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THE DISSECTING ROOMS.

As a school of anatomy our local medical school has formany years past enjoyed a high reputation under the ablesupervision of Professor Mitchell Banks. He is ably assistedat the present time by Dr. Barron, a former student of theschool, who obtained honours at the London University.There are seven subjects in the room. Dr. Barron hasreceived already the names of over sixty students who pur-pose joining the dissecting class, and it is believed that thisnumber will be augmented before the registration list is closed.

THE SITE OF THE NEW INFIRMARY.

In April last the City Council adopted a resolution bywhich the members pledged themselves to apply to Parlia-ment for powers to acquire a piece of land adjoining thepresent infirmary at its northern end, so as to obtain anadditional and more convenient site for the new infirmary.Much dissatisfaction is felt with a more recent decision ofthe Council, which has virtually rescinded the resolution ofApril last, and referred the matter to a Select Committee.It is very important that the new buildings should providenot only ample space for wards, but also a large enclosurefor: the recreation of patients and for the better preservationof the health of all the inmates. The additional site re-quired will be no more than sufficient for the main entrance,residence of officers, and for patients’ reception-rooms. TheRoyal Infirmary has now eXJsted since 1749, a period of onehundred and thirty-four years. Until 1820 it was situatedin the very centre of the town. The present building waserected and completed in 1824, just sixty years since, andhas always ranked high among provincial infirmaries.The present position is therefore one the importance ofwhich cannot be over-estimated, and it is to be hoped thatthe City Council will adhere to their original decision.

CASES RECENTLY OPERATED UPON BY MR. BANKS.

Mr. Banks recently excised the tongue in an elderlyman, in consequence of a malignant growth, perform-ing first, as is his general rule, preliminary laryngotomy.This latter proceeding prevents many of the occurrenceswhich tend to embarrass the operator and endanger thepatient. In this case Mr. Banks divided the tongue alongthe centre and removed each half separately; the patientmade an excellent recovery, and, under the circumstances,epeaks very fairly. Mr. Banks also recently tied the right sub-el4vian artery in the third part of its course for an aneurismof the axillary artery. The patient, a young man, recoveredwell, the only unfavourable symptom beiog the formation ofa small abscess. At the present time (eleven weeks sincethe operation) the radial pulse can just be felt.

NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE.(From our own Correspondent.)

OUR Hospital Sunday Fund meeting was held on Thurs-day last, and an abstract of the report then submitted hasmany points of interest, as showing a steady increase in thecollections. In 1882 the collections were a total of£3831 16s. 6d., being an increase of £ 454 7s. 8d. on the

previous year. The increase is very gratifying to all partici-pating in this good work, for it had been made in workshopsand factories, as well as in places of public worship. It hasbeen shown that the amount collected by this great fundsince its institution in 1870 has reached over £ 40,000, all ofwhich has been distributed to the various charitable institu-tions of Newcastle and Gateshead, so it will be seen thatimmense benefit must have accrued within the last fewyears to the destitute sick. The greatest credit is due toour townsman, Mr. Councillor R. H. Holmes, and to allwho have worked so efficitntly with him, in bringing aboutthose beneficent results.

FEVER HOSPITAL ACCOMMODATION IN SUNDERLAND.

The Sunderland Daily He2-alcl and Post says that the townclerk has received a very important communication in theway of a remonstrance from the Local Government Board,pointing out that it has been surprised to learn that thehealth committee propose to enlarge the House of Recovery,when nothing less than a permanent building with pavilions,in which cases may be treated separately, will suffice to

meet the necessities of a town like Sunderland. Tne Boirdalso censures the plan of sending non-pauper fever cases toworkhouse hospitals, as being not only illegal but calculatedto excite hostilitv against the hospital treatment of infec.tious diseases. In conclusion, the letter directs the healthcommittee’s attention to the report of Dr. Thorne, in whichare set down the primary conditions of a proper feverhospital. These include accessibility, wholesomeness, andopenness of situation, and ward space to allow each patient2000 cubic feet of air. Many months ago THE LANCET,in its Commission Report and in various articles, pointedout the sanitary shortcomings of Sunderland ; perhapsnow the authorities may bestir themselves when they areshown to be following an illegal as well as a stolid course.EXTRAORDINARY OBITUARY LIST AT BLAYDON.ON-TYNE.

At the monthly meeting of the Blaydon Local Board, Dr.Philip Brown drew attention to some curious points iathe registrar’s returns for the quarter ending September 30th,from which on analysis it was shown that of fifty deaths nofewer than thirteen were persons over seventy years of age,whose united ages amounted to 1038 years, an average of79’88 years, or nearly eighty years each. Of the total, fivedied at ages over seventy, as follows : one at seventy-one,one at seventy-two, two at seventy-three, one at seventy-four, and one at seventy-eight. Six died at ages over eighty,as follows : one at eighty-two, two at eighty-four, one ateighty-five, one at eighty-seven, andone atninety-three, Twomales and three females died within a radius of 200 or 3∂0yards of each other ; four of them at the small hamlet ofPath Head. Such an occurrence within the brief period ofthree or four weeks was stated to have been altogetherwithout precedent in the history of the district, which, withthe exception of measles, was free from epidemic andinfectious diseases.

SAMUEL M’CUTCHEON, M.D. Q.U.I.I regret to mention the death, from acute pneumonia,

of Dr. S. M’Cutcheon, of Middlesborough, which took placeon Sept. 18tb, after an illness of only three days. He was bornnear Belfast in 1844, so that at the time of his death he wasjust in his thirty-ninth year. He was educated at theQueen’s College, Belfast, and took his M.D. in 1874. Soonafterwards he assisted Dr. Merry weather, of Guisbro’, aadconducted an important branch practice at Skelton, in Cleve-land. About four years ago he accepted an appointment inMiddlesborough, and commenced practice there on his ownaccount. Before leaving Skelton he declined receivinga testimonial from his friends, saying, "A man wants noextra reward for doing his duty," and the expression wasa keyto his character, being naturally modest and retiring, at thesame time cheerful and affable, extremely kind and benevo-lent to his poorer patients, and painstaking and can-

scientious with all. His success in Middlesborough was

very marked as regards his professional progress. It ismuch to be feared, however, that the atmosphere of this densetown undermined a constitution never very strong, andwhich suffered no doubt by the change from the pure aitand surroundings of the Cleveland hills. On the evening ofthe 13th, after a hard day’s work, he took to his bed, andon the 17th he passed quietly away, remaining conscious tothe last, and expressing a wish to his friend Mr. Ellis thathe should see him buried at Skelton, which last desire wasfulfilled on the 20th ult., and out of respect to his memoryall places of business at Skelton were closed.Newcastle-on-Tyne, Oct. 10th, 1883.

EDINBURGH.(From our own Correspondent.)

THE FORTHCOMING WINTER SESSION.

ALTHOUGH the winter session does not commence untiJOctober 23rd, a considerable number of students have alreadyreturned to work. The dissecting-rooms were opened on Oct.lst. The number of medical students flocking to Edinburghseems still increasing, and the classes during the forthcomingsession promise to be more largely attended than ever. At

the recent preliminary examination in Arts for meiieatstudents there were between 410 and 420 entries, a numberconsiderably greater than has been previously reached at this

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period of the year, the April examinations being more largelyattended than the autumn ones. The number of entries forthe first professional examination, which commenced yester-day (Oct. llth), is also larger than hitherto, being over 300.

NEW MEDICAL BUILDINGS.

The portions of the New University Buildings devotedto the departments of chemistry, materia media, and medi.cal jurisprudence, are being rapidly pushed forward and areapproaching completion. They are, if possible, more lavishas regards space, fittings, &c., than the departments alreadyopened. I shall defer a detailed account until after theircompletion.

NEW MEDICAL JOURNAL.

The desirability of having a weekly medical journal inScotland has for a long time been mooted, and has foundactive expression in the publication of the EdinburghClinical and Pathological Journal, the first number ofwhich will be issued to-day. The journal is under the jointeditorship of Dr. Graham Brown (medicine), Dr. Cathcart(surgery), and Dr. Berry Hart (midwifery),

HEALTH OF EDINBURGH.

Dr. Littlejohn’s report of the health of the city for the past month (September) shows the number of deaths to have ’,been 283, or 14’47 per 1000, a smaller mortality than has

’’

been recorded in September during the last five years. Ofthe total number of deaths last month, 85 were in the NewTown, 159 in the Old Town, and 39 in the southern suburbs ;the rate per 1000 in the New Town being 11 62, as comparedwith 10 26 in 1882; in the Old Town, 17-13, as against 21 84 ;and in the southern suburbs, 13’19, as contrasted with 11 ’30.During the month 384 cases of infectious diseases were re-ported, comprising 204 of scarlatina, 113 of measles, 44 oftyphoid, and 23 of diphtheria. Of the scarlatina cases 99occurred in the New Town, 88 in the Old Town, and 17 inthe northern districts; of measles, 30 occurred in the NewTown, 78 in the Old Town, and 5 in the southern districts;of typhoid, 16 occurred in the New Town and 28 in the OldTown; of diphtheria, 10 occurred in the New Town, 4 in theOld Town, and 9 in the southern suburbs. No cases oftyphus were reported during the month.

SCOTTISH NOTES.(From our own Correspondent.) )

A REMARKABLE HEAT WAVE.

A REMARKABLE wave of heat is passing over the Northct Scotland at the time of writing. On Saturday night thetemperature rose suddenly, after a dry, cold week, andon Sunday the records were from 13° to 21° higher than onthe previous day. The maximum at Aberdeen reached 72°,and in all our northern stations was considerably above 60°.Going southwards, it gradually became cooler, till in Londonit stood at 55°. It is many years since such October read-ings have been recorded so far north ; and beyond the factthat a deep depression was observed travelling towardsNorway on Sunday, nothing otherwise peculiar has beennoticed in the atmospheric condition. This remarkablephenomenon is thus unaccounted for by the meteorologists.

DEEP-SEA OBSERVATIONS.

Professor Cossar Ewart, of Edinburgh, his assistant, Mr.Cunningham, and Dr. Gibson acting as chemist, haveteturned from the voyage of investigation round our nor-thern shores, undertaken at the request of the ScottishFishery Board. Frequent records of the temperature atdifferent depths have been taken, samples of surface andbottom waters have been secured, many denizens of thedeep have been caught, and experiments have been con-ducted on board with the herring spawn. It will take sometime to arrange and label the many specimens, but whenthis has been accomplished a report will be prepared for theFishery Board dealing with the habits of the herring andother fishes and crustacea.

ROBERT MOFFAT, M.D. EDIN. (FALKIRK).By the death of Dr. Moffat, which occurred on the 5th inst.,

Falkirk and its neighbourhood have been deprived of theservices of an efficient and much-valued practitioner. Dr.Moffat had been in failing health for some time, and a few

weeks ago went to Bridge of Allan with the view of regain-ing his wonted strength ; but, instead, his weaknessbecame more marked, and he died there. Born in Mus-selburgh and educated at Edinburgh University, hegraduated there in 1856, taking at the same time the Collegediploma. Since then he had practised for various periodsin Kettle, Polmont, and Falkirk, and in each of theseplaces he obtained a good position and practice. Dr. Moffatwas about fifty-two years of age, and was twice married. Heleaves a widow, and also four children by his first marriage.

PERTHSHIRE MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

The meeting of this Association for the annual election ofoffice-bearers was held in the County and City Infirmary onthe 5th inst. There was a large attendance of memberspresent. The President for the past year, Dr. Thom, sen.(Crieff), delivered his retiring address, the subject being"Practical Sanitation," and was awarded the thanks of themeeting. Dr. Baird (Almond-bank) having sent in his re-signation as Secretary, the Association passed a resolutionexpressive of special cordial thanks for the able and zealousmanner in which Dr. Baird had filled office during the pastfour years. Dr. Paterson (Perth) was elected a life memberin consideration of the interest taken by him in the Associa-tion since itoriginated. The Council’s and Treasurer’s reportswere presented, and showed a satisfactory condition ofbusiness and progress. The following appointments forthe ensuing year were made :-President : Dr. Bram-well, Perth. Vice - President : Dr. Morrison, Dunning.Secretary : Dr. Ferguson, 5, Charlotte-street, Perth. Trea-surer : Dr. Gillespie, Methven. Members of Council: Dr.Robertson, Errol; Dr. Kennedy, Perth ; Dr. Thom, sen.,Crieff; Dr. M’Callum, St. Martin’s; and Dr. M’Naugh-ton, General Prison. Dr. Urquhart, Murray’s RoyalAsylum, was appointed to superintend the local arrange-ments in connexion with the Collective Investigation Com-mittee of the British Medical Association.

FIFE AND KINROSS ASYLUM.

For the past few years this asylum has been conspicuousin Scotland on account of the zeal and intelligence withwhich the boarding-out system has been conducted, and theconfidence shown in the method alike by the directors andthe medical superintendent for the time being. Commencedby Dr. Frazer, who has, in his now wider field of influence,continued to use strenuous endeavours to the same end andwith much success, the boarding-out of pauper lnnatics hasbeen a distinct feature in Dr. Turnbull’s management. Theresult up to this year was that the inmates of the Fife Asylumdid not show a marked increase, and the expense of other-wise imminent extension was saved, while the patients werehappier, more peaceful, and on medical grounds in a moresatis-factory condition. This year the force of circumstances hasbeen too strong for Dr. Turnbull, and he has had to admit anincrease of seventeen in the resident population, or 334, against317 last year. The number of admissions (105) was greaterthan during any year since 1870, and none of the reasons forthe increase seem in any way peculiar to the year. The death-rate was rather high, but this may be due to the weedingout of the chronic and slightly affected cases, as well as to" the unfavourable nature of admissions of late years.’’ Themale division is now fully occupied, and the ordinary accom-modation on the female side is also taken up. " Furtherexperience has confirmed the superintendent’s belief in thegreat utility of the boarding-out system. In a certain

number of cases the trial did not prove successful, becausein insanity there was very markedly a tendency to relapse,or periodic exacerbations, more or less acute, of the symptoms,and when such relapses occurred, it might be necessary againto have recourse to asylum treatment. The patients boardedout were brighter and more contented, showed a more activeinterest in the concerns of their daily life, and occupied them-selves more usefully and steadily. Many of the patients hadlikewise benefited distinctly in bodily health by the change."

IRELAND.

(From our own Correspondent.)ROYAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND.

THE results of the recent examinations for the M.B. andof the Second Medical Examination of this University willprobably be published some time this week. Considerable