1084 BIRMINGHAM.-LIVERPOOL.-WALES AND WESTERN COUNTIES.

for the purpose of adopting such measures as may be deemed requisiteor expedient for bringing the several matters referred to in the first andsecond resolutions under the consideration of Parliament and forobtaining remedial and supplementary legislation thereon.

On the adoption of this motion the committee in

question was at once appointed, and consisted of leadingrepresentatives from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, Aberdeen,London, Manchester, Liverpool, Newcastle, Sheffield, Dublin,Sunderland, Plymouth, and Leeds ; the Lord Provost of

Glasgow to act as secretary or convener.This concluded the business of the Conference, but its

members did not separate without first passing the usualcomplimentary vote of thanks to the Lord Provost and theCorporation of Glasgow for the useful initiative which theyhad taken in convoking the Conference and for the hospitalitywhich they had bestowed on its members. Thus ended amemorable meeting. Perhaps it will be said that therewere not many new proposals, ideas, or suggestions broughtforward ; but in any case what was only vaguely felt beforehas now been emphasised, explained, and rendered clear.All who assisted at the Conference have surely obtained abroader grasp and a more detailed knowledge of the subject.But there were some new suggestions, though these were notperhaps as numerous as might have been anticipated. Also,if the representative committee elected carry forward theirmission with energy we may look forward to some practicalresults.

BIRMINGHAM.(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Distinguished Visitors.THE renewal of the activity of the medical societies of

the town during the coming session is evinced by the noticesof meetings already sent out. These include the names of

distinguished visitors who are announced to deliver addressesat various meetings. Thus on Oct. 18th Mr. Thomas Bryantwill give an address and distribute the prizes at a meetingof the Clinical Board under the presidency of Mr. BennettMay. On Oct. 24th Mr. Victor Horsley will give an addresson Medical Reform at a special meeting of the Birminghamand District Medical Practitioners’ Union ; and on Xov. 7thit is announced that an address on the Treatment of Woundsin War will be delivered by Mr. Watson Cheyne at the meet-ing of the Midland Medical Society. In their respectiveroles it would be difficult to find authorities more entitled toa hearing, and none who will be more welcome to theaudiences which gather to listen to them.

University of Birmingham.The inaugural meeting of the medical faculty took place on

Oct. lst, when the Dean, Professor B. C. A. Windle, receivedthe guests to the number of about 400. The event was cele-brated by proceedings of a social character at which the

guests were entertained by a musical programme conductedby medical friends whose performances were much appre-ciated. The different museums-dental, anatomical, andmateria medica-were thrown open and entrance was givenalso to the pathological and bacteriological departments. Ademonstration of lantern slides and microscopical slides wasgiven and the various arrangements for teaching in the mostmodern and approved forms were shown. The evening con-

cluded with a pleasant reunion of old friends and the

anticipation of a flourishing and successful session.Dcfcetive Lamps.

Accidents and injuries inflicted by the use of imperfectlamps constitute a good proportion of cases which comebefore the city coroner. At his court recently an inquestwas held upon the body of a young man, aged 21 years,who met his death by a lamp of this kind being thrownat him as a missile. A quarrel occurred during a gameof cards, and the lighted lamp was picked up by one ofthe group and hurled at the deceased. The lamp struckhim on the shoulder and, breaking, enveloped him inflames. He was conveyed to the hospital and he subse-

quently died from the injuries he had received. Thecoroner in addressing the jury pointed out that this wasanother case of a lamp which had an earthenware container.In every case which had been before him where a lamp wasconcerned the vessel had been a china one. A lamp with ametal vessel could be obtained at a moderate price and itwas much safer. In instances such as this the lamp wouldprobably have gone out and would not have given rise tofire. How frequently this lesson is inculcated and how

often forgotten is a matter of common observation. The

cheap lamps with pottery vessels are in common use among-the poor and unless some legal restrictions are placed upontheir sale we shall continue to hear of similar accidentswhich can safelybe classed as preventable.

The Consultative Institute.In place of the door-plate so obnoxious to the orthodox

profession for some months past the sign of " Ichabod "

maybe written over the portals of this recent venture. The door-

plate has gone-the glory has departed. Conceived in mis-apprehension, developed in ignorance, and launched intolife against the united voice and will of the profession, thisinglorious institution has ebbed its life away ignominiously.It will be remembered that when the late occupant of thismulitifarious consultant scheme resigned his position it wasloudly proclaimed that there would be no difficulty what-ever in finding appropriate substitutes. The scheme waswidened and enlarged. Proclamation was made as to the.stability of its finances and the demand for its continuance.Advertisements were issued for consultants in various depart-ments of medicine, surgery, and specialties. The resultwas but an echo of the professional voice which had s

emphatically demonstrated the futility and uselessness ofthe whole project. Whatever may have been the responses.to the appeal made by the promoters time showed that theydid not equal the ardent aspirations and confidence enter-tained by the prominent members of the administration. Theinstitution has lapsed into a natural death, the effects havebeen sold, and its memory only remains as that of an un-warrantable and ill-judged attempt to exploit the servicesof an honourable and hard-working profession.

Oct. 15th. ________________

LIVERPOOL.(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Medical Faculty of University College, Liverpool: Opening,Address by Dr. Oliver Lodge of Birmingham, University.ON Oct. 12th Dr. Oliver Lodge, F. R. S., formerly professor

of physics at University College and now the principal ofBirmingham University, delivered the opening address tothe medical students of University College and distributedthe medals and prizes. A thoroughly practical address wasdelivered to a brilliant assembly comprising the Lord Bishopof the diocese and other distinguished citizens. Before theclose of the proceedings Professor Herdman unveiled a bustof Dr. Lodge executed by Mr. Allen, a well-known Liverpoolsculptor, the likeness being a striking one.

Liverpool Medical Institution Dinner.The biennial dinner of the Liverpool Medical Institution

took place on Oct. 12th. The gathering was a most successfulone, the guests including the Lord Mayor, the Lord Bishop,and Dr. Lodge. About 120 gentlemen sat down to dinner.

The Mid-Cheshire Queen Victoria Memorial.Already R1396 have been raised towards the fund for the

extension of the Victoria Infirmary, Northwich, which willbe the mid-Cheshire memorial to Her late Majesty QueenVictoria. The Hospital Saturday Committee are makingstrenuous efforts to raise Z200 towards the requisite £4000,and the employes of Messrs. Brunner, Mond, and Companyhave also warmly taken up the project.Liverpool Country Hospital for Chronic Diseases of Children.

In response to an appeal made by the honorary treasurer.last week subscriptions amounting to el72 have just beenannounced. At present the committee are indebted to theWest Kirby Convalescent Home for 20 beds, hence the

appeal for funds to build an independent hospital atHeswall.

Oct. 15th. _______________

WALES AND WESTERN COUNTIES.(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENTS.)

Cardiff Infirmary.MR. E. TENisoN COLLINS, who has practised as a gynocco-

logist in Cardiff for some years, has been elected secondhonorary gynaecologist to the Cardiff Infirmary. Through the

1 Dr. Lodge’s address appears in full at p. 1021.