tion of a chemical compound as distinguished from a mere mixture, which would have the tendency to lower the freezing point instead of raising it, as here effected.

What has caused chemists who have made a superficial examination to reach the wrong conclusion that no definite compound is formed has been the fact that when overheated this trichlorethidene propenyl ether is again reverted into chloral and gylcerin.

Our elixir (Somnos) contains in each 16 cc. 1.2 gm. of a concentrated (73%) trichlorethidene propenyl ether solution in glycerin. When 10 cc. of this elixir is injected into the veins of a dog or other animal, the immediate effect is no greater than the effect of injecting the same amount of normal salt solution in the same way; and not until total doses corresponding to twenty times that prescribed does the blood pressure show any permanent fall, or decrease in respiration, and these phenomena are no greater than is characteristic of normal sleep.

Enormous doses are required to produce a lethal effect on animals, corresponding to at least 15 fluid ounces of the elixir injected into the veins of a 150-pound man. Sixteen fluid ounces of the elixir has been taken by mouth with suicidal intent, and nothing resulted except a long continued normal sleep, from which the patient awakened refreshed.

The action of trichlorethidene on the blood is practically negative. This is in great contrast to chloral, which reduces the red blood cells on an average of 32%. It does not reduce hematin, as it was impossible to find hematoporphyrinuria in a single case of the many in which it was tested; neither have we had any reports of it doing so.

We are claiming that the product is safer than any known hypnotic. that it produces normal sleep, is less depressing than the bromides and absolutely without any untoward effect upon the heart, respiration and vasomotor centers or the blood. In this we are amply justified by the results of physiologic test and clinical experience.

Therefore, in answer to Prof. Stieglitz' question: "What physician who would hesitate about prescribing chloral would not like to use his own judgment as to whether chloral plus glycerin would be any safer?" we unhesitatingly reply: chloral is conceded to be the most desirable hypnotic known, but owing to its untoward action is unsafe. Trichlorethidene propenyl ether, as prepared by us in the form elixir (Somnos), possesses all the desirable properties of chloral, but so far as known is free from its untoward effects. Physicians who know this to be the case and a large and increasing number do know it, prescribe the product in preference to any other hypnotic, and their use of it is founded upon judgment and discretion.

Honest criticism never hurts, but facts half stated, or at least so stated as to lead to erroneous criticism are unfair, and for that reason we have given the above full information. Very truly yours,

H. K. MULFORD COMPANY.

REVERSING THE OLD ADAGE.—The germ theory seems to have boosted cleanliness into first place, with godliness pretty much distanced.- Puck.

Society Scintillations

"True wisdom is to know what is best worth knowing, and to do what is best worth doing." -H. HUMPHREY.

THE BRITISH MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

The meeting of this association at Toronto, August 21 to 25, was a happy opportunity for a commingling of congenial spirits from the English-speaking nations of the scientific world. The Englishman, Scotchman, Irishman, Canadian, and American met in sweet cominunion and scientific consultation, and for what purpose? To devise ways and means for the relief of suffering humanity, the prevention of disease, and the prolongation of human life! Can you imagine a more beautiful or more soul-inspiring spectacle than that presented at the opening session in Convocation hall, when upwards of 2000 of the most eminent medical men of both continents listened to the words of wisdom uttered by Sir Victor Horsley, Sir Hector Clare Cameron, Sir Thomas Barlow, Sir Wm. Henry Broadbent (King's physician) and our own Dr. Wm. Mayo, as well as many others of equal note.

Dr. Reeve's presidential address was a masterly summary of the leading phases of thought and activity in the medical world. Dr. Reeve welcomed the many strangers from abroad in beginning his remarks:

"Our confreres from United States delight to honor the names of Physick and Rush, Wood and Warren, Bigelow and Bowditeh, Alonzo Clark, Flint, Weir Mitchell, and others, and yet I am sure they are not one whit behind the Briton of Britons here today in their respect for the great men of the British school, from Harvey to Lister, who have laid the world under tribute. We in turn delight to honor Laennec, Bichat, Corvisart, Trosseau, Charcot, Pasteur, Vals, Langenbeck, Virchow, Billroth and Koch."

The sessions were held in the spacious group of buildings of the Toronto University, in Queen's Park, and here many of the social functions, which were lavish and numerous, were also enjoyed.

The program was a strong one, and American physicians were well represented upon it, in every section.

Mr. Dawson Williams, the genial and talented editor of the British Medical Journal, made his presence felt by issuing a splendid special number of his journal, containing the principal addresses. We hope to present to our readers in a later issue, some of the excellent papers read at this meeting, especially the symposium upon the use of alcohol as a medicine, by Sir Victor Horsley, Prof. G. Sims Woodhead, Dr. Murdock Cameron and others.

An impressive feature of Friday's session was the conferring of the degree of LL.D. upon thirteen distinguished physicians, by the University of Toronto. Following is a list of those honored: Prof. Thomas Clifford Allbutt, Prof. A. H. Freeland Barbour, Sir Thomas Barlow, Sir James Barr, Sir William Henry Broadbent, George Cooper Franklin, Prof. William Dobinson Halliburton, Sir Victor Horsley, Dr. Donald MacAlister, Dr. William Julius Mickle, M. le Docteur Louis Lapicque, Paris; Prof. Ludwig Aschoff, Marburg, Germany; Dr. W. J. Mayo, President of the American Medical Association.

The museum of exhibits, filled with products of the pharmaceutical chemists and instrument makers, in which the American products largely predominated, was an attractive feature, occupying an entire floor of the main building.

The excursion to Niagara Falls, on Saturday, was a fitting finale to a large and successful meeting, upon the invitation of Sir Henry Pellatt, M.P.. president of the Electrical Development Company of Ontario.

The party left Toronto at 9 o'clock by special train, and reached the Falls at 11, when they were taken by special car to the works of the company at Tempest Point. There about two hundred members went down in the wheel pit and into the big tunnel, and explored the coffer dam until 1 o'clock, when all to the number of 400 were entertained at luncheon at the new Clifton House. Sir H. M. Pellatt was in the chair at the speaker's table, and with him were Lady Pellatt, Sir Hector Cameron, Dr. Franklin, Dr. L S. McMurtry, Professor Sherrington, Dr. and Mrs. Powell, Mr. and Mrs. Bond., Dr. Griffiths, Dr. McKenzie, Dr. H. Ashby, Mons. Le Docteur Lapique, Mrs. Gunn, Madame Lapique and Marcus Gunn.

The president proposed the health of the King, the guests standing while "God save the King" was joined in by all. Dr. Reeve moved a vote of thanks to Sir Henry Pellatt, who was toasted by Dr. McMurtry. The host responded in a clever speech.

The British Medical Association was then toasted by Mons. le Doc teur Lapique and felicitious replies were made by Sir H. Cameron, Dr. Franklin and Dr. James McKenzie. After the luncheon the party were taken in special cars round the gorge route, returning to Toronto at 8 o'clock.

MISSISSIPPI VALLEY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.-The next meeting of the Mississippi Valley Medical Association will be held at Hot Springs, Arkansas, November 6, 7 and 8, under the presidency of Dr. J. H. Carstens, of Detroit, Mich. The annual addresses will be delivered by Dr. Frank Parsons Norbury, Jacksonville, Ill., in Medicine, and by Dr Florus F. Lawrence, of Columbus, Ohio, in Surgery. Dr. Norbury has chosen for the subject of his address, "Clinical Psychology," and Dr. Lawrence will discuss in his address, "Surgical Principles and Theories." In addi tion to these addresses there will be the annual address of the President, Dr. Carstens. Elaborate arrangements have been made by the local profession of Hot Springs to entertain the visiting doctors and their wives, the meeting being held at the "Eastman" hotel, which will be specially opened in advance of the season to accommodate the Association. A cordial invitation is extended to every physician in the valley to attend this meeting for which a large number of interesting and valuable papers have been promised. The headquarters will be at the beautiful "Arlington," where reduced rates will be in effect for the occasion. We would urge our readers to make early reservation of rooms, and avoid the risk of being crowded out, as the attendance is sure to be large. Communications regard ing papers should be addressed to the secretary, Dr. Henry E. Tuley, 111 W. Kentucky street, Louisville, Ky.

Meetings second and fourth Wednesdays, at I. O. O. F. Hall, Seventh and Charles streets.

Special meeting, held in I.O.O.F. hall, on Wednesday evening, July 25, 1906, the president, Dr. O. B. Campbell, in the chair.

Minutes of last meeting read and approved.

The committe on place of meeting reported, recommending that the I.O.O.F. hall at Seventh and Charles streets, be secured for the ensuing year, at a rental of $40 per year. The meetings to be held on the second and fourth Wednesday evenings of each month. Upon motion, the report was received and the recommendation adopted.

The Board of Censors made a lengthy report on the case of Dr. C. H. Wallace, against whom charges of unprofessional conduct had been preferred by Dr. Chas. G. Geiger. The board found him guilty of consulting with an irregular and recommended a reprimand.

Dr. Wallace, upon taking the floor in his own behalf, stated that he did not deny the charge of having consulted with Dr. Thompson, but objected to being singled out for persecution, when, as he declared, other members were equally guilty.

Dr. Owens moved that the report be received; seconded by Dr. Elam. Dr. Jacob Geiger offered as an amendment that the report be referred back to the censors; seconded by Dr. Farber. Motion was lost.

Dr. C. R. Woodson offered as an amendment that the report be tabled; seconded. Motion was lost.

In answer to a question, Dr. Owens stated that he supposed his motion to receive the report implied its adoption as well.

Vote was then taken on the original notion, and carried, the chair ruling that the motion as put implied the receiving of the report, but not its adoption.

Dr. C. R. Woodson offered the following resolution: That it is the sense of this meeting that we deprecate all forms of irregular practice amongst the medical profession, and that we take active steps towards censuring any and all of our members who shall be found guilty of any form of irregularity; and that the Board of Censors be requested to make a report at the next meeting, defining irregular practice in this city, and furnish a list of those who may be classed as unworthy of our counsel and affiliation. Seconded by Dr. Heddens. A standing vote was called for and the resolution carried unanimously.

Upon motion, the secretary was instructed to make the best possible terms with the News-Press, Gazette and Star for the publication, quarterly, of the list of members of this society in good standing. The secretary

presented an invitation to attend the meeting of the Missouri Valley Medical Association, in Council Bluffs.

Adjourned to meet second Wednesday in September.

THE BRAIN OF THE NEGRO.-The September Century will present the first full authoritative and scientific discussion yet published of the difference between the white man's brain and the negro's. The paper is the work of Robert Bennett Bean, M.D., instructor in anatomy at the University of Michigan; and his scientific research into the limitations of the negro's industrial development, based on the size and structure of the brain, throws a valuable light upon a subject of vital importance in our country today. Dr. Bean's text will be illustrated with a number of interesting diagrams.

KANSAS TO TAKE CENSUS OF, TUBERCULOSIS CASES.-The Kansas Board of Health is preparing tables to be sent out for making a census of all tuberculosis cases in the State. The Board of Health has determined to wage war on the white plague, and the first step will be to secure as nearly a complete census of the cases as possible. Each of the 3,000 regular physicians in the State will receive some of the blanks and they will be asked to make an accurate list of the number of cases in their practice. The census will also show the stages of the disease and the causes, as near as this can be ascertained, and much other information showing the age and general health of the patient before the disease took a serious form.

ELECTED OFFICERS.-The Harrison County Medical Society met in annual session at Bethany, July 16, and elected officers for the ensuing year as follows: President, C. A. Mitchell, Blythedale; vice-president, W. H. Wiley, Ridgeway; secretary and treasurer, F. H. Broyles, Bethany; censors, B. S. Stewart, Bethany, and M. S. Eades, New Hampton. Members present: Drs. Vandivert, Stewart, Broyles, Mitchell, Chipp, Reynolds, Gwinn, Eades, Wiley. Visiting doctors: Drs. Jacob Geiger and W. T. Elam, St. Joseph, and Dr. McKinley, Denver, Mo. A picnic dinner, under the auspices of Mrs. Stewart and Miss Vandivert, was a pleasant feature. Next meeting will be held October 16.

TRI-STATE (ALABAMA, GEORGIA, TENNESSEE) MEDICAL SOCIETY.The eighteenth annual meeting of the Tri-State Medical Society of Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee, will be held at Chattanooga, October 2-4, 1906. Reduced rates have been obtained from all points in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana and Florida, and an unusually large attendance is assured. The preliminary program includes an excellent list of papers from leading medical men of the South. Strong pressure will be brought to bear to ultimately convert this organization into a branch of the American Medical Association-The Association of the Southeastern States, and recommendations will be made at this meeting. Physicians desiring to read papers should send their titles at once to the secretary, Dr. Raymond Wallace, Chattanooga, Tennessee.