dexterous and laudable exercise fails to convey that peaceful self-satisfaction which results from the adoption of a treatment which obviates its use.

In the case of Dr. Gross, digital compression was applied for forty-five hours and fifty-five minutes, and the success which attended his treatment must have been exceedingly gratifying not only to his patient and himself, but also to the gentlemen who so faithfully assisted him. From his summary we perceive that of the twenty-three cases, seventeen were treated by digital compression only, and of these eight were unsuccessful, whereas the remaining six which were treated by digital and mechanical compression were all cured, and not only so, but of the eight cases in which digital compression alone failed, seven were subsequently treated and cured by ligation or mechanical compression, although in one of them gangrene supervened and amputation was performed. We can not, therefore, entirely concur in the sentiments of the author as conveyed in the last paragraph of our quotation from him. He says:

Conservatism in surgery is a term unknown in the vocabulary of some men, but those who do know it, and freely employ it, lead certainly a more quiet and conscientious, if not a more brilliant life. The advantages of compression over the ligature may be stated in a few words. It is a more simple, safe, and certain procedure, and, if persevered in, will almost always be successful. It is not followed by secondary hemorrhage. There is but little danger of erysipelas, suppuration of the sac, phlebitis, and gangrene. Constitutional effects are not so apt to succeed it. There is no danger of neuritis and purulent collections in the common sheath of the vessels. The length of time required for the cure, and the suffering are not so great. The mode of cure more closely resembles that effected by nature, and is apt to be more permanent, especially if the ligature be not applied at a distance from the sac; in cases where the ligature is near the sac, a loose coagulum may form, and secondary aneurism may ensue. Lastly, and not the least reason of all, is that the surgeon does not feel that anxiety for his patient, as is always the case after a capital operation.

It is not necessary to adduce facts in substantiation of the above statements, for the records of all cases abundantly prove their validity.

As instrumental compression has such advantages over the ligature, so pressure exerted by the fingers possesses some advantages over that made by apparatus. Thus, it is quicker

and less painful; it can be regulated better, and in some situations can be made to act upon the artery alone; it is applicable when apparatus is not; and in cases in which mechanical contrivances can not be borne, it can be used to excite a tolerance of the skin previous to their employment.

LIQUOR CINCHONÆ HYDRIODATUS AND LIQUOR CINCHONÆ HYDRIODATUS CUM FERRO.

We regard these preparations, the formula of which will be found in our next number, as of so much value, that we place before our readers the following notice of their discovery and therapeutic application.

In the London Lancet for August, 1856, J. C. Christopher, Esq., published an article on the treatment of "Secondary Syphilis by a new preparation of Iodine." In this paper the author states truly, that we meet with cases of this disease which resist the ordinary means of treatment, and that his object was to attract the attention of the medical profession to a preparation of iodine which embodied all the virtues of that drug, while it was at the same time free from its irritating properties. As an evidence that the Liquor Cinchona Hydriodatus answers the expectations announced above, Mr. Christopher affirms that it has, in his hands, effected cures of cases of constitutional syphilis which had failed to be relieved by other forms of iodine; and that in the hands of other surgeons (his experience having been limited to its application to syphilis) it had proved valuable in the treatment of scrofula, anemia, and in furunculoid tendencies, especially of epidemic form.

This combination has been employed by the writer, in common with several physicians of this city, in various forms of cachexy from a period immediately after the publication of the formula in this country to the present, and we have often found the happiest results from its administration to patients who seemed to require tonic and alterative treatment.

The fact that the iron compound remains persistently in the state of protosalt, and that the fluid never becomes inky by action of the tannic principles of the bark, shows that there is here something more than a mere mixture of ingredientsthat there is some new combination of iodine, the cinchona

alkaloids, oxide of iron, and the tannic principles-for the same materials act differently when used singly or when otherwise combined.

The dose of this medicine is from one to three fluid drachms thrice daily.

Some of our readers may be disappointed because we have not reported the proceedings of the New York Academy of Medicine in relation to the death of Mr. Whitney, asserted to have been caused by the introduction of an instrument into, and somewhere behind and below, his mouth, by a gentleman whose name is somewhat familiar to the profession in connection with the local treatment of throat and pulmonary diseases.

Our reasons for reserving an expression of opinion on the merits of the charge are, that we have noticed conflicting statements in relation to the case, and that we know personally some of the gentlemen whose names are associated with it, the value of whose judgment does not require commendation from us, and whose exalted position before the profession, should preclude a suspicion of their want of integrity.

Upon the abstract question of the propriety or feasibility of injecting cavities of the lungs through the bronchi, we might pronounce unhesitatingly, but the question involved in this discussion is one of fact, and until the evidence of both parties is before us, from an authentic source, we will not even form an opinion. This evidence we will receive if possible, but should we ascertain that, after all, this controversy is one of a personal character, and not involving points of practical interest or scientific enquiry, "we'll none of it;" for we do not propose to aim as much at the gratification of our reader's taste, as at the improvement of his mind.

We insert in this number the proceedings of the "College of Physicians and Surgeons of Louisville," at the eighth regular meeting after their second organization, and will from this date publish such of their proceedings as possess sufficient practical value to render them of interest to our readers.

It is proper at this time to extend an invitation in behalf of the President and members of this Society to all physicians

visiting the city during their weekly sessions, to be present and participate in the discussion of such professional topics as may engage the attention of the College. We assure our readers that these meetings are generally both agreeable and profitable. They will, however, bear in mind that the discussions and opinions of members are almost entirely unpremeditated, and as abstracts only of these opinions can be published they must expect an occasional inaccuracy in matter or expression.

The meetings are held every Tuesday, at 7 P. M., at the Society rooms on the west side of Third street, between Jefferson and Green; and a janitor is always in attendance to announce visitors.

We have been favored with a copy of "A Treatise on Human Physiology, by John C. Dalton, Jr., M. D.,” published by Blanchard & Lea, Philadelphia, and illustrated by 254 engravings.

The dress and style of this work are in the highest degree creditable to the publishers. The illustrations are beautifully graphic, and we expect to derive much pleasure and profit from its perusal. Upon its merits as a scientific work, we can not now pronounce judgment, although we confess to a degree of prepossession in its favor from the hasty glance which we have been enabled to take at its contents. In our reviews of books or remarks on current medical literature, our readers may rely upon receiving an independent expression of opinion. We may frequently err, but our errors will be of judgment, and not of prejudice on the one hand, or of partiality on the other; and authors and publishers may expect us to be always equally ready to condemn or approve as our judgment may dictate.

CORRECTION.-Some errors which were marked for correction on the first proof of our last issue, escaped correction in the revision. Thus in the article of Professor Breckinridge, on the 35th page, first line, instead of "Black Drop, 31," it should be, "36;" and instead of "or of Morphia, grs. 2," it should be, "and of Morphia, grs. 2;" and at the twelfth line, instead of, "32," it should be, "32;" and also instead of "Ammonia Acetat: 31," it should be, "3." We regret the

occurrence of these errors, but have compositors now, who will not require other space for corrections than that upon the margins. Messrs. Hanna & Co. are exceedingly particular and careful, and afford us every facility for making our journal what we design it shall be-typographically accurate.

It is not our fault that no reports of the proceedings of the State Medical Society appear in our present number. We only await the revision of some of them by their authors. We will publish in our next one or two numbers, that of Dr. S. B. Richardson on Hernia, which we conceive to be one of the most, if not the most, valuable of papers on the history of that disease which has ever been published in this or any other country. In addition to the statistical information imparted in his report, he gives the outline of an original operation for the radical cure of umbilical hernia, which will command the attention of surgeons, and in connection with that form of the disease we may perhaps give our own method of treatment, which is not original, but which we have proved to be efficient in numerous cases, not only of infantile hernia but of ventral hernia, in horses as well as man.

Those of our cotemporaries who have been pleased to greet our coming, with a kindly welcome and pleasant words, are gratefully remembered. A stranger naturally appreciates the civilities of old inhabitants, and a pleasant smile beaming on his first coming makes an impress deeper and more pleasurable than long continued subsequent attentions; whilst a cold reception or neglect leaves a spot on the page of memory which is not easily obliterated.

Several publications have been received, which we will notice in our next number. Correspondents must not be disappointed because they do not see their communications immediately in print. We will gladly publish such as we may deem of practical importance with as little delay as possible.

Our readers are referred to the extracts from Dr. Seymour's address (page 93 matter), which should not be merely glanced at, but "marked, learned, and inwardly digested.”