425

agonies, or sinking under coma. Of this wehad verv numerous instances. So it is alsowith the varieties of intermittents and re-

mittents, the whole of which are rationallyaccounted for, not certainly by the assumeddogma, that there exists only one sort ofmalaria for them, and for this peculiar fever,but by the measure of exposure to their

proper causes: by the state ottheconstitu-tIOn of the patients at the time of seizure ;and by the degree ofintensity of the morbidMtion. Indeed, I can see nothing in thecircle of our knowledge of the various pro-ducts resulting from the combination of de-composing substances, that does not lendsupport to this opinion.But there is another characteristic fea-

ture of this fever, distinctive from bothremittents and intermittents ; namely, theexemption of those from subsequent attackswho have once passed its ordeal.This is a peculiarity which, I confess, I

was slow to believe, and did not till ampleobservation convinced me of its truth. Butnow I entertain not a doubt, that the immu-nity which it affords is quite as certain, andbears almost a similar ratio to that of thosediseases which ordinarily affect the constitu-tion but once. Nor is this exemption con-fined to such as have passed severe grades ofthe disease; it is extended to those alsowhose attacks have been of the mildestcharacter.

’

In the last week’s Number, p. 377,1. 57,dele period before the word " Bulam."—Page 384, 1. 19, for " may become," read,many became.

LONDON MEDICAL SOCIETY.

THE meetings of this Society closed forthe session on Monday, May 31. The caseread by Mr. Stephens on the previous week,furnished the matter for discussion ; the

principal part of which turned on an opinionadvanced by that gentleman, that diseasedaction was independent of inflammation, andcould produce suppuration and destructionof a part without the presence of inflamma-tion (of which he considered the case he hadread an instance), the usual presence of thelatter being necessary as a restoring agentonly. In proof of these views, he adducedthe circumstance of those diseases whichare attended by a subordinate or chronicdegree of inflammation; as in scrofula, beingless controllable than diseases where in-flammation more acutely prevailed. An ani-mated discussion followed, and many inge-rious arguments were adduced, both in fa-vour of and against these opinions, by Mr.Gossett, Mr. Lloyd, Dr. Whiting, and Dr.Stewart.

THE LANCET.

London, Saturday, June 12th, 1830.

THE KING’S PHYSICIANS.

THE KING.

" Windsor Castle, June 4." The King had but little sleep last night,

yet passed it, on the whole, quietly. His

Majesty’s respiration was embarrassed fromtime to time."

" Windsor Castle, June 5."The King has been embarrassed consi.

derably in his respiration during the night,and his Majesty has had but little rest."

" Windsor Castle, June 6.The King has been less embarrassed in

his breathing, and his Majesty slept at in-tervals last night."

" Windsor Castle, June 7."The King continues nearly in the same

state. His Majesty passed the night underconsiderable embarrassment."

" Windsor Castle, June 8.The King passed a very distressing

day yesterday, but his Majesty has had somerefreshing sleep in the night, and is this

morning a little better."Windsor Castle, June 9.

°’ The King continued less embarrassedin his respiration all yesterday, and hasslept at intervals in the night."

Windsor Castle, June 10.°° The King has had a restless night, but

in other respects, continues much the sameas yesterday."

THE nation is unanimous in demandingwhy the medical attendants of his Majesty,who daily sign the bulletins, adhere withso much pertinacity, if not impertinence,to the vague and unmeaning expressionswhich they employ, relative to the distress-

ing condition of our revered sovereign.Still is the public insulted, still are the

feelings of the people derided, by such ex-

pressions as " better night," little sleep,"" distressing day," and « refreshing sleep;"and the royal sufferer really appears, fromthe repetition of the phrase " embarrassed

breathing," to be twitted with that effectof his malady, while at the very verge of

the grave. It is of course the object inissuing the bulletins, to convey information ;

THE KING’S HEALTH.426

and if this be acknowledged, why are these the language of these documents, tnerecmbedocuments so scandalously, so ambiguously little danger in asserting, that the writers offramed ? By the constitution of this coun- them are either controlled by some inrisi.

try, the people have a right to insist ble, unknown, unconstitutional influence,

upon the fullest information at all times re- that they are grossly ignorant of the disease

specting the bodily health of their Sove- from which his Majesty is suffering, or tharreign ; the office of King was established they wilfully withhold information which

for the good of the nation, and not for the public have a right to demand. Our

the benefit of any particular family. The previous statements upon this subject havecrown is held in trust for the people, and already produced throughout the kingdomits strength and security are deemed, at the utmost astonishment. Our exposure, in-least by all loyal men, the surest safeguards deed, of the secret workings within the pre.to the institutions of our present limited mo- cincts of the palace, has awakened universalnarchy. That " the King can do no wrong," attention ; has aroused an almost universalis a maxim to which all our best constitu- feeling of indignation against the magiciantional writers readily subscribe, and we do and his dingy and supple band. The casti.

not dissent from the doctrine. The irrespon- gations which this crew has already experi.sibility of the King has long been considered enced, have wrung from themcertainadmis.by the most eminent of legislators as the sions, which, indeed, almost amount to con-chief security of the throne ; for while it fessions of guilt. For example. It is al.

shields the regal office from attack, it throws leged as an excuse for the absence of all

the whole weight of responsibility attaching information in the bulletins, that they areto the execution of its duties upon the heads inspected by, or read to, His Majesty beforeof the King’s advisers,-individuals who, publication. Good God! is it possible thatof course, are amenable to the law. Who, the same system of delusion which has been

then, we demand, are his Majesty’s advis- so long practised upon the people, is in fullers on the present occasion ? Who are his re- operation upon the mind of his Majesty at

sponsible advisers ? Is his Majesty enthrall- this critical moment? Is it possible that heed and deluded! are the people to be insult- who holds the sceptre of this nation, and

ed, and is there no remedy to be found? who, unhappily, is labouring underadis.It is really surprising, all circumstances ease, from which: as we stated in our last,

considered, that Parliament has not, in some there is not a single instance of recoveryway or other, interfered and called for in- upon record,-is it possible, we say, that

formation at the hands of his Majesty’s mi- our Sovereign, thus circumstanced, is eachnisters, upon whom at last must fall, either day told by his confidential medical advisersthe inconvenience or the degradation result- that he has merely passed a "bad night;’ing from responsibility ; for we are not a "better night," a "good night;" tbataware that the oaths of the tribe of knights, his "SYMPTOMS" are "alleviated," that

oculists, and accoucheurs, by whom his his "embarrassment of breathing "islMs!Majesty is surrounded, are obligatory, fur- Now the magician and his satellites are

ther than relates to matters of court eti- here placed upon the horns of a dilemma,quette ; and the oath inductive to the from which to escape, without disgrace, oroffice of privy purse, we believe, differs something worse, is utterly impossivie.widely from that taken by a cabinet minister They either are acquainted, or they are notupon his entrance into omce. Who, then, is acquainted, with the disease ofcis.Majestt;responsible for issuing the bulletins? Who and the danger to which he is exposed. M

is responsible for their accuracy Now from the former, then are they guilty of having

THE WINDSOR MAGICIAN. 427

wilfully withheld the required informa- patient, and towards whom, on more than onetion from the public. If the latter, then occasion, that patient had expressed him-s:e they inadequate to the execution of the self in terms bordering on actual dislike.high duties committed to their charge. Is there not 11 invisible" influence ? The

From one of these piercing horns escape is bulletins alone, indeed, too clearly show us

impossible. Are such the advisers, then, that there is something wrong, and the

by whom his Majesty ought to be surround- sphere of the magician’s manoeuvres is not,ed? Though the magician may long since probably, confined to a sick-chamber, though.hare exclaimed with Richard, "None are for we trust that he is innocent of having hadme who pry into my deeds ; I’ll henceforth any share in certain recent plots against thedeal with shorter-sighted fools;" he may rest noble Premier. The Duke possesses too

assured, that the public dissatisfaction will much discrimination, and too high a sensecontinue undiminished, until the secret of honour, to endeavour to maintain by lowworkings within the palace have undergone intrigues the power which he has acquiredthe fullest investigation. It was doubtless by his frank, manly, and open conduct. If

convenient, and in strict accordance with he continue to pursue the straight-forward"invisible" influence and tactics, that a course that he has hitherto travelled, he

physician who had not seen his patient, may smile with contempt, without the aidshould daily sign the bulletins. Yet was of a magician, upon the serpentine move-this treatment of the public becoming ? Was ments of his enemies. It may be well,it proper also, that his Majesty in his criti- however, for his Grace, to employ a morecal situation should have been left in charge distrustful eye when within the purlieus of £

of a single medical attendant ? Many per- the palace, and to notice with especial caresons, indeed, can scarcely credit the fact, the falsehoods, omissions, and additions ofthat Sir Matthew Tierney really signed the Court Circular, a publication which iseither of the bulletins without having pre- concocted and arranged with the aid and

tiousiy ascertained the condition of his pa- assistance of Sir Frederick Watson, undertient. Such, nevertheless, is the fact, and "invisible" influence. By the way, Sir

we repeat it upon what we consider to be Frederick is one of the most accomplishedthe best authority. The attendance of Sir writers of the age, and has long been a

Henry Halford may have been deemed suf- dexterous labourer in the court vine-yard.ficient for medical and some other purposes; The veil which conceals the proceedingshe is a practical, physician, though un- of the palace from public view, is al-

known in the paths of science, and has long most as thick, dense, and impenetrable, asbeen considered an useful man at Court. We the’ globe itself. It seems to be a benighted,Inow not from what cause, but his Majesty’s enchanted castle, where none can thrive,

feelings during several days were, we un- if not enlisted under the banners of the

drrtand, very unfriendly towards Sir M. great magician, who, by his mysterious,Tierney, and had not the indisposition of Sir ‘ invisible," and irresistible influence, canW. Knighton rendered it necessary, in con- lay open by a single touch of his magicalformity with the arrangements of the magi- wand the deepest of its recesses, or rendercian, that Sir Matthew should become one of silent the most turbulent of its tongues. As stLe night-watch, it is a question, we appre- the enchanter works by 11 invisible" influ-

hend, whether he would again have felt ence, the public might well despair of everpulse of the royal sufferer. Strange to obtaining any knowledge of the means bytell, the bulletins were signed by a phy- which his extraordinary power has beensician who, for u time, had not seeu his acquired vnd exercised, were it not that

SIR ASTLEY COOPER.428

both he and his convenient agents will announced that a prescription, written bysoon have an opportunity afforded to them Sir Astley Cooper, had proved of essentialof giving, nay, there will speedily be ex- service to the late Duke of York; and atracted from them by the iron hand of the writer in a weekly journal has gone so far as aj

law, some account of their sybilline myste- to say, that Sir Astley himself had publishedries. The public will not be surprised to learn, 11 a contradiction to the falsehood," Bct

that a cause is now pending in the Court of being in the habit of seeing the publication,King’s Bench, which will require the at- the article did not attract our notice until

tendance of Sirs William Knighton, F. Wat- we read it in the columns of The Times.

son, W. Waller, H. Halford, M. Tierney, The members of the medical profession soand others of their grade and occupation. fully appreciate the erudition, scientificat.If we mistake not, the exhibition to be tainments, and veracity, of the writer in

presented on this occasion, will astound the question, that we are relieved from the trou.thinking part of the community, and must ble of commenting on, or of even perus.

claim, at last, the undivided attention of ing his hebdomadal effusions. The facts, as

Parliament. they relate to Sir Astley Cooper, are simplyHis Majesty, we regret to say, is in these :-On the 8th of January, 1827, there

as alarming a state as ever. The inteau- appeared a long article in the Morningments have been again punctured, but his Herald upon the subject of the militarybody and extremities, from the immense life, illness, medical and surgical treatmentcollection of water, are still enormously of the late Duke of York, and it contained

swollen. In the management of the Royal the following paragraph:-sufferer, the attendants experience consider- « The disease which proved fatal to hi,able difficulty in inducing him to take proper Royal Highness, it is now well ascertained,medicines, food, and drink. The King does was that species of dropsy which is teelini-medicines, food, and drink. The King cally called ascites. It had been for a I ongnot consider that his case is hopeless. From period coming on, and at length made isprivate information, however, we can only appearance in so formidable a shape as to

sa that althou h in our .. excite considerable alarm. HisllIalestcw-say, that although in our opinion ultimate sisted upon Sir A stley Cooper beingMtrecovery is impossible, immediate dissolu- for. The worthy Baronet, after his very firsttion is not inevitable. The medicines visit, had an interview with the Kiua, mtion is not inevitable. The which he stated, that the disease had au.which have been administered for some vanced to such a stage, and had produced atime past, have consisted chiefly of œther, much debility, that no possible hope ofulu.and the sedative tincture of opium.

mate recovery could be held out. He statedand the sedatlve tincture of opium. that the accumulation of water was so great,

that it would be excessively difficult to keep____________

it down, and that it was absolutely neces-sary to the relief of the Royal patient, thatthe inside of his legs should he punctured.

IT was currently reported at the west-end This was accordingly done, and a quautacof the town on Monday, tl Sir Astley

of serum was drawn off. In conjunction

Cooper had been sent for to his Majesty, were ordered to be taken internallc. 1’.a

in order that the Royal Sufferer might ex- fullowing prescription was, with some va-, riation, principally adhered to in the course

perience the benefit of the worthy Baronets of treatment :-medical and surgical skill. We regret to say, R Hydrarg. muriat. mitis, gr.quatuor;however, that the report proved to be un- Scillœ pulver., grana duodecim.founded, and that the King is still under the

Ft. pil. quatuor ; una sumenda omni rcet:.founded, and that the Ring is still under the R Camphorœ mist., unciam c. care only of the writers of the 11 bulletins." Ammonite carbon., gr. octo.;

We have given, it w ould appear, great f Æther. nitros. spirit., drachmam;We have given, it would appear, great of- Digital. tinct2taw, gutt. xx.

fence to the diploma-mongers, by having M, ft. haustus mane sumendus.

429

" Although this treatment had a good ef-fect in carrying away the serum through anatural channel, still the general debilitywent on by degrees, insomuch, that in aTfry short time the feet began to exhibit theappearance of decided gangrene. The punc-tures turned into ulcers, the sloughing ofwhich could not be prevented. Poulticesof various descriptions, such as the groundsof stale beer, the port wine, and the com-mon poultice, were applied, but the gan-greaous appearances did not give way. TheLiedical attendants had, therefore, no hopeof being able to do any thing more than toleep the ulcers as clean as possible, and as ’,far as they could, to ease the mind and body iof their Royal Patient."

The moment that Sir Astley Cooper hadperused this passage, he perceived that itcontained an outrageous attack upon his pro-fessional character; that the statements init relating to himself were entirely devoidof foundation ; and he felt that he ought notto lose a moment in calling upon the editorfor the amende honorable ; lie therefore im-

mediately addressed to that gentleman thefullowing note :-" Sir,-I appeal to your candour to con-

tradict the paragrapli in your paper of yes-terday (and which was probably copied fromsome other), respecting the medical treat.ment of his Royal Highness the Duke ofYork, as it contains a statement which hasno foundation in truth. I am, yours, &c.,

" ASTLEY COOPER."Spring Gardens, Jan. 9, 1817."The difference between our statement)

and that of the writer in The Herald, is

amply this:—We asserted that the RoyalDuke had derived great benefit from the

medicine prescribed by Sir Astley Cooper-The writer in The Herald alleged that the·’ punctures" made by Sir Astley Cooper(he did not make any) had turned into ul-(.ers, which subsequently mortif ed ; and, in4 v. , that the treatment pursued by the

Baronet, had caused tle death of the. Yet the supplicatory note which

Mr Astley addressed to the Editor, to be re-from the pain of so distressing alarge, is quoted by our contemporary as a

pubiished by the Baronet to contradicta report of bis having performed upon his

DUBS.-LONDON UNIVERSITY.

patient an almost miraculous cure. In a

word, the note, as it must be seen, refers

only to a disgraceful and undeserved attackupon Sir Astley Cooper’s character, andhas no more relation to his medicines for

the Duke of York, than to the Man in theMoou. Our respectable contemporary, we

suppose, is anxious to establish for himself

that peculiar character with the public,which he has so long enjoyed in the pro-

fession, and to convince all mankind that

his writings are not legitimate subjects forcomment.

If we had reiterated the report, that SirAstley had prescribed for the Duke of Yorkwith benefit, after the worthy Baronet hadhimself contradicted the assertion, our con-duct would have been exceedingly reprehen-sible ; we should indeed be undeservingthe confidence either of the profession or

of the public.In explanation of the angry feelings with

which this subject has been elsewhere dis-cussed, it may not be improper to remind ournon-professional readers, that Sir AstleyCooper is a surgeon, and the doctors are

anxious to have it believed that not one of

the worthy Baronet’s class is capable of

treating what is technically denominated amedical case. In a word, they fear fromthe success of Sir Astley Cooper, and sur-geons in general, in every department of theprofession, that the territories of the " Uni-

vetsity diplomatists" are invaded. Their

apprehensions come too late. They do notprecede, but follow the calamity. The dis-

tinctions between medicine and surgery are,

practically, at an end.-They exist only inname.

LONDON UNIVERSITY.

IN the professing department of this

institution there is much confusion, if not

open rebellion against the " constitutedauthorities." Two of the lecturers, we un-

derstand, have already resigned, or havebeen dismissed,