Communications. THE HYPOPHOSPHITES. Dear Sir:-I received Dr. Churchill's of giving them a fair trial in my practice, being convinced that there is much important and suggestive truth in Churchill's the salts in question have the power to Report; and, moreover, I am persuaded that affect the economy, therapeutically, in a manner which even Dr. Churchill does not seem to be aware of. * * * Yours, Sir, most truly, [The following cases have been received Treatise, for which you have my thanks. from Mr. Winchester, to whose liberality have engaged my attention. I am desirous For some time past, the Hypophosphites and scientific acquirements the Profession here is indebted, for the introduction of Dr. Churchill's valuable preparations. These cases were selected by him, from a mass of communications on the subject from all parts of the country; and we lay them before our readers, who will no doubt be pleased to see in what estimation these preparations are held, how extensively they have been tested, and how satisfactory have in general been the results. In St. Vincent's Hospital, where they have been used very extensively during the service of Dr. T. E. Burtsell, we have witnessed the most marked and extraordinary effects in abating the usual harass ing and exhausting symptoms of Phthisis in every stage. In some cases, when every other available remedy had failed to relieve the cough, sweating, and consequent exhaustion, under the use of the Hypophosphites, the patients enjoyed an immunity from those symptoms, for days together. Again, in cerebral diseases of undonbted diagnosis, such as Ramollissement, Irritation, Concussion, Uraemia, etc., the resulting improvement after a steady use of the Hypophosphites, was even more marked. One case, especially, of hemiplegia, with almost total imbecility and speechlessness, has so far recovered, under their use, as to be able to walk without a stick, and converse rationally, whilst the paralysis is also considerably removed, and the general condition has been greatly improved. JOHN G. HOLLINS, M. D. Dec. 20, 1859. Dear Sir:-I have deferred thus long in reporting to you-first in compliance with pressing engagements, and also to observe the results of my experiments with the Hypophosphites. I selected three different and well marked cases for trial. No. I.--Was a very severe case of mercurial disease, attended with extreme debility, and nervous prostration of many years duration, upon whom all kinds of remedies. and treatment was lost. I commenced with the lime salt, and after a while changed it for soda. At first it produced some feverish excitement, attended with dizziness and obscurity of vision; but in less than a week a marked improvement was very manifest. I continued the remedies until I had administered six oz. solution, and the case continued to improve during the whole time,-the advantage gained appearing to be permanent. In this case the salts acted more favorably than any and every thing else beside. Another striking case, was that of a patient in the surgical ward, who had been laboring under the effects of chronic strum- No. II.-Was a well defined case of nerous ulceration of the shoulder joint, and car- vous debility, mental and physical, of fouries of the humerus. He was sinking rapid- teen or fifteen years duration. In this case ly under the exhausting discharge; a large I used the Potassa. At first, very small abscess collected under the right pectoral doses produced considerable stimulation; muscle, and opened externally, and it was the muscular system jerking with the caprice supposed internally also into the lung, caus of chorea. For several weeks the lower ing the most distressing cough, purulent limbs were very fantastic in their locomotive expectoration, colliquative sweats, and efforts. The remedy was continued, and all rapid emaciation, in fact all the usual symp- this irregularity ceased, followed by the toms of advanced phthisis. He was ordered most charming improvement I have ever the Hypophosphites, largely, and in a few seen under any treatment. In fact, this days, the most marked improvement was patient declared that the medicine was literobserved; all the prominent symptoms dis-ally worth its weight in gold. appeared completely; the excessive dis- No. III.-Was a decided case of pulmocharge from the abscess, and from the sin-nary consumption. I was previously conuses connected with the shoulder became less and less, until finally, the patient was well enough to leave the hospital and return to his home in the country]. W. O'MEAGHER, M. D. vinced that this instance of consumption did not arise from the constitutional debility caused by the deficiency of the phosphoric element; and the experiment with the salt, proved the correctness of that opinion. Very small doses produced great constitutional disturbance. However, I continued the use of the remedy very cautiously, and watched it very closely; but the disease progressed under its use, with an aggravation of debility and disturbance. I was not disappointed in this case, as I was convinced that the disease did not originate in deficiency of the phosphoric element. The result of my limited experience, is a high appreciation of the remedial value of the Hypophosphites. I am under great obligation to you for furnishing me with the remedy in a pure and reliable form; and as soon as the severe weather is over, I intend to prosecute my experiments. Yours, dear Sir, most truly, J. G. HOLLINS, M. D. Brooklyn, Dec. 24th, 1859. Dear Sir-Previous to my commencing the use of the Hypophosphites of lime and soda prepared by you, I had been losing flesh steadily, and was suffering much from night-sweats, consequent upon the softening of tubercles in the upper lobe of my right lung. I had been on a tonic course of treatment for some time, without any perceptible benefit, further than a slight increase of appetite. Before I had finished the first bottle of the Hypophosphites, I found that my nervous system had so much improved, that I could sleep well at night, and that the sweats had ceased to trouble me. The only inconvenience I experienced from the remedy, was an attack of epistaxis, and slight attacks of hemorrhage from hemorrhoids, which had given me no trouble for over a year previously. When I commenced the use of this remedy five weeks ago, I weighed only 147 lbs. Now I weigh 161 lbs., a slight increase over my usual weight. My appetite is good, I sleep well, and I feel as if I were going to live in spite of the formation of a cavity in the upper portion of my right lung. The improvement that has taken place in my general condition, of late, has been most remarkable and encouraging to me. My friends all say, that they have never seen me looking better than at present. Whether this improvement will continue remains yet to be seen; but I have every reason to believe that it will. I think that the Hypophosphites, as tonics, are most valuable acquisitions to the Materia Medica; at least, my experience in their use thus far leads me to this conclusion. Yours, etc., J. J. CAMBEELL, M. D. J. Winchester, Esq., 48 John st. NOTICES OF BOOKS. The Treatment of Lateral Curvature of the Spine by Specific Exercise. By CHARLES F. TAYLOR, M. D. There has been lying on our table for some time, a monograph with the above title which deserves more than a passing notice. The first paragraph reads thus :— The pathology of uncomplicated lateral curvature of the spine is exceedingly simple. It is invariably produced, in the first instance, by unequal action of the muscles; generally, but not always, accompanied by muscular weakness. With this proposition as a text, the author goes on through several pages to show how, by different combinations of muscular actions, when the equilibrium of relative and antagonistic muscles is destroyed, the different forms of lateral curvature are produced. For instance, a curvature to the right may be produced by the relaxation of the muscles acting up and down the spine on the right side, as by the retraction (permanent contraction) of the same muscles on the left side. But a retraction of these muscles which act in a lateral direction, (viz., those connected with the shoulder,) will also produce a curvature to the right. That is to say, the relaxation of one set, or the retraction of another set will, either alone or together, produce the same curvature. He regards the use of supporters by preventing muscular action, whatever may be the apparent temporal benefit, as being always injurious in the long run. Ordinary gymnastics are competent to cure simple cases, if taken before there is any alteration in the length and power of the different muscles; but as in gymnastics, a person uses all his muscles in the same manner he cannot by any such exercise, correct relative disproportions of action. Dr. Taylor proposes to do this by "Specific Exercises," that is, by such a disposition of muscular action, as will act differently upon the different groups of muscles, whose unequal action has disturbed the perpendicularity of the spinal column; making the action in such a manner as will correct this derangement. The pamphlet is interspersed with cuts. illustrating the treatment. We have obtained permission to use several, in order to give the reader an idea of the method of cure. We quote : Fig. V. represents one method of causing the action of the spinal muscles to aid in producing the desired result. The patient, with the left arm stretched up, leans over a bar, with his thighs resting against it, while the assistant grasps the left wrist, and FIG. V. the FIG. X. 47 presses upon the right shoulder. The pati- in such a manner that the muscles on the ent now slowly raises the trunk a to b. By right side of the upper portion of the spine the assistant's pulling at the left arm, the are contracted. The patient stands erect long leverage causes (a), with the left hand the scapular muscles resting on the top of attached to the spine the head, and the right -the lower portion hand on the back of of the trapezius, the neck, to have the rhomboidei, &c.,-to right shoulder act powerfully in lower, and with the drawing that part of left hip against the the spine to the left, bar, as shown. The while the pressure of assistant then places the hand upon the his right hand opporight shoulder still site, or just below the further aids this acgreatest incurvation The spinal of the spine, and holds muscles act eccentric very firmly against and concentric, on it, while the patient alternate sections bends the trunk to and opposite sides of the right (from a to o the spine. This lat-b), against strong reter result is still bet-sistance. Care must ter secured if the be taken that the right foot is carried tient does not bend away a little to the either knee, especialright, so Contraction on right that the ly the right knee- side above the hand. principal weight of which he will be very Acting concentrically the body will fall on on scapular musctes the left leg. and eccentrically on longitudinal muscles of the left side. FIG. IX. Expansion of the left side. tion. The patient hangs by the left hand to a pole; not perpendicularly, for the trunk is pushed to the left by resting at a point opposite the greatest concavity, against a padded bar. Thus there is secured a double action; viz. pa much inclined to do-for that would make muscular action. With the legs and feet the effect very different, by varying the firm, the hips unable to glide to the left on account of the bar, the firm resistance of the assistant's hand opposite the apex of the curvature, it has the effect of preventing the lower part of the body, as it were,-so contractions below that point, cutting off that the patient's force is confined to, and intercostales, etc.), the contracting of which expended on these muscles (erector spinæ, forces the spine to the left, and expands the left side, at the same time that this action is a powerful expansion (ec-aided by the mechanical pressure of the centric) of the concavity; hand The spine is literally unbent. aided by the mechanical pushing force caused by but in long standing cases the vertebra The muscles can be moulded almost at will, the weight of the body have become altered in their shape by conagainst the bar. The weight of the body betinual pressure on one side. Fig. XIV. relow the bar, and the mus- presents a contrivance for reversing this cular force of the left side pressure to the other side of the spine. and arm above it, make the fulcrum in the spine opposite the bar, which force above and below acts towards the right. The patient touches his toes or swings clear, and the bar is moved to the left or right according to the patient's strength, and as we wish to regulate the force of the movement. The patient remains in that position while he can without discomfort. The movement represented in Fig. X. acts FIG. XIV. The Eccentric Couch. It consists simply of a flat cushioned bench (a), with two posts about thirteen inches Macte nova virtute tua sis semper, Atlanta. By the way, again : high, three wide, and one foot apart, as seen in the cut. From the tops of these posts is suspended a strap (b), made to buckle at one end, so that it can be brought close to the cushion or drawn high up. The patient lies down upon the couch, on the right side (in curvature to the right), with the body resting on the strap (which is cushioned) at a point opposite the greatest incurvation, generally under the right shoulder. But the most important part of the contrivance is now to be described A wire, well padded, passes under the left arm, across the chest, before and behind, to the right shoulder; then turning upward passes to the right side of the head, and under it as he lies on the right side. A strap d, passes over the right shoulder, from the part of the wire in front to that behind; so that when the head LIGHT THE ONLY CAUSE OF PURULENT OPHTHALMIA rests on the cushion c, the right shoulder will be pressed down by the strap d, and the left side lifted up or expanded by the action of that part of the instrument under the left arm. The result of the whole contrivance is to divide the body above and below the strap b, on which it rests as a fulcrum, into two long, heavy, powerful levers, both acting in such a manner as to expand the incurvation of the spinal column at that point For those long standing cases, to assist in moulding the osseous framework—the spinal column, the ribs, and chest, which are always deformed-back into the original shape, it is of great service. We have received a circular from the Atlanta Medical College, from which we learn that the Faculty have inaugurated a "Preparatory School," for the purpose of extending the usual period of instruction to eight months, without any additional expense to those who attend the regular course. The additional course is not required for graduation; but certificates of Honor should we think be conferred for punctual attendance, as is done in our metropolitan Schools. Dr. Taylor, has, no doubt, hit upon the true theory of the treatment of these cases. OF INFANTS. Mr. Ballard (Lancet) has written an original paper upon the above subject. The generally received opinion that the disease is the result of contact with vaginal secretions is disputed: 1. Because the disease does not appear until several days after birth; 2. Extreme cases of leucorrhoea, and yet no ophthalmia, if the room was kept dark; 3 No leucorrhoea, and yet ophthalmia, the room being kept light. The proofs in favor of light being the cause of the disease: 1. Expose an infant to bright light, aud you can prognosticate the occurrence of the disease; 2. It never prevails if the child is kept in the dark; 3. That many cases had been cured by obscuration only.-Nashville Med. Record. NEW EXCHANGES. THE MASONIC SIGNET AND JOURNAL, edited by We entertain a high respect for this ancient and highly useful Brotherhood, whose monuments are everywhere, from the great wall of China to the palace halls of the Monte zumas. The Signet" is creditable to the Grand Lodge of Geo., of which it is the recognized organ. Brother, we return your friendly grasp with pleasure. SUBSCRIPTIONS RECEIVED. Drs. Horace Fales, Waterbury, Vt.—Chas. Burr, Carbondale, Pa.--J. C. O'Neill, Stamford, Ct.-J. W. S. Gouley, 72 E. 14th st.-Professors R. O. Doremus, Union Place.-J. T. Metcalfe, 34 E. 14th st.--R. Watts, 42 E. 12th st.--A. Clark, 226 4th Av.---W. H. Van Buren, 22d st., cor. 4th Av.-J. W. Draper, University Med. College.-Drs. A. B. Mott, 209 E 10th st.-T. G. Thomas, 282 4th Av. G. H. Tucker, 32 MacDougal st.-W. H. Bramblitt, Independence, Va.--J. P. Garrish, 40 W. 21st st.--J. O'Reilly, Washington By the way, we have often thought that sq.--Messrs. W. Remsen, 26, Waverly pl.Atlanta must be quite an Attic city, abound- J. Canavan, 718 Broadway-Drs. T. C. Fining as she does in so many literary institu- nell, 705, Houston st.--August Rittler, 56 E. tions. First is a highly respectable Medi- Broadway-J. A. Wood, Boston, Mass.--Forcal College, with a highly respectable dyce Barker, 70 Union pl.-Messrs. Tiemann Faculty; an able Medical Journal, a Medi- & Co., 63 Chatham st.-P. Preterre, 375 Pearl cal and Literary Journal, the Masonic Sig--P. J. Brennan, 451 Grand st.-G. A. Peters, net. several daily and weekly papers we 270, 5th Av.-A. Mulot, 9 Av. A.-C. F. Taypresume, Doctors not a few, nor below par, lor, 29 Cooper Inst.-Prof. Post, 11 W. 17th bankers, and all the other accompaniments st.-Drs. G. T. Elliott, 18 W. 29th st.of prosperous civilization. Bryan Duggan, 87 3d Av. NEW-YORK MEDICAL PRESS: A Weekly Journal of Medicine, Surgery, and the Collateral Sciences EDITED BY Vol 3. J. L. KIERNAN, A.M. M.D., AND W. O'MEAGHER, M.D. JANUARY 21, 1860. Original Communications. No. 4 Let us for a moment glance at the amount of precise information, which science had afforded on this subject, up to the time I published my paper, some months ago. It is only within a comparatively recent period that neuralgia of the face has attracted the serious attention of medical authors; or, perhaps, it may be more properly stated, that the disease has been surrounded by such obscurity and perplexity, as to have baffled description André, a French sur By J. M. CARNOCHAN, Surgeon-in-Chief to the geon, in 1756, published his researches upon State Hospital, etc. Read before the Medico-Chirugical College, Jan. 12th, 1860. this malady, and gave to it the name of Tic Douloureux. According to this writer, the affection is characterized "par une douleur plus ou moins vive, et par des grimaces hideuses qui mettent un obstacle invincible á la reception des aliments, qui, éloignent le sommeil, interceptent et lient souvent l'usage de la parole; agitations qui, quoique vagues et périodique en elles-même, sont néanmoins si fréquentes, quelles se font sentir plusieurs fois dans un jour, dans une heure, et quelque fois sont sans relache et se renouvellent à chaque minute." This description, as far as it goes, refers to the disease when it has acquired a high degree of intensity, and coincides with the malady which Fothergill soon after (in 1782) describes under the name of "Painful Affection of the Face" The account given by Fothergill is more complete and exact than that of the French surgeon, just named, as we may learn from the following extract: Some months ago I published a paper on Tic Douloureux, or Neuralgia of the Face,and at the same time proposed an operation for the cure of the disease, which in my opinion, is founded upon the physiological laws which govern the functional manifestations of that part of the nervous system presiding over general sensation, as well as upon certain pathological appearances, which I had found to be present in portions of nervous trunks after their exsection from the face. I propose this evening to bring before the College the views I have heretofore stated in relation to the pathology, seat and treatment of Neuralgia of the Face, and to describe my latest operation for exsection of the trunk of the second branch of the fifth pair of nerves, as far as the foramen rotundum of the sphenoid bone-an operation which I believe to be an improvement on attacks some part or other of the face, or "From imperceptible beginnings, a pain the one I at first proposed for the exsection the side of the head; sometimes about the of that nerve. Before I proceed, permit me to congratulate myself upon the presence of the temporal bones, are parts complained of. eye, sometimes the ossa malarum, sometimes so large a number of gentlemen, whose The pain comes suddenly and is excruciatknowledge of physiology will ensure a close ing; it lasts but a short time, perhaps a analysis of the remarks which I shall have| quarter or a half a minute, and then goes the honor to make. |