- Email: [email protected]
WORK OF THE GOVERNMENT LABORATORY.
562
Annotations. "Ne quid nimis."
present hardly recognised by the medical profession as affecting the general working population. Dr. Llewellyn states that steps are being taken to discover and introduce more effective and equally safe illumination for fiery mines. Necessity is as much the mother of inven-
when Newcomen invented the steam pump. is surely present in this case, and we hope that in the near future the problem will be solved., Then miners’ nystagmus will disappear, as miners’ asthma has already done. Relief from disease and danger may, as Professor E. L. Collis suggested last week in a letter to the Times, go hand in hand with a cessation of the fretfulness that threatens to paralyse tion
NYSTAGMUS AND ILLUMINATION.
now as
Necessity
THE getting of coal from deep measures, upon which, is being so forcibly impressed upon us this month, modern life depends, was rendered possible by Newcomen’s steam engine invented in 1712 for pumping out water-logged mines. Then Watt improved the invention for use in mines and elsewhere. Forthwith the working of deep coal measures became practical, industry. and industrial expansion a possibility; but all was for a WORK OF THE GOVERNMENT LABORATORY. moment checked by danger to life and limb from explosions. Another invention followed, the Davy THERE has evidently been heavy pressure upon the lamp; the public owe it much, for through its use coal staff of the Government Laboratory during the year has been got which otherwise must have been left ended March from the details given 31st, 1920, judging in situ. But for the miner this lamp has been a mixed in the annual report just issued and signed by Sir It has him into carried blessing. deeper and deeper J. Dobbie, the principal. The returns constitute, the earth into places fraught with danger; it con- James in fact, a record. The total number of samples demned him to asthma until ventilation came to his examined in the course of the year, including those rescue; it has limited his illumination and afflicted him dealt with at the outport chemical stations, was. with nystagmus. This latter disease has received conas compared with 289,180 in the preceding year, 368,898, siderable attention of late years. An excellent paper on an increase of nearly 80,000. The examinations its economic aspect was read at the Brussels Congress of therefore the the laborarepresent passing through the Royal Institute of Public Health by Dr. T. L. tories and stations of over 1000 samples a day. The to on the an subject Llewellyn, expert authority number examined at the Central Laboratory alone whom the miner owes much for his steady insistence amounted to 199,388, against 184,392, This paper appeared in (Clement’s Inn) on bringing the facts forward. an increase of approximately 15,000. As is stated the Colliery Guardian of June 4th, and has now been in the Appendix, the principal increases are due made accessible to medical readers in the current to goods liable to customs duty, such as wines, number of the Journaof State Medicine. The prevalence and cocoa preparations, and the volume of and distribution of the disorder have become known sugar, tea, work here seems to be a sure indication of the revival of for to its inclusion diseases which comamong owing trade after the return to conditions. Conversely, pensation must be paid. Its prevalence discloses that large decreases are shownpeace in the samples submitted by 6000 miners in England and Wales are disabled on its such Government Departments as the Admiralty, Air account each year ; its distribution establishes that the and the War Department. The report shows disease is unknown in metalliferous mines; that among Ministry, a deterioration in the quality of tea, since of 16,562 coal-miners only coal-getters are affected, and only samples examined 6695 were reported against, or 40 per coal-getters in mines where safety lamps are used. The cent. of those examined. It is interesting to note that disease is not confined to the United Kingdom, but tea is examined at the port of entry by tea inspectors, in miners and prevails among Germany, Belgium, and doubtful samples requiring a more complete the North of France, whereas in the United States, examination than is possible by these inspectors notwithstanding inquiry,’ the disease does not appear are sent to the Central Laboratory. The increase to be prevalent. a much larger return than in pre-war (representing The symptoms of the disease are now accepted ; the is attributed again to a revival of trade, the tea distressing psychology they give rise to is becoming times) last year amounting to over 500 million imported recognised, but the pathology remains obscure. For- pounds, as compared with about 370 millions in the year the distribution of cases establishes clearly the tunately ended March 31st, 1914. Restricted times in regard to relation the disease bears to inadequate illumination the sale of alcoholic drinks may have some bearing upon and points to the means necessary for prevention. The this increase in tea consumption. By far the greater part difficulty with the safety lamp is that the gauze around of the samples rejected was owing to the presence, it is the light cuts off many rays, and the illumination of foreign matter accidentally swept up with the stated, becomes less and less as work proceeds and coal-dust and not to intentional adulteration. On the whole, collects on and blocks up the mesh of the gauze. tea, the tea supplies were satisfactory, and indeed, therefore, Dr. Llewellyn, who has measured the light in mines, the difficulties of the situation, the imported calculates that "the amount of light acting on the considering food commodities in general approached quite a good retina may be so small an illumination as only 0’0018, standard. Passing to the control exercised by the or roughly 1/2000th part of a foot-candle....... Up to Government Laboratory over the work of the public. 1914 over 90 per cent. of the safety lamps in use gave of the country under the Sale of Food and less than 0’5 c.p. at the coal face." A standard illumina- analysts in the majority of referred cases: tion of 0’1 foot-candle over the whole working area is Drugs Acts, in all) the analyst’s conclusions were (121 samples called for, and illustrations are given showing the The most important cases were as follows :and stone- upheld. as
-
advantages gained through whitewashing dusting the roads. The cost to the mining industry in compensation paid and loss of coal output is estimated at over 1 million pounds a year; nor does the harm stop
Butter.-One sample contained foreign fat and of water, as alleged by the public analyst. Vinegar-.-Both samples consisted of artificial
one excess.
vinegar, as, there, since the loss of coal affects other industries, and alleged. Cream of tartar.-The results agreed with those of the’ the direct loss to the nation approximates at 1d. per ton public analyst, who had found an excessive quantity of lead of coal raised. in the samples. At the same Congress at which this valuable paper Beer.-The samples were referred by magistrates in conwas presented Dr. F. Shufnebotham, another well- nexion with proceedings under the Beer (Prices and known writer on this disease, when putting forward a Description) Order, 1919. In one case the original gravity case for the science of industrial medicine, claimed that differed from that found by the public analyst. In the although miners’ nystagmus was the commonest remaining seven cases there was no information as to the occupational disease known to medical science, it was finding of the public analyst. only one of the several occupational diseases affecting Whisky and gin.-The point in dispute in the case of all’ miners, and only one of many disabling conditions at the samples was the alcoholic strength ; but it is not known whether or not the results w.ere in agreement with those of 1 Miners’ the public analyst. Nystagmus, F. L. Hoffman. 1916. Washington. .
563 In the case of ginger alleged to contain spent ginger, the results did not agree with those of the public analyst. In the case of canned peas alleged to contain copper, oamphorated oil alleged to be deficient in camphor, mustard alleged to contain foreign starch, and bicarbonate of soda alleged to contain arsenic, the results agreed with those found by the public analyst. In the 89 cases of milk samples in which certificates were issued the charges were as follows: in 26 cases, added water; 45, abstraction of fat; 6, added water and abstraction of fat ; 2, presence of preservatives ; and 10, presence of dirt. In 7 cases the results were not in agreement with those of the
-
and to study the common causes of accident. He was elected M.R.C.S. in 1836, and undertook work at
the Southampton Dispensary, Leigh-street, London, but his interests centred in scientific rather than clinical medicine. He made numerous experiments on the conducting powers, dryness, and resistance to the progress of fire of materials used in building houses, and published a work on the subject in 1843. In 1842 he was elected a Fellow of the newly established Statistical Society. His knowledge of coal gases led him to adapt the principle of the gasometer to measure public analyst. the quantity of gases used in respiration. He made The smooth working of these Acts must have been observations on nearly 4000 people, and tabulated the of the the inasmuch much disturbed through war, period results according to height. He also used a mercurial as regulations varied from time to time in regard to the to measure the inspiratory and expiratory constitutional requirements of certain foods, in accord- gauge and tabulated the results according to propressure, ance with the regulations issued by the Food Control fessional or industrial occupation. He communicated Board. But the pleasing indications of this report are papers embodying all these tables to the Society of that we are steadily approaching normal conditions Arts and to the Quarterly Journal of the Statistical again in regard to the " nature, substance, and quality Society of London in 1844, publishing his results demanded" of the commodities concerned. later in a booklet entitled "TheSpirometer" (1852). After his appointment to the position of assistant physician to the Brompton Hospital he began ACUTE DIFFUSE PERITONITIS. to measure the vital capacity of the patients sufferIN, a recent issue of the Journal of the Royal Armyi from chest trouble, and urged the general use of ing Jledical Corps Major Basil Hughes, R.A.M.C., (T.F.), the t spirometer in the detection of early or threatened describes a treatment for acute diffuse He was awarded the degree of M.D. by the I phthisis. which in his hands has saved 20 out of 21 serious cases.-( of Giessen in 1846. He communicated a University The peritoneum left to itself can deal with infection if more I extended description of his studies in respiration not too massive, but it is hampered by distension of theto the Medico-Chirurgical Society of London in 1847, intestine which restricts it blood-supply, while vomitingwhich was translated into German and published as a reduces the fluid available to form curative exudations. g in 1849. His other contributions separate pamphlet Major Hughes relieves the condition by included papers on heat, malaria, and ventilation to the operation is required, with as little disturbance as Journal of Public Health (1848) and an article on the possible to the peritoneum and a minimum t thorax for Todd’s Encyclopaedia of Anatomy and drainage. The subsequent course of the patients Physiology. I He gave valuable evidence before a Select is almost regular, and they do not have distended Committee ( of the House of Lords on the Prevention of intestines. Subcutaneous saline, 10 pints in 24 hours,Accidents in Coal Mines. He must have been a versatile is given for two days, and is then reduced to five pintsr man, for we read: " He was also gifted with an until the vomiting, which has gradually been becoming ear for music; his execution on the violin exquisite less frequent and clearer in colour, ceases on the fourthwas He had a great ability as a draughtsmasterly. or fifth day. Morphia, gr. every eight hours, andman. x He sculptured admirably in bas-relief and gr. every 12 hours, for the first three atropine, painted in oils." His restless spirit was constantly have splinted " the intestine. Copious drinks of water searching for new outlets. Soon after the discovery in containing sodium bicarbonate and citrate, given 1 1851 of gold deposits in Australia he left England and the beginning to wash out the stomach and allay to make extensive collections of various goldbegan thirst, have secured by the third day free diuresis.bearing rocks which he intended should become the Flatus is passed on the third, a foul stool probably onI property of the British Museum, but for some unknown the fourth day. Glucose is given all the time percause they found some other destination. Of his career rectum. When vomiting ceases food is given veryin i Victoria for the next eight years nothing is known, gradually by the mouth. Castor oil on the tenth day,and it does not appear that he made any further conand after that diet may be cautiously increased.tribution t to science. In 1861 he travelled to the Fiji Illustrative details are given in the article. I Islands, dying there in July of that year.
peritonitis
whateveri
of
days,
from
A PIONEER
IN SPIROMETRY.
" APPARENTLY
DEAD. "
the measurement of vital capacity, Spirometry, THIS is the title of an interesting note by Mr. W. G. has gone through many vicissitudes since its in the September issue of Medical Science. He Spencer duction at Brompton Hospital by Dr. John Hutchinson cites c a case described by E. Rautenberg which would in the early part of last century. Professor G. Dreyer have been buried alive, had it not chanced that the dedicates his recent exact study’ of the use of this c coffin was reopened for purposes of identification. The measurement in assessing physical fitness to the woman had been reduced to the state of a hibernating memory of this Dr. Hutchinson, of whom the follow- animal a by an overdose of morphia and by cold. The ing biographical details are available. John Hutchinson doctor d who examined her in the mortuary applied only was the only son of James Hutchinson, of Ryton, near one test, that of dropping sealing-wax on the Newcastle-on-Tyne. He was born in 1811 and received skin.special He made no note of the state of the pupils, the more important part of his education at University which were subsequently found contracted. The details College, London, then recently established to meet a are as follows :needs of students debarred by theological tests from On Oct. 27th, 1919, a hospital nurse, aged 23, bought from attending the older universities. Sir Charles Bell had an a in Charlottenburg for 20 marks 50 c.cm. of a been teaching anatomy in London since 1806, and his3-5 apothecary cent. solution of morphine, and 10 powders each conper studies of the nervous system and its relation to t: taining 0-5 g. of veronal. She then went into the Griinewald, a about 4 P.M. swallowed about 1’7 g. of morphine and respiratory movement resulted in his appointment as and professor of physiology at the College, Dr. Dionysius 5 g. of veronal. She wandered about as in a dream until she ’ consciousness. The weather was cold, the temperature Lardner, the versatile scientific writer and encyclo- lost the night being 1-3° C., and wet. paedist, being professor in natural philosophy andduring When she was found the next day, she was assumed to be astronomy. These were John Hutchinson’s teachers.dead and was taken to a mortuary, where the medical officer Hewas not only a hard-working student, but soonof The body had a deathly pallor ; c the district examined her. became a teacher, lecturing first at the various there t was an absence of pulse, of respiratory movement, of heart sounds, and of all reflexes. There was partial t metropolitan institutions and later in his native the town. He was accustomed to visit the coal mines or
intro- S
s s the a
.
-
1 Ein bemerkenswerter Fall 1
The Assessment of Physical Fitness. Cassell and Co. 1920. 10s.
Wchnschr., 1919, 45, 1277.
von
Scheintod.
Deutsche med.
Annotations. "Ne quid nimis."
present hardly recognised by the medical profession as affecting the general working population. Dr. Llewellyn states that steps are being taken to discover and introduce more effective and equally safe illumination for fiery mines. Necessity is as much the mother of inven-
when Newcomen invented the steam pump. is surely present in this case, and we hope that in the near future the problem will be solved., Then miners’ nystagmus will disappear, as miners’ asthma has already done. Relief from disease and danger may, as Professor E. L. Collis suggested last week in a letter to the Times, go hand in hand with a cessation of the fretfulness that threatens to paralyse tion
NYSTAGMUS AND ILLUMINATION.
now as
Necessity
THE getting of coal from deep measures, upon which, is being so forcibly impressed upon us this month, modern life depends, was rendered possible by Newcomen’s steam engine invented in 1712 for pumping out water-logged mines. Then Watt improved the invention for use in mines and elsewhere. Forthwith the working of deep coal measures became practical, industry. and industrial expansion a possibility; but all was for a WORK OF THE GOVERNMENT LABORATORY. moment checked by danger to life and limb from explosions. Another invention followed, the Davy THERE has evidently been heavy pressure upon the lamp; the public owe it much, for through its use coal staff of the Government Laboratory during the year has been got which otherwise must have been left ended March from the details given 31st, 1920, judging in situ. But for the miner this lamp has been a mixed in the annual report just issued and signed by Sir It has him into carried blessing. deeper and deeper J. Dobbie, the principal. The returns constitute, the earth into places fraught with danger; it con- James in fact, a record. The total number of samples demned him to asthma until ventilation came to his examined in the course of the year, including those rescue; it has limited his illumination and afflicted him dealt with at the outport chemical stations, was. with nystagmus. This latter disease has received conas compared with 289,180 in the preceding year, 368,898, siderable attention of late years. An excellent paper on an increase of nearly 80,000. The examinations its economic aspect was read at the Brussels Congress of therefore the the laborarepresent passing through the Royal Institute of Public Health by Dr. T. L. tories and stations of over 1000 samples a day. The to on the an subject Llewellyn, expert authority number examined at the Central Laboratory alone whom the miner owes much for his steady insistence amounted to 199,388, against 184,392, This paper appeared in (Clement’s Inn) on bringing the facts forward. an increase of approximately 15,000. As is stated the Colliery Guardian of June 4th, and has now been in the Appendix, the principal increases are due made accessible to medical readers in the current to goods liable to customs duty, such as wines, number of the Journaof State Medicine. The prevalence and cocoa preparations, and the volume of and distribution of the disorder have become known sugar, tea, work here seems to be a sure indication of the revival of for to its inclusion diseases which comamong owing trade after the return to conditions. Conversely, pensation must be paid. Its prevalence discloses that large decreases are shownpeace in the samples submitted by 6000 miners in England and Wales are disabled on its such Government Departments as the Admiralty, Air account each year ; its distribution establishes that the and the War Department. The report shows disease is unknown in metalliferous mines; that among Ministry, a deterioration in the quality of tea, since of 16,562 coal-miners only coal-getters are affected, and only samples examined 6695 were reported against, or 40 per coal-getters in mines where safety lamps are used. The cent. of those examined. It is interesting to note that disease is not confined to the United Kingdom, but tea is examined at the port of entry by tea inspectors, in miners and prevails among Germany, Belgium, and doubtful samples requiring a more complete the North of France, whereas in the United States, examination than is possible by these inspectors notwithstanding inquiry,’ the disease does not appear are sent to the Central Laboratory. The increase to be prevalent. a much larger return than in pre-war (representing The symptoms of the disease are now accepted ; the is attributed again to a revival of trade, the tea distressing psychology they give rise to is becoming times) last year amounting to over 500 million imported recognised, but the pathology remains obscure. For- pounds, as compared with about 370 millions in the year the distribution of cases establishes clearly the tunately ended March 31st, 1914. Restricted times in regard to relation the disease bears to inadequate illumination the sale of alcoholic drinks may have some bearing upon and points to the means necessary for prevention. The this increase in tea consumption. By far the greater part difficulty with the safety lamp is that the gauze around of the samples rejected was owing to the presence, it is the light cuts off many rays, and the illumination of foreign matter accidentally swept up with the stated, becomes less and less as work proceeds and coal-dust and not to intentional adulteration. On the whole, collects on and blocks up the mesh of the gauze. tea, the tea supplies were satisfactory, and indeed, therefore, Dr. Llewellyn, who has measured the light in mines, the difficulties of the situation, the imported calculates that "the amount of light acting on the considering food commodities in general approached quite a good retina may be so small an illumination as only 0’0018, standard. Passing to the control exercised by the or roughly 1/2000th part of a foot-candle....... Up to Government Laboratory over the work of the public. 1914 over 90 per cent. of the safety lamps in use gave of the country under the Sale of Food and less than 0’5 c.p. at the coal face." A standard illumina- analysts in the majority of referred cases: tion of 0’1 foot-candle over the whole working area is Drugs Acts, in all) the analyst’s conclusions were (121 samples called for, and illustrations are given showing the The most important cases were as follows :and stone- upheld. as
-
advantages gained through whitewashing dusting the roads. The cost to the mining industry in compensation paid and loss of coal output is estimated at over 1 million pounds a year; nor does the harm stop
Butter.-One sample contained foreign fat and of water, as alleged by the public analyst. Vinegar-.-Both samples consisted of artificial
one excess.
vinegar, as, there, since the loss of coal affects other industries, and alleged. Cream of tartar.-The results agreed with those of the’ the direct loss to the nation approximates at 1d. per ton public analyst, who had found an excessive quantity of lead of coal raised. in the samples. At the same Congress at which this valuable paper Beer.-The samples were referred by magistrates in conwas presented Dr. F. Shufnebotham, another well- nexion with proceedings under the Beer (Prices and known writer on this disease, when putting forward a Description) Order, 1919. In one case the original gravity case for the science of industrial medicine, claimed that differed from that found by the public analyst. In the although miners’ nystagmus was the commonest remaining seven cases there was no information as to the occupational disease known to medical science, it was finding of the public analyst. only one of the several occupational diseases affecting Whisky and gin.-The point in dispute in the case of all’ miners, and only one of many disabling conditions at the samples was the alcoholic strength ; but it is not known whether or not the results w.ere in agreement with those of 1 Miners’ the public analyst. Nystagmus, F. L. Hoffman. 1916. Washington. .
563 In the case of ginger alleged to contain spent ginger, the results did not agree with those of the public analyst. In the case of canned peas alleged to contain copper, oamphorated oil alleged to be deficient in camphor, mustard alleged to contain foreign starch, and bicarbonate of soda alleged to contain arsenic, the results agreed with those found by the public analyst. In the 89 cases of milk samples in which certificates were issued the charges were as follows: in 26 cases, added water; 45, abstraction of fat; 6, added water and abstraction of fat ; 2, presence of preservatives ; and 10, presence of dirt. In 7 cases the results were not in agreement with those of the
-
and to study the common causes of accident. He was elected M.R.C.S. in 1836, and undertook work at
the Southampton Dispensary, Leigh-street, London, but his interests centred in scientific rather than clinical medicine. He made numerous experiments on the conducting powers, dryness, and resistance to the progress of fire of materials used in building houses, and published a work on the subject in 1843. In 1842 he was elected a Fellow of the newly established Statistical Society. His knowledge of coal gases led him to adapt the principle of the gasometer to measure public analyst. the quantity of gases used in respiration. He made The smooth working of these Acts must have been observations on nearly 4000 people, and tabulated the of the the inasmuch much disturbed through war, period results according to height. He also used a mercurial as regulations varied from time to time in regard to the to measure the inspiratory and expiratory constitutional requirements of certain foods, in accord- gauge and tabulated the results according to propressure, ance with the regulations issued by the Food Control fessional or industrial occupation. He communicated Board. But the pleasing indications of this report are papers embodying all these tables to the Society of that we are steadily approaching normal conditions Arts and to the Quarterly Journal of the Statistical again in regard to the " nature, substance, and quality Society of London in 1844, publishing his results demanded" of the commodities concerned. later in a booklet entitled "TheSpirometer" (1852). After his appointment to the position of assistant physician to the Brompton Hospital he began ACUTE DIFFUSE PERITONITIS. to measure the vital capacity of the patients sufferIN, a recent issue of the Journal of the Royal Armyi from chest trouble, and urged the general use of ing Jledical Corps Major Basil Hughes, R.A.M.C., (T.F.), the t spirometer in the detection of early or threatened describes a treatment for acute diffuse He was awarded the degree of M.D. by the I phthisis. which in his hands has saved 20 out of 21 serious cases.-( of Giessen in 1846. He communicated a University The peritoneum left to itself can deal with infection if more I extended description of his studies in respiration not too massive, but it is hampered by distension of theto the Medico-Chirurgical Society of London in 1847, intestine which restricts it blood-supply, while vomitingwhich was translated into German and published as a reduces the fluid available to form curative exudations. g in 1849. His other contributions separate pamphlet Major Hughes relieves the condition by included papers on heat, malaria, and ventilation to the operation is required, with as little disturbance as Journal of Public Health (1848) and an article on the possible to the peritoneum and a minimum t thorax for Todd’s Encyclopaedia of Anatomy and drainage. The subsequent course of the patients Physiology. I He gave valuable evidence before a Select is almost regular, and they do not have distended Committee ( of the House of Lords on the Prevention of intestines. Subcutaneous saline, 10 pints in 24 hours,Accidents in Coal Mines. He must have been a versatile is given for two days, and is then reduced to five pintsr man, for we read: " He was also gifted with an until the vomiting, which has gradually been becoming ear for music; his execution on the violin exquisite less frequent and clearer in colour, ceases on the fourthwas He had a great ability as a draughtsmasterly. or fifth day. Morphia, gr. every eight hours, andman. x He sculptured admirably in bas-relief and gr. every 12 hours, for the first three atropine, painted in oils." His restless spirit was constantly have splinted " the intestine. Copious drinks of water searching for new outlets. Soon after the discovery in containing sodium bicarbonate and citrate, given 1 1851 of gold deposits in Australia he left England and the beginning to wash out the stomach and allay to make extensive collections of various goldbegan thirst, have secured by the third day free diuresis.bearing rocks which he intended should become the Flatus is passed on the third, a foul stool probably onI property of the British Museum, but for some unknown the fourth day. Glucose is given all the time percause they found some other destination. Of his career rectum. When vomiting ceases food is given veryin i Victoria for the next eight years nothing is known, gradually by the mouth. Castor oil on the tenth day,and it does not appear that he made any further conand after that diet may be cautiously increased.tribution t to science. In 1861 he travelled to the Fiji Illustrative details are given in the article. I Islands, dying there in July of that year.
peritonitis
whateveri
of
days,
from
A PIONEER
IN SPIROMETRY.
" APPARENTLY
DEAD. "
the measurement of vital capacity, Spirometry, THIS is the title of an interesting note by Mr. W. G. has gone through many vicissitudes since its in the September issue of Medical Science. He Spencer duction at Brompton Hospital by Dr. John Hutchinson cites c a case described by E. Rautenberg which would in the early part of last century. Professor G. Dreyer have been buried alive, had it not chanced that the dedicates his recent exact study’ of the use of this c coffin was reopened for purposes of identification. The measurement in assessing physical fitness to the woman had been reduced to the state of a hibernating memory of this Dr. Hutchinson, of whom the follow- animal a by an overdose of morphia and by cold. The ing biographical details are available. John Hutchinson doctor d who examined her in the mortuary applied only was the only son of James Hutchinson, of Ryton, near one test, that of dropping sealing-wax on the Newcastle-on-Tyne. He was born in 1811 and received skin.special He made no note of the state of the pupils, the more important part of his education at University which were subsequently found contracted. The details College, London, then recently established to meet a are as follows :needs of students debarred by theological tests from On Oct. 27th, 1919, a hospital nurse, aged 23, bought from attending the older universities. Sir Charles Bell had an a in Charlottenburg for 20 marks 50 c.cm. of a been teaching anatomy in London since 1806, and his3-5 apothecary cent. solution of morphine, and 10 powders each conper studies of the nervous system and its relation to t: taining 0-5 g. of veronal. She then went into the Griinewald, a about 4 P.M. swallowed about 1’7 g. of morphine and respiratory movement resulted in his appointment as and professor of physiology at the College, Dr. Dionysius 5 g. of veronal. She wandered about as in a dream until she ’ consciousness. The weather was cold, the temperature Lardner, the versatile scientific writer and encyclo- lost the night being 1-3° C., and wet. paedist, being professor in natural philosophy andduring When she was found the next day, she was assumed to be astronomy. These were John Hutchinson’s teachers.dead and was taken to a mortuary, where the medical officer Hewas not only a hard-working student, but soonof The body had a deathly pallor ; c the district examined her. became a teacher, lecturing first at the various there t was an absence of pulse, of respiratory movement, of heart sounds, and of all reflexes. There was partial t metropolitan institutions and later in his native the town. He was accustomed to visit the coal mines or
intro- S
s s the a
.
-
1 Ein bemerkenswerter Fall 1
The Assessment of Physical Fitness. Cassell and Co. 1920. 10s.
Wchnschr., 1919, 45, 1277.
von
Scheintod.
Deutsche med.