HINTS FOR HEALTH. NURSING INFANTS. Few customs are so injurious to infants as constant confinement in the arms of a nursery-maid; it compresses the chest, cramps and distorts the limbs, and very often gives a twist to their body, if great care be not taken to carry them, alternately, on either arm. In consequence of constant confinement, too, in the arms, the infant either has too much or too little exercise, or is exercised at a time when it is indisposed to have it. MANAGEMENT OF THE SKIN. The clothes which are directly in contact with the skin absorb a great part of the perspiration, moisture, and greasy matters that are constantly exuding from it; therefore, as far as mere superficial cleanliness is concerned, the oftener the body linen is changed the better. When that comfort is not enjoyed, the other means of personal cleanliness are neglected, a very foul varnish forms on the skin, which, if it were to become really impervious, would speedily destroy life. It is worthy of being noted, that the skin is not warmer for being coated in this undesirable manner. The experiment has been tried, of spreading a perfectly waterproof composition upon the skin of animals, and their temperature is found to fall rapidly; they die quite as much from the loss of animal heat, as from any other effect. The reason is, that all action is suspended, and the changes which occur in the minute molecules or pores of the skin, in the formation of perspiration, are arrested, and the evolution of heat which would attend its generation is prevented. EXERCISE IN CONVALESCENCE. Persons recovering from sickness are apt to be alarmed at the pain and trouble which often accompany their first attempts to take exercise, at least to any extent. They ought, at the commencement, to desist as soon as they begin to find themselves fatigued; but every day they will feel enabled to bear it longer; and the more they persevere, the stronger they will become. Convalescents experience such surprising relief from gentle exercise, and good air, that their friends and medical attendants ought to insist on the trial being made, disregarding all the objections to the contrary, which the languid state of the patients' mind and body may cause him to offer. A NAP AFTER DINNER. The friends to the custom of taking a nap after dinner, tell us, that the wholesomeness of the practice is dictated by nature, provided it be not carried too far, since all animals appear sleepy after meals. It has been also urged that numbers of persons, who have enjoyed perfect good health, have always been in the habit of sleeping an hour or two in the afternoon. "Most of the religious orders in Spain," say Sir John Sinclair, "follof this practice, and yet are not in worse health than laymen." Sleeping after dinner is certainly not to be recommended, unless where nature seems to require it, and even then, it should only be indulged in for a short time, and in the sitting posture, as that has a tendency to prevent it being carried to any excess. VENTILATION OF CHURCHES. Churches should be thoroughly ventilated at the close of each service, and the windows and doors thrown wide open for several hours. The same also should be done on the Saturday. Even pure air shut up in a close room soon becomes poisonous, and NEV ADVERTISEMENTS. EVILL'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, Intestines, &c. By this pleasant, nutritious, and agreeable Food, which never distends or turns acid on the delicate stomach of Invalid or Infant, health 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, from 8s.; Single Ditto, from 3s. 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. Belts, Back-boards, Dumb-bells, Wooden Legs, Crutches, Supports for Weak RE ESPIRATORS 2s 6d. EACH.-MARKWICK'S PATENT RESPIRATORS afford every possible benefit in affections of the Lungs and Throat, and being free from the objections to the Metallic instruments, can be worn without danger or inconvenience. MARKWICK'S PATENT CHEST PROTECTORS are worn and recommended by Medical men as the best preservatives against Colds and Coughs. To Pulmonary Invalids they are indispensable. POULTICES.-The most effectual and economical poultice is MARKWICK'S SPONGIO PILINE; those who have tried it will use nothing else. For Rheumatism, Lumbago, &c., the Impermeable Piline is a never-failing remedy, made up for every part of the body; also into Shoe Socks, which entirely prevent cold and damp feet; and Winter Gloves, decidedly the greatest comfort known. Sold by Chemists and Hosiers. Wholesale of the Epithem Company. Dr. Yeoman's Medical Publications. Volume I., price 4s., in strong and elegant cloth, THE FEOPLE'S MEDICAL JOURNAL and FAMILY PHYSICIAN. This work contains complete monographs on Diseases of the Chest (except "Consumption" 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. ASTHMA, BRONCHITIS, INFLUENZA, and CATARRH; the Causes, Symptoms, and Rational Treatment. CONSUMPTION of the LUNGS, or DECLINE; the Causes, Symptoms, & Rational Treatment; with the Means of Prevention. tion in this little volume, that we gladly assist in giving it publicity.—The "There is so much good sense, scientific knowledge, and useful informaBritannia, November 11, 1848. Second Edition, price 4d., by post 6d. INDIGESTION, CONSTIPATION, NERVOUSNESS, AND LOW SPIRITS. The Causes, Symptoms, and Rational Treatment. [EADACHES. Their Varieties, Causes, Symptoms, and HEAL Rational Treatment. "The author of the above little work has given the causes of headaches and their means of cure so plainly, that he who runs may read.' The advice offered can be easily followed, and the list of prescriptions in English— be found useful. a most important innovation upon the old mysterious medical Latin-will The style of writing is familiar, and the advice given in the most popular form; it justifies the title, People's Edition." " Portsmouth Guardian. unfit for use: it lacks the principle also of life, vigour and elas-DIS ticity. It induces dullness, drowsiness, deadness, and renders the services comparatively barren and unprofitable. For this reason, there should be a constant and free circulation of pure fresh air during the exercises of the sanctury. Now Ready, price 4d.; by post 6d., the ISEASES OF ERROR. Their Symptoms, Varieties, Effects, and Rational Treatment. London published by the AUTHOR, 25, Lloyd Square; and sold by GEORGE VICKERS, Strand; and all Booksellers and Newsvendors. It is requested that all orders for copies to be sent by post may be forwarded to the Author, so as to insure punctual dispatch. TO 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, 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 favourite 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 Proprietor 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? GLOSSARY, OR DICTIONARY OF MEDICAL AND ANATOMICAL TERMS.-We are preparing a glossary of words that occur in medical writings, which will give an ample and correct definition of all scientific or technical words, terms, and phrases. It will be published as a supplement, and will appear, we hope, in the number for January 25. THE INDEX AND TITLE-PAGE FOR VOL. II. will be published with No. 52, Dec. 28. VOLUME II., bound in strong and elegant cloth, gilt lettered, uniform with Vol. I., which is now on sale, price 4s., and Cases for binding, price ls. 3d., will be ready for delivery January 1. TO THE TRADE.-Booksellers and news-agents can be supplied with prospectuses, show-cards, bills of contents, &c. on application to our publisher; and we shall be grateful to them for their valuable assistance to extend the circulation of our Journal. ALEXIS (Lamb's Conduit Street)." Malaria" is derived from the Italian, mala aria, and signifies bad air. It is a term generally employed to designate certain effluvia or emanations from marshy ground. Some fevers thus produced are called marsh-fever, in Europe; jungle fever, in India. PAUVRE JEAN (Golden Square).-See the article on COLD IN THE HEAD in No. 1. W. X. Z. (Devon) can only be answered privately. AN APOTHECARY'S BILL-We have recently had an opportunity of examining a licensed pepper-seller's bill--and really the "license to practise" of the Apothecaries' Company is, in fact, only a license to sell pepper, mustard, and rhubarb-for his attendance on the wife of a respectable tradesman, from the last week in September to the first in December: the case was paralysis. The amount is £76 5s. 6d., and the items are made up of a daily supply of "six draughts; box of pills; embrocation; powder for poultice; mixture for lotion; aperient mixture; night-draught." The poor lady survives this cruel physicing! her servant has bought a new dress, and absolutely a set of furs, with the produce of her perquisite-the empty bottles! The apothecary has had a cheque for the amount, and has received a hint that when illness again occurs in the family his services will be dispensed with, inasmuch that his "attention" was too great, too con stant, and too expensive, and that an occasional fee to a physician occasional only when necessary-will be more economical and more agreeable than the Italian warehouse system of an apothecary calling every morning for orders. NICOTINE. The Pharmaceutical Society is a most useful, necessary, and respectable institution. We wish the time had arrived when every person who compounds medicines was compelled to submit to an examination by the Board. Do not "think of becoming a member," but present yourself for examination and become one. DISEASES OF WINTER.-Articles on the Treatment of Coughs, Colds, Bronchitis, and Influenza, appeared in our first eleven numbers. In answer to many correspondents, we beg to say it is not our intention to reprint them in the Journal. DEATH FROM A PRACTICAL JOKE occurred on Tuesday, at Colne, near Blackburn, to John Riley, a labourer. Whilst in a stooping position a companion suddenly jumped upon his back, and so injured him that he died the following day. A POOR SHOEMAKER (Northampton).-Your history of your case and ANXIOUS COPTHALL.-Calomel and cleanliness; a warm bath, and better symptoms is too indefinite. society. SARAH FRY (Bethnal Green).-See answer to H. W. M. (Blackfriars Road) in No. 49. THE HAIR. Since we commenced our Journal, a week has not passed that has not brought to us at least half a dozen letters asking "What will cure baldness?" "What will prevent the hair turning grey?" "How to prevent the hair falling off?" "What will remove scurf?" "Can you tell me any means to make my hair curl ?"-To these questions we, at first, referred our correspondents to their barbers, and afterwards took no notice of their communications. For so doing this was our reason-total ignorance of the subject. The question, however, appeared to affect the curiosity, the comfort, and the wellbeing of so many of our subscribers, that we have "read-up" the subject; we have "gone through" Rayer, Bateman, Willan, and other authorities; and we purpose to give the result of our reading, we candidly confess not of our experience, in two or three papers, in early numbers of our third volume. F. G. F. (Lisson Grove).-The Glossary which we intend publishing will supply your want. A CONSTANT READER (Barnsley).—The DISEASES OF ERROR. MARKWICK'S RESPIRATORS.-We have daily evidence in our practice of the great utility of these economical health preservers. We wear them ourselves with the greatest comfort. S. A W. (Brighton).-The symptoms you describe lead us to suppose you suffer under a stricture of the rectum. This complaint is far from being uncommon, and many cases have been improperly considered to be obstinate constipation, which, in fact, depended on an organised obstruction in the gut. We must see you. GOVERNMENT CLERK (Purfleet).-We are compelled to be profession. ally"at home" on Sundays. ONE WHO LIVES BY HIS EYES.-By cataract is meant an opacity of the crystalline lens, or its capsule. There are four kinds of cataract : viz. the hard or firm, which is known by its amber colour and size; the milky or fluid cataract, in which the eye has a flocculent appearance, from specks or streaks, consisting of solid particles moving up and down, according to the position of the head; the soft or caseous, in which the eye is opaque, and the cataract white and of the consistence of firm jelly or cheese; and the membranous, or capsular cataract, which is not connected with the lens, but with the capsule itself. WRIGHT (Walsingham).-We are obliged by your letter, but cannot comply with the request contained in it: your application is too late. ROBERTS (London).-You will find a notice on SQUINTING in an answer to EMMA D-N, in No. 39, page 104, Vol. II. G. J. W. G. F. (Preston).-There was such a publication; it was discontinued some months since. C. R. (Hoxton).-Refer to VEGETABLE TONICS in Nos. 35 and 36. You will there find the mode of preparing several "bitters." J. W. (Chester).-We decline occupying our space with a translation of a private prescription which any druggist's apprentice ought to be able to give you. REGINALD (Ipswich).-Disease of the liver is a common cause of dropsy; it is also the result of local irritation from enlargement of the abdominal viscera; it likewise proceeds from debility arising from fever, and debilitating courses of mercury, the use of ardent spirits, &c. DISEASES of the LIVER will form a series of articles in the ensuing volume of our Journal. D. E. L. (Ilford).—Take syrup of white poppies, syrup of squills, of each, four drachms. Dose, a tea spoonful when the cough is troublesome. Rub the chest with almond oil, every night. HENRY BARFORD (Bow). If you will call in Lloyd Square, we will put you in the way of obtaining a card of admission to the library of the British Museum. HANNAH C. (Gooch Street).-The child has the croup, a fearful com plaint in the windpipe of young children, distinguished by the peculiar crowing-like sound of the cough. If you have not obtained immediate advice, bring the child to us without delay. A DUPE OF QUACKERY.-See the Exposure of Quack Advertising Surgeons, in the letter of VICTIM, published in No. 2. HEALTH OF LONDON.-1004 deaths were registered last week, being a W. C. (Clerkenwell).-You will find an article on CHILBLAINS in No. 48. great increase on the preceding weeks. Consumption carried off 160; other chest diseases, 208; small-pox, 27. The births of 789 boys, 769 girls-in all 1558 children-were registered in the week. London: Printed by CHARLES ADAMS, at his Printing Office, 8 St. James's Walk. Clerkenwell, for the proprietor, T. H. YEOMAN, Lloyd Square; and published by GEORGE VICKERS, 28 and 29 Holywell Street, in the parish of St. Clement Danes, Strand. PEOPLE'S MEDICAL JOURNAL, No. 52.-VOL. II.] AND FAMILY PHYSICIAN EDITED BY THOMAS HARRISON YEOMAN, M.D. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1850. RESPIRATION. WITH A SUPPLEMENT, "goal fever," "6 camp fever," and "ship fever," are amongst the most familiar phrases of medicine. If the circulation be quickened from simple exercise, there To all animals, the respiration of carbonic acid is destructive in is a proportionate increase of necessity for oxygen. If an animal the direct ratio of the quantity respired, and to all animals a be hard run, and then plunge over-head into water, he is pretty certain amount of oxygen is necessary. Some require more than sure to be suffocated instantly. The pearl divers carefully inothers. Thus, if a bird be confined in a close atmosphere for a flate their lungs before descending under water, and make as sufficient length of time, it will die from a vitiation of the air; little exertion as possible whilst remaining there. Violent and in this air, however, a dormouse will live for another period, and continued exercise, as in running, exhausts people, not by the then it perishes; a frog will next respire it for a time, after expenditure of nervous energy, but from an inability of the lungs which it will still support the existence of a snail. Man, from to counteract, by their function, the incrcased action of the heart. his physical and intellectual condition, requires more oxygen, in The faster the blood circulates, the greater necessity there is for proportion to the area of his lungs, than any other animal. He oxygenation in the lungs, and, therefore, for the chest to exwill consume, if it be supplied to him in fitting proportion, from pand and contract. But it is readily possible for sustained musthirty to thirty-six ounces daily. If he consume less than this cular effort to augment the heart's action to such an extent, that quantity, that is, if it be withheld from him, he will suffer in a the lungs can neither transmit nor bear the immense torrent and degree proportioned to the deprivation. The necessity for oxygen, volume of blood. At the moment that this occurs, a sense of the besoin de respirer, varies according to circumstances. As a suffocation comes on, which generally puts a stop to further exrule, the more healthy and energetic the individual, the greater ertion. In some cases, however, it is persisted in, and the conis his need of oxygen, and the more is he injured by want of it. sequences are, an increased engorgement of the vessels of the A man in "first-rate condition" from training for prize-fighting lungs, accumulation of blood on the right side of the heart, conor running, will consume much more oxygen than another man gestion of the vessels of the brain; the eye becomes prominent in less vigorous and florid health. And if he be removed from and staring, the face livid and bloated, and at last, and in an the pure air in which he has been trained, to an atmosphere less instant, the individual drops down dead. He is said to have salubrious, he quickly loses his activity and energy. They do burst his heart. This is a rare occurrence, but it has happened. not subside, however, sufficiently sudden to correspond with the A gentleman rode a horse a hundred miles in twelve hours; as imperfect oxygenation in his lungs; and that portion of food he reached his home, he leapt the animal over a five-barred gate, which was previously consumed in these organs, and converted and the poor creature died in a moment. The right auricle of into carbonic acid and water, is now deposited in the system as fat. the heart was found torn across. Instances of rupture of the Hence it is, that men often become corpulent by exchanging heart, from protracted and violent running, have been met with out-door occupation in the country, for sedentary employment in the human subject, but they are more common in horses, in the town. In proportion as the circulation is quickened, from from the fact that these animals are oftener subjected to trials of whatever cause, in that proportion does a supply of oxygen be- endurance; and, being capable of breathing only through their come requisite. In ardent fevers, for instance, the anxious hasty nostrils, are liable to have these obstructed either by tumefacbreathing is a necessary consequence of the increased frequency tion of their lining membrane, or by the accumulation of mucus of the pulse. If the air the patient breathes be impure, and the in their interior. But, to a certain extent, this casualty is guarded room ill-ventilated, the malady rages with greater violence, and against by the nostrils of horses, that are destined for fleetness, perhaps communicates itself by infection. Hence, the advantage having a larger calibre than the nostrils of those that are formed of roomy apartments and fresh air in the treatment of fevers. for slow draught. For this reason, also, fevers are more rare in the country, and are less fatal there than in towns-in the higher, cleanlier, and less-populated districts than in those that are low, ill-ventilated, and dirty-in large and commodious hospitals, than in small ones-on land than on ship-board, &c. Formerly, before the necessity for ventilation was sufficiently understood, and its security provided for, fever was a constant attendant upon crowded hospitals, goals, and barracks, whilst transport ships seldom voyaged without numbers of their crews being sacrificed by this disease. From which circumstance, the terms "hospital fever," CC During the process of digestion, or rather of sanguification, (the process by which the chyle is converted into blood,) there is a great increase of necessity for oxygen. Not only is the circulation quickened, but the blood has an extra amount of carbonaceous material to throw off. Under these circumstances, a man, in a given space of time, will appropriate nearly two-thirds more oxygen then he will after the completion of the process of sanguification. The quantity of oxygen required, varies with the kind and quality of the food. More is needed after a meal of animal matter than after one of vegetables As to the great characteristic of disease, "pain," it is difficult to speak of it determinedly with respect to thoracic aneurism. Arterial structures, generally, are not endowed with very acute sensibility, and, probably, great and important organic changes may take place in them without causing much pain. tainted meat requires more than that which is fresh killed-, arteries in one or other of the superior extremities, the heart peas, potatoes, and cabbage, weight for weight, want more than beating violently, whilst the pulse in one arm may be scarcely bread. There is, to a certain extent, a relation between the di- perceptible. gestibility of food, and the amount of oxygen necessary to its complete sanguification. If this relation were absolute and complete, it would be the easiest thing possible to determine the ratio of digestibility of alimentary matters. A healthy man, fed with them singly, would correctly indicate, by the amount of oxygen he consumed in a given space of time, their relative facilities of conversion into blood. Unfortunately, however, the rule, though to a certain extent constant, is not altogether true. But it is sufficiently so, to indicate not only the desirableness, but the necessity, of free and pure air during the time of digestion. THE DISEASES OF ARTISANS. BY THE EDITOR. Diseases caused by Sedentary Occupations. No. VIII.-ANEURISM OF THE THORACIC AORTA. ANEURISM of the aorta, or great artery of the heart, is a fearful complaint, inasmuch as it may frequently exist without the individual being aware of it, and "he may fall down dead in a moment, as if he were shot, nobody imagining what is the matter. I had a striking instance of this in a woman who came into the hospital with a pain in the neck, face, and shoulder, which appeared to be rheumatic. Leeches were being applied, she shrieked, fell back, and was dead in a few minutes. On opening her body, I found the pericardium was filled with blood." (Elliotson.) The general symptoms produced by an aneurismal tumour in the chest are the same as those excited by any other tumour of equal size and similarly situated: thus, there is dyspnoea, or difficult breathing, occasioned by the aneurismal tumour encroaching on the lungs, or pressing on the air passages; there is aphonia, or loss of voice, caused by the tumour pressing upon the recurrent laryngeal nerves; dysphagia, or difflculty of swallowing, induced by pressure on the esophagus, or gullet; obstruction of the venous circulation, accompanied in extreme cases by dropsical effusions into the cellular membrane of the face, neck, chest, and upper extremities, by reason of the dilated' artery pressing upon the large veins thus we see persons labouring under this disease puffed, or bloated in the face and neck, the increase of bulk being of an unhealthy, pasty hue, soft and yielding to the touch, a fingermark leaving that impression on the surface distinguished as "pitting." Violent nervous pains are frequently experienced at the back, and in some cases there is paraplegia, or paralysis of the lower half of the body, occasioned by pressure on the spine, followed by absorption of the vertebræ, or bones of the spine. When the tumour presses upon the thoracic duct, that is, the great trunk formed by the junction of the absorbent vessels,— inanition, or exhaustion, takes place from the absence of nutritive particles in the circulating fluid. In cases of thoracic aneurism, there is generally some irregular action of the heart. Irregular is the only word that can be used; for, in this respect, there are almost endless varieties; sometimes it is wonderfully increased; there are palpitations, faintings, and other symptoms usually considered as indicative of the existence of organic disease: sometimes the heart's action is regular on ordinary occasions, but becomes strongly excited by walking up stairs, or any similar exertion: sometimes there is absolute intermission, and for a moment, or moments, the heart absolutely ceases to beat. A very frequent and characteristic symptom is a want of accordance between the heart and the То prove the dangerous and insidious character of the disease, we quote the following case that occurred in the practice of Mr. Porter, of Dublin:-Edward Lynch, aged 26, a shoemaker of intemperate habits, was admitted into the Meath Hospital, March 19. Ten days previously he was seized with pain in the back, and stitches in the side and chest, more especially towards the lower part of the breast-bone, in which latter situation he experienced a dragging sensation also. These symptoms continued without the occurrence of any other during the week, when, on the 16th, he felt soreness low down in the chest on swallowing solid food, which increased to great difficulty of swallowing on the following day; and since the 18th, he has taken no solid whatever, the attempt to do so always producing great pain and a sense of weight, followed at first by hiccup, then vomiting. Being desired to swallow a morsel of bread, he did so, and said it stopped in the passage. After repeated draughts of whey it passed down, but not without a good deal of spasm, resembling hiccup. It was not vomited. On examination, the chest sounded well on percussion, (that is, the act of striking gently upon the chest, abdomen, &c., with the view of producing sounds by which the state of the subjacent parts may be ascertained,) and the stethoscope discovered no The action of the heart sign of disease in the heart or aorta. was a little stronger than natural, but the sounds were healthy. Respiration feeble, but pure in the upper part of the right lung. This case was considered and treated as one of dysphagia, so much so, that on the 21st, I passed a probang down the esophagus. I did not meet any decided obstruction, but was sensible of the instrument passing over a soft tumour. I recollect to have mentioned to several pupils the possibility of its being an aneurism, and the awful consequences that must result if the passage of the probang had chanced to rupture it. On the 27th, in the evening, he had an attack of cough and vomiting, in which he threw up about a pint of florid blood, and died immediately. On examination after death, the pathology of aneurism of the aorta was beautifully illustrated. Aneurism of the aorta is very difficult to detect, especially when the aneurismal tumour occupies the origin of the aorta, or the commencement of the coronary arteries, or when, wherever be its situation, it is of small size. When the tumour is situated in the more remote portions of the aorta, or in its first branches, and especially when it bas so far increased as to rise out of the chest, the diagnosis becomes comparatively easy. When, again, the tumour, as it gradually increases in size, causes the protrusion of the breast-bone, or ribs, or leads to their gradual absorption, we are much assisted in the diagnosis: for in such cases there is always a prima facie evidence in favour of aneurism. The circumstances which would tend to confirm our first suspicion as to the nature of the tumour are, pulsation of the tumour; sudden and copious hæmorrhage of bright red blood, or a less quantity, often repeated, from the lungs or stomach; a whizzing, or bellows-sound, sometimes single, and more rarely double, in the situation of the tumour; a peculiar thrilling sensation communicated to the hand; and a quick thrilling pulse, generally much increased in frequency. Hæmorrhage from the lungs will obtain additional value as a sign of aneurism, when it is ascertained ANEURISM OF THE ABDOMINAL AROTA. INSANITY CAUSED BY EXCESSIVE DRINKING, FOLLOWED BY DROPSY. M. BRIERE DE BOISMONT narrates, in the Gazette Medicale, the case of a foreigner, fifty years of age, of the middle size, and lymphatic temperament, who had contracted a habit of drinking to excess, so that two or three bottles of brandy would be swallowed in a few minutes. These repeated excesses brought on an attack of delirium tremens eight years ago, which left a weakness of intellect. For some months past he required to be watched every moment; if he was lost sight of a moment, he escaped, entered the first wine shop that presented itself, and left his watch, hat, or waistcoat, to pay his expenses. After one of these debauches, he was brought to M. Briére's establishment. His face was thin, his complexion yellow, his eyes dull, and without expression; tongue white, and no appetite. To all questions addressed to him, he replied "wine, brandy!" and put himself in a passion when he did not get what he wanted. At The symptoms of aneurismal tumour of the abdominal aorta vary according to its size and situation, and the viscera upon which it presses. When the aneurism presses upon the stomach, it gives rises to severe symptoms of indigestion; if the nerves of the solar plexus (a ganglia, or net-work of nerves distributed to the aorta and its branches) are disturbed, then violent neural-night he was quiet in bed; his step was firm, and there was no gic, or nervous, pains are felt; if the bowels are bound down by the unnatural load of the arterial tumour, obstinate constipation, or violent colic, takes place; and if the nerves issuing from the spine are interfered with, the patient will experience severe pains in the loins, the abdominal muscles, and lower extremities, equalling the pain of rheumatism, or sciatica, and causing a suspicion of the existence of lumbar abscess, or disease of the spine. If the tumour presses on the rectum, it may lead to a suspicion that the lower gut may be strictured; and it has been confounded with disease of the liver, spleen, or kidney. By careful examination, the tumour may often be found occupy the situation of the aorta; it may be felt strongly pulsa-large doses and purgatives were given, and compression was also ting, and having the peculiar thrill we have described as a sign of thoracic aneurism; and on applying the stethoscope, a short, harsh, bellows murmur may be distinctly heard. Aneurism of the abdominal aorta may be distinguished from other tumours of the belly by the greater impulse it yields on pressure, indeed, other tumours thus situated seldom afford any pulsation. The prognosis of aneurism, either thoracic or abdominal, must always be unfavourable, "but guarded," says Dr. Guy, as a natural cure is sometimes effected, and the disease may last for a considerable period." We now come to the most important part of the subject, namely, the Treatment-and here, unfortunately, we can say little that is hopeful. It is seldom indeed that medical science can do more than palliate the many and dangerous symptoms which may distress the patient. Fatigue and great exertion must be sedulously avoided-in fact, the very existence of the patient depends on perfect repose of mind and body any sudden exertion; or mental excitement might cause the aneurismal sac to burst, and death may be instantaneous. The most absolute temperance must be enjoined; the diet should be light, the meals and hours of rest regular, and gentle exercise should be taken occasionally, and that obtained in an easy carriage is the best and safest. The bowels should be carefully attended to, and the first approach of constipation immediately checked by castor oil, rhubarb, or other gently-acting laxative. If any urgent symptoms arise, if inflammation be threatened, it will be necessary immediately, but cautiously, to abstract blood. Moderate doses of digitalis should be exhibited, so as to keep down the action of the heart; and if the palpitation and uneasiness be very great, a belladonna plaister applied to the region of the tumour will afford some relief; and the general distress and anxiety may be mitigated by the judicious employment of camphor, ammonia, and tincture of hyosciamus. (To be continued.) The trembling in his limbs. His memory was weak, and he required quite cured; but it is pretty nearly certain that his penchant for CARBON ELIMINATED BY PLANTS. DR. ALDRIDGE, from certain experiments which he has performed, draws the conclusion that plants decompose carbonic acid by night as well as by day,-in darkness as well as in the light; that the separation of carbon from oxygen, the retention of the former and the disengagement of the latter, is a function performed by all plants under all circumstances, although it is performed with greatly increased energy when vegetabləs are exposed to the stimulating influence of light. |