1049REVIEWS AND NOTICES OF BOOKS.

fatal. Again, the control group contained more cases

between the ages of 21 and 40 years, the period in which thehighest mortality occurs. Mr. Haffkine and Dr. C. T.

Costello report on 110 cases treated with Terni’s anti-plagueserum. Compared with control cases the mortality of thosetreated with the serum was practically equal and the latterlived on an average eight hours longer. The serum appearsto have benefited the severer cases but not those of a milder

type. The results given by a series of 70 cases of plague ’,treated with Brazil’s anti-plague serum, again, do not show Ithat any influence has been exerted by it on the course of the- disease. There was, it is true, a 2’85 per cent. less mor-

tality amongst the cases treated with serum, but it is highlyproblematical if this can be credited to the eftects of the

treatment ; for in one hospital we find that of the serum-treated patients 10 per cent. more died, whilst in the other8 per cent. fewer of the cases had a fatal termination. Dr.W. G. West reports on a series of 68 cases treated with Roux’s- serum contrasted with 68 control cases. The mortalityin the former was 66’17 per cent., whereas in the latter itwas 60’29 per cent., a difference in favour of the controlcases of 5’ 86 per cent. Lieutenant-Colonel Bannerman in his

judicious summary of these various reports well remarks thatit is evident that we have to deal with a remedy much lesseffective than serum proves itself to be in the case of diph-theria. The case mortality does not appear to have beenaffected in the slightest degree. But from the standpoint ofclinical evidence there is more hope in the outlook. Almostall those who have reported on the use of serum intheir wards or in private practice emphatically state

that it acts favourably on the course of the disease. Theserum-treated cases live longer than the control cases ;there were a lowering of the temperature, a lesseningof the pulse- and respiration-rate, a general improve-ment in the patient’s condition as to physical comfort,a lessening of delirium and restlessness, and a dis-

appearance of the buboes with diminution of pain. As

Mr. Haffkine observes, it is curious that although serum’is powerless to affect the case mortality of hospital casesyet it prolongs life. One explanation of this may be thatthe proper method of administration has not yet beenarrived at, for undoubtedly the serum administered to

animals artificially infected with plague proves efficacious.Dr. Roux’s recommendation to give the serum intravenouslywould seem to be in the right direction, for time is everythingin the treatment of so virulent a disease as plague. However,these disappointing results in the curative treatment byserum in India are not found to ensue elsewhere. Thus

in a recent paper by Dr. James A. Haran on plague as metwith in British East Africa the author states that the

hypodermic injection of Yersin’s serum is of the highestvalue." Finally, the therapeutic effects of the anti-plague 1sera stand out in marked contrast to their prophylactic,action as regards beneficial action. 1

1

JOURNALS AND MAGAZINES.

The Medical Ck’l’onicle.-In the March number Dr. W. B.

Warrington discusses Chronic Rigidity of the Spine as

described by Bechterew, Marie, and others. He gives thenotes of three cases and concludes that the condition is nota specific disease. The prognosis is variable and the most

hopeful treatment is by hydropathic measures and massage.Dr. Cuthbert Lockyer contributes a learned and highlytechnical paper on the Physiology and Pathology of the

Corpus Luteum, referring especially to Fraenkel’s work onthe importance of this tissue in relation to the nutrition ofthe foetus.

The Medical Revie,7v.-Mr. Jordan Lloyd’s paper on theTreatment of Facial Neuralgia by Excision of the GasserianGanglion is concluded in the February number, details

of 11 cases being given; all were cured of their neuralgicsymptoms and no death occurred in the series. A papersigned H. Manley treats of the office of coroner and con-cludes by demanding a proper degree of medico-legal know-ledge in all these officials and also some reform of the systemof death certification. Incidentally it is pointed out thatmedical men are under no statutory obligation to reportany suspicious death to the coroner, the police, or the

registrar.The Journal of Physiology. Edited by Sir MICHAEL

FOSTER, K.C.B., F.R.S., and J. N. LANGLEY, Sc.D., F.R.S.Vol. XXXIII., No. 6. Feb. 5th, 1906. London : C. F. Clay.Pp. 66. Price 4s.-This number completes the tbirty-thirdvolume of the Journal of Physiology and contains the

following articles: 1. The Separation of Pliosphorus fromCaseinogen by the Action of Enzymes and Alkali, by R. H.Aders Plimmer and W. M. Bayliss, with two figures in thetext. The authors’ experiments show amongst other pointsthat nearly the whole of the phosphorus of caseinogen isconverted into a soluble form by the action of trypsin in 24hours. The curve for its rate of separation is exactlyparallel to the curve of the electrical conductivity for thefirst seven to eight hours ; its rate of separation after thistime is less rapid. The soluble phosphoric acid consistsof inorganic phosphoric acid 35 per cent., and phosphoruscombined in an organic form 65 per cent. The phosphorusof caseinogen is very slowly converted into a solubleform by the action of pepsin. Papain, in its action on

caseinogen, is intermediate in power between pepsin andtrypsin, acting best in a neutral or faintly acid medium.Ovovitellin, containing lecithin, is very slowly digested bytrypsin in comparison with caseinogen. 1 per cent. of

caustic soda converts the whole of the phosphorus of

caseinogen into soluble phosphoric acid in 24 hours. The

soluble phosphoric acid thus formed is almost entirelyinorganic phosphoric acid. 2. On the Absorption of Proteidsfrom the Intestine, by E. P. Cathcart and J. B. Leathes.The authors find that when " peptone albumoses or thefinal products of pancreatic digestion are absorbed fromthe intestine there is a constant small increase in the

amount of nitrogenous substances contained in the bloodwhich are hot precipitated by tannic acid ; this is

sufficient to account for about 15 per cent. of the

nitrogen absorbed. There is a similar increase in thesesubstances in the liver. A flow of urine may be set

up by the absorption of such substances in dogs pre-viously in a condition of inanition and under anaos.

thetics, and in this urine a very considerable amount ofnitrogen may appear. 3. On the Identity of Trypsinogenand Enterokinase respectively in Vertebrates, by J. MolyneuxHamill, M.A., M.B. Cantab., B.Sc. Lond. The author thinksthese two substances are not specific for each animal butare always the same definite chemical compounds. 4. Onthe Mechanism of Protection of Intestinal Worms and its

bearing on the Relation of Enterokinase to Trypsin, byJ. Molyneux Hamill, M.A., M.B. Cantab., B.Sc. Lond. Theauthor states that the antibody in the tissue juices of.ntestinal worms is antitryptic in its action and in neutral)r acid extracts of intestinal worms is uninjured bysoiling, but if made even faintly alkaline the anti-actions immediately destroyed on boiliitg. The antibodys soluble in weak alcohol but is precipitated by 85

)er cent. The precipitate dissolves easily in water, theolution strongly inhibiting the proteolytic activity oftancreatic juice. The antibody diffuses readily througholloid membranes. 5. A Method for the Determination of

he Volume of Blood in Animals, by C. Gordon Douglas,I.A., with one figure in the text. This number of the

mrnal contains, also, the Proceedings of the Physiologicalociety for Dec. 16th, 1905, and also the index to the

lirty-tbird volume of the journal.

1050 REPORTS AND ANALYTICAL RECORDS.

The J01L’l"nal of Tropical Veterinary Science.-The advanceswhich have been made in the investigation of diseases ofanimals in tropical countries have been as great as in thecase of diseases which afflict humanity and the advent of ajournal in which scientific observations on these diseases inanimals can be made will be heartily welcomed by all thosewho take an interest in comparative pathology. Many ofthese diseases are common to both man and animals, andduring the last few years the importance of a properlytrained and equipped staff of modern veterinary workers inall our colonies has been fully acknowledged. The editorsof this new paper are Major Pease, M.R.C.V.S., F.Z.S.,F.R.G.S., Principal of the Punjab Veterinary College ;Captain Baldrey, F.R.C.V.S., F.R.G.S., Professor of Sani-tary Science in the Punjab Veterinary College ; and Mr.R. E Montgomery, M.R.C.V.S., at present on special dutyinvestigating camel diseases. The first number consists ofsome 120 pages and contains the following articles: "A NewSpecies of Trypanosoma together with a New Metrical Methodof Standardising the Measurements of Trypanosomata," byProfessor A. Lingard, M.B.Durh., M.tt.C.S. Eng., D.P.H.

Cantab., Imperial Bacteriologist to the Government of

India ; " Observations on Bilharziosis among Animals in

India," by Mr. Montgomery; "Some Observations on

Normal and Rinderpest Blood," by Captain Baldrey ;"Tibarsa Surra-Trypanosomiasis in the Camel," by MajorPease ; and " The Transmission of Trypanosomiasis Evansi,"

"

by Professor Lingard. The journal is published by Messrs.Thacker, Spink, and Co., Calcutta, and it can be obtainedfrom Messrs. Thacker and Co., 1, Creed-lane, Ludgate-hill,E.C., the subscription being 17s. 6d. annually.

Reports and Analytical RecordsFROM

THE LANCET LABORATORY.

(1) CREAM EMULSION OF COD-LIVER OIL; AND (2). HMOSTASIN.

(BURGOYNE, BURBIDGES, AND CO., 12 AND 16, COLEMAN-STREET,LONDON, E.C.)

1. THE emulsion of cod-liver oil quite merits the use ofthe word " cream " in its title, as under the microscope it

presents an analogous appearance, the globules of oil beingin a very finely divided state. It is reasonable to think that

oil " atomised " so to speak in this way is easily digested.The emulsion is, moreover, permanent and its flavour is notobjectionable. It is stated that the administration of thisoil is not succeeded by nausea or disagreeable eructations.2. Solutio hasmostasini hydrochloridi is a clear colourless

liquid containing a definite amount of the active principle ofthe suprarenal gland and is therefore an effective astringentand haemostatic.

CALVES’ FEET JELLY.

(S. J. MACKENZIE AKD Co., SxcxLEZVrr,L-I,3NE, DA1STOX,LONDON, N.E.)

Calves’ feet jelly is of distinct service in dietetics inasmuchas it is a pleasant addition to the diet of the invalid and theconvalescent, while it has the advantage of absorbing anexcess of acid in the process of digestion and is thereforevaluable in acid dyspepsia. Gelatin is, of course, also a

proteid sparer. Theoretically, any kind of gelatin answersthe purpose but practical experience is decidedly in favourof real calves’ feet jelly. We believe that the specimenssubmitted to us are accurately described as real calves’ feetjelly and the makers state that they are the only manu-facturers of calves’ feet jelly in the United Kingdom.Amongst the jellies examined were specimens flavouredwith wine and cognac and a specimen without theseadditions. The alcohol amounted to 32 per cent. by volume.The flavour of the jelly was excellent and such as might beexpected of preparations of which it is said that they are not

made from foreign glue or gelatin. The jellies were entirelyfree from metallic impurities.CREAM OF MALT WITH COD-LIVER OIL AND GUAIACOL

CARBONATE.

(OPPENHEIMER, SON, AND CO., 179, QUEEN VICTORIA-STREET,LONDON, E.C..

In prescribing creosote or guaiacol the addition is some-times ordered of malt extract either with or without cod-liveroil. The above preparation has been made to meet thisrequirement. We found that the digestive action on starchwas very satisfactory. We are told that this preparationhas been used with very good results in the treatment ofpulmonary tuberculosis.

CLARET VIERGE.

(INGRAM AND ROYLE, LIMITED, EAST PAUL’S WHARF, 26, UPPERTHAMES-STREET, LONDON, E.C.)

This is a sound light claret giving perfectly normalresults on analysis, as the following figures show : Alcohol,by weight 9’ 36 per cent., by volume 11-61 per cent., equalto proof spirit 20’ 35 per cent. ; extractives, 2’ 16 percent. ; sugar, 0’11 per cent. ; glycerine, 0 - 56 per cent. ;tannin, 0’ 26 per cent. ; mineral matter, 0’ 26 per cent. ;volatile acidity reckoned as acetic acid, 0 - 036 per cent. ;and fixed acidity reckoned as tartaric acid, 0-52 percent. As will be seen, the wine is practically free fromvolatile acid and contains a minimum amount of sugar. Webelieve it to be a genuine claret but it is somewhat lackingthe assthetic qualities of a "classed wine."

(KNOLL).(KNOLL AND Co., 27A, ST. 1VSARY-AT-HILL, LONDON, E.C.)

Santyl is described as a tasteless, perfectly non-irritantsalicylic ester of purest sandal wood oil. It is without smelland practically without taste, which of course distinguishesit agreeably from sandal wood oil. Santyl is a yellowish oilhaving about the consistence of glycerine ; it is not misciblewith water. It readily saponifies with alcoholic soda, thesalicylic acid being separated by this treatment. It is usedin the treatment of acute gonorrhaea and its complications.The drug is said to be without irritating effects on the

gastro-intestinal tract and to relieve the pain. It isadministered in the form of drops or in capsules.

WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE.(W. S. COURTENAY, SOUTH QUAY, WORCESTER.)

This is a pleasant, piquant sauce which is stated to be pre"pared from the best ingredients, while care is taken to

exclude objectionable preservatives. In view of the resultsof our analysis we can take no exception to this statement.

ETHYLOFORM (DUBOIS KUHN).(B. KUHN AND CO., 16, ROOD-LANE, LONDON, E.C.)

Ethyloform is a mixture of ethyl chloride, ethyl bromide,and methyl chloride, the exact proportions being 45 per cent.each of ethyl chloride and methyl chloride and 10 per cent.of ethyl bromide. We have satisfied ourselves of the absolutepurity of the individual ingredients. In doses of five cubiccentimetres administered absolutely unmixed with air a nar-cosis, it is stated, is brought about lasting from 30 to 40seconds which is sufficient for certain operations in aural,nasal, and laryngeal surgery. The most important claimmade in regard to ethyloform when used for inducinggeneral anaesthesia is that it has no excitant effect.

Children, it is asserted, do not exhibit the same earlyperiod of excitement which sometimes is produced whenethyl bromide is used alone. Ethyloform is said to bringabout a narcotic sleep which is perfectly quiet and as a

rule no resistance is manifested by the patient. With

respect to the safety of this mixture it must be bornein mind that danger in connexion with the use of bromideof ethyl has been frequently demonstrated. We are averse toanxsthetic agents or mixtures being sold under fancy nameswhen they contain drugs the action of which is distinctlydangerous even when used with the utmost caution and by

those who are fully aware of their properties and conversantwith their uses.