9

New InventionsIN AID OF THE

PRACTICE OF MEDICINE AND SURGERY.

Stringfellow’s Electro-Galvanic Pocket Battery, for Medical

Purposes.THIS invention was cursorily mentioned in a report of the I

proceedings of a late meeting of the Medical and Chirurgical I

Society. The principal features in which it differs from formercontrivances consists in its being composed of a number of com-pound bars or plates, permanently arranged in series, one, two,or three of these forming a battery. One sufficiently large forpersonal use is composed of two of these series, or twenty-twobars, which will occasion a sensible shock; or under continuedapplication is powerful enough to cauterize the skin. Its powercan be so regulated as to supply an electric current of any lessintensity that may be required; and the efficiency of thesebatteries is shown by the fact, that one consisting of six

bars, excited by water alone, will decompose that fluid, and pro.duce a mild continuous current through any part of the body.These batteries are also constructed of much higher power; thevalue of which, from their ready application in urgent cases,as well as for various scientific purposes, cannot fail to be appre-ciated by all persons interested in, or acquainted with, thenumerous medical and other important uses to which electro-galvanism may be successfully applied.The portability and neatness of this battery is one of its re-

commendations. We feel assured that where electricity has beenfound beneficial, this miniature galvanic machine will prove ofvalue. It is easily employed, and well adapted for the relief ofnervous invalids.

Rettie’s Self-Acting Sewer-Traps for Gutters.

As many of our readers may feel anxious to have the meansof remedying one of the most unhealthy and disagreeable ofnuisances, we subjoin a wood-cut of " The Original Self-ActingTrap for Preventing the Stench arising in the Streets." Theyhave been now in use in London, by the order of the SanitaryBoard of Soho, and found most effectual in preventing the effluviafrom escaping; while at the same time mud or filth is effectuallyprevented from getting access in such quantities as to fill up thepipes or sewers. This arrangement is very simple; the waterpasses off at all times, keeping a continuous stream flowing,so that effluvia is kept under, and perpetually carried awaywith the water; and should it flood, or even the body of the trapget filled with rubbish, up to a certain height, the balance-arm,which is a weighted fixture, is then overcome, and the trap fallsand becomes empty, but returns instantly to its place. One ofthe greatest improvements of this invention is also that it is

effectually luted either in dry or wet weather, as the little silt

remaining proves a sufficient security in preventing any escape ofthe disgusting malaria or mud. The vitiation of the atmosphereof the City of London has so long been a matter of serious com-plaint, that we sincerely trust that the commissioners, if theycannot obtain money to effect great things, or large jobs, theymay at least remove what is in their power, and save many fromsickness and disease.

THE ROYAL CHRISTENING. — Dr. Lex and Dr.Haufmen, physicians to the King of Hanover, were amongstthe élite who were present on this interesting occasion.

ROYAL COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS.—LICENTIATESBY EXAMINATIONS.

To the Editor of THE LANCET.Sm,—Although one of the junior licentiates of the Royal

College of Physicians, I am one of your fellow-students atold Joshua’s, and in going to and fro upon the " briny deep"have seen a good deal of the world, men and things, Sir,cause and effect.

I have read your journal since 1823, and I have learnedperhaps as much from the perusal of its contents as observa-tion, or it may be by fusing the two; and it has just occurredto my mind that we (what a queer word we is !)-T mean thelicentiates of the said College-are much too modest.I presume, then, to suggest to you,-I, a mere Ramuscunculusin our noble profession, would humbly advise, gratuitously,-that as a large number of the present licentiates are not likelyto be admitted to the fellowship, we may be distinguished inthe new catalogues to be published after the new chartershall have been obtained, as licentiates or members by ex-amination !

It is very gratifying to me to know that up to this date notone of the licentiates has interfered with the letter-writersamongst the extras and others; and I have not one word tosay to them, except to recommend that they quietly submitto the generous offer made to them by the College of Physi-cians, and that they comply with the law as it will be esta-blished, gladly entering within the portals of the handsomehouse in Pall-mall, where occasionally we may meet and shakehands over a cup of coffee, as members of one great family.

I have the honour to subscribe myself. Sir, yours very truly,

L. R. C. P.,Hastings, June, 1853. late Surgeon, Royal Navy.

THE MEDICAL PROFESSION AND LIFE ASSURANCEOFFICES.

To the Editor of THE LANCET.SiR,-The other day I received two applications respecting the

state of health of a patient of mine, one from the Clerical, Medical,and General Life Assurance Office, with the usual fee of oneguinea, the other from the London Life Association, a copy ofwhich I subjoin:- .SIR,-Being desirous of effecting an assurance on my life, in

the London Life Association, I shall feel obliged if you willunreservedly give such answers to the annexed questions as yourknowledge of my present and general state of health and habitsof life enables 3 on to afford, affixing your signature thereto, andforwarding the same to the secretary of the association, No. 81,King William-street, London.-I am, Sir, your obedient servant,

The above is a printed form, sent from the office, and is clearlyan artful dodge to make the insurers beg from their medicalattendants what the directors ought to pay for.

I returned the following answer, of which no notice has beentaken :-

-

SiR,-In reply to a printed circular, purporting to come from, but really sent by the directors of the London LifeAssociation, requesting my opinion as to the health of ,for the benefit of the said directors, I beg to say that on the pay-ment or promise of the usual fee of one guinea, I will imme-diately return your circular properly filled up.

I am, Sir, your obedient servant,

This is the same office referred to in THE LANCET for April 30,page 417, in a communication signed " R. J. H." ; but you willperceive that the tone of the circular is considerably altered, andpossibly, by frequent exposures of their shabbiness, the directorsmay at last be induced to pay for their medical opinions, insteadof seducing their insurers into begging for them.

I enclose my card, and am, Sir, your obedient servant,June, )853. CHIRURGUS.

TESTIMONIAL OF RESPECT.—On Friday, June 24th,at a meeting of the Governors of the Rochdale General Dis-pensary, on the occasion of the resignation of blr. JamesEdward Neild, there was presented to him a valuable case ofinstruments, with the following inscription:" Presented bythe Governors of the Rochdale General Dispensary to Mr.James Edward Neild, for the zealous and faithful performanceof his duties as house-surgeon during a period of three years.June, 1853." There was also at the same time given to hima certificate expressive of the confidence and approval of themedical staff.