HINTS FOR HEALTH. INDIGESTION. The proximate cause of indigestion is not a single affection, but a chain of morbid elements. The change in the quantity or quality of the gastric juice, or solvent liquid of the stomach; is probably the circumstance in dyspepsia on which the disorder of the function of digestion principally depends; but it is not the circumstance of most importance in regard to the treatment of disease. The treatment must be directed against the cause of this change in the secretion, which, doubtless, in the great majority of cases, if not in every case that has continued for some time, is what may be termed an inflammatory, or rather a phlegmonoid irritation of the mucous coat of the stomach. This irritation, again, though it may often be the original affection, may often arise from muscular or nervous weakness; and it frequently increases into a state of low inflammation. If the phlegmonoid irritation has not been preceded by debility, it may cause, co-exist with, or be followed by debility. The change in the gastric juice may arise from debility alone, or other causes yet unknown; but that it does so frequently, or that debility and such a change in the secretions should continue long without superinducing irritation, is very improbable.-Dr. Arnott. TREATMENT IN CASES WHERE FOREIGN BODIES HAVE BEEN SWALLOWED. Chelius observes:-In order to protect the stomach and intestinal canal against the effects of any such body, mucilaginous ensheathing food, and especially antiphlogistic treatment and purgatives, to hasten the passage of the foreign body through the alimentary canal, must be employed. To this Professor South adds:-This is the practice usually employed; but I am not sure that the late Sir Francis Chantry's proceeding under similar circumstances is not preferable. He had accidentally swallowed the gold fastening of one of his teeth, and being much alarmed, came to my friend Green, to consult with him about the matter, at the same time suggesting the propriety of eating freely of suet pudding, with the hope of entangling the little gold plate, and favouring its passage through the bowels. Green saw no particular objection to this proposition, and accordingly a due quantity of the medicinal pudding was swallowed. Nothing more was heard or seen of the tooth plate, and whether passed or not is unknown, but it never gave any inconvenience. Notes to the Translation of Chelius. EFFECTS OF TOBACCO UPON AMERICAN LAWYERS. Dr. Chapman states that he was consulted by a member of Congress, in the meridian of life, and of a stout frame. "He told me that from having been one of the most healthy and fearless of men, he had become sick all over, and as timid as a girl." He could not even present a petition to Congress, much less say a word concerning it; though he had long been a practising lawyer, and had served much in legislative bodies! By any ordinary noise, he was startled or thrown into tremulousness, and afraid to be alone at night. His appetite and digestion were gone; he had painful sensations at the pit of his stomach, and unrelenting constipated bowels. During the narrative of his sufferings, his aspect approached the haggard wildness of mental distemperature. On inquiry, I found that his consumption of tobacco was almost incredible, by chewing, snuffing, and smoking. Being satisfied that all his misery arose from this poisonous weed, its use was discontinued, and in a few weeks he entirely recovered. Influence of the Imagination on the &c. &c. &c. Disorders of the Bladder. Piles. Fistula. Diarrhoea. Disorders of Menstruation. Delirium Tremens. Domestic Economy of the Labouring Classes. Exposure of Quackery. Hints for Health. Pharmacology. Notices to Correspondents. &c. &c. &c. Preface to Second Volume: "The FAMILY PHYSICIAN has now made his fifty-second visit. During the last year he has ascended the tapestried halls of wealth, he has entered the dimity-clad chamber of the well-doing, he has descended the pit of the miner. In each, by all, he has been received as a Family Friend, as well as reposed in him, he begs to offer his grateful thanks. In closing a year of a Family Physician. For the courtesy of his reception, and the confidence toil, anxiety, and pleasure, he ventures to hope he has done much good, and, he prays, but little evil, in the hints and advice he has offered to thousands who have sought his counsel. The same industry, the same caution, the same integrity of purpose that has raised his periodical to the proud position of being, in fact, as well as in title, THE PEOPLE'S MEDICAL JOURNAL, shall ever guide his exertions, and direct his humble ability." 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. The People's Medical Dictionary, a small volume, bound in strong cloth, price 1s., will be published May 1st. VOLS. I. and II. of the PEOPLE'S MEDICAL JOURNAL are now ready, price 4s. each, bound in strong and elegant cloth, gilt lettered. CASES for binding Vols. I. and II. may be obtained of all news-agents, price 1s. 3d. each, in strong and elegant cloth, gilt lettered. The Glossary, or Explanation of all Terms employed in Medicine and Surgery-uniform with the PEOPLE'S MEDICAL JOURNAL. It is requested that subscribers will procure the number (65) containing the Glossary with as little delay as possible, as only a few quires remain on hand. J. O. F. G.-If you "cannot prevail on your wife to go to a surgeon," your influence with us is equally unavailing; for you cannot prevail on us "through our paper" to give you "a line, stating what you had better get her." The case demands immediate and proper attention, and we will not jeopardise our reputation, if you will jeopardise the well-being of your wife, by prescribing for her, guided only by such scanty information as your note contains. THOMAS A. (Holborn).-See answer to R. R. (Hatton Garden), in No. 65. JOHN STUBBS (Macclesfield).—We cannot devote to you the space in this column that a proper answer to your letter demands. JOHN GILES (Birmingham).-You have paid your money to a quack: put up with the loss of your money, but save the remnant of health left you, by avoiding the vampire in future. Place yourself under the care of some respectable qualified medical man. JOHN ADAMS.-To two quarts of water add half a drachm of muriatic acid: with this sponge the body night and morning. We have found this plan of treatment diminish excessive and offensive perspiration in several cases. HANNIBAL (Chatham).-A coarse hand as your's is, is a natural peculiarity that all the herbs, lotions, and nostrums ever seen or invented will not change. Wash them frequently with an un-irritating soap, and you may try the effect of oatmeal mixed in the water-but we candidly tell you we have little faith in it. A. B. (Berry Brow, Huddersfield). We never give an opinion on the prescriptions of qualified medical practitioners. We therefore cannot notice the six! you have sent to us. In answer to your final appeal, "Sir, what shall I do?" describe the case with greater care, and send your address. BLUE JACKET, R.N.-We do not lend our journal to the gratification of an itching, worthless curiosity. AN INQUIRER.-The work you ask about is a very able one, but as it is written exclusively for the profession, you would not be able to understand one line in each page. We believe it is published by Churchill, and the price about half a guinea. W. B. S. (Birksland).-As your history of the case is so indefinite, we will only tell you what may palliate the painful symptoms-that is, bathe the eyes night and morning with tepid water, and when exposed to the open air, wear a shade; avoid reading by gas or candle light, and obtain immediate advice in your own neighbourhood. D. P.-THE PEOPLE'S MEDICAL JOURNAL, although bearing date "Saturday," is published on the previous Tuesday; therefore all letters to be answered in the current number must reach Lloyd Square by ten o'clock in the morning of Monday. This to many correspondents. JOSEPH JONES (Chancery Lane)-Who "commenced taking in our Journal last week, and therefore knows nothing of former numbers," will, when he has made their acquaintance, learn why we decline advising him in this column. A YOUNG HUSBAND (Woodford).-See answer to "BLUE JACKET" in this number. We wish both our correspondents would adopt other signatures; either proper names or initials. SOUTHAMPTON.-Several subscribers have written to complain of the irregularity with which their copies of the PEOPLE'S MEDICAL JOURNAL are supplied. We have made such arrangements that will, we hope, prevent a recurrence of the annoyance. T. W. D. (Smethwick).-Dash the back part of the head and neck with cold water, frequently; gargle the throat with water made agreeably acid with muriatic acid (be careful that it does not touch the teeth), apply glycerine to the innermost part of the ears by means of a camel's-hair brush. Act moderately on the bowels by an occasional mercurial purge, as five grains of blue pill, followed by a rhubarb draught; and take two grains of the sulphate of iron, with one grain of quinine, made into a pill with the extract of gentian, twice a day. A. B. For "Hair Dyes," see No. 8, page 62, Vol. 1. To "Strengthen and Cleanse the Hair," see No. 39, page 102, Vol. 2. JAMES WATSON (Clerkenwell).-See answer to C. C. in No. 61. AN INVALID (Leeds).-If you send your girth to Mr. Smith (for address, see advertisement), he will forward to you the bandage you require. The price, we believe, will be about five or six shillings. J. FISHER. We can only communicate with you as before. THOS. B.-A fee case, and cannot be noticed in this column.-If you remit postage stamps to our publisher, you will receive the book by return. SHERIFF HILL (near Gateshead)).—As you are an advocate of "Coffinism,” we suspect you are a sexton. Fools are the legitimate prey of quacks. D. G. K. (Liverpool). It would be quite as easy for you to refer to the Index as to trouble us. See No. 46. H. F. L. (Camden Town).-The "cordial balms" advertised and sold by the ci-devant Jew orange boys, are prepared as "a cordial": that is, they are sweet, agreeable to the palate, and poison to the system. Spirits of wine, or British brandy, sugar, cochineal, nutmeg, and cardamoms, are the chief ingredients. Thus a poor silly fellow gets "enamoured" of the flavour, and takes a dose as a tippler takes a dram; like the gindrinker, he will continue to take it-and thus the Jew thrives. GREAT SUFFERER (Turner Street, Commercial Road).-From recent trials it appears that half a drachm of kosso, infused in four ounces of warm water, and allowed to stand half an hour, is an efficient dose for the removal of tape-worm. Larger doses may be dangerous. A ERRATA.-In No. 67, Article, The Diseases of Women and Children," six lines from the conclusion, for "astringent injunctions," read "astringent injections."-In the answer to JAMES GRAHAM (Carlisle), for "gulbanum pill," read "galbanum pill." DELTA.-The case is simple enough. All we can say to you, in the Journal, is,-Beware of the advertising impostors and their infamous books. ROBERT HUNT (Norfolk Street). The papers on THE INFLUENCE OF THE PASSIONS ON THE HEALTH, were commenced in No. 37, and completed in No. 51. R. M. (Halifax).—We are in possession of the particulars of the "Fawthorp Case," but cannot insert them in the Journal. SYMONDSON.-The complaint about which you inquire is not noticed in the book named, and we cannot tell you when it will be described in the Journal. MARY (Osnaburg Street).-Your complaint is evidently an affection of the nerves of the face-tic doloureux. We never interfere with a patient's treatment whilst a "medical gentleman is attending."-You may suggest our opinion to your "attendant," when he will perhaps alter the medicines you are now taking, and direct you to follow other instructions. T. H. L. (Pickering).-It is supposed that the human frame attains, in the male, its full growth about the twenty-fourth year: from this period to the forty-fifth or fiftieth year it remains stationary: from fifty to sixty, the body begins to show symptoms of loss of power, and sluggishness of function, the prelude to that slow decay of which the progress is marked by diminished sensibility, impaired memory, muscular weakness, &c.-"Fast men "of course anticipate these changes, and a bill that ought to be payable at 60 years is sometimes presented at 30. REUBEN.-The old tale, No.-Second, One guinea. AN AGED MAN.-Avoid all "cold purges," as salts, seidlitz powders, &c., and take a warm aperient, as equal parts of the compound rhubarb pill and of the compound aloetic pill: the dose of each is from three to five or six grains. ANN D. (Sidmouth).-You will find all the information you ask for in YEOMAN ON HEADACHES. J. DEFRIEZ (Portsea).—An "operation" is not required; therefore, do not submit to one. WILLIAM HOGGAN (York Road, Lambeth).-As soon as the weather permits outdoor bathing, bathe every day. Although we cannot join the Hindoo or Mussulman in connecting the idea of internal sanctity with external purification, nevertheless we must admit that the daily bath makes a Christian more wholesome and agreeable. HEALTH OF LONDON DURING THE WEEK.-The deaths registered were, 1042. Thus far, the public health in April has shown a marked improvement. Hooping cough has considerably declined, though still fatal to a considerable extent; and influenza, though much above the average, is decreasing. Consumption maintains by far the highest position in the list of diseases. The number of deaths enumerated are 138, and of these 18 occurred under 15 years of age, only 5 above 60 years, while the remaining 115 occurred in the intermediate periods of life. Births, 1536; 779 boys, 757 girls. London: Printed by JOHN CATCHPOOL, of 35, Great Percy Street, Pentonville, at his Printing Office, Pemberton Row, Gough Square, for the proprietor, T. H. YEOMAN, Lloyd Square; and published by GEORGE VICKERS, 28 & 29, Holywell Street, in the parish of St. Clement Danes, Strand.-Saturday, April 26, 1851. THE RIBS are placed on each side of the vertebræ of the back, and with them form the posterior and lateral parts of the chest. They are commonly divided into seven true and five false ribs, or into sterno vertebral and vertebral: of these, the sterno-vertebral or true ribs, the seven superior are united by means of a portion of cartilage or gristle, directly with the sternum or breast bone. Of the vertebral or false ribs, the five inferior are either joined by their cartilages to each other, or, as in the two lowermost, are totally unconnected with the sternum, and are sometimes called loose or floating ribs. FIGURE XXXVI. THE CHEST AND SHOULDER. [PRICE ONE PENNY. and much curved; it is flat above and below, and is united to the breast bone by a short portion of cartilage at a right angle. The eleventh and twelfth ribs do not articulate with the transverse processes of the vertebræ, and are unconnected with the breast a bone. These ribs are much shorter than all the others, except the first; their heads have only single articular surfaces to join with the whole articular cavities of the two lowest dorsal vertebræ. LATERAL VIEW OF THE BONES OF c. The clavicle, or collar bone. d. The acromion process of the blade bone. e. The coracoid process of the THE STERNUM OR BREAST BONE. The situation of the breast bone is well known. From the first to the seventh pair, the ribs increase It is connected with the gristle of the ribs, and with in length-this gives the chest its conical shape; from the collar bones, and although considered as one the seventh they begin to decrease in length to the bone, is usually divided into two or three parts. The twelfth, which is as short as the first; and with refirst is broad and thick above, and contracts a little gard to the direction of their inclination, that of the as it descends; it is irregularly convex before, and first is nearly horizontal, whilst the lower ones dip concave behind. At the upper angle it is joined down more and more at their points. The length to the collar bone, and below on either side are the of the ribs increase from the first or upper one, till depressions for the reception of the cartilages of the we come to the seventh, which is the longest. From first seven ribs. At the termination of the bony the seventh to the twelfth they grow shorter again, structure of the breast bone is an appendix of gristle, and the cartilages, of course, become longer in the J. The sternum, or breast bone. called the ensiform cartilage, which in the young same proportion. The twelfth rib is very short. The number of subject may be felt yielding to the touch, but is in the adult ribs is almost always twelve; but sometimes there are only frequently ossified. eleven, and at others, thirteen. But instances of more or less than twelve rarely occur in one person in a thousand. In the old by-gone days of ignorance and superstition, a notion prevailed, which is not yet wholly extinct, that the man has one rib less on one side than on the other. It was said that as Eve was formed of a rib taken from Adam's side, he and all his male posterity have one rib the less for it. We scarcely need say that this notion is wholly unfounded. Some characters are common to the ribs generally, and others peculiar to each rib. The characters common to the ribs are an arched form, a flattening from side to side, each rib presenting two surfaces, an external and internal; two margins, a superior and an inferior; an articulating surface, or head; neck, a tubercle; an angle; a groove; and a sternal extremity. These characters, although common, do not all appertain to every rib. Each rib has something peculiar in regard to length, breadth, obliquity of position with regard to the spine, degree of curvature, and in the modification or deficiency of some of the common characters. The ribs most peculiar in these respects are the first, second, eleventh, and twelfth. The first rib is very short T The sternum, ribs, and dorsal vertebræ form the bones of the chest or thorax, the offices and uses of which are multiplied, for it is the centre of motion for directing the animated machine, and protects the heart, lungs, and other important parts; but its agency in respiration must be considered its most important function. THE SHOulder. The bones which enter into the formation of the shoulder consist of the humerus, or single bone of the arm, the scapula or blade bone, and the clavicle or collar bone. The humerus at its lower extremity is articulated with the radius and ulna; the mechanism of the elbow joint results from their peculiar union. The upper extremity of this long cylindrical bone is moulded into a round head, standing obliquely backward; this head is received into a very shallow cavity, called the glenoid cavity, in the anterior angle of the scapula (a, fig. xxxvi.), and is retained in its situation by ligaments which allow to the joint the greatest freedom of motion. Of all the joints in the human frame, that of the shoulder is by far the most free; and this freedom is necessary, in order that man may use his hands without any impediment. He can sigmoid cavity of the ulna. In its centre the bone is pierced by a foramen through which passes the medullary artery that supplies blood to the marrow of the bone. THE FORE ARM Consists of two bones, the ulna and the radius. The ulna is essentially the bone of the elbow; the radius that of the hand. Suppose the arm to hang by the side of the body, and the palm of the hand to be turned forwards, the ulna, in apposition with the little finger, occupies the inner, and the radius, in apposition with the thumb, occupies the outer, part of the arm. rotate the arm from the shoulder, describing a large circle with the hand; he can, in like manner, raise the arm or depress it, thrust it forward or draw it backward at will; but this extent of motion, which handed animals alone enjoy, depends not only upon the nature of the connexion of the humerus with the scapula, but upon the character of the scapula, and the mode of its union with the body. The point or tip of the human shoulder is produced by the extremity of a large process of the scapula, termed the acromion (d, fig. xxxvi.) overhanging the joint. From this process to the top of the sternum proceeds a long bone, shaped something like the italic letter S, termed the collar bone, or clavicle (c, fig. xxxvi.). Its presence is of great import-it ance; it keeps the shoulders at a proper distance, and apart from the sides of the chest, preventing the muscular stress, which is perpetually exercised upon the arms as a lever, from drawing it inwards. THE COLLAR BONE, Termed the clavicle, from its resemblance to an ancient key, has a long body and two extremities; the one, by which it is united to the breast bone, presents a triangular surface for its articulation by means of an intervening cartilage; the other, or scapular extremity, which is the flattest part of the bone, has a narrow articular surface for the acromion process of the blade bone (d, fig. xxxvi.). THE SHOULDER BLADE, Or scapula (a, fig. xxxvi.) is situated on the back and upper part of the ribs, and forms the posterior part of the shoulder; its form is an irregular triangle; it is flat, and so very thin as to be transparent in its greatest extent: at the fore part is the hollow or socket, called the glenoid cavity-in which the round head or ball of the humerus lies and moves. The scapula is retained in its position merely by muscles that unite it to the head, the hyoid bone, the ribs, the vertebræ, and the upper-arm bone; it is therefore unlike any other bone of the body, being embedded in muscles, without being attached to any bone of the trunk, excepting at a single point. Its anterior surface is concave, corresponding to the convexity of the ribs; its posterior surface is very irregular, being in some parts concave and in others convex, giving origin especially to two large processes, one of which is termed the acromion (d, fig. xxxvi.), the other the coracoid process of the scapula (e, fig. xxxvi.. The margins of the bone, whatever the thinness of some portions of it, are always comparatively thick and strong, affording points of origin of insertion to powerful muscles. At what is called the anterior angle of the bone, there is a shallow oval depression covered with cartilage, and defended by a cartilaginous margin, called the glenoid cavity, which receives the head of the bone of the arm. THE ARM, Or humerus, is a single bone, and extends from the scapula to the elbow joint: in form it is cylindrical, rounded and protuberant; at its upper part it has a head which is received into the glenoid cavity of the blade bone, and forms a ball and socket joint. The shaft, or middle portion, presents three ridges, which are marked by the attachments of the muscles of the superior extremity; the lower portion of the bone is flattened, and constitutes, with the ulna of the fore arm, a perfect hinged joint; at this part there are two projections termed the inner and outer condyles; the former affords attachment to the flexor muscles of the fingers. The lowest part of the bone has two articular surfaces, one on the outside, convex for the reception of the head of the radius; the other on the inside, concave from side to side, but convex from back to front, for the reception of the sends backwards the large projection commonly named the The upper end of the ulna belonging to the elbow is large: elbow or olecranon, in the centre of which there is a smooth and somewhat triangular surface, which is always covered by skin of a coarse texture, like that placed over the lower part of the kneepan, as if nature intended this for a part on which we may occasionally lean and rest. The ulna is large at the elbow, and gradually grows smaller and smaller as it descends towards the wrist, where it ends in a small round head beyond which, on the inner side, or that corresponding to the little finger, it projects downwards a small rounded point, termed the styloid process; at the styloid process and the olecranon, the two extremities of the ulna are easily and distinctly felt; the length of this bone was primitively used as a measure called a cubit, which was the ancient name of the bone. The upper extremity is scooped out in front, forming what is termed the great sigmoid cavity, which is articulated to the base of the humerus: there is also a smaller concave articular surface for the reception of the head of the radius, termed the lesser sigmoid cavity. The body or shaft of the bone is strongly marked by the attachment of the muscles; a ligament, named the interosseous ligament, is interposed between the two bones. THE RADIUS, Or smaller bone of the arm, is supposed to be so named from its imaginary resemblance to the spoke of a wheel; it is placed on the outer side of the arm, and is at its upper part small and rounded; whilst at the wrist, where it joins the thumb, it is broad and bulky. Its upper end is formed into a small circular head, which is united by distinct joints both to the humerus and to the ulna; it is also excavated into a shallow cup, which receives a corresponding convexity of the humerus, and its lower extremity is excavated into an oblique cavity, which receives two of the bones of the wrist. The joint of the elbow is composed above by the condyles of the humerus, and below by the heads of the ulna and radius; and they are held in their proper situation, first, by a ligament on the fore part of the arm, which arises from the lower extremity of the humerus, and is inserted in the upper part of the ulna and the coronary ligament of the radius; secondly, by another ligament on the back part of the arm, called the posterior ligament; and thirdly, by two other ligaments at the side of the ulna. Paley has not passed unobserved the remarkable mechanical contrivance of the fore-arm. For the perfect use of the forearm, two motions are wanted; a motion at the elbow backward and forward, which is called a reciprocal motion; and a rotary motion, by which the palm of the hand, as occasion requires, may be turned upward. How is this managed? The fore-arm consists of two bones lying alongside each other, but touching only near the ends. One, and only one, of these bones is joined to the humerus at the elbow; the other alone to the wrist. The first, at the elbow, by means of a hinge joint, which allows of motion in the same place, swings backward and forward, carrying along with it the other bone, and the whole fore-arm. In the mean time, as often as there is occasion to turn the palm upward, the bone to which the hand is attached, rolls upon the first, by the half of a groove or hollow near the end of one bone, to which is fitted a corresponding prominence in the other. The first is at liberty at one end, the second at the other; by which means two actions may be performed together. The upper arm may be swinging with its hinge joint at the elbow, at the very time the radius, which carries the hand, may be turning round in its groove. Take Compound calomel pill, Compound galbanum pill, Compound extract of colocynth, of each ten grains. Mix, and divide into six pills, of which one is to be taken every night. Should this prove not sufficiently active, a wine-glassful of the compound decoction of aloes, and a dessert spoonful of the tincture of jalap, may be taken early the following morning. Conjointly with this treatment, the patient may take during the day, two or three doses of the trisnitrate of bismuth, com In our next we shall describe the hand, and the physiology of bined with a soothing tonic, as the hop, which will have the touch. When the "nervousness can be traced to a deranged condition of the digestive organs, we have three indications of treatment to fulfil; first, to remove any accumulation of offending secretion or excretion; second, to restore the secretion to a healthy state; and thirdly, to soothe and then to give tone and energy to the whole system. And here we would express our reprobation of the too common practice of attempting to regain strength and vigour by the administration of tonics and stimulants, whilst the cause of the absence of strength and vigour remains unnoticed. The organ in which an accumulation of offending secretion is retained, is, in nineteen instances out of twenty, the liver, which is gorged with bile, or the bile, instead of passing out properly into the intestines, is absorbed, and enters into the blood. This condition is plainly indicated by sallowness, or a dirty yellow tinge in the complexion. In such cases we should immediately administer a full dose of some mercurial preparation, as, Take-Calomel, four grains; Or, Aromatic confection, five grains. Mix, and divide into two pills, for one dose. power of correcting any acidity there may be in the stomach, and counter-balance the probable debilitating effects of the alterative treatment. The two may be thus combinedTake-Trisnitrate of bismuth, half a drachm; Tincture of hops, one ounce; Tincture of ginger, two drachms; Water, sufficient to make three ounces. Mix. A dessert spoonful, taken in a wine-glassful of infusion of camomile flowers, is a dose. After a time, a few drops of muriatic acid, with a small quantity of the syrup of orange-peel, in water, may be substituted, preparatory to the administration of the more powerful tonics-iron and quinine. The whole surface of the body, especially around the right side, should be freely rubbed night and morning with a flesh brush, or coarse towel, and exercise in the open air freely indulged in. The diet should be plain, dry, and sufficiently nutritious. Animal food may be permitted for dinner, limiting the quality to mutton, beef, or white poultry, and the quantity to the satisfying of the natural appetite not to repletion. Vegetables, in most cases, are inadmissible; and toasted bread, or a biscuit, should be substituted. Fluids of all kinds should be sparingly taken; and all beverages, especially tea or coffee, are improper when taken hot. We have noticed great benefit to follow the use of the taraxacum or dandelion coffee, as prepared by Messrs. Hurford & Co. Indulgence in wine, spirits, or malt liquors, must be regulated by the peculiar condition and former habits of individual cases: as a general rule, they are hurtful: the least objectionable are a pale dry sherry; brandy, plentifully diluted with water; and the bitter beer of Allsop or Bass. The following case will illustrate the preceding treatment:CASE (71).-In October, 1847, we were first consulted by this patient. He was a clerk in a government office, aged 32; of spare, almost attenuated form; sallow complexion, and bilious temperament. His habits were temperate and regular; his general health, although not naturally robust, was good, and his energy and aptitude for business, previous to that time, equal to his best wishes. Within a recent period he had joined a club formed by the members of his department, ostensibly for benevolent purposes, but which, like many other similar associations, involved a fair share of conviviality. It was after a " quarterly meeting" we saw him. He complained of fearful depression of spirits; he doubted his own ability to fulfil the duties required of him; he apprehended that some inadvertent neglect would risk the continuance of his situation, and he foresaw nothing in the future but poverty and disgrace. His account of his mental sufferings was pitiable. His head, he said, appeared "woolly," and as if the brain was too large for its coverings; his thoughts were confused, and the least attention to business caused "his mind to wander." He had pain in the region of the stomach after eating,-when his appetite would permit him to eat; a dragging pain in the right side; numbness down the inner side of his arms and around the shoulder; his bowels were constipated, his urine scanty and |