intestinal canal, the small amount of digestible matter was, of course, removed; but getting into the colon, and lower down, the aggregation of huge masses of a thing like chopped hay took place-in some fatal moment the rectum refused to act. Medicine seemed but to aggravate all the sufferings, till mechanical means, especially in women, had unloaded the cells of the rectum. The miserable creatures, the subjects of the disease, tossed about in the wildest agony; the hands pressing the lower part of the abdomen. Days and nights passed in this way without relief. Everything but aggravated their sufferings. Stuping, &c., was tried, all in vain. The rectum pressing on the bladder, new tortures were added. A horrid sanious matter escaped, and gave out the most horrible stench; tenesmus and bearing down filled up the list of horrors. The disease is quite a new one ; and, as it is not impossible it may arise from other causes besides the one specified, may be worthy of recollection.

KINDRED QUACKS.

I OVERHEARD two matrons grave, allied by close affinity,
(The name of one was Physic, and the other's was Divinity,)

As they put their groans together, both so doleful and lugubrious:-
Says Physic, "To unload the heart of grief, ma'am, is salubrious:
Here am I, at my time of life, in this year of our deliverance;
My age gives me a right to look for some esteem and reverence.
But, ma'am, I feel it is too true what everybody says to me,-
Too many of my children are a shame and a disgrace to me."
'Ah!" says Divinity, "my heart can suffer with another, ma'am;
I'm sure I can well understand your feelings as a mother, ma'am.
I've some as well,-no doubt but what you're perfectly aware on't, ma'am,
Whose doings bring derision and discredit on their parent, ma'am."
"There are boys of mine," says Physic, " ma'am, such silly fancies
nourishing,

As curing gout and stomach-ache by pawing and by flourishing."
"Well," says Divinity," I've those who teach that Heaven's beatitudes
Are to be earned by postures, genuflexions, bows, and attitudes."
"My good-for-nothing sons," says Physic, "some have turned hydro-
pathists;

Some taken up with mesmerism, or joined the homeopathists."

"Mine," says Divinity," pursue a system of gimcrackery, Called Puseyism, a pack of stuff, and quite as arrant quackery."

Says Physic, "Mine have sleep-walkers, pretending, through the hide of you,

To look, although their eyes are shut, and tell you what's inside of you.” "Ah!" says Divinity, "so mine, with quibbling and with cavilling,

Would have you, ma'am, to blind yourself, to see the road to travel in." "Mine," Physic says, "have quite renounced their good old pills and potions, ma'am,

For doses of a billionth of a grain, and such wild notions, ma'am."

So," says Divinity, "have mine left wholesome exhortation, ma'am, For credence tables, reredoses, rood-lofts, and maceration, ma'am." "But hospitals," says Physic, "my misguided boys are founding, ma'am." "Well," says Divinity," of mine the chapels are abounding, ma'am." "Mine are trifling with diseases, ma'am," says Physic, "not attacking them."

"Mine," says Divinity, "instead of curing souls, are quacking them."

PHARMACOLOGY.

No. XXXIII.
STIMULANTS.

(Continued from page 158.)

Camphora,-Camphor, the Camphor Trec,-Laurus Camphora,—a native

of the East Indies,-yields from its wood and leaves a peculiar concrete, which by means of dry distillation affords the officinal camphor. The odour is readily recognised-it is strong, peculiar, and fragrant; the taste is aromatic and bitter, accompanied by a sensation of cold; it is volatile, white, semi-lucent, brittle, but not easily reduced to powder; it is soluble in alcohol, æther, oils, vinegar, and, in a very small degree, in water; it is also much lighter than water. The medicinal properties of camphor are many: it is stimulant, diaphoretic, and sedative; applied externally, it is anodyne. It is used in typhus, in malignant sore throat, in confluent small-pox, and eruptive fevers of a typhoid type; in atonic gout, and as an adjunct to bark and opium in checking mortification. The dose is from three grains to a scruple, made into a powder with sugar, or in a mixture with mucilage or almond confection. The effects of an over-dose are counteracted by opium. Externally, it allays the pain of rheumatism and other deep-seated inflammations, when dissolved in oil and employed as an embrocation.

Mistura Camphora,-Camphor Mixture,-is made by rubbing half a drachm of camphor with ten drops of spirits of wine, and then adding gradually a pint of water. A wine-glassful, with the addition of half a drachm of the compound spirits of lavender, is a grateful stimulus in faintings and hysterical fits. Camphor mixture is more frequently employed as a vehicle for other remedies than prescribed for its own absolute value.

Tinctura Camphora,-Spiritus Camphora,-Tincture of Camphor,—is prepared by dissolving five ounces of camphor in two pints of spirits of wine. It is only used externally; applied to chilblains, and in cases of chronic rheumatism and numbness, it frequently affords great relief. It is decomposed by water, which combining with the spirit, precipitates the camphor.

Tinctura Camphora Composita,-Compound Tincture of Camphor,-Elixir of Paregoric. See page 110. Linimentum Camphora,-Camphor Liniment.-Dissolve an ounce of camphor in four fluid ounces of olive oil. This is an excellent stimulant and anodyne embrocation for indolent glandular swellings, sprains, bruises, and joints affected with chronic rheumatic pains. Linimentum Camphora Compositum,-Compound Camphor Liniment,-is prepared by distilling a solution of ammonia and spirit, by a slow fire, and afterwards dissolving camphor in the distilled fluid. This preparation is used for the same purposes as the former, but is much more powerful, on account of the ammonia which it contains. Moschus,-Musk.-This powerful and odoriferous drug and well-known perfume is obtained from the preputial sac under the belly of the Moschus moschiferus, a species of deer inhabiting the alpine mountains of the east of Asia. The medicinal action of musk is stimulant, antispasmodic, and diaphoretic: it is employed in spasmodic affections, as hysteria, hiccough, hooping-cough, locked-jaw, and epilepsy. The late Dr. Anthony Todd Thompson says, "I have seen it, when given to the extent of half a drachm three times a day, stop the fits in an old and confirmed case for three months." In typhus attended with sudden and irregular twitches of the tendons; in cholera it cheeks the vomiting; and it arrests the progress of gangrene. It raises the pulse, and excites the nervous system without heating. The dose is from two grains to half a drachm, administered in the form of pills. Mistura Moschi,-Musk Mixture,-is prepared by rubbing three drachms of musk, of powdered gum arabic, and sugar, in a pint of rose-water. This is a very convenient mode of exhibiting musk. The dose is haif an ounce to two ounces, every four or five hours. The late Mr. White, of Manchester, found the musk mixture, combined with ammonia, spirit of lavender, and spirit of juniper, of great utility in sloughing phagedenic ulcers of a syphilitic strumous nature. Assafetida,-Assafætida Gummi Resina,-Assafetida.-This is a fetid gumresin, smelling strongly of garlic, which exudes from the root of the Ferula Assafoetida. It occurs massive and in tears. It was used by the ancients as an article of cookery, under the name of laserpitium ; it has also been called opium Cyrenaicum, or juice from Cyrene. Its medicinal action is stimulating, antispasmodic, and expectorant; when injected into the rectum, it destroys worms seated there. It is prescribed in cases of hysteria, asthma. difficulty of breathing, hoopingcough, and tympanitis, or distension of the abdomen with wind,-"dry dropsy," or "wind-dropsy."

(To be continued.)

HINTS FOR HEALTH.

EAT SLOWLY.

Those who wish to enjoy health must eat slowly; for, when we eat too fast we introduce a greater quantity of food into the stomach than the gastric juice can at once combat with; the consequence of which is, that hunger may continue for some time after the stomach has received more than would be sufficient, under the circumstances, to induce satiety.

LONG FASTING.

The general effects of long fasting are highly injurious frequently they are destructive of life. They are chiefly feelings. of great debility, fear, delirium, violent passion alternating with deep despondency. In general the temperature of the body falls several degrees; the respiration becomes foetid, the secretion of the kidneys acrid and burning, and, according to Magendie and Collard, bloody, and the stomach is found contracted after death.

66
TO MINISTER TO A MIND DISEASED."

If the mind be disturbed or enfeebled by moral causes, the true remedies are to be found in the belief of what is true, and the doing of what is right. Even if the body be compelled to suffer through the mind, as it often is, still the cure to be worth having must commence on the source of the evil. Many such circumstances, to seek relief from stimulants which raise an unsubstantial happiness, or from narcotics which render the moral perceptions and powers dull and dormant, in proportion as they soothe and lull the feelings, must be considered to be amongst the greatest of criminal mistakes, even if there were no ulterior consequences, both mental and bodily, which it is plainly wrong to provoke. It is impossible to specify the exact circumstances under which it may be beneficial to take a moderate allowance of alcoholic stimulus, or to employ any artificial mode of acting on the mind. There are undoubtedly many cases of languor and depression which would disqualify for the discharge of duty, if it were not for the temperate excitement of the powers which is procured by wine or malt liquors.

HARICOT BEANS.

ADVERTISEMENTS.

TO PRIVATE FAMILIES.-PRESERVE your HEALTH. Hundreds of Medical Men have already provided themselves, for their own wear, with MARK WICK'S CHEST PROTECTOR, RESPIRATOR, has its true name. The attention of the Medical Profession is directed to and SHOE SOCKS. They are unequalled in value. The Chest Protector the "Edinburgh Monthly Journal of Science;" in the October number, they will discover valuable information, of the effect of Spongio Piline, from the pen of the eminent Dr. Christison. Mark wick's Impermeable Piline Gloves in Kid, Leather, or Cloth, for Prevention and Cure of Chapped Hands. These Gloves are the warmest known; all should possess them. Wholesale of the Epithem Company, 32, King William Street, City. Retail, by Chemists and Hosiers.

NEVILL'S PATENT FLOUR of LENTILS, an Arabica Food for Invalids and Infants, possessing natural restorative properties for Indigestion, Constipation, and all derangements of the Stomach, Liver, distends or turns acid on the delicate stomach of Invalid or Infant. Health Intestines, &c. By this pleasant, nutritious, and agreeable Food which never is preserved without medicine, inconvenience, or expense. Sold by Chemists, Grocers, &c., in Canisters, 1 lb. 1s., 3 lb. 2s. 9d., 6 lb. 5s. 3d., 12 lb. 10s. Manufactured and sold Wholesale by Nevill and Co., 12, Liverpool Street, King's Cross, London. A 12 lb. Canister sent carriage FREE 100 miles for 10s.; and to any part of the Kingdom for 11s. A full Disclosure and Analysis of Du Barry's Revalenta is now published. TRUSSES.-S. SMITH, Truss Maker, 1, High Holborn, three doors from Gray's Inn Lane, respectfully announces to the Public that TRUSSES can be had at his Establishment at the following Low Prices:-Double Trusses, 16s. each; Single Ditto, &s.

Belts, Back-boards, Dumb-bells, Wooden Legs, Crutches, Supports for Weak

Manufacturer of Lace Stockings, Knee-caps, Suspensory Bandages, Riding

ened Legs, and all Instruments and Apparatus for the Cure of Deformities. Mrs. Smith attends on Ladies.

THE

HE TEETH.-MR. SMARTT, DENTIST AND CUPPER, 25, Sun Street, Bishopsgate, London, invites attention to his IMPROVED ARTIFICIAL TEETH. They are fixed without extracting the roots of the previous Teeth, no pain is caused, they defy detection by the most scrutinising observer, and are guaranteed to answer all the purposes of mastirestoring facial beauty, and enabling the patient to speak with fluency and cation, filling up the void produced by the loss of the natural Teeth, thereby comfort. Irregularities and deformities of the Teeth removed when practicable. MR. SMARTT attends at 25, Harmer Street, Gravesend, every Friday.

THE

Dr. Yeoman's Medical Publications.

Volume I. is now ready, price 4s., in strong and elegant cloth, HE PEOPLE'S MEDICAL JOURNAL and FAMILY PHYSICIAN. This work contains complete monographs on Diseases of the Chest (except "Consumptiou" and "Asthma," which are now publishing in Vol. II.); Diseases of the Heart; the Diseases of Women and Children; Diseases and Management of the Teeth; Rheumatism; Gout; Indigestion; Headache; Worms; the Anatomy and Physiology of the Organs of Sense, &c. &c.

Price 2s., by post 2s. 6d.

some change of diet from green vegetables and potatoes, possess

ing in the highest degree nutritious and strengthening proper ties, and not subject to waste or injury from keeping in store. According to Sir H. Davy and Liebig, potatoes and other vegetables yield 8 per cent. nutriment. Haricot beans, by the same authorities, give 92 parts out of every 100; in fact, more nutriment than any other vegetables, pulse, or farinaceous substance known.

To cook plainly as a vegetable, the best method is to soak them over night, and boil slowly about two hours. Changing the water once or oftener will improve the colour. The increase in quantity will be about three-fold, especially if good dry old Haricot.

STHMA, BRONCHITIS, INFLUENZA, and CATARRH; the Causes, Symptoms, and Rational Treatment.

Price 2s., by post 2s. 6d.

Causes, Symptoms, & Rational Treatment; with the Means of Prevention.
Second Edition, price 4d., by post 6d.

INDIGESTION, CONSTIPATION, NERVOUSNESS,

AND LOW SPIRITS.

The Causes, Symptoms, and Rational Treatment.
Price 4d., by post, 6d.

HEADACHES. Their Varieties, Causes, Symptoms, and

Rational Treatment.

Now Ready, price 4d.; by post 6d., the OF ERROR. Their Symptoms, Varieties, Effects, and Rational Treatment.

It

London published by the AUTHOR, 25, Lloyd Square; and sold by GEORGE VICKERS, Strand; and all Booksellers and Newsvendors. is requested that all orders for copies to be sent by post may be forwarded to the Author, so as to insure punctual dispatch.

ΤΟ CORRESPONDENTS. NOTICE. All communications for the Editor must be addressed, pre-paid, to his house, No. 25, LLOYD-SQUARE.

THE EDITOR is at home every day until One o'clock; and on the evenings of Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, from Seven till Nine.

DRAWINGS OF THE HUMAN BODY,
In Health and in Disease.

WE purpose to commence, in our third volume, Jan. 4, 1851, a Series of
Illustrations of the ANATOMY AND PATHOLOGY OF THE HUMAN BODY.
We have obtained the valuable assistance of MR. HENNING, who as
an artist enjoys an European fame, and who, for many years, was
the favorite draughtsman of the late Sir Astley Cooper: his drawings
will be engraved on wood by a gentleman who, in his branch of art,
is second to none.
Each number of the Journal will contain one or
more Engravings of some important organ or structure, and will be
accompanied by a description of the part delineated, and the physiology
of its function; in writing which, we shall continue to bear in mind that
"a technical term unexplained is a dark spot on the field of literature;
explained, it is a clear and steady light."

Notwithstanding the increased expense which the Editor will incur, it is not his intention to increase the price of the Journal. May he, therefore, respectfully ask for the continued support of his present subscribers, and beg that they will, individually, introduce his periodical to the immediate circle of their acquaintance? A SUBSCRIBER AB INITIO (Hull) must know that we do not answer communications similar to his in this column, and that we do not advise gratuitously in mischances arising from vice, folly, or indiscretion. MARIA B.-It is a neuralgic affection, a modification of tic doloureux. the pain is always referable to the same tooth, and if the tooth be in the least decayed, get it extracted.

If

CALEB WILLIAMS.-See answer to A SUBSCRIBER AB INITIO in this

number.

ASTHMA. We shall commence a series of papers on this disease in our next.

EPSILON (Oxford).-The origin of the word "Quack" is not ascertained. Johnson derives it from the verb "to quack, or gabble like a goose." Butler uses this verb as descriptive of the encomiums empirics heap upon their nostrums. Thus in Hudibras:"

Believe mechanic Virtuosi

Can raise them mountains in Potosi,

Seek out for plants with signatures
To quack of universal cures.

The late Dr. Parr defined the word "Quack" to be applicable to every
practitioner who, by pompous pretences, mean insinuations, and in-
direct promises, endeavours to obtain that confidence to which neither
education, merit, nor experience entitle him.

S. T. (Edgeware Road).-So long as you despond, so long will your health suffer. "A merry heart doeth good like medicine; but a broken spirit drieth the bones."-Proverbs xvii. 22.

F. J. H.-"Psychology"-pronounced "si-kol-o-je"-signifies a description of the intellectual and moral faculties.

JAMES HEWLETT (Manchester).—The quack nostrum sold under the name of" Daffy's Elixir" is only the compound tincture of senna, with the addition of treacle, aniseeds, and elecampane root. Different kinds of quack trash are sold under the names of Dicey's Daffy and Swinton's Daffy; but they differ merely in some subordinate minutiæ or unimportant additions.

HENRY ROUSE.-We have read the pamphlet against the use of salt; it is the fad of an enthusiast. The proverb says, "If you take away the salt, throw the meat to the dogs;" and so say we.

AN INVALID (Chester).-Take, dilute nitric acid, forty drops; tincture of hyosciamus, two drachms; infusion of pareira, eight ounces. Mix. Dose, three table-spoonsful, three or four times a day.

X. Y. Z. (Gateshead).-Syphilitic eruptions are recognised by the colour, which is coppery; by the form, which is circular; and by the situation, which is most commonly the face, forehead, nose, the back, and shoulders. Of course the previous history of the case will confirm or refute the diagnos s. See THE DISEASES OF ERROR.

A GRATEFUL PATIENT.-We thank you for your good wishes, but must decline inserting your letter; it is rather too complimentary. Your gratitude is honourable to yourself, and, we hope, justice to us. ALFRED READ (Hackney).-Read the articles on GOUT in Nos. 10, 11, 12, 13.

ROBERT W.-Sir Astley Cooper has been dead many years. His nephew, Mr. Bransby Cooper, practises as a surgeon.

AN ARTIST.-Dr. Epps is an homoeopathist, a politician, and a preacher ! Utrum horum mavis accipe?

DAVID E. F (Trowbridge) can only be answered privately.

NEVILL'S REVALENTA BISCUITS.-We beg to direct the attention of our readers to these light, digestive biscuits; they are admirably adapted to invalids and delicate children, also to sufferers from indigestion. They are an excellent article for luncheon, and as a wine-biscuit we consider them superior to Pursell's. Messrs. Nevill inform us that they may be obtained at any respectable grocer's or confectioner's, in canisters containing one, two. or five pounds.

A.

J.

T. (Clerkenwell).-In No. 7, in answer to ROBERT HAWSON, we gave the following reply, which is equally applicable to you:-"We do not profess to give advice, indiscriminately, without fee; there is a wide difference between honest poverty and poverty of spirit. The former will always meet with the utmost consideration at our hands, and our services will be cheerfully rendered. Will your lawyer preserve your property without his charges'? Why should a medical man who preserves your health be the only man who is expected to work, brain and hand, gratis? The labourer is worthy of his hire,' whether he be a baker, tailor, or doctor."

BRICE.-We never prescribo for those who reside within a "stonethrow" of our own house, without personally examining the invalid. WILLIAM ANDERSON (Lambeth).-If the advice be not worth coming for, it cannot be worth having.

A

P.

A

R.

A

CLERK (Deritend).—Such cases are within the scope of our practice. Every surgeon should be a physician, and every physician should be a surgeon. The only branch of medicine we do not practise is practical midwifery. Night attendances would send the Editor to Kensal Green Cemetery in a month.

(Coventry).-The symptoms are common to chronic bronchitis, as well as to consumption. If you will send to us your address, we will forward to you a few questions which will enable you, in your reply, to describe the case accurately.

SHIPWRIGHT (Baxtergate, Whitby).—The accumulation of the filth must be most insalubrious. Have you an inspector of nuisances in your town? If so, apply to him. A scavenger's cart will be more useful than tons of "disinfecting agents."

T.-If you wish to know the real character of the despicable creatures. who rob the unwary and the indiscreet, refer to our articles on ADVERTISING QUACKS in Nos. 2, 4, 5, 24, and 33.

TEACHER (Bridgwater).-Take an electuary thus composed :-Flowers of sulphur, four drachms; cream of tartar, two drachms; confection of senna, two ounces; oil of cloves, four drops. Mix well together. Dose, a dessert spoonful every morning; gradually diminish the quantity. Anoint the hands with glycerine.-Second: Indigestion does not always arise from repletion or gross diet: a deficiency of food, or food insufficiently nutritious, even being "so very particular and abstemious," may cause the "tightness and fulness" of which you complain. Falstaff says, "Fasting is a wir.dy occupation."

RICHARD STRONG (Halifax).-We certainly have heard of the toothache being cured by smoke, but have no personal knowledge of its efficacy. It may be tried easily in this way:-Place the bowl of a clean tobacco pipe in the fire until it is red hot; then put in it a pinch of henbane seed; invert the broad part of a common funnel over the bowl, and apply the tube against the affected tooth so that the smoke arising from the seed may be applied directly to the decayed spot.

A POOR MAN.-We published a long article on INFLUENZA in No. 5. ***If any of our readers experience difficulty in getting back numbers" of the PEOPLE'S MEDICAL JOURNAL, which are always in stock, or if persons residing in remote places suffer any delay in obtaining the current numbers, we shall feel greatly obliged if they will communicate directly with us, when we will employ our best exertions to remedy the evil.

THE article on DISEASES OF ARTISANS is unavoidably omitted this week, in consequence of the pressing engagements of the Editor. HEALTH OF LONDON DURING THE WEEK ending Saturday, Nov. 9.Deaths registered in the metropolitan districts, which in the two preceding weeks were respectively 845 and 945, numbered last week 921. The mortality from inflammation of the lungs and asthma nearly equals the average; that from bronchitis exceeds it; and though the deaths from all diseases are diminished, as compared with last week's return, those from that class of complaints of which the above are the most important, have increased. Consumption has been less fatal than usual. Fever is now the epidemic most productive of fatal results; last week 55 persons, of whom about half were of middle age, were its victims. Eleven children died of small-pox, besides a man who had nearly attained the age of sixty; 22 of measles, 23 of hooping-cough, 33 of scarlatina, 7 of croup. A boy twenty-two months old died from loss of blood caused by the application of leeches to the

throat.

London: Printed by CHARLES ADAMS, at his Printing Office, 8 St. James's Walk, Clerkenwell, and published, for the Proprietor, by GEORGE VICKERS, Strand.

No. 48.-VOL. II.]

ASTHMA.

No. 1.

BY T. H. YEOMAN, M.D.

ASTHMA, in familiar language, has a most comprehensive signification, as difficulty of breathing, from whatever cause it may arise, is generally described by this term. Asthma, properly so called, is confined to that condition of disordered respiration in which the difficulty of breathing is temporary, but recurring frequently, accompanied by a wheezing sound and sense of constriction in the chest, with cough and expectoration; it is, in fact, that state which is known by the vulgar phrase, broken-wind. Asthma is the result of a nervous, spasmodic constriction of the bronchial tubes, which constriction extends to the muscles of respiration. This theory of asthma was for a considerable time denied, and it was then said to be caused by the infarction, or clogging up, of the bronchial tubes with a superabundant effusion of mucus. As the disease so seldom proves fatal during a paroxysm, the opportunities of examining the state of the lungs after death have consequently been rare; and when effected, little or no trace of actual disease or disorganization of the lungs has been discovered. Laennec says "I have met with many cases in which it was impossible, after the most minute search, to find any organic lesion whatever to which the asthma could be referred." And Ferrus, who tells us that he spent fifteen years in hospitals, says he has not met with a single dissection which could be fairly considered as exhibiting the results of simple or idiopathic asthma.

If the examination of the lungs and their appendages in persons who have died of this disease has shed no light on its precise pathology, yet the minute dissection of the healthy lung has fully confirmed the possibility of asthma being a spasmodic disease, and the probability that all other theories are erroneous. Reisseissen, of Berlin, was the first who ascertained the existence of a set of complete circular fibres around the bronchial tubes, which begin at the point where the cartilaginous rings terminate, and Laennec conceives that the spasmodic contraction of these fibres prevents the transmission of air to a great portion of the lungs. The assertion of Sir John Floyer, himself an asthmatic, fully confirms this hypothesis, and furthermore that the constriction of the chest is not caused by the infarction of mucus. He says, "The lungs do not appear to be much oppressed with phlegm before the fit; and, at the end of the fit the straitness goes off before any considerable quantity is spit up." In some cases of dry convulsive asthma there is but little mucus, sometimes none, expectorated from the beginning to the end of the paroxysm; the suddenness of the attack, its abrupt departure, frequently without leaving any succeeding annoyance, must also be considered proofs of its spasmodic nature.

Y

THE CAUSES.

[ONE PEN NY

Asthma is a disease of middle and advanced life rather than of youth; it attacks either sex indiscriminately, although more common in the male than the female; it pervades all classes, and is not peculiar to any particular constitution, as the robust and the weak are alike obnoxious to its invasion, but is more prevalent in those who are of a nervous temperament or plethoric habit. Certain occupations that have the effect of impeding or impairing the respiratory functions appear to exert a baneful influence in exciting the disease; amongst them may be named such as require exposure to sudden and great changes of temperature, those that require the body to be kept in a position which mechanically interferes with the free movements of the chest, and those that subject the individual to an irritating atmosphere in which there are acrid fumes, dust, or deleterious particles in minute subdivision. Persons who have to make great and frequent efforts with the lungs and vocal organs are. also rendered prone to an attack, or rather series of attacks, for asthma quickly becomes habitual.

It has been stated by some medical writers, particularly by Diemerbroek and Bree, that persons who are accustomed to smoke tobacco are rendered more liable to the disease; if this be correct, what a nation of asthmatics we shall become, now that every urchin smokes his "cuba," "pickwick," or meerschaum!

The exciting causes of asthma are many; indeed they are so numerous that it is seldom we can correctly ascertain what may or what may not become an exciting or predisposing cause. To speak in general terms, I may say, that whatever creates an irritation within the chest, and whatever induces a convulsive constriction of the moving powers of respiration, are sufficient to produce that spasmodic breathing which constitutes the disease now under consideration. Willis, probably the most classical medical writer of whom we may boast, says " Asthmatics can bear nothing violent or unusual. From excess of heat or cold, from any great bodily exertion, or mental emotion, from change of season or weather, from errors, even of a slight kind, in the non-naturals, and from a thousand things besides, they fall into fits of dyspnoea."

First among the predisposing causes must be classed hereditary transmission; thus we frequently see several members of the same family similarly affected, and we frequently hear the remark-" My grandfather, my father was the same; they were always asthmatical." Although in some families asthma becomes an heir-loom, it may be held in abeyance for an intermediate generation, the grandfather being affected, the son escaping, and the grandson suffering.

Malformation of the chest is a frequent cause; a narrow chest, high shoulders, and deformed spine are rarely unattended