swindon; Mr. H. Crisp, Lacock; Mr. Fitzgerald, Avebury; Mr. Thos. Taylor, Cricklade; Dr. W. B. Smith, Corsham; Mr. Edwin Smith, Sherston Magna; and Mr. C. Smith, Highworth. After a few introductory remarks from the Chairman, Mr. ANSTIE stated that the meeting had been convened by circulars issued by himself, at the request of Mr. Griffin, and with the approval of several of the medical practitioners of
personally,
POISONING
BY
STRYCHNINE.
To the Eclitor of THE LANCET. SIR,—The article in your last number, upon the " Detection of Strychnine," by Mr. F. C. Calvert, of Manchester, does not appear to me to bear or throw any light upon the present question of strychnine poisoning. No doubt if strychnine be administered in a larger quantity than is necessary to produce death, the overplus will remain in a comparatively easily detectible state ; but the real question at present raised by late occurrences, and the one required to be determined is this : How long a time will strychnine, administered in that precise quantity which will cause death, remain unabsorbed by the general circulation, so as to be detected with certainty ? Again, is it possible that strychnine may kill and leave no trace of its presence ? I ask these questions in the hope that some one of our acknowledged chemical and physiological authorities may be induced to answer them. I remain, Sir, yours, &c., G. DUPLEX. ’
this
neighbourhood. He also stated that he had received thirty expressive of cordial acquiescence in the object of the meeting, but regretting the inability of the writers to be present. Mr. Anstie expressed his conviction that the movement now making throughout the kingdom, if but rightly supported by all classes in the profession, would issue in some important result beneficial to all parties interested in it. He deprecated exceedingly its being regarded as a contest with local boards of guardians, but considered that it had for its aim the raising of the general status of the profession. He then moved the fol. lowing resolution :1st.—That this meeting regards the movement set on foot by Mr. Griffin as the natural and necessary result of the in. creased demand made upon the medical practitioner for educa. tion and its representative-skilled labour; and while thereanswers
fore it offers Mr. Griffin its cordial thanks for his exertions in originating the movement, it also would recognise the claim which rests on the whole profession for its support. Mr. THOMAS KING seconded the resolution; and Mr. SMITH, of Highworth, in supporting it, read a paper, in which, while he approved of the movement, he was anxious that the Poorlaw Board should be memorialized previous to any application being made to the House of Commons. W. COLBORNE, amongst other remarks tending to show the insufficiency of the remuneration made to the profession, stated that in one district, to his knowledge, while the number of cases was increased within a few years sixfold, the salary remained the same. He then moved the following resolution:2nd.-That this meeting is of opinion that the present rate of payment of the medical officers of unions is quite inadequate to the labour and skill required at their hands. It considers that a general increase of salary is demanded, and that that increase should be apportioned to the number of cases requiring attendance, with a due regard to the number and length of
Dr.
I,
journey.
KNAGGS, in seconding the foregoing resolution, made reference to a plan for remunerating medical officers which he had lately published; but stated that, as the details would be more suited to the consideration of the approaching meeting in London, he should not detain the present meeting by a statement of it. Mr. MONTGOMERY proposed, and Mr. E. SMITH seconded3rd. -That this meeting regards with satisfaction the proposed meeting of the profession in London, as suggested by Mr. Griffin, and will be happy to appoint such gentlemen to repre. sent this meeting on that occasion as would volunteer so to do. Three gentlemen present then offered their gratuitous services, if not prevented by urgent business. Mr. CARTWRIGHT proposed, and Mr. SPENCER seconded4th.—That a subscription be entered into, for the furtherance of this object, of 5s. per quarter, to be continued as long as considered necessary, and which, after deducting the expenses attending this or similar meetings, should be handed over to Mr. Griffin. Dr. M. B. SMITH proposed, and Mr. CBisp seconded5th.-That Mr. T. B. ANSTIE be requested to act as secretary and treasurer. The foregoing resolutions were carried unanimously, as also that the report of this meeting be forwarded to THE LANCET, the Association Journal, and the Medical Times; and votes of thanks to the Chairman and Mr. Thomas B. Anstie for their Mr.
some
services. ____
.
At a meeting of the Medical Officers of the Boston Union, held on the 30th ult., the following resolutions were unani.
mously agreed to
GRIEVANCES OF POOR-LAW SURGEONS. A MEETING of the medical profession of the northern division of the county of Wilts was held at Chippenham on Wednesday, April 30th, in support of Mr. Griffin’s movement; presentMr. Jennings, of Malmesbury, (in the chair); Mr. F. Spencer and Dr. W. H. Colborne, Chippenham; Mr. Montgomery and Mr. Thomas B. Anstie, Devizes; Mr. T. H. King and Mr.
552
:1st.—That this meeting considers the movement made by Mr. Griffin, to improve the position and remuneration of the Union Surgeons, justly called for, and deserving their most energetic support; and that the thanks of this meeting be given to Mr. Griffin. 2nd.-That the salaries of the Medical Officers, compared with their arduous duties and the expenses of performing them, are °° out of all reasonable match;" the cost of harsekeeping in the country districts, and of the medicines, and appliances,
SUICIDE WITH NUX VOMICA.
F. B-,
a
young
woman
of dissolute habits and violent
temper, about eighteen years of age, and residing at Hamniersmith with her parents, who were persons in very humble circumstances, after an altercation with her mother, left her
Correspondence. "Audi alteram partem:’
CASES
OF
ASPHYXIA.
To the Editor of THE LANCET. attention has just been directed to Dr. Marshal! SIR,—My Hall’s paper regarding asphyxia, published in THE LANCET. It is a subject which occupied my anxious consideration for some period previous to my reading a paper on the subject before the Bath and Bristol Branch of the Provincial Medical and Surgical Association, and was published in their Journal as long since as the 8th and 22nd of April, 1853. The cases. therein referred to occurred in my practice on the 13th of April and 30th of October, 1850; but feeling that the sentiments I entertained on the subject were totally opposed to the hithertoexpressed opinion of the whole medical world, I instituted a series of experiments on animals, to prove the truth of my theory before submitting the subject to the profession. I am
home between seven and eight o’clock one evening, with the intention, it would appear, of obtaining the means of suicide. She went successively to the establishments of two legallyqualified medical practitioners, and asked for sixpennyworth of arsenic, " to poison rats." Her excited condition was noticed by one, if not both, of those gentlemen, and they very properly refused to supply her with that or any other poison- not one of those who rush into print," but finding the subject. ous substance for the ostensible purpose set forth. At length she resorted to the shop of a druggist, who sold her-not did not attract the notice of the profession as I wished, I went saw my highly esteemed former teacher, Dr. arsenic, indeed, for the Sale of Arsenic Prevention Act had to London, and the subject, who advised me to publish my views Todd, upon come into half an nux force—but ounce of vomica, already mixed with an equal quantity of magnesia. The whole, or thereon; but a change of my sphere of practice at that time my so doing more fully, and I contented myself nearly the whole, of this she is supposed to have taken, in prevented beer or some other fluid, shortly after arriving at her home, with the circulation of a number of copies of my paper pubwhich she reached about eight o’clock P.M. Soon afterwards, lished in the Journal. Feeling the subject to be second to she was heard screaming in a watercloset adjoining, by her none in importance to the people, from the necessity of immefather and some other persons, who removed her indoors, and diate action in the absence of a medical man in cases of laid her upon the ground while a surgeon was sent for. Her drowning, &c., on the 16th of July last, I pointed out, in a to the Editor of The Times, with reference to another mother, absent at first, meanwhile returned home, and was letter informed by the girl that she had taken poison, as also at what case which had lately occurred, the danger which arises from use of the hot bath in cases of asphyxia, and that it should place she had bought it. The mother immediately went to the make inquiry of the druggist, who told her what was the poi- never be used, the practice being unscientific in the extreme, that even in cases in which I had formerly used it only son he had sold. Up to the period of this having been ascer- and with a view of restoring circulation in the extremities, it had in was in attendwho had been called and Dr. tained, Parker, I also gaveacopy of my paper to the ance, found nothing to guide him as to what antidote ought to proved instantly fatal. be administered, there being yet no characteristic signs indi- President of one of the Colleges at Oxford, about two years of the arrangements about to be made in the cating sufficiently the nature of the substance which had been since, because University, in consequence of the frequent accidents resulting swallowed. He, however, first gave an emetic consisting of from Upon reference to my paper published in the half a drachm of sulphate of zinc, as being probably suitable I there Journal, said,-" I am anxious to learn -whether did and was foldeleterious this not act, against any agent; lowed by a dose of ipecacuanha, which provoked some vomit- galvanism is usually resorted to at receiving-houses in such cases, and with what benefit; also whether the warm bath may ing. Dr. Parker now sent for several quarts of milk, intending not frequently, especially at such an advanced age, produce to wash out the stomach with it; but tetanic rigidity of the so be likely to prove injurious, rather than jaw speedily set in, and the teeth became so firmly closed to- syncope, andAnd beneficial." constantly find, in medical all as to render to the introduce attempts gether stomach-pump works or charts again: "We lists of remedies in cases of accident containing Permanent next took and in unavailing. opisthotonos place, that condition the girl remained until her death, at three or poisoning, the warm bath recommended as of great value. o’clock on the next morning, probably about seven hours after We must, however, remember, that nothing is to be more the poison had been taken. Before the tetanus appeared, there dreaded than syncope, for then the functions of respiration, and circulation are almost or altogether suspended, even was complete paralysis of the lower extremities. The intellecalthough previously thoroughly established. In cases, then, tual functions apparently remained perfect to the last. At the post-mortem examination, which was made on the of asphyxia, or (speaking more properly) of apparent death by and external dry warmth will restore the exday succeeding the death, the countenance was placid; the apnoea, frictions of the reflex functions; but after restoring, we may citability were and some in remained extended, ankle-joints rigidity other parts of the body. The lungs were found healthy, only again exhaust by the continued application of one stimulant,. their posterior portions being gorged with blood, probably even wa1’mth. But by employing at intervals electricity, owing to the position in which the body had been lying. The warmth, and other stimulants, we shall excite the reflex heart was flabby and spongy to the touch. The diaphragm function, without exhausting or destroying it." In conclusion, allow me to express my wonder that the The intestines were greatly distended was found congested. with flatus. The stomach and gullet were much inflamed. medical profession has not sooner awakened to the importance of this subject. I rejoice in knowing that I am at. The brain and spinal cord were not examined. The determination of the state of mind at the time of the length supported by so able a physiologist as Dr. Marshall suicide-a difficult subject forced by law upon the attention of Hall, to whom the world has been long since indebted for his. coroners’ juries-became in this instance a matter demanding experiments relating to the reflex function. I am, Sir, yours obediently, some deliberation. A verdict of felo-de-se is very rarely reJ. C. S. JENNINGS. turned or recommended for adoption to a jury in the western division of Middlesex. In this case, the following verdict was I returned: " That the deceased had destroyed herself by means of a certain poison-to wit, nux vomica; and that the state of UTERINE PATHOLOGY AND TREATMENT. her mind when she committed suicide was to them unknown." To the Editor of THE LANCET. The jury doubtless revolted at the thought of returning a verdict entailing penalties characteristic of barbarous ages, and SIR,—In consequence of the extraordinary statement made which only afflict the living under the pretence of degrading by Dr. Tyler Smith as to the effectof escharotics in the treatment of uterine disease, I felt strongly that all who had made the dead. use of those agents should fearlessly state their convictions. It ROYAL LONDON OPHTHALMIC HOSPITAL.—Her Majesty has now become still more imperative they should do so. As the Queen has graciously been pleased to present the munificent to Dr. Henry Bennet, who for upwards of ten years has boldly donation of £100 towards the expenses of the recent enlarge- and openly laid his practical views before the profession, he ment and improvement of this hospital. was sure courageously to meet any charge affecting himself
boating.
551
and as surely vindicate himself. Those who have followed him in his practice, and adopted the precautions with which he hedges round the use of the cautery or the stronger escharotics, know that there is slight probability of mischief or danger. My own settled conviction, derived from practical experience, is, that those agents are not only safe, but necessary, and that by their means we successfully cope with erodent ulcer of the cervix, cauliflower excrescence, indurated ulceration, and other forms of disease, that without them are altogether intractable. Notwithstanding the " many bitter things" which have been said, the advocates of potassafusa rise superior to Basil Valentine, so humorously spoken of in your last number; for while his brother monks succumbed to his experiment, our more interesting patients, previously bowed down with the pallor and dejection of uterine disease, are restored to health and comeliness. All the world would, I am sure, regret to see Dr. Tyler Smith descend from his high position to follow in the steps of Gui Patiu! The late controversy has shown that, in truth, the battle of uterine pathology, &c., has but begun. The question happily is thoroughly practical as well as scientific, and is easy of settlement by practical men. The " points" are well defined. On one side the broad principle is laid down, that in chronic intractable disease of the uterus the therapeutics are principally surgical, and that all surgical agents are not only admissible, but in turn requisite. On the other hand, Dr. Tyler Smith, accepting the pathological proclzacts of "inflammation," but ignoring the antecedent condition, affirms that the stronger escharotics are dangerous, and therefore inadmissible, and that their use even is "mutilation." We must again ask for facts. Dr. Shute, of Torquay, has already ably responded, and has .added one more link to a chain, which would encircle the island, could we but gather and connect the series. But can we not " collect evidence on the spot" ? This would be of inestimable value. If I am not mistaken, Dr. Bennet was followed at the Western General Dispensary by Dr. Robert Barnes. Many cases would probably remain under treatment; some vvhich had been previously treated might return. He would probably enter upon the very field worked by the disputants with no predetermined opinions on uterine pathology. So far In the preas I know he has never published on the subject. sent aspect of the question, his testimony would carry great weight. The question is no longer personal, but scientific; deeply interesting, no doubt, it is to the profession. It is vitally important to the female community--indeed I may say to the whole community. I hope therefore it will not be deemed impertinent to call thus publicly on Dr. Robert Barnes to make known his opinions on uterine disease and its treatment. This appeal I make to him most earnestly, and to it Dr. Bennet, I think, ought not, and Dr. Tyler Smith cannot, object. I am. Sir. vours trulv. B. J. BOULTON, M.D.
Cartwright, Colne; Mr. Kendrick and Mr. J. R. King, Melk. sham; Mr. Knaggs, Swindon; Mr. H. Crisp, Lacock; Mr. Fitzgerald, Avebury; Mr. Thos. Taylor, Cricklade; Dr. W. B. Smith, Corsham; Mr. Edwin Smith, Sherston Magna; and Mr. C. Smith, Highworth. After a few introductory remarks from the Chairman, Mr. ANSTIE stated that the meeting had been convened by circulars issued by himself, at the request of Mr. Griffin, and with the approval of several of the medical practitioners of
personally,
POISONING
BY
STRYCHNINE.
To the Eclitor of THE LANCET. SIR,—The article in your last number, upon the " Detection of Strychnine," by Mr. F. C. Calvert, of Manchester, does not appear to me to bear or throw any light upon the present question of strychnine poisoning. No doubt if strychnine be administered in a larger quantity than is necessary to produce death, the overplus will remain in a comparatively easily detectible state ; but the real question at present raised by late occurrences, and the one required to be determined is this : How long a time will strychnine, administered in that precise quantity which will cause death, remain unabsorbed by the general circulation, so as to be detected with certainty ? Again, is it possible that strychnine may kill and leave no trace of its presence ? I ask these questions in the hope that some one of our acknowledged chemical and physiological authorities may be induced to answer them. I remain, Sir, yours, &c., G. DUPLEX. ’
this
neighbourhood. He also stated that he had received thirty expressive of cordial acquiescence in the object of the meeting, but regretting the inability of the writers to be present. Mr. Anstie expressed his conviction that the movement now making throughout the kingdom, if but rightly supported by all classes in the profession, would issue in some important result beneficial to all parties interested in it. He deprecated exceedingly its being regarded as a contest with local boards of guardians, but considered that it had for its aim the raising of the general status of the profession. He then moved the fol. lowing resolution :1st.—That this meeting regards the movement set on foot by Mr. Griffin as the natural and necessary result of the in. creased demand made upon the medical practitioner for educa. tion and its representative-skilled labour; and while thereanswers
fore it offers Mr. Griffin its cordial thanks for his exertions in originating the movement, it also would recognise the claim which rests on the whole profession for its support. Mr. THOMAS KING seconded the resolution; and Mr. SMITH, of Highworth, in supporting it, read a paper, in which, while he approved of the movement, he was anxious that the Poorlaw Board should be memorialized previous to any application being made to the House of Commons. W. COLBORNE, amongst other remarks tending to show the insufficiency of the remuneration made to the profession, stated that in one district, to his knowledge, while the number of cases was increased within a few years sixfold, the salary remained the same. He then moved the following resolution:2nd.-That this meeting is of opinion that the present rate of payment of the medical officers of unions is quite inadequate to the labour and skill required at their hands. It considers that a general increase of salary is demanded, and that that increase should be apportioned to the number of cases requiring attendance, with a due regard to the number and length of
Dr.
I,
journey.
KNAGGS, in seconding the foregoing resolution, made reference to a plan for remunerating medical officers which he had lately published; but stated that, as the details would be more suited to the consideration of the approaching meeting in London, he should not detain the present meeting by a statement of it. Mr. MONTGOMERY proposed, and Mr. E. SMITH seconded3rd. -That this meeting regards with satisfaction the proposed meeting of the profession in London, as suggested by Mr. Griffin, and will be happy to appoint such gentlemen to repre. sent this meeting on that occasion as would volunteer so to do. Three gentlemen present then offered their gratuitous services, if not prevented by urgent business. Mr. CARTWRIGHT proposed, and Mr. SPENCER seconded4th.—That a subscription be entered into, for the furtherance of this object, of 5s. per quarter, to be continued as long as considered necessary, and which, after deducting the expenses attending this or similar meetings, should be handed over to Mr. Griffin. Dr. M. B. SMITH proposed, and Mr. CBisp seconded5th.-That Mr. T. B. ANSTIE be requested to act as secretary and treasurer. The foregoing resolutions were carried unanimously, as also that the report of this meeting be forwarded to THE LANCET, the Association Journal, and the Medical Times; and votes of thanks to the Chairman and Mr. Thomas B. Anstie for their Mr.
some
services. ____
.
At a meeting of the Medical Officers of the Boston Union, held on the 30th ult., the following resolutions were unani.
mously agreed to
GRIEVANCES OF POOR-LAW SURGEONS. A MEETING of the medical profession of the northern division of the county of Wilts was held at Chippenham on Wednesday, April 30th, in support of Mr. Griffin’s movement; presentMr. Jennings, of Malmesbury, (in the chair); Mr. F. Spencer and Dr. W. H. Colborne, Chippenham; Mr. Montgomery and Mr. Thomas B. Anstie, Devizes; Mr. T. H. King and Mr.
552
:1st.—That this meeting considers the movement made by Mr. Griffin, to improve the position and remuneration of the Union Surgeons, justly called for, and deserving their most energetic support; and that the thanks of this meeting be given to Mr. Griffin. 2nd.-That the salaries of the Medical Officers, compared with their arduous duties and the expenses of performing them, are °° out of all reasonable match;" the cost of harsekeeping in the country districts, and of the medicines, and appliances,