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. 66 TO OUR READERS.-What we are about to say is a confidential whisper! THE PEOPLE'S MEDICAL JOURNAL is not a paying concern"! Our whole heart, our daily thought, and our nightly dream is centered in its advancement, because we are convinced of its utility. We care not about our labour, nay we should not much regret the loss of pounds, provided that loss was recognised by less than four figures. Our expenses, in consequence of the engravings, are nearly doubled. Our efforts, like our expenses, shall also increase. Now, in the words of our able sevenpenny contemporary, The Lancet, we say, "If to rest contented until he had procured a new subscriber as a reward every reader of THE PEOPLE'S MEDICAL JOURNAL would resolve not for the introduction of our ILLUSTRATIONS, we certainly should be furnished with very substantial' proofs of the admiration and gratitude' of the PEOPLE." 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. VOL. II. is now ready, bound in strong and elegant cloth boards, gilt lettered, price 4s. The preface runs thus:-"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 a Family Physician. For the courtesy of his reception, and the confidence reposed in him, he begs to offer his grateful thanks.-In closing a year of 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 exertions, and direct his humble ability." CASES for binding Vols. I. and II., price 1s. 3d. each, may be had of all newsvendors. THE DISEASES OF ARTISANS and THE DISEASES OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN will be resumed in early numbers. STALE NEWS, FRESHLY TOLD.-Punch, with great truth, says," A physician cannot obtain recovery of his fees, although he may cause the recovery of his patient." A waggish friend adds, "Then let him take credit for his success, but give none for his attendance." D. R. P.-There is a difference: we would explain it in this way :-An old man who recollects the ideas of his youth, has remembrance; a man who retraces sensations experienced the preceding year, has memory. W. MORDECAI HONLY.-Let the child take one of the following powders twice a day. Take-rhubarb, a scruple; carbonate of soda, half a drachm; hydrargyri cum cretâ, ten grains; powdered ginger, five grains. Mix and divide into ten powders. The diet must be plain and nutritive, and free from vegetables. You will find many prescriptions for coughs of all degrees, and for every age, in the first eleven numbers. S. H.-The person in the neighbourhood of Finsbury holds the same rank as the Jew advertising quacks. No respectable physician would meet him in consultation. The microscope may be, and is by many, degraded to an instrument of quackery. Albuminous urine is merely a symptom of other disease, which may be, comparatively, an innocent one: there are many circumstances to be considered in connexion with its existence. Z. Z. (Bayswater)-Such symptoms are the result of one of the DISEASES OF ERROR (which little book read), and are not noticed in this Journal. AN OPERATIVE JOINER (Manchester), can only be attended to privately. HARRY (Bristol).-" Have I any thing to dread in connexion with the symptoms I have related?" You have. "Are malt liquors injurious to me ? Not in moderation. MARIA (Northampton Square).-Your letter is deficient in many important particulars. We never hazard an opinion, and never prescribe for or direct a patient in these columns, unless the history of the case furnished to us is so clear and distinct that a doubt as to the proper treatment cannot possibly exist. As well, your case appears to be one that merits your best care to have it properly comprehended by the physician who undertakes to remove your distressing symptoms. OBITER DICTUM.-You are a faithful, good fellow, we are certain, and we cordially thank you for your good wishes. A hundred sympathising heads and hearts like your's would make our Journal as profitable, as we wish it to be useful. W. CHIBBORN (Camden Street, Dublin).-The ankle joint has been dislocated, as well as the bones of the leg broken. Apply to Mr. Porter in your city. AN OLD PATIENT (Wolverhampton).-Test the urine with a piece of litmus paper, which send to us: we will then direct you further. W. A. C. (Bath).-We believe the "Florentine Venus" is at Liverpool. A. It is a beautiful and correct model. B. C. (New Road). The man is a despicable quack. The bestial advertisements which he inserts in the columns of those newspapers that exist only by the payments of such wretches, should deter any thinking man from seeking advice at such a polluted source. Avoid treatises written in six languages, and "enriched" with 26 coloured engravings. D. R. C. (Westminster Palace)-Your's is a nervous complaint: purging EDGAR.-Your present anxiety, ill health and debility, is caused by the misdeeds of your early life. Read the DISEASES OF ERROR. will do more harm than good. Call in Lloyd Square. THE DISEASES OF WINTER including cough, bronchitis, and influenza, are described, and the necessary treatment advised, in the first eleven numbers of THE PEOPLE'S MEDICAL JOURNAL. D. E. P. (Chatham). --A full description of the symptoms and different degrees of the complaint will be found in the Editor's small work on HEADACHES. Y.-No. M. A.-Hot tea is hurtful. Never drink liquids of a greater temperature E. R. than the warmth of the mouth: hot tea is a cause of innumerable cases of indigestion; your's promises to be one of the many. S. (Oldham Street, Manchester).-Whenever the child is griped and purged, give it a tea-spoonful of the following mixture. Take, magnesia, half a drachm; powdered rhubarb, ten grains; syrup of white poppies, two drachms; carraway water, two ounces. Mix. Be careful in your own diet; and your health being much impaired, wean the child. G. W.-The quacks of Albemarle Street and Bedford Square are far more dangerous than pickpockets; the latter only rob you of a cardcase or a kerchief: the former swindle you out of health, purse, and peace. A Jew thief may be collared by a policeman; a Jew “quack” may kill and rob with impunity. Avoid the wretches. HANNAH R. (Oldham Street, Manchester).-You will find the following an excellent formula for an occasional "aperient pill." Take compound extract of colocynth, compound rhubarb pill, of each a scruple; blue pill, extract of hyosciamus, of each ten grains; oil of cloves, two drops. Mix. Dose, two or three at bed-time. PERCY ROWLAND (Chester).- Cancer of the male breast is comparatively rare. The symptoms you mention are sufficiently important to merit your best and immediate attention. G. W. (Banbury).-We received the letter and enclosure; you did not return the former prescription, neither did you mention where a letter from us would find you. ROLAND (Bury Street).-Take eight grains of the extract of hyosciamus, with two grains of camphor, made into two pills, every night. GRATEFUL.-We are much pleased that you are enabled to write so cheerfully and thankfully. OLIVER TWIST.-Bad diet, impure air, and insufficient clothing, will cause To MANY CORRESPONDENTS.-It is our pleasing duty to return our best consumption, even in a person not previously tainted with the disease. thanks for the many very pleasing and civil notes we have received at this season: if we only enjoy a tithe of the "good wishes," "happy new years," and "great success" that unknown friends have showered upon us, the year 1851 will be a year of unalloyed gratification. We are deeply sensible of the good will expressed towards us. HEALTH OF LONDON.-In the week ending last Saturday, the deaths regis tered in the metropolitan districts amounted to 1,166. Amongst the fatal cases, "diseases of the lungs and other organs of respiration" are conspicuous on the list; they amount to 274, nearly the same as in the previous week, and still slightly exceed the average. Bronchitis numbers 102, inflammation of the lungs 117, asthma 37 deaths, consumption 112, scrofula 16, and 25 from water in the head. Small-pox carried off 21 children and 4 adults; measles 21; scarlatina 30; hooping cough 52; croup 10; diarrhoea 16; typhus 43; and erysipelas 11. Coroners' inquests were held in 91 cases. The births amounted to 1,477, namely 729 boys and 748 girls, being an average weekly increase on the five preceding years of 135 ! London: Printed by CHARLES ADAMS, at his Printing Office, 8 St. James's Walk, Clerken well, for the proprietor, T. H. YEOMAN, Lloyd Square; and published by GEORGI VICKERS, 28 and 29 Holywell Street, in the parish of St. Clement Danes, Strand. THE PELVIS, or large bony cavity which terminates the trunk inferiorly, contains the urinary and genital organs, and in woman the uterus- and supports the bowels and other viscera; it is composed of a pair of large, broad, and irregularly shaped bones, called Ossa Innominata, or the nameless bones, or the hip-bones (L, fig. 1.), which are divided into, the ilium, the ischium, and the pubis; and the sacrum, with its appendix, the os coccygis, so called from its resemblance to a cuckoo's beak. At birth the pelvis is only very partially finished as to its ossification: the intermediate cartilages between its several constituent bones continuing to bear a very considerable proportion; the increase of bone is not, indeed, very rapid, even after birth; and the several portions of the ossa innominata, to be hereafter described, remain distinct and separated by cartilages, till within a very short interval of what is called the age of puberty. The most interesting circumstance incident to the pelvis of the infant and the child, is the great similarity of its form in both sexes until about the tenth year of their respective ages. Nature then begins to declare her special intentions with respect to the destinies of either sex; and the pelvis of the future man becomes characterised by the comparative smallness of its cavity, the 4 The Ilium. strength of its sides, and the narrowness of C The Ischium. its dimensions from side to side; that of the D The Sacrum. girl-hereafter to be the mother of children E The Femur, or thigh-bone. 1 The crest of the Ilium, B The Pubes. 2 -is noted by its lightness, shallowness, and daily increasing width between its iliac extremities, that is from 1 in fig. 2, to the 3 opposite crest of the fellow bone. PRICE ONE PENNY. pations, and the more perilcus pursuits incident to the support and protection of his family. He has been principally the tiller of the ground, the warrior, the traveller, the knight-errant, and the ruler: for him, accordingly, nature has allotted a skeleton of more massive carpentry. The parieties of his pelvis are made of denser and heavier materials; its surfaces are made rugged, uneven, and furrowed out into deep apertures or sinuosities, to afford secure fastenings to the immense ligaments and tendons, which serve to connect together its constituent bones, and to give attachment and leverage to many of the most powerful muscles of the human body. Adapted also partly for strength, but principally for specific purposes in a sexual point of view, the male pelvis is much deeper, but in other respects smaller, than that of the female as to its interior cavity. The OSSA INNOMINATA, or hip-bones, form the sides and anterior part of the bowl of the pelvis. Each bone consists in early life of three distinct parts; namely, the ilium (A), the ischium (C), and the pubis (B); of which, the first forms the largest, and the last the smallest portion of the entire bone. The shape of the os innominatum is very irregular, contracted towards for the reception of the head of the middle, and expanded towards the cen4 The part of the Sacrum which arti- tre. In the adult the three bones just named culates with the last vertebra of are firmly united by bony union; and the junction first commences and is first per FIGURE 2. The Symphisis Pubes, or joining of the two bones of the pubes. The Acetabulum, or cup-like cavity When the pelvis has acquired its proper size and form in the adult subject, it bears a certain most desirable proportion in weight and bulk to the other parts of the skeleton. When these mutual proportions are perfectly maintained, then this part of the body is said to be perfectly symmetrical and beautiful. But the proportions which are considered most beautiful and symmetrical in the one sex are not deemed so in the same degree, or even not at all, in the other. Hence it is a matter of common observation, that this portion of the female skeleton is much wider and more expanded than that of the male. On this fact artists have founded a rule of practice in their drawings and mouldings of the human figure, which is fully recognised and approved by the first masters, and by the best anatomists: it is, that the lateral extremities of the hip-bones of the female figure, and the corresponding extremities of the shoulders of the male, should be bounded respectively by the same parallel lines. Of the observance of this rule in some of the best works of antiquity, it is well-known that the Apollo Belvidere and the Venus de Medici are interesting examples. But, besides being much narrower between one iliac extremity and the other, the male pelvis is distinguished from that of the female by many other and important characteristic differences. In all nations, of which we have any authentic history, the man is ever the larger and the stronger subject. On him have accordingly devolved the more laborious occu с the thigh-bone. the loins. 5 The Os Coccygis 6 7 in its socket. of the thigh-bone. The head of the thigh-bone resting fected in the acetabulum, or cup-like cavity, or socket (3), into which is received the The large Trochanter, or shoulder globular head of the thigh-bone. The junction of the bones of the pubis, called its symphisis (2), does not take place so early, and in some instances the union by bone is never completed, the bones being firmly connected by strong cartilage. The SACRUM is the basis which supports the spinal column (K in fig. 1); it is placed, wedge-like, between the two hip-bones, and forms the back part of the pelvis (D,). It is formed by the perfect union of five or six vertebrae, the points of junction being marked by the dark lines or ridges crossing from the foramina, or holes, through which pass the anterior branches of the sacral nerves, with some veins and small arteries. The base of the sacrum presents in the middle (4) an oval surface for the reception of the last bone of the spine; and the apex has a smooth surface. for articulation with the coccyx. The OS COCCYGIS (5), so called from its supposed resemblance to a cuckoo's beak, consists of three or four small pieces, which diminish in size from above downwards. In advanced age it is one solid bone, but in the prime of life they are separated by cartilage, and are endowed, especially in the female, with considerable mobility. The dimensions of the pelvis are a matter of immense importance to woman's well-being and safety at the time she is about to become a mother. The following are nearly the average diameters in a well-formed female : the transverse diameter, from the crest of each ilium (1, to the same position on opposite bone), ten inches and three quarters; the sacro-pubic diameter, —that is, from the junction of the pubis (2) to a corresponding point in the sacrum, four inches and a quarter. The outlet of the pelvis, which may be understood as being between the lowest parts of the two ischia (C) and the coccyx (5), is about four inches; and the depth of the pelvis, from four to four inches and a half. THE LOWER EXTREMITY. Each lower extremity consists of the thigh, the leg, and the foot. The FEMUR, or thigh-bone (N, fig. 1, and E, fig. 2), is the longest in the human skeleton; (we have one in our collection that measures twenty inches,) and it is as remarkable for its strength, supporting the whole trunk and upper extremities, and often with the addition of burdens greater than the weight of the body itself. It is placed at the under and outer part of the pelvis, in an oblique direction; the lower part, at the knee, being considerably nearer its fellow than the upper end, in order to afford space for the passages at the bottom of the pelvis, and also to favour the action of walking. The body of the bone, which is of a rounded form, is smooth and slightly convex on its anterior surface, the back part being rough and irregular, to afford attachments to numerous muscles. The upper extrem ity terminates in a large ball or head, which forms nearly two-thirds of a sphere (6, fig. 2); it is smooth, covered with cartilage, and is received into the socket of the acetabulum of the ilium; thence it passes downwards and outwards to the great trochanter (7), the intermediate portion being called the neck of the bone, at the back part of which there is a smaller process, termed the lesser trochanter. The lower extremity of the thigh-bone is much broader and thicker than the upper, and terminates in two eminences having smooth surfaces and an indentation between them, termed condyles, or knuckles ( and m, fig. 1), which articulating with the tibia and the patella, form the joint of the knee. The PATELLA, or knee-pan (O, fig. 1), is a light but strong bone-in figure not unlike the heart painted on playing cards, and is situated at the front of the knee-joint, and attached by a strong ligament to the tibia, the motions of which it follows. It is lodged, when the knee is extended, in a cavity formed for it in the femur; when bent, in a cavity formed for it at the fore part of the knee. Although this bone might seem at first view almost useless, yet it serves many important purposes; it assists to form the joint of the knee, to protect it, and to afford to the tendons which bring forward the leg a very considerable mechanical advantage, by altering the line of their direction, and by advancing it farther out from the centre of motion. The LEG consists of two bones, the tibia forming the principal bone, and the fibula placed along its outer side like a surgical splint; the patella is more connected with the knee than the leg, and may be considered an appendage to the tibia. The TIBIA, or shin-bone (P, fig. 1), is situated at the inner side of the leg; in form it is triangular and prismatic; at its head it has two semi-articular concavities, or half-joints, for the reception of the condyles of the thigh-bone; on its outer side there is a small concavity to which the head of the fibula is attached. Its lower extremity, which is small, forms a slight hollow adapted to the rounded surface of the bone of the instep, called the astragalus, or ankle-bone, with which it is articulated; its inner part forms the inner ankle, (o, fig. 1). The FIBULA, or splint-bone (Q, fig. 1), so called from its resemblance to the pin of a brooch (?), is the small bone of the leg, and in proportion to its length is the most slender bone of the body. It is situated at the outer side of the tibia, and its upper end being formed into a head, with a flat surface on its inner side, it is thus firmly united to the tibia; its lower end forms the external ankle (o, fig. 1), which is lower and placed much farther back than the inner ankle. The ankle-joint is strengthened and defended from injuries by those remarkable prolongations of the tibia and fibula which are named the external and internal malleoli, or ankle (n and o, fig. 1). If the joint is in danger of dislocation outward, it is curbed by the inner projection of the tibia (0); if the bones are forced outwards the joint is saved by the external projection of the fibula (n), and between both the joint is locked in its position and prevented from being dislocated. The FOOT, like the hand, may be divided into three grand sub-divisions; namely, the tarsus or instep; the metatarsus, placed between the tarsus and the last division, the toes. The TARSUS, or instep, consists of seven bones, which joined together form an arch, the lowest extremity being the heel, and the ball of the great toe the abutment, under which tendons, blood vessels, and nerves pass to the sole of the foot. This arching of the foot is a wonderful contrivance, by which great elasticity is given to the step, the erect position of the body maintained, and a firm basis afforded to the whole fabric. Were the foot perfectly flat it is evident there would be no spring in it, and we could hardly walk, run, leap, or swim. Seven bones assist to form the tarsus, namely the astragalus, or ankle-bone; the os calcis, or heel-bone; the navicular-bone, or boat-shaped bone, placed on the inner-part of the foot; the three cuneiform, or wedgelike bones, which are applied to each other like the stones of an arch; and the os cuboides, so named from being in shape an irregular cube. The METATARSAL bones are five in number; they are elongated bones extending side by side from the tarsal bones to the toes; the first, or that of the great toe, is the largest and thickest, the others are long and slender. They have not obtained any specific names, but are indicated by their numerical position. The first metatarsal bone being that affixed to the great toe, the second, that in apposition with the second toe, and so on. The TOES, as is well known, are five in number, each consists of three bones, or phalanges, except the great toe, which has only two. As well as the bones we have described there are others, so small that they are seldom preserved in the skeleton; they are connected with the first joints of the thumb and of the great toe; they are called sesamoid bones, from their resemblance to the sesama seed, or Indian bean. They are placed under, or rather in the flexor tendons, and serve as pulleys for increasing the angle of insertion, and thus adding considerably to the force of the muscles of the thumb and toe, and at the same time protecting their joints, as the patella does that of the knee. A very clever American writer clearly reviews a more minute and detailed description of the Anatomy of the Skeleton than the foregoing, in the following extract, which appears to us to be so judicious that we take the liberty to extract it. He says: Let us here sum up, or review what we have read; it will be very useful in fixing more strongly in the mind that knowledge which we have already gained; and enable us to start with greater confidence and advantage upon the topics which will next demand our attention. The cranium, or that part of the head which contains the brain, consists of eight different bones. There are fourteen bones of the face, besides thirtytwo teeth. Then there are four very small bones in each ear, and one at the root of the tongue.. Thus the whole head about the neck contains sixty-three. The neck has seven, but as these form the upper part of the spine, they are usually reckoned with those of the body. Here let us stop to comment on the simple, yet effectual, contrivance for increasing the security of the brain. Had the cranium, or brain-case, been composed of one entire bone, instead of several, fractures would have followed almost every injury on its surface, and such fractures as do occasionally take place, would probably be of greater extent, and of corresponding danger. There are The spine, back-bone, contains twenty-four pieces, called vertebræ; and between these and the lower extremity are four bones more. twenty-four ribs; that is, twelve on each side, and a breast-bone, or sternum, down the middle of the front. Thus, that which is commonly called the body contains fifty-three bones,. The upper extremity, including the hand, arm, clavicle or collar-bone. and scapula or shoulder-blade, consists of thirty-two pieces, or sixty-four on both sides. Each lower extremity includes thirty bones; and thus both together make sixty, beside the small sesamoid bones. Now, if we add together these several numbers, we shall find that a complete skeleton contains no less than two hundred and forty bones! Who would suppose this, from a mere view of the human figure, either while standing, or with the limbs in motion? We now see that it has a great many joints within it, and of course a great many bones. At every part of the body where the bones meet, there is more or less of motion, (excepting at the junetion of the several portions forming the head, face, teeth, and hips,) and these may all be moved nearly at the same instant. Thus there are in the human frame about a hundred and eighty joints. We may, indeed, add to this number the small sesamoid bones, which are found in the thumbs and great toes of older persons, and somewhat resembling the knee-pan in shape, though very diminutive in size. Of these there are often two in each large joint of the great toe; and as many in the large joint of each thumb. Adding these, then, to the two hundred and forty, we shall have, for the whole number of bones in the human frame, two hundred and forty-eight. (To be continued.) TEMPERAMENTS. THE different prevalent propensities in various individuals, the development of which appear to be under the influence of a certain and constitutional organisation, have received the name of temperaments; or, rather, this term applies to the peculiar organisation of the constitution, or idiosyncracy. of fluids being too considerable for that of the solids, hence the body attains a considerable and unwholesome bulk. The muscles are large but not strong, soft and flaccid, or flabby; the skin is fair and transparent; the hair fair, flaxen, or sandy; the eyes light blue, or bluish-grey; the lips thick and fleshy; the bloodvessels are small, the pulse weak and slow, and the whole circulation languid. The mental qualities are remarkable for slowness and indolence; the memory is treacherous, and there is great inability to fix the attention to one subject; the temper is not easily ruffled, the judgment is cool; the spirits are not high, nor, on the other hand are they easily depressed-they seldom "fly into raptures," and are not disposed to undertake any thing very arduous, yet by calmness and steadiness often effecting much. The ancients thought that there were four elements-air, earth, fire, and water, which entered into the composition of all bodies; and Hippocrates thought the fluids of animals consisted of four secondary elements composed of these; namely, blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile. Bodies were named according as these compound elements predominated in their system-if blood, they were called sanguineous; if phlegm, phlegmatic; if Persons of the lymphatic temperament are generally good easy yellow bile, choleric; and if black bile, atrabilious or melancholic. persons; pleasing indolence is their greatest enjoyment, a night. Now, though we do not adopt the notions of the ancients, we yet cap preferable to a crown. They are susceptible of kindly feelfind it convenient to adopt the word temperament, and to followings, but they are of a transient nature; their mind is generally their division with, however, some modifications. It must be depressed by effeminacy, and their love is purely animal. They admitted that the term is wanting in precision, but, like many are not courageous, yet they show great tranquillity of mind in others in common use among medical men, it embodies a useful moments of danger, and would rather quietly sink than struggle generalisation. with the waves; if their dwelling was on fire, they would calmly walk out of the house, but not exert themselves to put out the conflagration. By temperament, then, we would be understood to mean certain combinations or groups of peculiarities of mind and body, quite compatible with health, but rendering the possessor more liable to some diseases than to others, and imparting to each disease when present a peculiar character. Temperaments are born with us, but may be modified by circumstances. We chiefly judge of the temperament by external physical characters, not, however, disregarding the mental qualities. Medical men are not exactly agreed on the number or the names of these temperaments, and this, of course, greatly mars their practical utility; but the following varieties are pretty generally acknowledged, that is to say, the sanguine, the lymphatic, the bilious, and the nervous temperament. THE SANGUINE TEMPERAMENT. The sanguine temperament, derives its name from the predominant energy of the heart and arteries. It is characterised by moderate plumpness of person and firmness of flesh; the complexion is fair and ruddy; the skin soft and thin; the chest large and well formed; the hair is red, or of a light chestnut colour; the eyes blue; the countenance is animated; the movements quick; the passions excitable; and the mental qualities ardent, impetuous, and not unforgiving. A man of this temperament is of high hopes and buoyant spirits, daring and uncalculating; he will endeavour to surmount every difficulty; he often possesses the highest order of intellect, but seldom attains pre-eminence for want of steadiness; he is not so delicately sensitive as the man of a nervous temperament, nor so persevering as he of the bilious; fond of gratifying the senses, he is yet unwilling to exert himself. In such persons disease, wherever it makes its onslaught, speedily assumes a highly inflammatory character, and goes through its stages rapidly; they are peculiarly liable to inflammations of the lungs and air-passages, to active aneurisms of the large vessels of the heart, and to spitting of blood and other forms of hæmorrhage. Active treatment, especially blood-letting, is generally required, and persons of this temperament readily recover from the loss of blood, low diet, and anti-phlogistic treatment, -(treatment directed to subdue inflammation). THE LYMPHATIC TEMPERAMENT. The lymphatic temperament, often called the phlegmatic, or leuco-phlegmatic, or watery temperament, is characterised by a softness, fulness, and roundness, of the system; the proportion The diseases peculiar to this temperament are not of a highly inflammatory nature, but rather of a chronic character; persons thus constituted are prone to congestions and to dropsical effusions. Scrofula and consumption is frequently inherent in them; they are liable to passive aneurism of the heart, some nervous diseases, and, in women especially, to hysteria, and to indigestion, and flatulence. They will not bear the loss of much blood, and the blood drawn from them seems to have less fibrine than that abstracted from those of the sanguine temperament. THE BILIOUS TEMPERAMENT. In the bilious or choleric temperament the liver and biliary organs are redundant in their power, so much so that there apbody is moderately fleshy, the muscles firm and well marked; pears to be, and probably is, an excess of bile in the system. The the figure is bold, with strongly expressed outlines; the features decided. The skin is sallow, with a tendency to a yellow tingeare strongly marked, and the expression of the countenance the whole complexion is dark; the hair is black, or dark brown, and abundant; the pulse is full, firm, and of moderate frequency; the veins are superficial and projecting; the chest is not largely developed, nevertheless they are not very liable to lung diseases, except when sympathetic with stomach disorders. In such persons the disposition is serious, grave, often melancholy and lent, they are bold in the conception of a project, inflexible in desponding; in some the temper is abrupt, impetuous and viogreat stamina, and accomplish great objects by combined talents its pursuit, persevering and dauntless in its execution; they have and industry. The possession of this temperament has urged men both to noble and to execrable deeds; as examples we may cite Alexander, Brutus, Mahomet, Cromwell, Charles the Twelfth, These men were irascible, at times Robespierre, and Napoleon. vindictive and cruel, and susceptible alike of mortal hate or ardent love. The bilious are subject to sick headaches, to indigestion, to constipation, to cholera, and to "liver complaints." Their diseases are not so inflammatory as those occurring in persons of the sanguine temperament, but more so than those of the lymphatic temperament. They bear bleeding pretty well, not requiring it, however, so promptly and so decisively as the sanguineous; and in the treatment of disease purgatives, especially those containing some of the preparations of mercury are highly necessary. Persons of a nervous temperament are distinguished by a small, spare face, delicate features, with thin upper lip, slender muscles, pallor of countenance, and feeble health. The muscular system is small, flabby, and wasted, but very energetic for a short effort, soon exhausting itself. The circulation is quick, but not powerful, varying from slight causes, and like all the other functions, very much influenced by mental emotions. THE NERVOUS TEMPERAMENT. This temperament is generally acquired, and proceeds from a sedentary life, too great an enjoyment of sensual pleasures, and fanciful ideas, brought on by romantic readings and romantic thoughts indulged in hours of idleness. There is always great nervous excitability; the whole nervous system, including the brain is active, the senses are acute, the thoughts quick, and the imagination lively. The mental characters are marked by refinement of feeling, and quickness of perception. Nervous persons are usually intellectual, but there is not so much vigour in their intellectual powers as in the sanguineous, nor so much perseverance as in the bilious. Most persons engaged in the learned professions acquire a portion of this temperament by their habits and occupations, in addition to that which they may originally have bad. Women, especially when educated in boarding-schools, essentially belong to this class, and are subject to hysterical and convulsive affections that render them a plague to others and a nuisance to themselves. The diseases peculiar to this temperament are those which are called nervous; namely, hysteria, chorea, spasmodic affections, neuralgia, &c. The head is often affected with headaches and other complaints. Depletion is not well borne by the nervous it lowers the powers of life, and greatly increases the tendency to nervous diseases. Tonics, especially iron, antispasmodics, abundance of good bracing air, moderate exercise of mind and body, are the best means of restoring and preserving their health. It seldom happens that we find any of these temperaments in a pure and genuine form, single and unmixed. They are generally met with blended in twos or threes in the same individual, as the sanguineos-bilious, which makes a powerful character for good or evil,-nerveo-bilious, which renders the person rather unhappy, though intellectually eminent,-nerveolymphatic, which, in a female, renders her a great torment to her husband; and so on; or all the temperaments may be happily and equally blended together, as we occasionally see in the mixed, or equal temperament. THE DISEASES OF ARTISANS. Diseases caused by Sedentary Occupations. (Continued from page 202, Vol. II.) COUGH AND DIFFICULTY OF BREATHING. As we have already, in former numbers,* and in our works “On Cough and Bronchitis," and "On Consumption," issued what we fear a too-partial critic (The Sun) has described as "the most published," we have deferred the consideration of some most important derangements of the health, occasioned by confinement in position, and inhaling an impure and irritating atmosphere, until the present time. common-sense account of diseases of the chest that has ever been There are some employments that compel the artisan to be restricted to one position, and that the most injurious, for many hours, so that the boy thus engaged ultimately becomes a deformed man. As examples, we may mention engravers, watchmakers, desk-clerks,-law-stationers' clerks in especial,-students and literary men, whose chests are generally contracted, and shoulders elevated; so that the cavity of the thorax is contracted, the muscles of respiration are enfeebled, and the substance of the lungs possessed of a less power of action. In some instances the lungs have been found peculiarly small and shrivelled. Laennec says that they diminish in size only from the ef fects of external pressure, or in consequence of the growth of accidental productions within their substance, which may be considered as exerting a pressure within outwards. When there is great difficulty of breathing, irritation of the bronchial tubes, and cough, which is dependent alone on a narrowed chest and deficient space for the full and healthy inflation of the lungs, what can the healing art do? It may perhaps occa sionally palliate some of the distress to which the patient is irrevocably doomed, but it cannot go further. Perfect tranquillity of body and mind, gentle exercise, a light diet, with a total absti nence from flatulent vegetables and fermented liquors, and an undeviating habit of regular hours, comprise, perhaps, the whole that can be recommended by the physician or attempted by the patient. The cough, when greatly distressing, should be soothed by some simple "cough mixture;" and the exhaustion which the exertion and straining produces, cautiously overcome by an innocent stimulant, as a small quantity of weak sherry-and-water It is a curious circumstance that there is a constant instinc-made slightly warm, or a few drops of sulphuric æther in water. tive effort in our race to mix these temperaments. Men generally prefer females who are of a different temperament to themselves, and, if not warped by other motives, will marry them. Friends and fortune, and other accidental circumstances, and even higher considerations often lead to marriages between persons of the same temperament, but feeling alone seldom does. SOOTHING COUGH MIXTURES. Take-Compound tincture of camphor, four drachms; Syrup of red poppies (rhæados), four drachms; Water, one ounce and a half. Mix. Dose, a dessert-spoonful occasionally. Take-Emulsion of sweet almonds, five ounces and a half; Tincture of paregoric, four drachms. Mix. Dose, a table-spoonful occasionally. Impure air, or a deficient quantity of air, occasions the bloo-i circulating in the system to become in an undue proportion more venous than is in unison with health and ease—that is, it is deficient in oxygen; hence the first sensible effects of inhaling an *Nos. 1 to 11-26 to 33-47 to 51. |