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Notes, Short Comments, and Answersto Correspondents.
During the continuance of the war the size of THE LANCETwill be curtailed. This has been necessitated primarily by thedifficulty in ensuring an adequate supply of paper, but thecontributions of most of our correspondents on the continenthave failed, and will fail, to reach us. Many special features
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of THE LANCET have had to be sacrificed for the time, andwhile we ask the indulgence of our readers for this, we promiseto restore them at the earliest possible opportunity.
THE WISDOM OF ANIMALS.To the Editor of THE LANCET.
SIR,-Your note last week under this heading prompts meto remind your readers that undoubtedly the endowment bypopular consent of certain animals with certain qualitieswas the reason for much of the fanciful ancient pharmacy ;the underlying idea was that the exhibition of potions of theanimal as a drug would endow man with the characteristicqualities of the animal. Animal remedies from the earliesttimes have proved the anthropomorphising tendency. Thetoad was ugly from the human point of view; therefore itwas venomous, and in the late eighteenth century GilbertWhite, of Selborne, had heard of a quack doctor eatingtoads whole either to prove that they were not poisonousor that he was poison proof. The toad really forms partof the ancient pharmacopoeia, which doubtless regarded itas a poison. All the drugs derived from the intestines orbrains of quadrupeds and birds by our ancestors were
sanctioned by fanciful human attributions. The flesh ofcertain birds was supposed to promote swiftness. The fleshof the lion, if procurable, was believed to infuse valour intothe eater. Portions of goat were eaten in order to strengthenprocreative powers. The superstitions concerning theanimals being multifarious the composition of the variouspotions and electuaries became complicated in consequence.The jokers of old time who impressed their stories upontribal credulity were responsible for this preposterouspharmacy. The persons who tell these stories nowadays tocredulous editors are responsible for a certain amount ofirritation. They have their joke, but they help to create asentimentality which may be actively mischievous.
I am, Sir, yours faithfully,Sept. 28th, 1914. A SERIOUS PERSON.
MODERN MEDICAL POETS.IT is well to have among us, nowas of old time, a few discip] esof
Æsculapius on whom at their birth Melpomene has glancedwith tranquil eye. Mr. Augustus H. Cook, M.B. Lond.,has published through Messrs. G. Bell and Sons, Limited,a little yolume of verses called " Eve Repentant and OtherPoems." Though perhaps the verses are of somewhatunequal merit, they contain some good description, somepicturesque flights of imagination, and in some of theverses a deep religious feeling smoothly and lucidlyexpressed. Major Greenwood, M.D., LL.B., in London,an Historical Poem " (originally printed in the June issueof the City of London Illustrated), traces, in nine-linediambic pentameters, the last line being an Alexandrine,the rise and development of London in its mainincidents and conditions. It contains reproductions ofthe Steel Yard and neighbourhood, from Van Wyngard’splan taken for Philip II. of Spain, and a map ofLondon from Lincoln’s Inn to the Tower, circa 1658.Yet a third medical writer of verse is Dr. F. BarberWells, for whom Messrs. W. H. and L. Collingridge,148, Aldersgate-street, have published (in khaki uniformwith red facings) two war poems, which, we are informed,are " sold for the benefit of the Prince of Wales’s NationalRelief Fund." The first, entitled " 1914," is a sonorousode on the war in the cadence of Gray’s Elegy. Thesecond, " The Roll of the Drum," has a swinging rhythmthat well suits the subject.
THE LIBRARY OF THE MEDICAL SOCIETYOF LONDON.
Mr. George Bethell’s " Account of the Library of the MedicalSociety of London," which has been reurinted from theLibrary Association Record for May, contains a note on Dr.John Lettsom, the founder of the library, and recounts thehistory of the library with not a few interesting obiterdicta. It is true, for instance, that "the principal part ofour knowledge must be ever derived from comparing ourobservations with those of others." Mr. Bethell quotes
four variants of the well-known epigram on Lettsom. Welearn that Dr. James Sims, who managed to be selectedpresident of the society for 20 years, in 1800 succeeded inselling to the library a large number of books, for whichhe received JE500 cash down and an annuity of £30 a yearfor himself and his wife. A very interesting MS. in thelibrary is the diary of Dr. John Ward, vicar of Stratford-on-Avon, who had practised medicine. One entry therein isworthy of special note : " Shakespear, Drayton, and BenJhonson (sic) had a merry meeting, and it seems drank toohard, for Shakespear died of a feavour there contracted."The living wage and discrimination against marriedemployees appear, from the rules formulated by thecommittee on Jan. 25th, 1780, concerning the duties ofan " under library keeper," to have been live questionseven in those days, for it is stated that this officialshould be "rather a single person than married," andthat he may have "a a sucfficient salary for his subsistence."The librarv contains some valuable incunabula and anexcellent collection of Early English printed medicalworks of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, in-cluding a reprint from the only copy of the originaledition of Servetus’s "De Trinitate Divini" that escapedbeing burnt with its author by Calvin. Nearly all thecopies of this reprint were burnt by Dr. Gibson, Bishop ofLondon.
THE RAGGED SCHOOL UNION AND THE WAR.To the Editor of THE LANCET.
SIR,-This great crisis in the life of our nation hasinvolved the withdrawal from our ranks of hundreds ofmen who have either joined the Territorials or enlisted,and there is immediate necessity for wholehearted men andwomen to volunteer as workers in filling up the gaps thatthe physical, social, and religious welfare of the childrenmay not suffer. It is of the utmost importance to thenation that our 140 affiliated schools and missions shouldbe maintained at their normal strength. It would beappalling to contemplate the state of our city poverty areaswithout such centres of light and healing. Our holiday homes, also, at Southend, Margate, Bognor,
Bournemouth, and Windsor will be used throughout theyear for poor cripple children suffering from serious com-plaints and who are quite unable to face the ordinary con-ditions of London life. Many of our missions in populouscentres are rendering national service by allowing theirpremises to be used by the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ FamiliesAssociation, day clubs for unemployed boys, workrooms forgirls and women, &c. All this, however, costs money- £100a day is needed-and the measure of our ability to meetthe dire need surrounding us is exactly the measure of thegenerosity of the public.-We are, Sir, yours faithfully,
JOHN KIRK, Director.ARTHUR BLACK, Honorary Secretary.
32, John-street, Theobald’s-road, London, W.C.,Sept. 25th, 1914.
SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS FOR SALE.WE publish this week an advertisement offering for sale acomplete set of surgical instruments and operating equip-ment. We know the circumstances in which the articlesare for sale, and think that some of our readers mightlike to call the attention of the public to an opportunitythat is being offered to them, at a time when gifts of thisnature are being generously made for the assistance ofmilitary and Red Cross hospital organisation.
RABIES AND MUZZLING IN NEW YORK.THE prevalence of rabies in New York recently led theCommittee on Infectious Diseases of the Advisory Councilof the New York Department of Health to adopt a muzzlingorder. The Commissioner of Health publishes in theWeekly Bulletin of the Department for Sept. 5th a series ofextracts from the variegated correspondence that haspoured in on him since the enforcement of the order.While much of it is commendatory, one writer has thetemerity to assert that there is no such thing as mad dogsor people being bitten." The logical faculty of one writercan be estimated from the remark, " Surely an occasionalmad dog will not lead you to condemn the whole race anymore than an occasional insane human leads us to askwhat is the use of any of us." Even in New York, how-ever, dangerous insane humans are confined’where theycan do no harm. Another writer says that " you may aswell banish children" as dogs. Fortunately the majorityof correspondents seem to entertain more reasonableviews.
MILITARY SURGERY IN THE BALKANS.J. A. H.-The following two papers appeared in THE LANCET
last year :-" Some Surgical Experiences during the BalkanWar," by Sidney Smith (May 31st, 1913), and " Medical andSurgical Expe. ienoe in the Balkan War," by C. Max Pageand S. Y. Anpleyard (July 19th and 26th, 1913). A
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book entitled °° With the British Red Cross in Turkey,1912-13," by A. Duncan-Johnstone (London : J. Nisbet andCo. Price 5s. net) was reviewed in our columns on May 31st,1913. -
THE Scholl Manufacturing Company have offered to the WarOffice 2000 pairs of their " foot-eazers " for the use of thetroops now serving abroad and for those who may shortlybe called upon to take their places in the fighting line. Itis claimed that these arch supports have a very restfuleffect upon the feet when engaged in long marches.
English woman.-Our correspondent is mistaken. Medicalpractitioners do not " accuse their patients of hysteriaany more than they " accuse them of tuberculosis. Tospeak of a " determined and sustained charge of hysteria "puts the matter in a grotesquely wrong light.
Subscriber.-We think lOs. 6d. a reasonable fee for examina-tion and report.
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COMMUNICATIONS not noticed in our present issue willreceive attention in our next.
Medical Diary for the ensuing Week.LECTURES, ADDRESSES, DEMONSTRATIONS, &c.POST-GRADUATE COLLEGE, West London Hospital, Hammersmith-road, W.MONDAY.-10 A.M., Dr. Simson: Diseases of Women. 2 P.M., Medical
and Surgical Clinics. X Rays. Mr. T. Gray: Operations.Dr. Pritchard: Bacterial Therapy Department. Mr. B. Harmanand Mr. Gibb: Diseases of the Eye.
TUESDAY.-10 A.M., Dr. Simson: Gynaecological Operations.2 P.M., Medical and Surgical Clinics. X Rays. Mr. Addison:Operations. Dr. Davis: Diseases of the Throat, Nose, and Ear.Dr. Pernet: Diseases of the Skin.
WEDNESDAY.-10 A.M., Dr. Saunders: Diseases of Children. Dr.Davis : Operations of the Throat, Nose, and Ear. 2 P.M.,Medical and Surgical Clinics. X Rays. Operations. Dr.Simson : Diseases of Women. Mr. Gibb: Diseases of the Eye.
THURSDAY.-9 A.M., Bacterial Therapy Department. 2 P.M.,Medical and Surgical Clinics. X Mays. Mr. T. Gray: Opera-tions. Mr. B. Harman : Diseases of the Eye.
FRIDAY.-1O A.M., Dr. Simson: Gynaecological Operations.2P.M., Medical and Surgical Clinics. X Rays. Mr. Addison:Operations. Dr. Davis: Diseases of the Throat, Nose, and Ear.Dr. Pernet : Diseases of the Skin.
SATURDAY.-10 A.M., Dr. Saunders : Diseases of Children. Dr. Davis :Operations of the Throat, Nose, and Ear. Mr. B. Harman:Eye Operations. 2 P.m., Medical and Surgical Clinics. X Rays.Operations.
NATIONAL HOSPITAL FOR THE PARALYSED AND EPILEPTIC,Queen-square, Bloomsbury, W.C.TUESDAY.-3.30 P.M., Clinical Lecture :—Dr. F. E. Batten :
Syringomyelia.FRIDAY.-3.30 P.M., Clinical Lecture:-Dr. G. Stewart: Localisation
of Cerebral Tumours.
THE THROAT HOSPITAL, Golden-square, W.MONDAY.-5.15 P.M., Special Demonstration of Selected Cases.THURSDAY.-5.15 P.M., Clinical Lecture.
ST. JOHN’S HOSPITAL FOR DISEASES OF THE SKIN, 49, Leicester-square, W.C.THURSDAY.-6 P.M., Chesterfield Lecture:-Dr. M. Dockrell : The
Skin in Health and Disease.
ROTUNDA HOSPITAL POST-GRADUATE COURSES, Dublin.MONDAY.-10 A.M., Obstetrical Lecture: Puerperal Infection.
11 A.M., Examination of Patients and Minor Operations.TUESDAY.-10 A.M., Major Operations.WEDNESDAY.-1O A.M., Obstetrical Lecture: Puerperal Infection
(continued). 11 A.M., Examination of Patients and MinorOperations.
THURSDAY.-10 A.M., Major Operations.FRIDAY.-10 A.M., Gymecological Lecture : Injuries of Labour
(continued). 11 A.M., Examination of Patients and MinorOperations.
For further particulars of the above Lectu es, &c., see AdvertisementPages.
EDITORIAL NOTICES.IT is most important that communications relating to the
Editorial business of THE LANCET should be addressedexclusively "To THE EDITOR," and not in any case to anygentleman who may be supposed to be connected with theEditorial staff. It is urgently necessary that attention shouldbe given to this notice.
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Lectucres, origanal airticles, and reports should be written onone side of the paper only, AND WHEN ACCOMPANIEDBY BLOCKS IT IS REQUESTED THAT THE NAME OF THE
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We cannot prescribe or recommend practitioners.Local papers oontaining reports or news paragraphs should be
marked and addressed "To the Sub-Editor." Letters relating to the publication, sale, and advertising
departments of THE LANCET should be addressed " To theManager.
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We cannot undertake to return MSS. not used.
MANAGER’S NOTICES.TO SUBSCRIBERS.
WILL Subscribers please note that only those subscriptionswhich are sent direct to the Proprietors of THE LANCET attheir Offices, 423, Strand, London, W.C., are dealt with bythem ? Subscriptions paid to London or to local newsagents(with none of whom have the Proprietors any connexion what.ever) do not reach THE LANCET Offices, and consequentlyinquiries concerning missing copies, &c., should be sent tothe Agent to whom the subscription is paid, and not toTHE LANCET Offices.
Subscribers, by sending their subscriptions direct toTHE LANCET Offices, will ensure regularity in the despatchof their Journals and an earlier delivery than the majority ofAgents are able to effect.THE COLONIAL AND FOREIGN EDITION (printed on thin
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Offices, have been reduced, and are now as follows :-FOR THE UNITED KINGDOM. TO THE COLONIES AND ABROAD.
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TO NOTE THE RiTES OF SUBSCRIPTIONS GIVEN ABOVE.The Manager will be pleased to forward copies direct from
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SOLE AGENTS OR AMERICA-MESSRS. WILLIAM WOODAND Co.. 51. Fiftl. Avenue, New York. U.S.A.
M E T E 0 R 0 L O G I C A L R E A D 1 N G 8.
(Taken daily at 8.30 a.m. by Steward’s Insti-uments.)THE LANCET Office, Sept. 30th, 1914.
The following magazines, journals, &c. have been received :-Dublin Journal ot Medical Science, Bulletin Mensuel de l’OlficeInternational d’Hygiene Publique, Indian Medical Record, QuarterlyJournal of Microscopical Science, Journal of Tropical Medicine andHygiene, New Zèaland Medical Journal. Journal of Nervous andMental Disease, Mercy and Truth, Guy’s Hospital Gazette, Archivesof Internal Medicine, &c.