back, the cotton exposed, and by twisting or turning the proximal end of the rod the medicated cotton is made to sweep over the uterine surface.

I prefer, however, to use the instrument in a different manner, and without the cotton wrapping.

The small cut represents a section of the distal end of the canula, with a piston or washer fixed on the rod one inch from the bulbous end. This piston is made to fit the canula snugly, and to act like the piston of a syringe. Now, let the rod and piston be pushed forward, as seen in the large cut, then dip it into iodine or other fluid, and while immersed, push forward the canula up to the bulbous end, you then have imprisoned from five to ten drops of the fluid between the piston and the bulb. If the instrument be introduced up to the fundus of the uterus, and while the rod is held steadily at that point the canula be retracted, the fluid is turned loose in the most gentle manner in the cavity of the organ without the force which necessarily accompanies the action of a syringe. There is no force exerted on the walls of the uterus, but the fluid is imbibed or attracted from the wires on all sides, while the solid bulb alone rests upon the parietes of the organ. Ointments, if preferred, may be used

in the same way.

This instrument avoids, it seems to me, the dangers of the syringe, performs very thoroughly all the duties of an applicator, and if the uterus cannot be safely medicated in this way, I see no reason to hope for safety based upon any mechanical invention. Very respectfully and truly yours,

J. C. NOTT, M. D., No. 50 west Twenty-second street, New York.

BURLINGTON, KY., March 10, 1871.

Editor of Richmond and Louisville Medical Journal:

In the February number of your very valuable periodical, page 192, I see an article entitled "Manual Pressure Applied through the Rectum as a Substitute for Forceps in Breech Presentation;" by John E. Walker, M. D.

The first case he mentions came under his care in 1867. I fully endorse the correctness of his treatment; but object to his claim to originality. The nature of such cases naturally suggests digito-rectal pressure. I treated cases of this kind, as he directs in the article referred to, first in 1852, and have continued it, more or less, to the present time. Never used the forceps in this presentation.

REVIEWS AND BIBLIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES.

"Judex damnatur cum nocens absolvitur."

ART. I. THE HEALTH AND WEALTH OF WHEELING, ETC. By JAMES E. REEVES, M. D. 1867.

This work is prepared by the Health officer of the city of Wheeling. Some idea may be formed of its value by the following recapitulation of the subjects examined by him: Importance of sanitary science; geographical position; medical botany; geological stratification; climate; ethnography; topography; drainage, and sewerage; ventilation of public and private dwellings; water and water supply; advantages to a city of the earth-closet system; gas and gas nuisances; dangerous keroseme; slaughter-houses; soap factories; manufactories; alimentation (aliment?); schools and colleges; hospitals; marriages, births and deaths; biographies of physicians; medicines; the social evil; criminal abortion; vaccination, and epidemics.

This report is in every respect creditable to Dr. Reeves, both as a physician and a Health officer. While many of the views and principles advocated by him in discussing the interesting and important subjects which have been recapitulated may be justly subjected to criticism, it is fair and proper to say that

they are presented with discrimination and good judgment. Indeed, if the views of a writer are sufficiently positive upon any subject to make such views distinct and decided, it is impossible that they could be so presented as to escape criticism; they would, however, be more valuable on this account, for negative reports, like negative characters in life, unprofitably occupy space, and this single fact is all that characterizes them; it is profitless to notice or examine them.

Dr. Reeves's report is in many respects admirable, and a fit model for those occupying similar positions. He is not content to have his office a sinecure; nor is he willing to be an insignificant parasite on the municipal body. He has proved himself to be an excellent officer. He has educated the public mind. He has increased its appreciation of the calling and value of the physician. He has instructed, protected, and benefited the community which he represents.

It is to be regretted that Dr. Reeves has given so very brief, almost insignificant, a summary of the life of Dr. S. P. Hul- . lihen. When a medical man has been so useful, so distinguished, so noble, so bright an exemplar as to have the community in which he lived erect over his resting-place a monument with this inscription, "Erected by the Citizens of Wheeling to the Memory of one who so Lived among them that they Mourned his Death as a Public Calamity," it is fitting, it is only proper, where one directs the public mind to his life, that the tribute should be worthy of the subject, and just to the dead. This has not been done.

Dr. Reeves's work will be read with interest and profit by all.

ART. II.-THE CHANGE OF LIFE IN HEALTH AND DISEASE INCIDENTAL TO WOMEN AT THE DECLINE OF LIFE. By EDWARD JOHN TILT, M. D. From the third London edition. Philadelphia: Lindsay and Blakiston. 1871.

It is unjust to the merits of this work to accord to it so brief

a notice. It fully deserves a long review. This is impracticable at present, and during the delay occuring the profession would not have their attention directed to a volume which should be, as soon as practicable, in the library of every physician. As a clinician, Dr. Tilt is very superior. His work is an embodiment of great facts. His deductions and conclusions are interesting and most valuable. There is no work upon this subject of equal value before the public. It is placed before the American public for the first time, though three editions have been published in London. It is admirably issued, and will command success.

ART. III. PRACTICAL ANATOMY. A MANUAL OF DIRECTIONS. By C. HEATH, F. R. C. S., etc. First American from the second English edition. Edited with additions. By W. W. KEEN, M. D., Jefferson Medical College. Phiadelphia: Henry C. Lea. 1871.

There is no doubt but that this work is the best possible guide for the practical anatomist which can be obtained at the present time. It is abundantly and beautifully illustrated. The style is lucid and the phraseology concise. The directions are simple, easily comprehended, and ample. The additions made are the result of practical observation and matured experience. In the appendix there is given an admirable series of directions for making all kinds of injections, dry and wet preparations, with all of those desirable minutiæ so acceptable and valuable in the dissecting room. The work is admirably pub lished. It will become a favorite work, if not an exclusive guide.

CHEMICAL AND PHARMACEUTICAL.

Diruit, ædificat, mutat."---HOR.

BY THOMAS E. JENKINS, M. D.

CHLORAL-HYDRATE AS AN EXTERNAL REMEDY.

When chloral-hydrate is applied to the skin and kept in contact therewith for a certain time, it is found to induce redness, and to cause pain, and if contact be prolonged, a bad and difficultly healing sore will result from the action of the irritant. The mucous surfaces of the nose and eyes are especially sensitive to the action of this agent. The burning sensation is like that produced by a cataplasm of strong mustard; at the same time a sedative effect is percerved which obtunds to some extent the smarting, while it does not prevent an excessive irritation of the skin. It does not blister, but the part becomes much inflamed, and more or less swollen, and, according to the duration of the application, a simple reddening of the skin is observed, or a suppuration extending through several weeks may ensue.

To apply chloral-hydrate as an irritant, it should be finely powdered, and evenly and thickly spread upon adhesive plaster of the proper size, leaving a clean margin of an inch wide all round. For its rubefacient effect, leave the plaster on for half an hour, as an irritant and to produce suppuration, six hours' time will be necessary. Delicate skins require less time, while thick and hard skins require a longer time to produce the desired effect.

THE LITHIUM-SPECTRUM USED TO DETECT PRIVY DRAINAGE INTO WELLS.

Well water does not contain an appreciable amount of lithia salts, and when a dram or two of a soluble salt of this alkali is put into a privy it will follow the drainage of the privy, and will be easily and surely found in the water of a well, if the drainage