Of the correctness of his opinion I again say that I am fully convinced by the numerous cases that have occurred under my observation during the past quarter. In my practice the disease has been of the most malignant and alarming character, affecting all ages and sexes, those that have had the scarlet fever in its worst forms, as well as those who have never had it. Its commencement was generally insidious, often giving no premonitions that would alarm the most cautious mother, until the whole soft parts implicated were swollen to their utmost, very livid, and coated with a membrane that looked as though it had been produced by the introduction of a hot poker. In many of the cases the patients did not seem to be very ill, there being but little constitutional disturbance; in others there were fever, catarrhal symptoms and general restlessness. In some cases the tonsils and palate presented small yellow or whitish patches, which came off, leaving a deep scar, which sometimes bled considerably, sometimes but little.

Some of the cases presented large and hard swollen tonsils; in such cases the disease was generally of mild character. It was in those cases where all the soft parts of the fauces seemed to become filled with serum, and remained soft, and looked tepid and coated with a whitish brown membrane, that the greatest danger was to be apprehended. Secondary croup was a common though not a general sequela. When it did appear, it was always an alarming but not generally a fatal symptom. The duration of the disease was from three to ten days.

The treatment adopted by me consisted of various gargles freely used; small doses of sweet and castor oils, tepid herb and demulcent drinks; liniments to the outside of the throat, and various poultices, with a generous but fluid diet. Occasionally I applied mildly stimulating remedies to the parts with a camel's hair brush, but in no instance did I resort to what the good mothers call "swabbing."

In my practice but two deaths occurred, and yet candor compels me to say that the disease was very fatal, as I saw many in consultation, which terminated in this manner. And I must say in conclusion, that it has been the most alarming epidemic which has ever come under my observation, although I do not believe the disease to be contagious.

Dr. Kemp, practising in an opposite part of the county from Dr. Taylor, stated that an epidemic, similar in character to the one described by Dr. Taylor, had occurred in his neighborhood. He had seen many cases of it-some mild, others truly malignant. He thought it was different from scarlatina, and did not believe it to be contagious. When the cases were seen early, he had obtained good effect from the local application of a strong solution of nitrate of silver.

Dr. Taylor then read an interesting description of the post-mortem examination of a case of cancer of the pyloric extremity of the stomach. The patient had been under the care of a multitude of quacks of various hue, one and all of whom had treated him for dyspepsia; and not until he was seen by Dr. John Treon, of Miamisburg, was a correct diagnosis made. This was but a short time before death occurred. The examination confirmed the diagnosis, and was a triumph for rational medicine. Dr. T. indulged in some reflections upon the advantages which would have been derived by the patient, had he placed himself sooner under the care of a regular practitioner, even although he was suffering from an incurable disease.

Dr. Lamme read a paper upon the pathology, course, complications, symptoms and treatment of typhoid fever, with especial reference to epidemics of the disease which had fallen under his own observation. Remarks upon the paper and the subject in general were made by Drs. Taylor and Armor.

Dr. Taylor described the case of a patient from whom a cancerous tumor had been removed, and who was now suffering from a recurrence of the disease. He was anxious to obtain the opinion of members upon the question of another operation and upon the application of caustics.

In connection with this subject, Dr. McDermont related two cases of cancer, which had been placed under the care of quacks, who pursued the escharotic treatment exclusively in the treatment of this disease. In one case death followed very soon after the application of caustics to a tumor which was but insignificant in appearance when he saw it; the other patient was now on the verge of death.

Dr. Taylor also related a case of hæmorrhage occurring during parturition, to which he had been lately called. The patient was

nearly exhausted from the profuse loss of blood, which had saturated everything about her; she had been for ten hours under the care of an "Eclectic," who advised further delay, although the os uteri was fully dilated, and the unruptured membranes were protruding at the os externum. No presentation could be felt, but upon rupturing the membranes an arm immediately descended; the child was turned and safely delivered, the placenta removed, and the patient rescued from her imminent peril.

The society then adjourned.

Proceedings of the Newcastle Medical Society, Nov. 14, 1859. Reported by JOHN REA, M.D., Neweastle, Indiana.

The society met pursuant to adjournment-President in the chair. Officers all present; two members absent on calling the roll. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. Dr. W. F. Boor, being regular essayist for the meeting, read a paper on scarlatina. The object of the paper was to elicit something in relation to the prevailing epidemics of sore throat, arguing the analogy between the two diseases from two considerations: first, the epidemic that prevailed here was preceded by the anginose variety of scarlatina; and, secondly, the occasional eruption that accompanied the throat difficulty, notwithstanding it simulates a throat disease that has been and now is prevailing in different parts of the country, classified "diphtheria." Two hundred cases have been treated in this vicinity within the last eighteen months; and further, that the mortality has not been so great as has been noticed in some other places: nine cases died, and nearly all of these at the inception or the breaking out of the disease. Some of the cases assumed the true membranous form, and all that proved fatal had that peculiarity distinctly marked. However, all of the cases had the ash-colored spots and ulceration.

The question was left open for further consideration, and comparing the views of others in different locations. The question is, whether it is diphtheria or malignant scarlatina.

Dr. Mendenhall reported a case of fracture of the skull, which terminated favorably.

Drs. John Darr and William M. Resoner applied for membership, were recommended by the Censors, balloted for, and declared elected, and signed the constitution.

Dr. Darr was appointed to prepare and read a paper on the pathology and treatment of milk sickness, or sick stomach, at the next regular meeting.

On motion, the secretary was requested to prepare and forward a copy of the proceedings of this meeting to the Lancet and Observer for publication.

On motion, the society adjourned, to meet on the second Monday in April next.

[From the Medical and Surgical Reporter.]

Proceedings of the Philadelphia County Medical Society. Held October 12, 1859. Reported by W. B. ATKINSON, M.D. Dr. Coates presiding.

Subject for discussion-PATHOLOGY and Treatment OF TUBERCULOSIS.

[Concluded.]

In respect to the treatment of tuberculosis, Dr. Condie had but little to say, excepting to record his unqualified dissent from the doctrine so strongly advocated of late years by a few physicians, that the most effectual means for the cure of tuberculosis, of the lungs at least, consist in active exercise, free exposure, without much attention to the state of the weather, or season of the year, a diet composed chiefly of fat meats, rich broths, and gravies, with free indulgence in fermented or distilled liquors.

Dr. C. was no advocate for the old system of treating tubercular consumption, or any other form of tuberculosis, by confining the patient within doors, in a room kept day and night of a particular temperature, enveloping him in flannels, and feeding him on slops; nor for the more active treatment once in vogue, when consumption was ranked with the phlegmasiæ, by bleeding, blistering, antimonials and mercury. He was not so certain, however, that cases of tubercular bronchitis or pneumonia may not occur in which a well-timed application of cups at least, and repeated blistering, will not be found appropriate remedies, adapted to ameliorate urgent symptoms, and by keeping within bounds the inflammatory condition of the lungs, render greater the chance of an arrest of the existing disease. Dr. C. thought he had seen, in some instances, the application of dry cups to do good when any more positive depletion would have been inadmissable. Let this be as it may: Dr. C. was convinced, that, by forcing tuber

culous patients to partake of too much and too rude exercise, by exposing them indiscreetly to cold and damp, and over stimulating them by too full and rich diet, and the free use of alcoholic liquors, many have been hurried to their graves, whose lives might have been protracted, with a considerable amount of comfort and even enjoyment, by a more rational course of treatment. It is very true that many cases of pulmonary tuberculosis do occur, the advanced stages of which are attended with great prostration; and that, under such circumstances, as full and nourishing a diet as the stomach will tolerate, with the moderate use of wine, malt liquor or even brandy, will be found to act beneficially, and to prolong the patients' lives.

While Dr. C. could not be induced to view rude and protracted exercise, free exposure to the open air, at all seasons and in all weathers, with a full nourishing diet, as means proper to be resorted to in every case of fully developed tubercular disease, believing that under such circumstances their effects would be rather injurious than curative, particularly in the form with the complications under which tubercular disease of the lungs usually presents itself in this climate, he was, nevertheless, well persuaded that these very means, in conjunction with proper clothing, warm bathing, and frequent dry friction of the skin, are those best adapted to counteract to a very great degree, if not to eradicate the tubercular diathesis, in cases, too, in which this is strongly pronounced. Even in those instances in which we have good reasons for concluding that the formation of tubercles had already commenced in the lungs, daily active exercise in the open air, a full and nourishing diet, and cheerful but not too intense or prolonged mental occupation, are the means from which the most good is to be anticipated. It being always kept in mind, however, that tuberculous subjects are particularly subject to the mor bific influence of cold and dampness, as well as of over-fatigue, in order that they may be protected from the one, appropriate clothing during the exposure to the weather and the occupation of clean, dry, well ventilated apartments, of sufficient warmth, when in doors, should be insisted on; and from the other, the amount, kind and duration of the exercise should always be carefully adapted to the ability of endurance in the patient.

In favor of the curative powers of the cod-liver oil in cases of