patient when urged to do any thing disagreeable to her, and, if opposed, utters a sound, but cannot articulate. She constantly hurries from one thing to another, and, like the insane, wants a safety-valve to let off her excitement. She is excessively fond of music, would listen with apparent delight to the tones of a piano, seemed to have an irresistible desire to perform herself, and would strike the keys with eagerness and great satisfaction. In her visit to me she would seize the bellows which hung in the room, and blow them with great effort and apparent delight. She is perpetually active, but is far less mischievous than formerly. She has very little power of attention, and has as yet never been taught. A child, two years old, was lately brought to me at the request of the family physician, who had consulted me respecting it. It is unable to sit, to use its limbs, or talk: its face is intelligent, by no means idiotic. It has powers of mimicry unequalled by any child of its age I have ever met with. Having understood that it would imitate its father in whatever motions he made, I tried some experiments with it, and was astonished and amused to find it copy my movements so exactly, and that too with the most roguish expression conceivable, apparently much delighted. I have now the case formerly alluded to under my care for epilepsy, which for some months has been severe and of frequent recurrence. This child has an intelligent face and a good development of the head, except that it is small. Its form is graceful, and its movements easy and natural. Since it commenced the use of remedies, it has been more quiet and tranquil, less mischievous, sleeps better, has fewer fits, and they are less severe. If the epilepsy can be cured in this case-and I think it may be I shall have much confidence that it may be taught to articulate, and finally be educated. Indeed, since I have seen this child, some effort has been made to teach it to talk, and with some little success. What has struck me as particularly worthy of remark in all these cases is, that while some of the faculties of the mind are active, and many of them capable of improvement, others are torpid or perverted, bearing, in this particular, much resemblance to certain cases of insanity."American Journal of Medical Sciences. DESCRIPTION OF THE ITCH CONSTITUTION. BY DR. SIEBERT. THE itch constitution is frequently observed many years after the itch has been extirpated from the skin, without the itch disease being cured; more seldom, however, when the itch passes by metastasis into some distinct form of internal disease, than, when breaking out from time to time on the skin, it returns again to the latent state, and exhibits its peculiar phenomena in an erratic manner. I have remarked the itch constitution in many individuals, and have known and treated it as such before its existence was shown by examination and inquiry, more particularly in journeymen mechanics infected in their travels, and with whom the itch had lingered for years. It was manifested by the puffed-up, swollen, plump face; the smutty eyes; the dull silly stare; the swollen nose and lips; the latter of a sallow hue; the puffy eyelids, the general dull tint of the skin, when none of the usual complaints of vertigo, debility, indigestion, shortness of breath, lassitude, and sleepiness, had given indication of the disease. Many subsequently showed the truth of the diagnosis by an itch eruption more or less copious. Some became consumptive, others epileptic. In one case, the fits of vertigo increased in intensity, until the patient was insensible in them; these terminated by a discharge of a limpid fluid from the nostrils. In another case, death followed a remarkably acute attack of water on the chest, EFFECTS UPON THE SYSTEM BY THE GENERATION OF PUTRID MATTER IN SLOUGHING OF THE CELLULAR MEMBRANE. By Sir B. Brodie. WHENEVER putrid matter is pent up round a slough of the cellular membrane, the system is poisoned by it. The sulphuretted and carburetted hydrogen gas, evolved during the decomposition of dead animal matter, seems to pass, in part at least, into the circulation, producing the most dangerous symptoms. Incisions, which relieve the tension of the skin, allow these noxious gases to escape, and the relief which this affords to the patient is very remarkable. I might, if it were necessary, enumerate a great number of cases in illustration of what I have just observed. One, however, will be sufficient.. .... I was called, some few years since, to see a gentleman who appeared to be actually on the point of death. His extremities were cold, his pulse scarcely perceptible. It was doubtful whether he was sensible or not. He made, on being roused, several imperfect attempts to speak, but could say nothing intelligible. Below the right hypochondrium (i. e. beneath the false ribs, on the right side) there was a considerable tumour, the skin being of a dark red colour, on the verge of mortification. On examination with the fingers, I perceived a sort of emphysematous crackling, and an imperfect fluctuation. Having made a free incision, I discovered underneath the discoloured skin what might be called a quagmire of slough. A small quantity of putrid matter escaped; but there escaped also such a quantity of noisome and offensive gas, apparently sulphuretted hydrogen, that I could scarcely bear to remain in the room. The stench pervaded the whole house, and even could be perceived in the garden round it. Within two minutes after the performance of this operation, so trifling in appearance, but so important in reality, the patient looked up and said, quite distinctly, "What is it that you have done which has made so great a difference in my feelings?" At the same time the pulse returned at the wrist; and from this moment he recovered, without any unfavour able symptoms. After a few days, sloughs came away, probably of muscle, cellular membrane, and peritoneum, in a confused mass, and with them a gall-stone of moderate size; explaining, to a certain extent at least, the origin of the disease.-Lectures Illustrative of Various Subjects in Pathology and Surgery. THE SECRET OF SUCCESS IN CONDUCTING SCIENTIFIC RESEARCHES. THERE must be an ardent love of truth as truth, in him who would so persevere as to follow her guidance up the steep path which alone leads to her secret dwelling-place; and with this pride interferes; he who dwells upon or looks for his own exaltation, will soon have in all his studies another and lower aim than the discovery of the truth; not what she will reveal, but what will do him credit, will become the secret law of his motives; and to such a temper soon become familiar short paths, and little ends, and tricky means which lead not to her seat, and to which she will not yield her hidden store.-Wilberforce. PARALYSIS A CAUSE OF INSANITY. PARALYTIC affections are a much more frequent cause of insanity than has been commonly supposed, and they are also a very com mon effect of madness. More maniacs die of hemiplegia and apoplexy than from any other disease. When insanity supervenes on epilepsy, or where the latter disease is induced by insanity, a cure is very seldom effected.-Haslam. HINTS FOR HEALTH. MOTHER'S MILK. The mother's milk being the natural and best food of the infant, the next point is to determine at what intervals the latter may be admitted to the breast. Here, again, it is indispensable to warn the parent against hurtful excess; for if the stomach is too frequently replenished, or too much distended, digestion necessarily becomes enfeebled, and gripes and flatulence arise and torment the child. The usual practice with inexperienced and ignorant mothers is to offer the breast whenever the child cries, or shows the least appearance of uneasiness or pain, no matter from what cause, as if hunger was the only sensation which the young being could experience. A PLEASANT SUBSTITUTE FOR EPSOM SALTS AS A PURGATIVE. M. Garot recommends the following formula for the preparation of tasteless purgative salts (citrate of magnesia) : The citric acid is separately dissolved and added to the carbonate of magnesia diffused in water. As thus prepared it is not effervescing; but it is easily rendered so by adding only half the quantity of acid, and reserving the addition of the other half, until the dose is taken. The above proportions in grains would constitute a dose. POISONING BY LEAD-SHOT LEFT IN A BOTTLE. An individual was seized with violent colic and symptoms of poisoning, after having drunk several glasses of liquor. Dr. Hohl, who was called to the patient, examined the liquid, and found it to be turbid instead of clear; and on pouring it out into a glass, he discovered at the bottom of the bottle two pellets of shot which had become firmly fixed and converted by corrosion to carbonate of lead. On examining them, he found only a very small nucleus of metallic lead in the centre of each; so long as the liquor was clear, no ill effects had followed its use, -these had only occurred when the turbid portion, near the bottom of the bottle, had been taken. The liquor was proved to hold suspended, a salt of lead, from which the symptoms of poisoning had undoubtedly arisen. This shows that great care should be used in cleaning bottles; and that a few shot left in them may give rise to all the symptoms of lead-poisoning. SALT AS AN ARTICLE OF FOOD. M. Plouviez has come to the conclusion that common salt is not merely a condiment, but that it possesses important nutritious properties, and is capable of serving as an article of food. He infers from his observations 1. That common salt is not only an aid to nutrition, but that it serves for nourishment, like bread or meat. 2. A proper employment of this substance will be of great importance to those classes of society who are unable to procure sufficient animal and vegetable food. 3. Salt produces greater strength and vigour than physical development; hence it is especially fitted for the weak and infirm. 4. In a certain dose it may supply the place of a portion of food given to horses. CAUTION IN CASES OF OLD IRREDUCIBLE HERNIÆ. When you give up all hopes of reducing one of these large herniæ, all you have to do is to advise your patient to avoid flatulent food, particularly young vegetables. It is remarkable that numbers of hernia become strangulated at the season of the year when the young vegetables come in first; this I have remarked for years.-Colles' Lectures. Vols. I, & II., are now ready, price 4s. each, bound in strong boards, cloth, and gilt lettered. "Dr. Yeoman's large practical experience renders him eminently capable of conducting a journal of this nature. We most heartily recommend this work, as its price places it within the reach of all, while the matter of which it is constituted, touching on organic and other diseases incidental to humanity, is of the most invaluable kind."-Weekly Dispatch, June 23, 1850. hand of THE PEOPLE'S MEDICAL JOURNAL AND FAMILY PHYSICIAN:The following Booksellers and News Agents always keep a stock on Ashton-under-Lyne.-J. S. Kerrison. Bath.-Sidwell, Union Passage. Belper.-D. Elliott. Birmingham.-Mr. Guest, Bull-street; W. Plastans, 55, Dale-end; Watts, 14, Snow-hill; Robertham, Great Russel-street; Pritchard. Liverystreet; Collins, 394, Summer-lane; Pratt, Digberth; Dale, 32, Dale-end. Bolton.-George Winterburn. Bradford.-Mr. Wilkinson, Tyrrell-street. Brighton. Mr. Grant, Castle-square. Bristol.-Mr. Cork; Mrs. Bingham; Mr. Toulmin, Christmas-street. Cambridge.-Mr. Franks. Coventry.-Mr. Farn, 6, Park-street. Derby. Mr. Blunsden, Peter-street; Mr. Poulton. Edinburgh.-Messrs. Robinson, 11, Greenside-street. Halifax.-Mr. Lord, Northgate; Mrs. Wood, 2, Market-street. Leeds.-Mrs. Mann, Duncan-street. Liverpool.-Mr. Sheppard, 99, Scotland-road; Mr. Bailey, Whitechapel. Oldham.-Hirah Jackson, 6. George-street. Sheffield.-Mr. Bourrowclough; Mr. Lingard, Davison-street. 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 Belts, Back-boards, Dumb-bells, Wooden Legs, Crutches, Supports for Weakened Legs, and all Instruments and Apparatus for the Cure of Deformities. Mrs. Smith attends on Ladies. N NEVILL'S ARABICA FOOD THE PATENT FLOUR OF LENTILS. This most agreeable food has in thousands of cases entirely superseded Medicine for Indigestion, Constipation, Nausea, and Sickness; Nervous, Bilious and Liver Complaints, and all derangements of the Stomach, Bowels, and Digestive organs. It is the best food for Invalids and Children, as it never distends the weakest Stomach, nor disagrees with the most delicate. Sold in Canisters, 1 lb. 1s., 3 lb. 2s. 9d., 6 lb. 5s. 3d., 12 lb. 10s.-Beware of impositions. Ask for NEVILL'S Arabica Food, and note the signature of the Patentee A. H. NEVILL. Manufactured by Nevill and Co., 12, Liverpool Street, King's Cross, London. Du Barry's much-puffed Revalenta is composed of our Patent Purified Lentils, with which we supply him; therefore be not deceived by false statements and high charges. 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. VOLS. I. and II. 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, BACK NUMBERS.-There should not be any difficulty in procuring back numbers to complete volumes, or numbers containing certain articles. They are always on sale by our publisher, and any delay that arises must be consequent on some forgetfulness on the part of the local bookseller or his town-agent. THE Index to Vol. I. was published with No. 26. The Index to Vol. II. with No. 52. MEDICAL GLOSSARY.-We postpone the publication of our DICTIONARY OF MEDICAL TERMS, as it has been suggested to us that it would be more useful if published, separately, as a small book, uniform with INDIGESTION, HEADACHE, &C. We shall be glad to receive the opinions and wishes of our subscribers. ANTHONY WELLS (Hull).-Constantly using the unglazed end of a common pipe is a frequent cause of an ulcerated state of the lips, which frequently assumes a malignant character. Cancer has by some writers been attributed to this cause. E. N. (Ashton-under-Lyne).-Read the chapter on the USE and ALUSE of MERCURY, in the DISEASES of ERROR, page 23. JAPHET (Blackheath).-The advertised American preparation of sarsaparilla is a Yankee swindle. A Governor.—Dr. Little is the founder of the Orthopaedic Hospital. The other names you mention will, we fear, make the institution founder. Why do not the subscribers see to the management of what might become one of the noblest charities in the metropolis. FESTUS.-Jean Baptiste Dumas is the celebrated French chemist, who was recently Minister of Commerce and Agriculture, in the Republic. He is one of the scientific glories of his country. Alexandre Dumas is the Creole novelist, the author of Monte Christo. Do not, we beg, confound the philosopher with the romancer. RICHARD GLASS (Wolverhampton).-We have observed the greatest benefit to follow the persevering use of the decoction of logwood, in cases of continued and constitutional relaxation of the bowels. For the mode of preparing the decoction and the dose, see PHARMACOLOGY, No. 30, page 30, Vol. II. A. B. (Newington Butts).-Aromatic spirits of ammonia, compound tincture of lavender, of each four drachms. Mix.-Dose a tea-spoonful, when faint. W. Z.-First you will find an article on the TARTAR OF THE TEETH in No. 55. Second,-Yes. Third,-Yes. Fourth "Brande's enamel" is a quack or patent preparation. As "a constant reader," you must know our opinion of such compounds. OMICRON.-Always immerse the head first; apply friction to the legs and feet. TWO FRIENDS." Indurated liver" means, literally, hardened liver; congested liver. The symptoms which indicate the disease are many, painful, and serious. They will be noticed at length in the present volume. J. HARDY (Manchester).-You will find the information you ask for in the articles on INTESTINAL WORMS in Nos. 13, 14, 15, 16, 17. JAMES RICHARDS (Bristol).-Your letter did not contain an enclosure. WILLIAM THOMPSON (Whitechapel).-It is a scrofulons enlargement of the glands. We must see you. J. J. D. (Huddersfield).-Your truss, as you now wear it, is doing you more harm than good. It requires another spring. Second, -Read the articles on BRONCHITIS in Vol. I. You will find many prescriptions for "Cough Mixtures" applicable to your symptoms. **** (Chelsea).-Will you do us the favour to point out the misprints of which you complain? We have not yet heard of, or seen a single case that has caused the smallest alteration in our opinion of cod liver oil. E. J. T. P. (Birmingham).—We should be delighted to increase the price of the Journal, as you propose, to three-half-pence, but we fear the PEOPLE would not participate in our delight. R. S. (Sunderland).-The persons you name are not qualified physicians. Homoeopathy is one of the gross delusions of the day. D. R. P. (Leeds).-Send your daughter to Scarborough; the "waters" are a saline chalybeate, and highly serviceable in cases of chlorosis and ancemia (deficiency of blood, or of the red particles of the blood). THOMAS BOWMAN (Spitalfields).-We must see you. England and Wales Paris... Leeds..... ...... AN APPRENTICE (Halifax).—Apply a blister behind the ear. POISONING BY BEETLE WAFERS.-An inquest was lately held in Seven Dials, on a boy named Michael Staff, nine years of age, deceased, from eating two packets of beetle wafers, made with red lead, flour, and water. They had been thrown into the street from an oilman's shop, and the deceased, with other boys, had picked them up, and eaten them with eagerness. All the boys were taken ill with symptoms of lead poisoning, but Staff was the only one that died. The verdict was in accordance with the evidence. A CHILD under seven years of age has recently been killed by a drunken woman giving it nearly a quartern of gin. The symptoms were those of extreme collapse, from which it never recovered. CHLOROFORM.-A bill has been introduced into the House of Lords by Lord Campbell for punishing those who use chloroform and other stupify. ing poisons criminally. The punishment for the first offence to be imprisonment, for the second transportation. FANNY.-See YEOMAN ON HEADACHES. You can obtain it of the bookseller who supplies the Journal. W. P.-In common asthma, we have observed much benefit to follow the use of the following pills-try them. Take half a drachm of powdered squills; a drachm and a half of gum ammoniacum; half a drachm of extract of conium.-Mix, and divide into thirty pills, of which take two every six hours. JOHN SPENCE (Walmgate-Bar, York).-R. S. T. (Sunderland).—JOHN BRIGGS (Millwall).-H. E.-A NERVOUS ONE (Norwood).-JOHN ROBERTSON (Hammersmith).-M. T. (Hampstead Road).-LONDON. These correspondents can only be attended to privately. N. J. (Hulme, near Manchester).-Your question will be answered in detail in a future number; in the meantime read the articles on RHEUMATISM in Vol. I. B. T. CLARKE (Totness).-The name is an assumed one; the quack rascals always trade under false colours. ANNA (Bayswater).-Take four grains of the compound rhubarb pill every other night, for a week or ten days. Read ŸEOMAN ON INDIGESTION, ANDREW YORICK.-One guinea. GEORGE SCOTT (Goswell Street).-You will find an article on THREADWORMS in No. 14. WILLIAM ARTHUR (Hadleigh).—The Editor will be at home at the hour you specify. HEALTH OF LONDON.-Deaths registered 1213. The only example of a greater mortality at this period occurred in 1847, when the deaths for the week were 1253. The increase is most considerable amongst persons of advanced age. Complaints of the respiratory organs have been more than usually active; bronchitis numbers 119 persons, of whom 25 were children, 40 persons between fifteen and sixty, and 54 had turned sixty years of age. Laryngitis and laryngismus stridulus were fatal to 7 children and an adult; pleurisy to 8 persons; pneumonia (inflammation of the lungs) to 98, of whom 77 were children; asthma to 32; and other diseases of the lungs, exclusive of phthisis, to 12. Amongst those diseases of a tubercular character, which are mostly confined to children, mesenteric disease was fatal in 13 cases, and water on the brain to 32. Deaths from zymotic or epidemic diseases 208, which is near the usual number. Small-pox now shows a tendency to become less fatal. Hooping-cough has increased, and now predominates among epidemics; 65 children having died from it in the week, which is considerably more than the average. Twenty-nine died of measles, 9 of scarlatina, and 8 of croup. Typhus was fatal in 35 cases, of which 20 occurred in the middle period of life. Births of 792 boys and 775 girls, in all 1567, were registered. Mean barometer for the week, 29.870 in. Mean temperature of the week, 45°. 5. Wind generally in the south-west, except on Friday, when it blew from the north-east. London: Printed by CHARLES ADAMS, at his Printing Office, 8 St. James's Walk, Clerkerwell, for the proprietor, T. H. YEOMAN, Lloyd Square; and published by Gros VICKERS, 28 and 29 Holywell Street, in the parish of St. Clement Danes, Strand. THE spinal nerves proceed in pairs from the sides of the spinal marrow, each nerve arising by two roots, one anterior, the other posterior. When the posterior root is irritated, it gives rise to pain; when divided, the sensibility is lost; the power of motion is still retained, but the animal cannot regulate its movements. It is therefore demonstrated that the posterior root presides over sensation. When the anterior roots are irritated, there is not experienced any pain, but the muscles are convulsed; when divided, the parts are powerless, but the animal retains its sensibility, it feels pain, and has not the power to withdraw from the cause of it. The anterior roots, therefore, preside over motion. The posterior root of each nerve passes through a ganglion, and then unites with its anterior root. When the united trunk is irritated, there are occasioned pain and convulsions; when divided, the parts supplied by the nerve are deprived of sensation and motion. THE SYMPATHETIC OR ORGANIC NERVES OF THE STOMACH. PRICE ONE PENNY. They are usually arranged into four classes; namely the cervical, or those nerves which supply the neck, the shoulder, and the arm-eight pairs: the dorsal nerves, supplying the muscles and integuments of the back, and part of the chest-twelve pairs: the lumbar, supplying the loins, the hips and upper and back part of the thigh-five pairs: the sacral, which send branches to the pelvis and its contents, the perinæum, the thigh, the leg and foot,-five or six pairs. From these nerves spring branches that ultimately are so delicately divided, and so extensively and universally distributed over the whole muscular and cutaneous parts of the body, that it is impossible that a puncture could be made with the point of the finest needle without wounding a minute filament and causing pain. The CERVICAL NERVES.-The first pair of cervical nerves commence at the side of the spinal cord, beneath its superior enlargement, and issues from the spine between the occipital bone of the skull and the first vertebra, called the atlas. The second pair arise between [This engraving also shows the manner in which the omentum-a the first and second vertebræ; the third portion of the peritoneum-folds over the intestines, as an apron, see page 18.] Hence it will be seen that the spinal nerves are the medium of sensation and the directors of voluntary motion. By sensation is meant the feeling (?), or some change in the system, produced by pressure, hardness, softness; cold, heat, and pain: this sensation is com mon to the whole surface of the body, and is called common sensibility. By 3. voluntary motion is meant that movement of the body, or parts of the body, 6. The stomach. intended and willed by the animal. 7. The omentum. and fourth pairs arise in a similar man 1. The under surface of the liver turned up, so as to bring into view ner. These nerves send off branches to the anterior surface of the stomach. 2. The gall-bladder (see page 50). Organic nerves, surrounding the trunks of the blood-vessels. 4. The pyloric orifice of the stomach, and commencement of the The spinal nerves consist of thirty-one pairs. The roots of each, after forming the ganglion to which we have just referred, and afterwards joining to form the common trunk of each nerve, passes through an opening formed by the junction of the vertebræ, termed the foramen conjugale; and again each nerve divides into an anterior and posterior branch, which respectively supply parts in the front and back parts of the body. M the muscles of the neck attached to the spine, to the side and back part of the head, and to the muscles and integuments at the back part of the neck. From these nerves many branches are given off, to form, with the sympathetic and the spinal accessory, the CERVICAL PLEXUS of nerves, from which springs that important nerve, the phrenic, or internal respiratory nerve: this passes down the neck, and is ultimately distributed at the root of the lungs, and passing between the pleura and the sac containing the heart, ramifies on the diaphragm. These nerves proceed from their respective foramina in the spine; and the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth pairs descend obliquely outwards, dividing into anterior and posterior branches, which are distributed to the muscles at the back part of the neck. The anterior branches unite with filaments from the great sympathetic and the first dorsal nerves, to form the BRACHIAL PLEXUS, which consists of an interlacement of nerves (fig. xx.), from which issue branches that supply the muscles of the chest, the blade-bones, the arm-the median nerve -the fore-arm-the ulna -and the radial nerve. FIGURE XX. THE GREAT SYMPATHETIC NERVE. The great sympathetic nerve forms a system of itself, possessing neither sensibility, nor power over the voluntary muscles. It is, in fact, a collection of filaments from every nerve in the animal fabric, which join each other, and form nervous centres, swellings, or "diminutive brains" or ganglia. The sympathetic nerve appears to spring from the fifth and sixth cerebral nerves, and uniting with a branch from the eighth,* and also with several nerves of the neck, extends downwards at the side of the spine, enters the cavity of the chest, and afterwards, that of the abdomen, where distributing itself to all the viscera contained therein, it associates all the several functions, and conveys their united sensibilities to the brain. It is by the special operation of this nerve that disturbances in the function of one particular organ are often painfully felt in remote parts; these parts sympathising with the afflicted spot, hence the name Great Sympathetic." By the nerves derived from the sensient system,-that is the cerebral and spinal nerves,-uniting with the sympathetic nerve, and the combined influences working equally and correctly together, it is that we enjoy that feeling of well-being, and that pleasurable sensation, which we call HEALTH; hence the feeling of buoyancy, exhilaration, and vigour when the stomach is sound; hence the depression, listlessness, and debility, the painful consciousness which we call DISEASE, when the action of the stomach is unsound. 66 The DORSAL NERVES, twelve in number, strikingly resemble the cervical in their origin, their transmission through their respective holes in the spine, and their subsequent division into anterior and posterior branches; the posterior branches supplying the muscles and integuments of the back, and the anterior branches the intercostal muscles, or those muscles which are placed between the ribs, and the integuments covering the chest. The anterior branches of the eighth, ninth, tenth, and eleventh dorsal nerves supply the muscles covering the abdomen. Although the great sympathetic may be said to have neither The anterior branch of the twelfth, like all the other dorsal beginning nor end, yet its focus is decidedly around the abdomi nerves, receives a branch of communication from the great sym-nal region; the organs of digestion are covered, intersected, pathetic, but, unlike them, it also communicates with the first and interlaced with the minute filaments of this all-powerful lumbar nerve, and is distributed on the integuments of the ab- nerve.-(3, fig. xix.) domen. The LUMBAR NERVES, or those which are transmitted through the intervertebral foramina, or holes, of the lumbar vertebræ, consist of five pair; they commence by two broad bands of filaments, which the older writers called the cauda equina, from the resemblance it has to the tail of a horse, especially when the nervous fibres are unravelled, and separated from each other. The first five lumbar nerves resemble the other spinal nerves in their origin, ganglionic connections, and subsequent division into anterior and posterior branches; the latter supply the muscles of the hip, and the upper and back part of the thigh. The anterior branches form by their union the LUMBAR PLEXUS, which is situated at the side of the bodies of the second, third, and fourth lumbar vertebra, covered by the large internal muscle of the loins, the psoas magnus. From this plexus branches are sent to the parts contained within and around the lower part of the pelvis (fig. ii.), to the groin, the scrotum, the testicle, to the buttocks, and to the anterior and external parts of the thigh. The SACRAL NERVES are five pairs, sometimes six. They arise from the lower extremity of the spinal cord (d, fig. ii.). Their posterior branches supply the muscles in their vicinity; while the anterior branches of the four first sacral, with those of the fifth lumbar, form the SACRAL or SCIATIC PLEXUS. These branches, again uniting, form a large nerve, named the sciatic nerve, which stretches from the pelvis, along the back of the thigh and leg, to the sole of the foot, and in its course supplies the posterior muscles of the thigh, the anterior muscles of the leg, and the integuments of the anterior parts of the leg and upper part of the foot. In the ham this nerve divides into two grand branches, the external popliteal or fibular nerve (Q, fig i), and the internal popliteal or tibeal nerve (P, fig. i.), which supply the muscles of the leg. From the sacral plexus branches are also given off to the large intestines, to the rectum, to the bladder, to the uterus, the prostate gland, the urethra and parts of generation. The discovery of the reflex function of the spinal nervous system has traced some of the sympathies to it, but not any discovery has hitherto diminished the physiological influence of the organic, or great sympathetic system. The numerous filaments that form the chain of the great sympathetic meet and form small centres of nervous matter to which the term ganglion has been ** FIG. XXI. FIG. XXII. given. In form they are very irregular; in general they are somewhat round, occasionally they are elongated, in other instances they are of a semilunar form.-(figs xx-xxii.) Each ganglion transmits nerves upwards and downwards to the ganglia to which they are contiguous, and to other nerves of the cerebral and spinal systems. The greater part, however, of the nervous filaments radiating from the ganglia are interwoven, in the form of a net-work or plexus; the most remarkable of which is the solar plexus, which is distributed to all the divisions of the aorta (3, fig. xix.), and sends branches to all the abdominal organs. The principal ganglia are the oph thalmic; the spheno-palatine, the otic; the cervical; the cardiac plexus; the thoracic ganglia; the splanchnic; the semilunar, or solar plexus; the lumbar; the sacral, and the hyposgastric. (To be continued.) CLOTHING. "ONLY fools and beggars suffer from cold," says Boerhaave, |