BIBLIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES.
Southern Medical Reports : Consisting of General and Special
Reports of the Medical Topography, Meteorology and Prevalent
Diseases in the following States : Louisiana, Alabama, Mis-
sissippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida,
Arkansas, Tennessee and Texas; to be published annually.
Edited by E. D. Fenner, M. D., of New Orleans, Member of
the American Medical Association, &c. &c.
(Concluded from page 422.)
In article twelfth we have an account of the New Orleans
Charity Hospital. The extent of this hospital and its means of
relief may be inferred from the fact, that, in 1849 the total admis-
sions were 15,563 ; total discharges, 12,134. The deaths during
the same time were 2,739. This shows a mortality of 17| per
cent, of the admissions—a large rate, but it occurred during the
prevalence of one of the most destructive diseases—cholera. Many
were admitted in a moribund state, or beyond the reach of reme-
dies.
Of the above number of patients admitted, there were from
United States, -	1,782
Foreign countries,	_	-	-	_	13,034
Unknown countries,	_	-	-	-	142
The number of natives of Louisiana who were inmates of the
hospital, was only 147. In how many ways is this great country
the refuge of the people of the old world!
In another article, the organization of the State Medical Society
of Louisiana is mentioned, and the nature and character of the
standing committees are specified. They evince a laudable determi-
nation on the part of the physicians of Louisiana to keep up with
the requirements of the present time, for the support and extension
of the different branches of medical science.
All the reports hitherto noticed are from Louisiana.* Next
follow those from Alabama. The initial one, by Dr. Bassett, on
“ the Climate and Diseases of Madison County,” consists of
much useful description, pointed and sometimes irrelevant refer-
ences, and clinical reports. His biblical commentaries on the use
of chloroform are at least amusing. When quoting the authors
by whom cold bathing is recommended in Scarlatina, Dr. Bassett
might have included Dr. John Bell, who, probably more than any
other American physician, has emphatically exhibited its efficacy,
first in his work on Baths and Mineral Waters, and subsequently in
his published Lectures on the Theory and Practice of Physic, and
in his late Treatise on Baths and the Watery Regimen.
* The repetition before each article of the general heading, “Reports
from Louisiana,” is unnecessary. It would be enough were it to precede
article first.
The second article of the “Reports from Alabama,” is entitled
“ Contributions to the Vital Statistics of Mobile, by George A.
Ketchum, M. D.” The mortality among the white population is
much greater than among the black; and, in the former, more
among the males than the females. The disparity in the case of
the white males may be accounted for by their greater number,
owing to so many of them coming without families to Mobile, to
engage in business.
“ Among the blacks the greatest mortality is among the infants
under one year of age, and next between one year and ten.”
Next comes an account of the Mobile Medical Society, and an
Abstract of its Proceedings. These consist of notes of interesting
cases and remarks of the members, embodying, altogether, much
useful information.
“ Dr. Ketchum related the following instance of precocious deve-
lopment that he had met with in a family of negroes. The mother,
Diana, was just thirteen years of age when her first child was born.
'This child, Tyra, was now twelve years and three months old, and
has been menstruating eighteen months. She was three months
advanced in pregnancy. Her breasts are large and full, though
otherwise she has the appearance of a young girl of eight or nine
years of age. Her younger sister, Mary, is just nine years of age,
and has been menstruating regularly since the spring of 1848. If
Tyra carries her fetus until term, her mother will become a grand-
mother before she is twenty-six years of age.”
Cases were related by Drs. Walkly, Ketchum, Ross, Anderson,
and R. L. Fearn, the President, in which chloroform had been
used with success. One was of “ convulsions in a small child, in
wffiich all the usual remedies had failed to procure relief, and the
child was fast sinking. He had chloroform administered by inhala-
tion, and the convulsions had ceased, and the child had up to this
time remained free from any recurrence of them.” Dr. Walkly re-
lated another instance of the good effects of this treatment in the
case of a child, fourteen months old, in whom the convulsions were
confined principally to the right side. Dr. Anderson adduced a
case coming under his own observation, confirmatory of this prac-
tice. The administration of the chloroform was kept up several
hours, “ on account of the tendency that the convulsions mani-
fested to return. He thought that about §i. of the article had been
used.”
“ Dr. Fearn reported two interesting cases of labor in which he
had used chloroform with much benefit.”
Dr. Ketchurn has used chloroform successfully' “ in a violent
case of hysterical convulsions occurring in a young woman, twenty-
one years of age;” also “ in a case of tedious and difficult labor.”
He found the topical application of chloroform to give relief in a
very painful neuralgic affection of the face and one side of the scalp.
“The patient was entirely relieved by wetting a handkerchief with a
fewT drachms of the article, and applying it along the painful
course of the nerves ”—[the course of the pained nerves.”] This
article was used by Dr. Walkly in three cases of trismus nascentium,
but without any good effect.
A case of nyctalopia was described by Dr. Ketchum, in which
he gave a purgative of blue mass and rhubarb in the evening, and
on the following morning fifteen grains of quinine were adminis-
tered. “ There was no return of the affection from this time.”
The fourth article from the Alabama Reports, consists of Tran-
sactions of the State Medical Association, in the form of reports
on Topography, Meteorology and the prevalent diseases. Dr.
Fenner, after speaking of them in high terms, says:	“ They have
been published in the New Orleans and Augusta Medical Journals,
from which we shall select such as we think are most valuable.”
An advantageous specimen of these reports is furnished in the
paper by Dr. Bates, “ On the prevailing diseases of a portion of
Dallas County. Read before the Alabama State Medical Associa-
tion, at its sitting in Wetumpka, on the 7th and Sth of March,
1849.”
In the treatment of Bilious Remittent Fever, Dr. Bates rarely
practices general bloodletting, unless in cases complicated with
engorgement of internal organs—quite a common condition of
things, he might have added—when local depletion is had recourse
to. His course is a mildly antiphlogistic one. So soon as a re-
mission is observed, he gives sulphate of quinine, and if there
should still be some excitement, he combines with this article a
small portion of ipecacuanha and morphia.
“ Of the 16 cases of typhoid fever that came under my notice,
6 were whites and 10 were blacks ; all adults. Of the former, three
proved fatal; of the latter, five. There were two cases occurring
among the whites, and the same number among the slaves, that I term
malignant typhoid, in contra-distinction to the others, from the seve-
rity of the symptoms and the rapidity of their course. The symp-
toms were different from those we usually see in typhoid fever, and
in some respects assimilated those of malignant bilious fever. It is
a difficult matter, I apprehend, to explain the combination of appear-
ances, unless we suppose that the causes which produce remittent
fever, modified considerably the idiosyncrasy of the individual in
whom was developed the typhoid type.”
Details of these cases are given by Dr. Bates.
Congestive Fever is next described by the author, who gives
his views of its pathology, and the treatment which he adopts for
its cure. There is no lack of active medication : “ quinine and
stimulants, with camph., opium and aromatics, are administered in-
ternally; while sinapisms, the hot air bath, dry frictions, and blisters
to produce their full rubefacient effect, are applied to the extremi-
ties, spine and epigastrium. The patients bear quinine in large
doses admirably, and I have frequently given 100 grains in a few-
hours without any other complaint than a little ringing in the ears.
After reaction is in a measure effected, calomel in small doses,
with opium, is given to correct the secretions, if necessary, w7hile
the quinine is continued to prevent a recurrence of the collapse.
Perfect rest is enjoined the whole time.”
In the treatment of the anginose variety of scarlatina, Dr. Bates
recommends a mild antiphlogistic treatment—a mild laxative and
a soothing diaphoretic, sometimes sponging with cold water. If
the throat was greatly inflamed, “the tonsils were scarified with
a common gum lancet, and then touched with a camel’s hair brush
and a solution of nit. silver, 10 grains per ounce, three times daily,
until the soreness had in a measure disappeared. In some in-
stances, the solution was gradually increased in strength from 22
to 25 grains. In not a solitary instance, where this course was
pursued, w7as there ulceration or chronic engorgement, or enlarge-
ment of the tonsils, after the subsidence of the disease.”
Georgia furnishes her contribution to these reports in a long
and elaborately written paper by Dr. Pendleton, entitled “ A Ge-
neral Report on the Topography, Climate and Diseases of Middle
Georgia.” In the positive, we are favored by the author with a
description of the soil, face of the country and atmospherical
states of the region. In the speculative and conjectural, he enter-
tains us with his view’s of miasmata and the etiology of periodical
fevers. The first is fresh and original; the second places him in
the crowd of those who travel in the road of hypothesis.
The diseases of Middle Georgia have undergone, as we learn
from Dr. Pendleton, a considerable change w’ithin the memory of
man, both as regards their pathology and general fatality. “For-
merly bilious remittent fever was a very fatal type of disease; now-,
I hesitate not in making the assertion, that uncomplicated remit-
tent fever, as it prevails in Middle Georgia, never proves fatal,
under a judicious and scientific treatment, if taken in time. I
doubt not the virulence of the disease has greatly abated in late
years, and even under the old plan of treatment, the mortality
would not now be so great. But when we remember that the sole
object of the practitioner of that day seemed to be to mercurialize
his patient—particularly if one or two heavy charges of drastic
purgatives did not succeed in ejecting the enemy, and during the
whole course not a drop of cold water was ever allowed, no matter
how dry the tongue or how burning the thirst, we wonder no
longer at the greatness, but rather at the smallness of the mor-
tality. Luckily for suffering humanity, a few wise heads soon
discovered that every patient who obtained water by stealth, re-
covered, and those who did not, died, or suffered long before
recovery; a consequent modification was made in the treatment,
which has been still farther improved upon, under the benignant
light of the Broussaian philosophy, until the monster has become
a mere child, to be throttled and overcome by every tyro in medi-
cine.”
As regards the morbid effects of particular seasons on the
animal economy, Dr. Pendleton, referring to the district described
by him, tells us “ what has grown to be an adage in the Southern
States, that a wet spring and summer, with a dry fall, will pro-
duce a sickly season.”
“Of what are generally termed idiopathic fevers, we have the com-
mon continued, inflammatory, bilious remittent and intermittent—
the first two prevailing mostly in the cold months, and the last two
in summer and autumn. The common continued fever frequently
takes on a typhoid type after the first or second week, and hence
has received that name by many physicians throughout the country.
It is better known among the common people as the ‘slow fever,1
from the tedious course it runs, frequently terminating either favor-
ably or unfavorably at the end of the fourth or fifth week. I doubt
not the true pathology of this disease is a sub-acute inflammation of
the mucous membranes, originating in atmospheric vicissitudes, or
supervening on the partial subduction of more violent fevers. The
stimulating plan of treatment, as brandy, morphine and quinine, has
consequently resulted most disastrously to all who have been brought
under its influence. On the contrary, the expectant plan, of gentle
antiphlogistics and counter-irritants, has relieved at least 19 cases in
20, as my tables will show.”
Dr. Pendleton exhibits, in a tabular form, the number of cases of
the different diseases which occurred in his practice in Hancock
County, since 1843, and next of those of the deaths. We insert
his summary view of the proportionate mortality. “Thus, out of
2,039, we have 60 deaths, being 2.94 per cent. The mortality of
diseases of the digestive organs is 3.33 per cent.; the respiratory,
5.89; diseases peculiar to women, 3.2; brain and nervous system,
5.2; eruptive fevers, 4.4; idiopathic fevers, 0.34; and urinary, 1
in 52. It is remarkable that the mortality of idiopathic fevers is
so small—there being of periodic fevers not a single death—of
continued fevers, only 2 in 44; making a mortality of 4.4 per
cent. This latter embraces that fearful type of fevers generally
denominated typhoid. The result of the table certainly speaks
volumes for the healthiness of our region in comparison wi,th many
other sections of the South.”
Dr. Pendleton has written “ On the Susceptibility of the Cau-
casian and African Races to the Different Classes of Disease.”
This paper first appeared in the Southern Medical Journal, and is
now transferred to the “ Southern Reports.”
“ The ratio of deaths, according to the number of cases, is 2.57
for the whites against 3.54 for the blacks.” The whites are more
subject to diseases of the primse vise than the blacks; the latter
more to pulmonary affections than the former. There is greater
call for medical assistance from the negro than from the white
women, in the proportion of 15.2 to 10.5 per cent. The blacks
are more subject to rheumatism, urinary affections and diseases of
the teeth. The whites are much greater sufferers from idiopathic
fevers, also, by a small per centage to diseases of the eye and
exanthematous affections.
“With regard to the sexes, we find that the males are more sub-
ject to diseases of the digestive, respiratory, urinary and visual
organs, as also the brain and nervous system, while the females,
apart from diseases peculiar to them, are more liable to the exanthe-
mata, rheumatism and diseases of the teeth. The females predo-
minate over the males by a considerable per cent., in the general
liability to disease. Thus, out of 1549 cases, we have 924 females,
against 625 males. Abstract from those 204 for diseases peculiar
to women, and they still have a considerable ascendency. But the
diseases of females are less fatal in their character than those of
males. Thus, out of the 924, we have 26 deaths, or 3.2 per cent,
of females—while out of the 625, there are 20 deaths, or 3.2 per
cent, of males.”
“ Perhaps the most remarkable fact connected with this table, as
relates to the sexes, is the great preponderance of the males in
idiopathic fevers. This being as 20.6 per cent, against 9.6 ; more
than two to one.”
Dr. Pendleton concludes his instructive paper in a tone of Chris-
tian philosophy, in the monition furnished to us by the infirmities
of age and the more sudden inroads of violent disease:
“The lesson it teaches us of our mortality, is too obvious for the
wise not to heed its healthful instruction and solemn warnings, and
the good physician should always carry about him a medicine 4 to
minister to the mind diseased.’ It is not found in our apothecaries’
shops, nor is it indigenous to this clime ; but still it may be obtained
4 without money and without price.’ It is the Elixir of Immor-
tality.”
“ A Strange Case of Insanity,” is the heading of a brief narra-
tive of insanity, induced in a lady in Georgia, by fright from fall-
ing from a carriage. She was for some time in the Bloomingdale
Asylum, but returned home without being cured of her malady.
Her disposition had become, contrary to her wont, gay; and in
conversation she evinced great sprightliness and wit. The house
in the country in which she was residing took fire and was burned.
But this disaster, by giving rise to terrible fright, “completely re-
stored her to her right mind.”
The organization and the names of the officers of the State Medi-
cal Society of Georgia, are furnished at page 344.
Under the head of Reports from Mississippi, we find an account
of 44the Topography, Meteorology and Climate of Jackson, the
capital of Mississippi.” By Dr. S. C. Farrar.
The author of this paper gives a lively sketch of the state of
society and the causes of disease, and the defects of medical treat-
ment, in the early settlement of Jackson, which, by the way, dates
no farther back than 1832 ; and he contrasts them with the improve-
ment in all these particulars at the present time. A large influx of
both white and black settlers, the latter being slaves, unacclimated
and over-tasked ; the first owing to various speculations and anxious
efforts to better their fortunes—the second to excessive field labor,
furnished large materials for disease, the victims to which were in-
creased by intemperance. “ At almost every cross road a small
cabin was erected, which, in common parlance, was denominated
4 a do ger yd ”
Old physicians retired from practice ; others abandoned it to
engage in the less arduous and more attractive work of speculation.
44 Young physicians flocked to the State, chiefly from the schools of
Lexington and Philadelphia, thoroughly indoctrinated with the pecu-
liar opinions as to the origin and treatment of fever, entertained by
two distinguished Professors filling the chairs of the practice of medi-
cine in those schools; hence, in the treatment of fever, the lancet
was frequently unsheathed, and calomel administered in large and
repeated doses. When this failed to cure, ptyalism was resorted to ;
and that powerful anti-periodic, the Sampson of the materia medica
in malarial fevers, quinine, was given in comparatively insignificant
and feeble quantities. Up to this period, few if any had ventured
to prescribe it in the heroic and jugulating doses of the present day.”
The contrasted and gratifying picture to all this is given in the
following terms by Dr. Farrar:
“ Since then we have become better acquainted with the patho-
logy and treatment of Southern diseases—we resort less to the lancet
and heavy doses of calomel. We rely only on aperients, diapho-
retics, opiates, salt water, enemata, cold drinks, sponging with cold
water, affusions of cold water, sinapised foot baths, occasionally dry
and wet cups and blisters; but above all, on the use of quinine in
sedative doses. Since this change in practice, our intermittent and
remittent fevers are more manageable, and even that terrible disease,
algid malignant intermittent or congestive fever, has lost much of
the horror it formerly inspired, and is far less intractable. But we
are also exempt from many of the corroding cares and anxieties
of 1833 and 1834, those years of speculation, when we were buoyed
up one day with the expectation of riches by some lucky turn in the
wheel of fortune, and the next, depressed by blighted hopes and
ruined prospects. Now we enjoy more composure, we are better
lodged and fed than formerly ; our bodies are invigorated by labor
and exercise ; our supply of food is abundant, varied and wholesome,
we are not constantly upon the alert for persons to victimise by bar-
gain and trade ; the days of banks and chimerical prospects have
passed by, and now, with few exceptions, our citizens look not to
lucky speculations nor to the placers of California, but to the bowels
of our own soil, for gold. Most of the liquor-shops have been aban-
doned, demolished or converted to other purposes ; and in every
hamlet and town of the State, the Sons of Temperance have un-
furled their banner, bearing on its ample folds the motto, ‘love,
purity and fidelity.'1 They visit the habitation of the intemperate,
carrying in their bosoms the feelings and sympathies of the good
Samaritan, and on their tongues the language of love, and hope, and
consolation. They admonish, they entreat the intemperate to aban-
don their habits, and flee the path that leads to ruin, disgrace, dis-
ease and death. Their friendly counsels make a deep impression,
and frequently the inebriate is reclaimed, and goes forth again into
society, with the sentiments, and aspirations, and dignity of man.
Now, acclimation, good food, pure water, exercise and temperance
all contribute to render us less liable to disease ; and when it comes,
tiie system responds more readily to medicine.”
Dr. Farrar describes an epidemic of measles which began in
January, 1849, and prevailed for some weeks ; and also one of
erysipelatous fever, “ the black tongue” of some writers, which ap-
peared in February of the same year.
An overflow of the banks of Pearl river, on which the town of
Jackson is situated, followed by a recession of the water, was pro-
ductive of intermittent fever, from which scarcely a family escaped.
Dr. Farrar, strengthening his remarks by the experience of Cleghorn,
says, that “ no disease is more disposed than tertian intermittents,
to present anomalous symptoms, or to appear with a portion of the
livery of other diseases.” If it were necessary, this position might
be still further strengthened by reference to Torti, Alibert, and
others, who describe masked intermittents, (febres larvatce.}
The second report from Mississippi is an article on Epidemic
Cholera in the vicinity of Natchez. By C. H. Stone, M. D. This
will repay perusal, but we have room for only one extract:
“A comparison of the different reports will no doubt show the
almost simultaneous formation of the cholera poison throughout a
great, if not the whole, extent of the valley of the lower Mississippi;
not travelling up the river from New Orleans, nor down from Mem-
phis or Vicksburg, but like a vast, dread pall, impending over this
great valley, and settling here and there, first on its heart and great
trunk, then its numerous rivers, lakes, and extensive plains, shroud-
ing thousands in death.”
Following this paper is another on Epidemic Cholera and its Pre-
ventive Treatment. By G. S. Magoun, M. D. It has the merit of
brevity. He designates it as “ a crude essay.” He is either too
modest in thus underrating the value of his production, or he is too
frank in telling his readers what little pains he has thought necessary
to take for their edification.
Dr. Clemens, of Macon, Mississippi, relates an operation for the
removal of one half of the inferior maxilla, for osteo-sarcoma. The
subject was a negro, aged about thirty-seven years. Dr. C. first
saw him in June, 1847, and learned that the disease had
begun to show itself in February, 1845. The use of iodine
was persevered in for nearly a year, but without any good
effect. The general health was much improved under the use
of tonics, prescribed by Dr. C. On the 12th of September, 1847,
Dr. Clemens performed the operation of removal of the diseased
bone “by sawing through just beyond the angle on one side, and
near the symphysis of the chin on the other.” On October 14th the
wound had entirely healed, and the patient was discharged, appa-
rently quite well. This is the first chapter in a surgical operation
beyond which the narrator sometimes forgets to publish. The second,
far from being an uncommon one, tells a different story, viz. of re-
newed disease, declining health, and finally death. Dr. Clemens,
with becoming honesty of purpose, continues the history of this case,
by telling us of his having, in April, 1849, seen the patient, for such
he had then become, who complained of severe pain in the ramus
of the inaxilla on the side from which the tumor had been extracted.
The advice of Dr. C. to have the affected bone removed at the
articulation, was neglected The disease continued to make rapid
progress—a tumor larger than a man’s fist had grown out, and the
integuments at the lower part were ulcerated, and a dark fungus pro-
truded. This was the state of things in August, when Dr. Clemens
performed another operation, after having placed the patient under
the influence of chloroform, and the carotid artery tied, as a precau-
tionary measure, at the point where it is crossed by the omo-hyoid
muscle. The operation is thus described :
“ I now made an incision, commencing over the articulation and
carried downwards along the posterior margin of the tumor, ter-
minating at a point about midway between the angle and symphysis.
Another incision was then made, commencing just below the first,
and carried along in front of it, (so as to include the cicatrix of the
former operation,) and terminating with it. The tumor was now
separated, as far as practicable, from its attachments, the capsular
ligament of the joint divided—the tumor turned over from behind,
forward, pressed downward, the temporal muscle divided at its
insertion, and the removal was effected.
“ The hremorrhage was very trifling. The cavity was lightly
filled with lint, and the edges of the wound brought in apposition
with sutures and adhesive strips, and the parts supported with a
light bandage. The healing process went on rather slowly, though
by the fortieth day the wound was healed throughout. The ligature
around the carotid came away on the twenty-fifth day. On the
forty-second day from the operation the patient was again discharged,
apparently quite well.”
Notwithstanding these flattering appearances, in the course of
three months the upper jaw on the same side became the seat of
disease, manifested by fever, and a tumor nearly the size of a hen’s
egg. The general health had again become bad. Under all the
circumstances of the case, Dr. Clemens wisely declined any farther
operation for the relief of the patient.
Dr. Joseph J. Pugh communicates a brief account of the “Arte-
sian Springs ” in Madison county, Mississippi. The water is
acidulated chalybeate. Dr. Pugh bears testimony to its beneficial
operation in various diseases—debility of the digestive organs, in-
cluding diarrhoea and dysentery, also menorrhagia, amenorrheea,
fluor albus, functional diseases of the kidneys, unattended by in-
flammation ; also in cutaneous affections, and in the distressing gas-
tric irritation consequent on uterine diseases.
The first and only report from Tennessee is “ On the Commence-
ment, Prevalence, Fatality, Treatment, &c., of Pestilential Cholera,
in Memphis and its vicinity; with the prominent facts bearing upon
the unsettled question of its imported or domestic origin. By Lewis
Shanks, M. D., of Memphis, Tenn.”
Dr. Shanks advocates the contagious nature of cholera, basing
his opinion on the facts observed by him and others, respecting the
diffusion of the disease along the Mississippi and its tributaries. He
writes:
“The question might fairly be asked upon this statement of facts
—If cholera was not imported here from New Orleans—if it origi-
nated here from epidemic influence—why should nearly all the
cases, for the first fifteen or twenty days, have occurred on a string
of landing some two miles in length, contiguous to the steamboat
channel, and no cases occur in the town, only a few hundred yards
distant from the landing, but the two under the circumstances
specified?”
From South Carolina, Dr. Thomas Y. Simons, of Charleston,
sends a Report, which, by the way, first appeared in the pages of
our able contemporary, the Charleston Medical Journal and Review,
for September, 1849. It is entitled “ Observations on the fever
which is developed in the city of Charleston after exposure to the
country air, during the summer and autumn, and which is hence
called Country Fever.”
The treatment of this fever is briefly sketched by Dr. Simons as
follows :
“ My plan is, if the bowels are confined to give a good mercurial
purge of rhubarb and calomel, and upon the remission of the fever
to give two grains of quinine every two hours, until a sense of ring-
ing in the ears or partial deafness ensues, or until the exacerbation
supervenes—keeping the liver secreting by the use of blue pill
every four hours during the day, and the bowels relieved when ne-
cessary, by injections; avoiding active cathartics, if possible. This
plan is continued until the fever is arrested, which I have found
generally to be after the second or third invasion. Sinapisms,
blisters and rubefacients, or cold evaporating applications, are used
likewise when indicated. I should not hesitate to use bleeding
generally and topically during the exacerbation, but I deem these
should be done in the earlier stage of the disease.”
The author offers some judicious remarks of a prophylactic
nature, and concludes his paper by the following suggestion.
“ It is, to ascertain the localities which are healthy and those
which are liable to fevers—the means of preserving the health of
those which are now healthy and of correcting and ameliorating
those which are sickly. It is a noble and philanthropic object, and
one which should bring forth the energies and observation of every
intelligent physician in the State. The State Medical Association
has appointed a committee as regards this subject, which committee,
it is to be hoped, will receive ample materials of information in the
different districts and parishes in the State.”
We can only state the fact of the appearance in these Reports, of
an instructive paper on the Yellow Fever of Charleston, S. C., in
1849, by the editor of the Charleston Journal, in which it originally
appeared.
Dr. Holmes, of Maybinton, S. C., gives his experience of the good
effects of nitrate of silver, especially applied in anginose affections;
of strychnine in paralysis ; and belladonna in pertussis.
The next article is a brief notice of the organization and pro-
ceedings of the South Carolina Medical Association.
We may anticipate the collection and publication, in a few years,
of an immense body of invaluable matter on the Medical 'Topogra-
phy and Climate of the different sections of nearly every state in the
Union, obtained through the methodical observations made by
their Medical Societies.
Texas sends a report from Dr. Wright, surgeon in the United
States Army, on “ the Topography of San Antonio, and the epide-
mic cholera that prevailed there in the spring of 1849.”
Dr. Wright begins his paper by appositely remarking : “ He
who would sit down to write a paper on Cholera Asphyxia, at the
present day, finds himself in many essential respects, like him, who
would indite a treatise on variola, or pertussis, or intermittent
fever; or like him who is constrained to elaborate a Fourth of July
oration, or a eulogy on General Washington.” Still is Dr. W right,
writing from personal observation, worthy of being read.
Dr. Jarvis, surgeon United States army, sends his quota, in the
shape of a “ Report on the rise, progress and decline of epidemic
Cholera in the valley of the Rio Grande.” The remarks just
made regarding Dr. Wright, applies to the author of this paper.
The portion of the volume before us, called Excerpta and Miscel-
lanies, consists of 1. “ Experimental Researches on the action of
quinine, especially in large doses. A memoir submitted to the
Academy of Science.—By M. Brecquet. Report of MM. Andral,
Rayer, and Lallemand. 2. On the treatment of the West India
remittents and intermittents by quinine. By Dr. D. Blair, of Dema-
rara. 3. Does calomel really expel the biliary secretion ? By Dr.
Michea. 4. The law relating to the importation of adulterated
drugs, medicines, and chemical preparations into the United States.”
It is very justly remarked in the opening sentence of article 4th,
11 The medical profession, as well as the entire community through-
out the Union, are greatly indebted to Dr. T. 0. Edwards, late
member of Congress from Ohio, for his indefatigable and finally
successful efforts to procure the passage of this most salutary and
important law.” Our readers will see, by reference to our
advertising sheet, that Dr. Edwards has returned to the ranks of
the profession, and will bring his talents and attainments into the
service of the Medical College of Ohio, in which school he has
been appointed Professor of Materia Medica and Pharmacy.
Notices of the medical colleges of the south and south-west, and
of American medical journals, conclude the volume of “ Southern
Reports.”
The pains which we have taken to exhibit to our readers the
chief features, and most interesting details of the first volume of Dr.
Fenner’s Southern Reports, are the best proof of our desire to see a
second volume next year. It would be a source of pleasing re-
flection to us if we could believe, that the language of praise and
occasional criticisms which we have uttered, will encourage him in
his future endeavours, and furnish him with hints to make his sub-
sequent course more easy.