New Publications.

A TEXT BOOK OF DISEASES OF THE NOSE AND THROAT. By D. Braden Kyle, M. D., Clinical Professor of Laryngology and Rhinology, Jefferson Medical College. Philadelphia; Consulting Laryngologist, Rhinologist and Otologist, St. Agnes Hospital, etc. With 175 illustrations, 23 of them in colors. W. B. Saunders, Publisher, Philadelphia. 1899. Price $4.00.

The arrangement of the text of this volume differs somewhat from other works upon the same subject, and this deviation-an attempt to classify the diseases according to the pathological alterations caused by them-is, in our opinion, quite an improvement. However, should the propriety of such a digression be questioned by some accustomed to the more usual methods, the very complete and carefully compiled index which appends the volume precludes the possible objection to its arrangement in the discussion of subjects.

Having each chapter complete in itself was a happy idea, and is undoubtedly a valuable feature. The description of the several diseases are excellent. As the work before us was written for the stadent and general practitioner it is devoid of many technical details, which may seem of considerable importance to the specialist.

A LABORATORY MANUAL OF PHYSIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY. By Elbert W. Rockwood, B. S., M. D., Professor of Chemistry and Toxicology in the University of Iowa. Illustrated with one Colored Plate and Three Plates of Microscopic Preparations. 212 pages. The F. A. Davis Co., Publishers, Philadelphia. 1899. Price $1.00.

The imparting of accurate knowledge through the student's own observation was the author's aim in the preparation of this highly interesting and instructive manual. Some acquaintance with general chemistry and with chemical manipulations will suffice to interest all. There is included with the directions for experimental work a brief explanation of the facts observed, so as to call attention to their meaning; or, at times, to state others which are important, but which

could not be demonstrated in a course as this. It is only by practical work that the student can become familiar with the physiological changes in progress in the animal body and their products, and this little volume holds the key, and if the student will unlock it he will gain much valuable knowledge that will not come amiss as the years roll on.

A COMPEND OF GYNECOLOGY. By Wm. H. Wells, M. D., Adjunct Professor of Obstetrics, Philadelphia Polyclinic; Instructor Clinical Obstretics, Jefferson Medical College, etc., etc. P. Blakiston's Son & Co., Publishers, Philadelphia. 1899. Price 80 cents.

The series of Quiz Compends to which this book belongs is among the most popular of the kind, and deservedly so, as nothing but praise can be said of the little volume before us, which, as it now ably improved. The rapid progress in appears in a second edition, is considerthe field of operative gynecology has necessitated many changes, and the book has been brought up-to-date in every respect.

Pub

SPECIAL MAIL Course in SUGGESTION. By Herbert A. Parkyn, M. D., C. M. lished by the Chicago School of Psychology, 4020 Drexel Boulevard, Chicago, Ill.

It is very refreshing to the mind to find the study of hypnotism stripped of its mystery and clearly and plainly described, and in a way that is comprehensible to the reader and the inquirer. Dr. Parkyn discards all the old names and theories that have served more to confuse than to explain and educate. He uses only the term suggestion, and that, too, only in its primary sense. He "suggests" the thoughts upon which he wishes the mind of his patient to dwell, and his whole system of cure hinges upon this. In his Special Mail Course in Suggestion he cautions his students against the use of the term hypnotist, as applied to themselves, characterizing it as detrimental to their success, and as being associated in the minds of the majority of persons with "everything that is uncanny, mysterious, base and devilish." We would earnestly "suggest" that the reader obtain further particulars concerning this Course.

Summary Gleanings.

A nice treatment for bronchitis is vaseline and malt.

Guaiacol painted over the tonsils will abort tonsillitis.

In colored patients the eruption of scarlet fever is a rich purple instead of red.

Every line in the SUMMARY, including the advertisements, is worth reading.

Vibratory massage thoroughly carried. out is claimed to be of great benefit in

ozena.

A course of phytolacca is claimed to be of value in chronic hypertrophy of the tonsil.

It is claimed that diluted hydrochloric acid is one of our best remedies in chronic gastritis.

Vaseline is a valuable remedy for sore throat; a teaspoonful slowly swallowed every few hours.

Urotropin seems to be an ideal antiseptic in the treatment of kidney and bladder affections.

Chloral is a most desirable hypnotic. It must be given from two to four hours before its effects are desired.

nervous

In menstrual suppression from mental shock or accompanied with excitement pulsatilla is a superior remedy.

Pulsatilla is claimed as a specific in derangements of menstrual or genitourinary function with great mental excitement.

Camphor in very small doses is a good hypnotic in neurasthenic cases when there is a tendency to hysterical spasms or contractions.

For removing ink stains use a solution of chlorinated soda. Wet the stain with the solution and wash thoroughly after a few moments.

Do not forget that in the treatment of whooping-cough the vapor of our gas houses is the best. As a substitute, and probably its equal and much more convenient, is Vapo Cresolene.

Caffeine markedly increases the the diuretic action of digitalis. The combination is of especial value in cardiac dropsy.

Senecio aureus is valuable in acute insanity resultant reflexly from uterine disorders. Insomnia and sexual erethism always call for it.

Guaiacol mixed with an equal part of glycerin and applied over the seat of a neuralgic pain or muscular pain will often give quick relief.

In cases of retarded eruption of measles 20-drop doses of fluid extract jaborandi will bring out the rash, with amelioration of general symptoms.

Champagne acts like magic in many cases of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy. It frequently relieves when the usual remedies have failed.

To an aged patient with a dry tongue, soporifics should be given with extreme caution, as they frequently tend to produce intense excitement rather than cause repose.

Remember, that rheumatic conditions, bowel disorders and imperfect digestion will often produce pains similar to labor pains in pregnant women, and must not be mistaken.

Phytolacca is one of the best remedies we have for glandular structures. It is useful in all forms of tonsillitis, and at any stage. It acts best, perhaps, in follicular tonsillitis.

Rapid divulsion of the sphincter ani is an important and valuable means of arousing a narcotized patient. It is of especial service in the stage of complete narcotism following anesthesia.

During the surgical, and especially during the narcotic stage, under either chloroform or ether, it is of the utmost importance that the patient's body should be kept warm, and evaporation from its surface prevented.

In those conditions in which there is a free or excessive discharge of mucus, catarrhal conditions, especially of the genito-urinary tract, catarrhal cystitis, gonorrhea and leucorrhea, uva ursi is considered by many to act specifically.

VOL. XXI.

TERMS: ..

Subscription $1.00 per year, in advance, including postage to any part of the United States, Mexico and Canada. Postage to any foreign country in the Universal Postal Union, including Newfoundland, 25 cents a year additional.

Subscribers failing to receive the SUMMARY should notify us within the month and the omission will be supplied. When a change of address is ordered, both the new and the old address must be given. Subscriptions may begin with any number. How to Remit.-Payment can be made by Postal Money-Order, Bank Check or Draft, or Express Money-Order. When none of these can be procured, send the money in a Registered Letter. All postmasters are required to register letters whenever requested to do so.

Receipts.-The receipt of all money is immediately acknowledged by a postal card. Important Notice. The printed address label which appears on the wrapper of your SUMMARY indicates the date to which your subscription has been paid. Subscribers wishing the SUMMARY stopped at the expiration of their paidin-advance subscription must notify us to that effect, otherwise we assume it their wish to have it continued, expecting to receive a remittance at their earliest convenience.

Address THE MEDICAL SUMMARY,

No. 10

one, and enable women to be on their feet as much as permissible under ordinary circumstances.

After the engorgement and weight of the pelvic viscera and nerve strain have diminished in a free flow, she succeeds for the once in getting along with a tolerable degree of comfort.

If relaxation of vaginal walls and sagging continue after cessation of flow, as is often the case, the inflatable rubber ball or pessary may be thought of as applicable. The pear-shaped kind is as good as any, and if so placed that they will not press too hardly on the walls of the urethra every indication will be fully met. But sometimes these are complained of and other means have to be tried.

Such persons are of neurotic or hysterical type, and are therefore not quite suited with any device, however perfect it may be. A case under the writer's attention for years, who invariably demands help of the kind described, gets the greatest relief from balls of cotton, deftly packed below and around the neck of the womb.

VALUE OF ASAFOETIDA.

A recent writer calls attention to the efficacy of this drug in a case of peritonitis. Two facts relative to asafoetida are wellknown to the profession, namely, its

anodyne quality and its power over intestinal muscular fiber to excite peristalsis.

In constipation from whatever cause it should be administered by injection; nothing will better help expulsion of flatus or the evacuation of compact fecal accumulation. Cases of the aged, where there is a history of constipation, as there usually is, are speedily relieved by repeated copious clysters containing a goodly quantity of mistura asafoetida. It is not unusual to find an old man in agony over an attack of abdominal pain and uncertainity, pallid, cold and anxious, perhaps after a slight fall, or other misadventure. His friends apprehend they know not what, rupture or internal injury. Now, it is an even chance that the same old history of intestinal inactivity is given, and if so, the sweet-flavored mistura is an unfailing article. Countless cases of metritis, colitis, ovaritis, peritonitis, typhlitis and appendicitis, not to say cystitis and even parturition, have cleared up under its beneficient influence.

Undeniably, medical science is on a higher plane to-day than at any previous time in the medical history, but withal, whatever may be the cause, the various cults, quasi and pseudo medical sciences, that need not be enumerated or specified, have more adherents now in this enlightened age when medicine holds out the far greater promise of a cure, than in times gone by, when ignorance predominated in the profession and out of it, and when the lack of attainments in the man of medicine were offset and counterbalanced by the fatuous credulity of the patient.

"Charcot, of Paris, than whom France produced no more brilliant man on nervous troubles, has done much to bring 'suggestion' out of darkness into light, and many others are opening the way. So it would be well for us not to condemn too hastily a method, or science, of which we know so little and have a desire, perhaps, to know less."

"SUGGESTION" IN THERAPEUTICS

So much charlatanism has been associated with mesmerism," "hypnotism," "suggestion" (by whatever name you may choose to call it) in the past, that even now, in this enlightened age, one is apt to shrug his shoulders at even the mere mention of the subject. But it is very refreshing to the mind to find the study of hypnotism now stripped of its mystery and clearly and plainly described.

When we consider how strong the imitative faculty is in the ordinary human being, and knowing the sympathy existing between the different organs of the body, and the reflex of the abnormal upon the normal, we can read with a clearer comprehension the facts embodied in the subject.

RECIPROCITY OF STATE MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS.

It is highly desirable that there should be a uniform standard for the license to practice medicine in any part of the United States, and it seems to be the desire of the authorities all over the country to have the desired results brought about as soon as possible.

One of our contemporaries says that "the recent action of the Wayne County Medical Society in reference to States' reciprocity is being endorsed by many States. The last are the Utah State Medical Society and the New York State Medical Association, who have appointed committees to bring about this much desired end. The lines marked out by the Wayne County (Mich.) Medical Society have been received with so much approval as to warrant a belief of speedy success."

Original Communications.

Brief and practical articles, SHORT and PITHY reports of interesting cases in practice, new methods and new remedies as applicable in the treatment of diseases, are solicited from the profession for this department.

Articles intended for the SUMMARY must be contributed to it exclusively. The editor is not responsible for the views of contributors.

Write only on ONE SIDE of the paper.

UP-TO-DATE TREATMENT OF EPILEPSY.

BY A. G. ELLIS, M. D.

REATMENT is of use in many, but not all cases of epilepsy. It should be instituted early and energetically and systematically carried out. If successful in stopping the attacks it should be continued for at least two or even three years after they cease.

I speak first of the management of the patient during an attack. He should be placed in a recumbent position and a cord or folded towel should be held between his teeth by a bystander in order that the tongue may not be lacerated. The clothing should be loosened that respiration may be free. In many cases the attack passes off rapidly and this is all the attention that is needed. If the convulsion be proonged, the inhalation of chloroform or amyl nitrite may be of service in overcoming it.

To prevent attacks the inhalation of amyl nitrite is probably the most efficient. The drug should be carried in pearls or a bottle and used when the aura is noticed coming on. The inhalations of chloroform or a few whiffs of ammonia is of use in some cases. The use of alcohol and of pressure on the carotids have also been tried, but these are often ineffectual. If the aura is confined to one limb, or begins in it, a ligature thrown around the limb may at times avert the attack. The iufluence of suggestion or the fact that something is being done and the patient's mind diverted, accounts for the result in this expedient, as the ligature itself can do no good.

I speak next of the constitutional treatment of the epileptic. Where the patient is a child the parents should be made to understand the gravity of the condition, that they may co-operate in bringing

about the best state of affairs possible. The education of the child should not be neglected. It should be managed with firmness and gentleness, but thorough discipline is more needed with such a child than in the case of healthy children. Unfortunately, it is often just the other way. There is nothing so demoralizing to the discipline and government of a family as the presence of such a child. The other members of the family humor the child, yield to its whims and, out of pity and a desire to make its life as easy as possible, develop in it unfortunate traits of character that unfit it to combat the disease. A great deal of the stupidity and other traits of such children are often caused as much or more by the ill training they receive as by the disease itself.

Enforced idleness of epileptics is unfortunate and should be guarded against. They should be trained lo some particular occupation, as, while they are unfitted for some pursuits they are not for all. Farming, gardening, etc., is perhaps the sort of life best suited to these unfortunates. It is not only as safe as any pursuit they can follow, but experience shows that this life is eminently favorable as regards the influence upon the disease. Such provision is being made at certain places for these cases, and in making them comparatively safe, having them help make their living, putting them under the best hygienic conditions and affording proper supervision, offers the best life possible for them The nervous system is very favorably influenced by the mind being occupied and directed to such work as they are capable of doing. Marriage should of course be prohibited.

As to the diet a strict regimen is import ant. The food should be light, easily digested and taken regularly. Meat should not be taken more than once a day and then only in small quantity. Children often do well without meat at all. A light and early supper should be eaten, especially by those who have attacks during the night. Water should be taken freely. Hydrotherapy has an important part in the treatment of these cases, and there is a growing belief on the part of the profession in the efficacy of this method. Baths, tub, shower, etc.,