BOOK REVIEWS

The Test Drug Proving of the O. O. and L. Society, A Reproving of Belladonna. Edited by HOWARD P. BELLOWS, M.S., M.D., Professor of Otology. Boston University School of Medicine. Boston. 1906. 665 pp.

It is not often that a book reviewer has the pleasure of passing judgment on anything particularly new in medical literature. Text-books are much alike, the evolution of the modern medical text-book having been a matter of many generations. A book, however, that presents many novelties is the one before us. Homoeopathic literature contains many text-books on Materia Medica, but in scope, arrangement, and purposes, this work differs from them all. It is the story of an unusually thorough study of the pathogenesis of a drug by specialists in medicine, in accordance with the strictest laboratory methods. It is very properly called a test proving, because one of the objects in undertaking it was to show whether modern methods were any more satisfactory in their results than the older ones. The book itself tells the entire story of the inception and execution of the idea. And it is worthy of note that the work was accomplished not in any hurried, slipshod manner, but that not less than six years were devoted to its production. It is an interesting coincidence that the time which elapsed between Hahnemann's first conception of the idea of drug provings in the healthy to ascertain their curative value to the publication of his first essay on this subject was also a period of six years. The book offers to the profession one of the most extensive studies of provings ever made. The pathogenetic symptoms of Belladonna in moderate doses upon healthy persons are presented unmixed with symptoms produced by poisonings, over-dosings, or local applica

tions.

It should be emphasized that this book presents something more than a proving or re-proving of belladonna. It is intended to do more than present to the general practitioner a symptom-list of drug action; it is intended to do more than furnish specialists in eye, ear, nose, throat, and other diseases with the studies of symptoms that might be particularly useful to them in their practices. In addition to these things it tells with minutest attention to detail how a proving should be made in order to develop with exactness the minutia of drug action. As pioneer work its value is incalculable.

The introductory portion of the book covering some fifty-seven pages is devoted to the history of the test, showing what progress was made from year to year; acknowledging the receipt of subscriptions from medical societies and individuals, giving some idea of the manner in which expenses were defrayed, and including a list of the various examining boards which participated in the work. No fewer than ten of the largest cities in the Union are represented on these examining boards. The membership of these boards plus the fifty-three provers shows that upwards of one hundred and seventy persons co-operated in this vast work. It partakes, therefore, of a national character. A very valuable part of the introductory portion is the chapter which contains selections of the blank forms used by the examiners of the provers, as well as rules and directions for the guidance of directors, examiners and provers. For future work in drug proving the chapter which presents these forms must be looked upon as one of the most valuable in the book, for improvement in results can now come only with improvement in methods.

The bulk of the book is utilized as follows:

1. Two hundred and eighty-three pages are devoted to the narratives of the provers made from their day-books and edited by the general director; to which are added the records made by the examiners of the provers before, during and subsequent to the proving, including urine and blood investigations, objective conditions observed in eyes, throat, skin, etc., and interpretations and comments by directors and examiners, and showing also in the synopses of the provings the order in which symptoms developed and the frequency of repetition of the symptoms. These symptoms are novel and certainly very valuable features of the book.

2. One hundred and fifty pages are devoted to showing the results of the provings in a "New Schematic Form," which is based on a physiological or systemic plan. Symptoms are presented in groups so arranged as to show the order in which they developed, and by the use of numeral exponents is also

shown the number of provers who experienced the symptom and the number of days on which it was recorded. Like all schematic presentations of drug-symptoms an index of some sort is needed to assist in finding a symptom.

3. One hundred and twenty-two pages are devoted to the presentation of the symptom in the "Old Schematic Form;" this being the well-known Hahnemannian anatomical order.

4. Sixteen pages are devoted to a very condensed summary of provings and examiners' records showing by arrangement and numeral exponents the order of development and frequency of recurrence of symptoms.

5. The last chapter of the book presents an "Experimental Study of the Effects of Belladonna upon Animal Tissues," illustrated by photomicrographs; the ante-mortem symptoms, the post-mortem conditions and the morbid histology of tissues and organs being presented in a condensed and lucid manner.

A short appendix gives the presidential address of Dr. Bellows before the O. O. & L. Society in Washington in 1900, which address must be looked upon as the starting point of this memorable test; and also an address entitled "Future of Drug-Proving in the Light of the Test-Proving of the O. O. & L." delivered by Dr. Bellows before the American Institute of Homoeopathy in June, 1903.

It will thus be seen that the work is to be looked upon as a distinct innovation in homœopathic literature, and as one which reflects the greatest credit upon all those who participated in it, and particularly upon the industry, perseverance and enthusiasm of the general director and editor. The task was simply enormous, and one not easily appreciated by reading the carefully arranged and interesting story which he has presented. As an instance of pure, original research work this investigation stands unparalleled in the study of drug pathogenesy. For thoroughness and completeness the book is destined to remain for a long time a model. Its value is not confined to its qualities as research work, for its addition to our knowledge of the pathogenesy of belladonna is something that may be of everyday value to the specialists and general practitioner in the palliation of suffering and the cure of disease.

BOOKS, PAMPHLETS ETC., RECEIVED.

A Non-Surgical Treatise on Diseases of the Prostate Gland and Adnexa. By George Whitfield Overall, A.B., M.D.

Principles of Serum Therapy. By Henry G. Graham, M. D.

Hygienic Laboratory.-Bulletin No. 30.

Diseases of the Nose, Throat. and Ear. By Kent O. Foltz, M.D.

The Problem of Eye Strain.

By David W. Wells, M.D.

The Relation of the Pauper Inebriate to the Municipality and the State from the Economic Point of View. By Lewis D. Mason, M.D.

Some of the Limitations to the Eradication of Tuberculosis. By Charles Denison, A.M., M.D.

Mysophobia. With Report of Case. By John Punton, M.D.

Transactions of the Homœopathic Medical Society of Ohio for 1906. Dr. L. K. Maxwell, Toledo, President; Dr. H. F. Staples, Cleveland, Secretary; Dr. T. T. Church, Treasurer.

SOCIETY REPORTS.

HOMEOPATHIC MEDICAL SOCIETY OF WESTERN

MASSACHUSETTS.

The quarterly meeting of the Homœopathic Medical Society of Western Massachusetts was held at Cooley's Hotel, Springfield, on Wednesday, Sept. 19,

at 11.30 A.M.

The president, Dr. Robert F. Hovey, presided.

After reading the records of the last meeting, Dr. J. B. Comins, the secretary, reported that he had sent $50 to the Meissen Society of California, as a contribution toward the assistance of those who lost their property in the San Francisco disaster.

Report of the delegate to the meeting of the American Institute of homœopathy The meeting was then placed under the direction of Dr. E. W. Capen of Monson who had charge of the scientific session. The following program was then presented.

SCIENTIFIC SESSION

Bureau: Materia Medica and Practice.

1. Scope and Value of Blood Examination by the General Practitioner. Dr. W. H. Watters, Boston, Pathologist to Mass. Homœopathic Hospital.

2. Exophthalmic Goitre. Dr. S. E. Fletcher, Chicopee.

3.

Anæmia and its Treatment. Dr. H. C. Choney, Falmer.

4. Splenic Abscess. With Case. Dr. E. W. Capen, Monson.

At the close of the discussion of the first paper the members present adjourned to dinner, after which the other papers were presented and freely discussed. The entire meeting was enthusiastic, and much interest was manifested, not only in the subjects under discussion, but in the progress of the new Wesson Memorial Hospital, now nearing completion.

BRITISH MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

For the second time in her history, Canada is acting as the host of the British Medical Association, this time in the city of Toronto.

Nearly two thousand members and visiting physicians are present, repre senting nearly every part of the British dominions as well as many other countries. Following Canada, which, of course, has the largest representation, comes Great Britain with more than six hundred representatives. The United States makes a very good third, thanks to the invitation given to the American Medical Association. As to the number of those presenting papers, the United States will probably stand second, if not first, in representation.

The meetings are held in the various buildings of the University of Toronto. Clinics begin at the hospitals at 8.30 each morning and at 9.30 A.M. the various sections busy themselves till 1 P.M. General meetings and garden parties occupy the afternoons, while the evenings are devoted to social events.

Three general addresses are listed as follows:

"The Circulation Viewed from the Peripheral Standpoint". By Sir James Barr. "The Technique of Operations on the Central Nervous System." By Sir Hector Horsley. "The Teaching of Obstetrics." Dr. W. S. A. Griffith.

The usual social events as luncheons, dinners, garden parties, and excursions are being enjoyed by a large number.

Beginning with the opening of the meeting on Aug. 21, the weather has been torrid, the humidity extreme, and the general conditions uncomfortable. It does not, however, apparently mar the pleasures of the occasion for the visitors, although detracting somewhat from the formality usually noted. Many of the members from "across the pond" are receiving object lessons concerning Canadian temperature. One box arrived here from England, containing specimens, on the outside of which was the warning, "Please protect from frost." The remarks of the perspiring porters, when this came, were anything but frosty.

One feature, conspicuous by its absence, is the large number of practical or clinical exhibits that made the Boston meeting of the American Medical Association so valuable and instructive. The many papers of unusual interest do much, however, to make up for this lack. Instead of the "scientific exhibit" of the American Medical Association, is the "Pathological Museum," to which various schools contribute specimens. In this museum Boston University School of Medicine is represented by more than five hundred specimens illustrative of its original method of preservation of tissues. This is the largest exhibit here, occupying an entire room, and it is very largely attended by the profession. Much information is being continually given concerning Boston University, its

medical department, clinical facilities, and quality of graduates, to men heretofore unaware of its very existence. The fact that it is a homoeopathic institution creates considerable surprise, but this has been accompanied by very little unfavorable comment.

A special convocation of the Faculty of Toronto University confers the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws upon a number of the distinguished guests, among whom are Prof. Clifford Albutt, Prof. Barbour, Sir Thomas Barlow, Sir James Barr, Sir William Broadbent, Prof. Halliburton, Sir Victor Horsley, Prof. Aschoff, Dr. W. J. Mayo, and others.

The address of Sir Victor Horsley, giving his results of brain surgery, has opened a field that to the majority of surgeons is entirely unknown. To handle the cerebellum, elevate the lobes of the cerebrum so as to expose the pituitary body for removal of tumors, etc., requires a master hand and a daring possessed by but few.

Time prohibits extensive notes on the many valuable papers, all of which become the property of the British Medical Journal, and may be obtained therein. The meeting is eminently successful, and will give much credit to Canada, and particularly to Toronto, the host.

(The above report was written from Toronto at time of meeting and fintended for September GAZETTE, but had to be carried over.)

HOSPITAL BULLETIN.

NEW INTERNES.-Drs. Chas. R. Bell, H. F. Cleverly, H. C. Hubbard, and L. G. Howard (B.U.S.M. 1906) took positions as internes at the Massachusetts Homœopathic Hospital on Oct. 1, 1906. The service will be for one year.

CHILDREN'S DEPARTMENT. The trustees of the Massachusetts Homœopathic Hospital have recently procured a large house situated on East Brookline Street, facing Franklin Square. This will be thoroughly renovated and will be opened early in the winter as a children's department of the hospital. There will be accommodations for about thirty patients. A small operating room will be provided, particularly suitable for the work of laryngologists. The completion of this department will enlarge the size of the entire hospital so that the total capacity will be over 260 beds.

THE BOSTON FLOATING HOSPITAL.-The Boston Floating Hospital has closed its work for the season, reporting most satisfactory results for its summer's work. About the middle of the summer the new boat was placed in commission, thereby much enlarging the accommodations, as well as giving at the same time better facilities for work. In all, over 4,000 days' care were given to permanent patients. Nearly 2,500 trips were given to day patients, not including mothers of sick children, who also made 2,500 trips. The work is one that should appeal to all charitably inclined individuals, as the population from which it draws its patients is one in which the children receive most scant care.

WE take the following item from the Medical Record of Sept. 8: A new hospital car has been built for use on the Erie Railroad. It is 60 feet long, with two compartments-an operating room, 15 feet 10 inches in length, and a ward, 43 feet 10 inches in length. In the operating room are an operating table, instrument sterilizers and lockers containing instruments and dressing material. The inside finish is of a composite board, without beading or carving of any kind, painted in white enamel; the floor is covered with white rubber tiling. The ward contains eleven brass bedsteads. Equipment boxes underneath the car are provided with crutches, splints, army stretchers, surgical implements, wrecking tools, and other accessories.

INSTITUTE NOTES

THE special committee on the Congress voted to recommend to the American Institute of Homoeopathy the election of the following Corresponding Members Drs. J. Galley Blackley, John H. Clarke, George Burford, Edwin A. Neatby, and C. T. Knox Shaw, all of London, England; and Drs. Leon Simon and François Cartier of Paris, and Dr. Leon Brasol of St. Petersburg.

DRS. JOHN H. CLARKE, George Burford, and Edwin A. Neatby, all of London, England, made very brief visits to Boston during the week immediately following the Congress in Atlantic City. It was the privilege and pleasure of a few Boston physicians who could be hurriedly gotten together to tender a dinner to Drs. Burford and Clarke, and a lunch to Dr. Neatby. The visitors were shown the Mass. Homœopathic Hospital, B. U. S. M., and such of the Boston and suburban sights as could be crowded into twenty-four hours, and were kind enough to express themselves as well pleased with the Hub and the reception accorded them.

It is unusual for the Institute to get so excited over the selection of the place for holding its next meeting as it did at its recent session. Time that was sadly needed for other business was used by the eloquent advocates of rival localities, who with oratory of the "stump-speech" order tried to persuade the Institute that there was one and only one place in which to hold the meeting next year, and that place was the one they each represented. Finally, after the unusual recourse to ballot vote it was decided to hold the meeting at or in the vicinity of Jamestown, Virginia.

NEW ENGLAND has again been honored by the American Institute of Homœopathy in the election of one of her ablest homoeopathic practitioners to the dignified and responsible position of President of our national organization. Dr. E. B. Hooker of Hartford, Conn., the President-elect, has been a faithful worker in behalf of the Institute for many years, is a regular attendant at its sessions, and a familiar figure on the floor during scientific debates and business meetings. The GAZETTE takes great pleasure in extending to Dr. Hooker its most sincere congratulations on the honor which has justly come his way. His friends will doubtless recall the fact that Dr. Hooker is a graduate of Boston University School of Medicine.

THE following were elected officers of the American Institute of Homœopathy for the ensuing year: President, Edward Beecher Hooker, M.D., Hartford, Conn.; first vice-president, James W. Ward, M.D.; health commissioner of San Francisco, Cal., and dean of the Pacific Coast Homœopathic Medicaal College second vice-president, W. E. Reiley, M.D., Fulton, Missouri; secretary, Frank Kraft, M.D., Cleveland, Ohio; treasurer, Thomas Franklin Smith, M.D., New York; registrar, Joseph Ball, M.D., Bay City, Mich.; censor, George H. Omay. M.D., Cleveland, Ohio; necrologist, C. B. Kinyon, Ann Arbor, Mich.

In addition to a dozen reports on the Status of Homoeopathy in as many different countries, there were contributed to the International Homœopathie Congress the following papers by foreign colleagues: "The Reformation We Are in Need of," by A. C. Mukerjee, M.D., Calcutta, India; "Essentials of a Homœopathic Materia Medica," by John H. Clarke, M.D., London; "The Treatment of Cancer by a Neoformans Vaccine," by Edwin A. Neatby, M.D., London; "Two Nosodes in Pediatric Practice," by J. Roberson Dav, M.D., M.R.C.S. L.R.C.P., L.S. A., London;"" Practical Notes on Plague and Methods of Dealing with It," by Henry Edward Deane, M.R.C.S., L.S.A., Lt.-Colonel, Royal Army Medical Corps (retired), London; "Report on Saline Infusion in Cases of PostOperative Shock and Hemorrhage," by George Burford, M.B., C.M., London; "The Effect of Light and Other Baths on Metabolism," by James Searson, M.D., L.R.C.P., L.R.C.S.I., London: "A Rare Form of Ectopic Gestation, with Cases and Specimen," by George Burford, M.B., C.M., London; "Pelvic Peritonitis.” by James Johnstone, F.R.C.S., M.B., C.M., D.P.H., London. One of these papers was read by title only, and of one other a synopsis was read. All the others were read and discussed, and added much to the value of and interest in the Congress, Other papers had been promised from Brazil, France, and Holland, but from one