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Reviews and Notices of Books.

The Diseases of the Fœtus in Utero, (not including jJI alfol’lna-tiofas,) with an Ozetliue of Fcetcel Dn’elopment. By HENRYMADGE, M.D., M.R.C.S., &c. Fcp. 8vo, pp. 200. London:Renshaw. 1854.

A WORK devoted to the elucidation of so novel a theme asthe diseases of the foetus in utero demands more consideratetreatment at the hands of the reviewer than the majority ofpublications which are submitted to his notice, since, as far aswe know, it forms the first attempt which has been made inthis country to bring together in one volume all that is knownon the subject. Not, however, that it is necessary to makemuch allowance, seeing that the author has not only produceda useful volume, but has also done good service by simplydrawing attention to the matter. It is certainly much to beregretted that medical men, as a rule, neglect to avail them-selves of the numerous opportunities which they must so fre-quently have presented to them of investigating more closelythe diseases of the foetus, especially so far as such diseases arethe causes of abortions, miscarriages, or premature labours.Simpson and Graetzer have attempted to account for thisindifference by the difficulties which surround the diagnosis offoetal diseases; but they add that, if it is impossible to becomeacquainted with the actual condition of the fcetus in utero, orthe effect of medicines upon it, by post-mortem examinations ofthe still-born, yet we are often made aware of latent disease inthe parents which would otherwise have been unsuspected,and thus a new path of therapeutical investigation may beopened. The reproach that we are deterred from a duty bythe difficulties we are likely to encounter must not be allowedto remain; and, as Dr. Madge proves that the impossibilitiesalluded to by Graetzer are feasible possibilities, we shall haveno excuse for future idleness.

After a preface and an interesting introductory chapter, ourauthor proceeds to the consideration of the proper subject-matter of his essay, which he divides into two portions,-part the first being devoted to a 1’ésume of the development ofthe foetus, the plan and some of the materials of this divisionbeing taken from the article " CEuf," by Ollivier, in the"Dictionnaire de Medecine;" while, in the second section,the chief foetal diseases are reviewed, much of this part beingmade up of translations from those authors who have paidparticular attention to the subject, and the views of Mauriceau,Dubois, Depaul, Ricord, Goodsir, Simpson, and others, beingespecially canvassed. As an example of Dr. Madge’s method oftreating his subject, we may quote the following passage fromhis concluding remarks :-

" So long as obscurities surround the subject of foetal nutri-tion and development, we can hardly hope properly to under-stand fcetal diseases. Correct pathology must be preceded bycorrect physiology. It is true we are able to arrive at prettycorrect general views on each; but if we wish to follow the

complex operations of the foetal economy very narrowly, thereis yet a great deal to be done. We know that the foetus issupplied with nourishment from the maternal fluids, and thatthrough the same channel it may become diseased, or receive a acheck to its healthy development. If, however, we desire tointerrogate nature as to all the agencies by which these areeffected, we must be prepared to enter an unexplored region,full of interest and dimculties."—p. 193.

It only remains for us to recommend Dr. Madge’s work tcthe attentive perusal of our readers, since it contains mudvaluable and interesting matter.

On the Triple Aspect of Chronic Disease; having especialTiference to the rpreatment of Intractable Disorders chieJ2yaffecting the Nervous ccrxd Muscular System. By WILLIMBAYES, M.D., &c. &c. London. 1854. pp. 56.

%VE are sorry to find a physician of the Brighton Dispensaryhaving both time and inclination to write such quackishnonsense as he has here placed before us. The first quotationrepresents his anatomy and physiology, the second his patho-

logy and practice, and the third demonstrates the very sorrypurpose of which Dr. Bayes makes assumed religious feelingsthe media :-

1. " Some [bones] are seen dovetailed and rabbeted almostimmovably into each other, forming arches, chambers, and.basins; others are so arranged as to allow the semi-rotatorymotion of the socket-joint; some, like hinges, move freely intwo directions, while others partake of both movements.......The living arch of the diaphragm covers the various intestinalorgans as with a cupola, while it forms the floor of the yetmore worthy chamber above-the camera vitte, the hall ofanimal life, the dwelling-place of the blood, with its heart andlungs.......And lastly, as the air is above the earth, &c., so thesoul envelops and penetrates his body. "-pp. 1 and 15.

2. " There is a first step always to be taken beforewe can commence our course, of more direct remedialmeans. This preliminary treatment consists in a thoroughpurgation and purification of the whole man; not a mere

vulgar purge through the bowels, but a casting out and washingaway of mental prejudices, as well as of accumulated debris ofnerve, muscle, and bone, which have lain long, impedinghealthy function.......Thus, phoenix-like, man may arise fromthe invalid, his whole unhealth destroyed in the combustion ofhis laethal envelop. This is physical regeneration."-p. 27.

3. "Unless this first step be taken, the attainment of

perfect health is impossible......it is the expression of the

highest and holiest aspiration after health, and has faith for itsfoundation. The very fact of prayer for health argues both faithand fervency of desire, and how fully can the true and trustfulchristian appreciate the healthful aura which accompanies thesoothing and satisfying communion with his God." "-p. 29.

This is the first trumpet to blow the quackery of kinesipathy(for it is this which Dr. Bayes advises) and bring patients to theold Steine at Brighton. We trust it will be followed by no other.

Medical Formulœ: Reprinted from the Manual of the practiseof Medicine. " By T. H. TANNER, M.D., Licentiate cf theRoyal College of Physicians, Physician to the Hospital forWomen, &c. London. Renshaw. 1854.

Dr. TANNEr,’s I Manual of the Practice of Medicine" havinghad a large sale, and having been highly praised by reviewersand purchasers, Mr. Renshaw has been induced, in the hopewe suppose of increasing his profits, to re-publish the Formulæseparately, and accordingly we have a compact little volume,which must prove useful to most practitioners. Having onlyvery lately reviewed the Manual itself, it is unnecessary to saymore, than that the several prescriptions are quite up to theknowledge of the present day; that they are concisely written,

though free from barbarous abbreviations; and that when thephysician or surgeon is in doubt, he cannot do better thanL consult Dr. Tanner’s Formulas.

TREATMENT OF CHOLERA BY SUGAR.

EDWARD MARSHALL.

To the Editor of THE LANCET.SiR,—In the replies to questions addressed to you on the

subject of cholera, I meet with the following in THE LANCETof Sept. 16th :-" All experience has hitherto shown that innearly every instance, if the diarrhcea and vomiting be stoppedat the commencement, a cure is affected." The following is asimple West Indian remedy for cheeking diarrhœa, and as theingredients are not nauseous, vomiting, if not allayed, cannotbe excited or increased. Its simplicity will no doubt leadmany to reject, and others to spurn, it; but a sense of thisdoes not deter me from bringing it under your notice, feelingassured that, if tested in the premonitory stages of cholera, itwill be found the safest and most effectual remedy hithertotried:-Refined lump sugar, two ounces; best olive oil, anounce, or a sufficient quantity to form a thick syrup : half anounce to be given every two hours, or more frequently if thepurging be violent.

If under similar circumstances, any one had sent me this.simple remedy, I should have rejected it as not worthy ofnotice; but, Sir, I have tested its efficacy in many very severecases of dysentery, where calomel and opium and the usualastringents had previously failed. I never knew but one

instance of failure, and that was in a case of ulcerated bowels.I am, Sir, your obedient servant,

Marlfield, Clonmel, Sept. 1854. EDWARD .MARSHALL.