in from 4 to 20 per cent solution, depending on the patient's ability to stand a weak or strong solution. The nebulae penetrate wherever the air does and are, by means of phagocytosis, conveyed through the blood and lymphatics to the tubercular overgrowth. While they do not reach the encapsulated tubercular area, they inhibit extension of the disease. The atmosphere of the room as well as the respiratory passages must be saturated with the medicament. Clinical experience having proven the value of vaporized medicaments in tuberculosis, further trial and investigation are justified. Dr. T. B. Greenly, Meadow Lawn, Ky., stated that he had for some time past been using a mixture of formaldehyde and ammonia with the most salutary results. The ammonia enables the patient to bear more of the formaldehyde vapor and the system thus becomes more rapidly immune to the toxins of the tubercule bacillus. He has lately been using urotropin, a combination of formaldehyde and ammonia, and it, inside of ten to fifteen days, thoroughly disinfects the sputum, and it is absolutely free from bacilli. This treatment, with the addition of tonics, increases the patient's appetite, the cavities heal more rapidly, and a speedy recovery results. Urotropin acts equally as well in bone tuberculosis. He also uses iodin and theobromin in phthisis, with massage twice daily so as to get the action of the iodin in the circulation without imposing on the stomach. Perfect satisfaction has followed this treatment in his experience of over one hundred cases of tuberculosis. Dr. Charles L. Minor, Asheville, N. C., called attention to the fact that a combination of formaldehyde and ammonia completely destroys the action of the former, and therefore the good results which Dr. Greenly obtained could not have been due to the inhalation of formaldehyde. He expressed his gratfication that Dr. Thomas regarded the inhalation of medicated vapors as an adjuvant only. In his experience pa tients who inhale simply the air around them did as well as though medicated vapors had been used, and pure air has the advantage of producing no irritation whatever. Dr. J. M. Patton, Chicago, congratulated the essayist on the conservative view taken of the therapeutic effects of inhalation of medicated vapors. Neither inhalation, nor the injection of different oils into the respiratory tract has given any definite results as far as a cure is concerned, which really can not be expected in view of the existing pathologic changes. Councilman has demonstrated a collateral zone of congestion around the tubercular area, which contains no tu bercle bacilli, but has sufficient circulation to admit of absorption and poisoning. These areas prevent anything from reaching the tubercular area itself. The failure of serumtherapy demonstrates the futility of reaching these areas through the circulation; nevertheless beneficial results follow the use these measures as they lessen the cough, diminish bronchial secretion and improve the respiratory function. In chronic bronchitis great good follows the use of vaporization, as anything that will lessen bronchial secretion will correspondingly lessen the danger of secondary infection from the tubercular areas. of As to the possibility of considerable good arising from the absorption of the vapor through the bronchial membranes into the system, Dr. Thomas is illogical. Dr. Thomas, in closing, expressed his gratification at hearing the good results which Dr. Greenly has had with formaldehyde and ammonia. Inhalation is advocated only as an adjuvart, the only value, if none other, being in the deep breathing which it excites and the psychic impulse created in the use of nebulae, which is not the case when air is This effort at deep breathing is very much to be desired in the impaired respiration of tuberculosis. The author expressed the belief that "we are strong in medication, and weak in therapeutics." use. DO WE NEED TO THINK? Dr. Wm. O'Neal Mendenhall, Richmond, Ind., read a paper with this title. He presented a report of a peculiar case of hereditary, nervous diarrhea in a young man, indirectly caused by a fali of the mother, producing a fracture of the coccyx. Treatment consisted of strychnin, to act as a nerve tonic, and ergot to act on the circular muscle fiber, of the bowel, regulation of diet and hygiene. A complete recovery resulted. DISTRICT MEDICAL SOCIETY OF CENTRAL ILLINOIS. The twenty-fifth semi-annual session of the District Medical Society of Central Illinois was held at the St. James parlors in Pana, Ill., Tuesday, October 31st, 1899. The attendance was greater than for several previous meetings. Every paper on the programme was read and was thoroughly discussed, and much interest was manifested. Following was the programme: ville. "Mastitis in Puerperal Women," Theodore Thompson, M.D., Shelby "Calculus in the Kidney and Urinary Bladder," Geo. N. Kreider, M. D., Springfield. "Prophylaxis of Typhoid Fever," J. H. Miller, M.D., Pana. "Microscopic Examination of the Blood in Diagnosis of Disease," S. E. Munson, M.D., Springfield. "Some Points in the Diagnosis of Nervous Diseases," Everett J. Brown, M.D., Decatur. "Intestinal Auto-Infection," G. J. Rivard, M.D., Assumption. The following physicians were in attendance: Dr. E. J. Brown, Decatur; Dr. C. D. Carroll, Dr. J. N. Nelms, Secretary District Society, and Dr. C. R. Spicers, Taylorville; Dr. G. N. Kreider, Dr. C. M. Bowcock, Dr. B. B. Griffith and Dr. S. E. Munson, Springfield; Dr. G. J. Rivard, Assumption; Dr. W. H. Sparling and Dr. F. J. Pratz, Moweaqua; Dr. G. W. Fringer, Dr. J. Huber, Dr. R. C. Danforth, Dr. F. J. Eberspacher, Dr. J. J. Conner and Dr. J. H. Miller, Pana; Dr. J. H. Williamson, Assumption; Dr. W. H. Geddy, Ohiman; Dr. T. J. Whitten, Nokomis; Dr. T. L. Catherwood, Dr. W. J. Eddy and Dr. Theo. Thompson, Shelbyville; Dr. J. P. Simpson, Palmer; Dr. E. P. Staff, Ramey; Dr. J. Wills, Beecher City; Dr. E. D. Kerr, Brunswick; Dr. Moses Haynes, President of the Society, Bingham; Dr. C. B. Johnson, President of the State Board of Health, Champaign; Dr. J. A. Egan, Secretary of the Illinois State Board of Health. Mastitis in puerperal women was discussed by Drs. Miller, Connor, Huber, Carroll, Eddy, Sparling, Nelms, Catherwood, Humphrey and Haynes. Dr. Kreider's paper was discussed by Drs. Connor, Spicer and Nelms. Dr. Miller's paper was discussed by Drs. Catherwood, Simpson, Huber, Rivard, Sparling, Eddy, Whittier and Nelms. Discussion of Dr. Munson's paper was participated in by Dr. Spicer and others. Dr. Rivard's paper was discussed by Drs. Thompson, Carroll and Connor. Dr. Brown's paper was referred to as one of the best presented, but owing to the lateness of the hour the discussion was not taken up. Dr. J. A. Egan, of the Illinois State Board of Health, was introduced, and gave a short talk on the work of the board in the matter of preventing the spread of contagious diseases. Dr. C. B. Johnson, of Champaign, President of the Illinois State Board of Health, was introduced by Dr. Miller, and addressed the meeting at some length, as to the work done of late in the suppression of quackery, magnetic healers, Christian scientists, who go beyond the limits permitted by the medical practice act. The society adjourned to meet again in Pana on the last Tuesday in April, 1900. A REPORT FROM THE RENSSELAER COUNTY HOSPITAL.—“Having used Micajah's uterine wafers for the past five years in a great number of cases of prolapsus uteri, and not failing. to cure each case treated with them, I have discarded the use of all pessaries and place my sole reliance upon the wafers with the result above mentioned. They are worthy of a trial by every practitioner." —M. A. WHEELER, M. D., Troy, N. Y. Physician and Surgeon to Rensselaer County Hospital. SINCE THEIR INTRODUCTION THE HYPOPHOSPHITES have firmly maintained their hold on professional and popular confidence and to-day are prescribed alone and in combination by more physicians than any other remedy. This is strong testimony to their superior worth, because of their fine tonic and constitutive properties which have been and will continue to be a means of relief and strength to thousands. McArthur's Syrup Hypophosphites (Lime and Soda) Comp. is a reliable preparation worthy of a trial. If a stimulant is needed you may add it. It isn't there when you do not need it as McArthur's Syrup is simply a tissue builder, a permanent tonic. IN VENEREAL DISEASES.-Dr. W. H. Bentley, of Woodstock, Ky., has found Unguentine extremely beneficial in the treatment of bubos and venereal sores. "I would be unmindful of my duty to my brother practitioners if I did not give you some results I have obtained from the use of your most valuable preparation. I have used it mostly in treating cases of venereal diseases, such as bubos and syphilitic sores. I have also used it as a lubricant for bougies and sounds. In one case, a young man who had been severely burned by nitrate of silver, I succeeded in the abortion of a large syphilitic ulcer by the prompt use of Unguentine. In another case I used it as an injection in the uretha by melting Unguentine and obtained almost instant relief. I find it the best remedy in all cases after fifteen years of practice and most certainly shall continue its use." THE NEW ANTIKAMNIA COMPOUNDS.-In response to a need which is fully appreciated by the profession and which has often been voiced, the Antikamnia Chemical Company has added two formulas to the Antikamnia family, either of which is of a nature to insure it a welcome everywhere. These tablets have been designated "Antikamnia Laxative Tablets" and "Antikamnia and Quinine Laxative Tablets." The formulas are published in connection with the announcement in our advertising pages. It will be noticed that a very wide range of indications is met by these formulas and a correspondingly wide field of usefulness is a certainty. It would seem useless to mention the indication for the use of these formulas. They are so generally useful that it is at first glance apparent. Each addition to the Antikamnia family has met with a cordial and merited welcome from the profession, and it goes without saying these new candidates will be no exception to the rule. The Antikamnia Company is following its established policy in the matter of sampling. Samples sufficient for a fair trial are being sent to each physician in the United States. Should any have failed to receive samples they will be furnished on application to the Antikamnia. Chem. Co., St. Louis. Above Rates INCLUDE a bound copy of DR. ABRAMS' INIMITABLE STORIES, or a copy of "FUNNYBONE." P. S.-If you desire to club with any other medical journal in the world, advise us, and we will make you a special price. We print a List of New Yearly Paid Subscribers Aztec Send 25 cents to A. ANDREWS, FRED. C. LEBER, M. D., Louisville, Kentucky. I hand you herewith, renewal subscription to your most excellent magazine. It is the best "all-round" journal I know of. GEO. H. RICE, M. D., Sandoval, Ill. In renewing my subscription for another year, I wish to compliment the Fortnightly on its success. It is one of the best edited journals that comes to my desk. Its style, tact, and brevity are certainly commendable qualities. Issued First and Fifteenth of Every Month by the Fortnightly Press Co. UNDER THE EDITORIAL DIRECTION OF FRANK PARSONS NORBURY, M. D. AND THOS. A. HOPKINS, M. D. Secretary: CHARLES WOOD FASSETT. A COSMOPOLITAN BIWEEKLY FOR THE GENERAL PRACTITIONER Editorial Offices in St. Louis, Chicago, Cincinnati, Jacksonville, St. Joseph, Kansas City, and Pueblo, where specimen copies may be obtained and subscriptions will be taken. Address all business communications to the Fortnightly Press Company. Address all contributions and books for review to the Editors, Century Building, Saint Louis. Copyright, 1899, by Frank Parsons Norbury. Entered at St. Joseph postoffice as second-class matter. Volume XVI DECEMBER FIRST Editorial Department. Number 11 EMERSON says, "Each man has his own vocation. The talent is the call. There is one direction in which all space is open to him." "This talent and this call depend on his organization, or the mode in which the general soul incarnates itself in him. Does It Pay? By doing his own work he unfolds himself. Accept your genius." We take it for granted that every satisfied physician has accepted his genius, and his vocation is his own. His talent is used in his call, and his success or failure is measured by his organization and the unfolding of his hidden self. It is difficult for a physician endowed with the organization which determines the direction in which all space is open to him, viz., in the practice of medicine, to answer the question, does it pay? Because, like the youth in Greek fable, it is seemingly his only way, and he goes on and on in this direction thinking little of his awaiting fate. He cannot be a pessimist nor believe the hardships of his profession indicative of a fate which is the resultant of hard luck and unwise choice of a calling. We cannot believe, with Dr. Monroe, that it does not pay to be a physician. On the contrary, viewed from the standpoint of his larger humanity, we believe he would have felt that the doctrine of the mean would have convinced him that balancing the good and the bad conditions surrounding our profession, the happy mean would say that medicine as a profession does pay. To appreciate such a conclusion the physician must be somewhat of a sentimentalist, and feel with Emerson and with Markham, the nobler sentiments of one's calling in life; view his unfolding of character under the refining influences of a worthy profession, from the higher ground of his larger humanity. Of this feature of the refinement which truth and sentiment gives to man, Edwin Markham has this to say: "As man enters into his larger humanity his nature begins to flower; he refines; he becomes reticent, courteous, dignified; preserves his place; builds space about himself; holds his presence sacred; carries a fine moral into finesse of manner; ceases to intrude; selects his company; knows how to maintain distances; abhors |