Periscope.-On Diseases of the Knee Joint. partial, the jomt may retain its mobility; otherwise the easily remove them himself. 17 The best contrivance for keeping the joint quiet is splints, made of thick and stiff But here is another matter which demands our especial the part. leather, macerated in warm water, and allowed to dry on. notice: The patient very generally lies with the leg bent applied to each side of the joint, nicely adjusted to it, and upon the thigh. It is better that it should not be placed in kept on by a bandage. They should be pretty broad splints, one being that position at first, but the patient very often gets it there as hard as a board, but they are easy to be worn, because before you are aware of it; and it is very difficult, when it they exactly fit. These splints, when dry, become is once in the bent position, to make it straight again. Now hardest material-of ivory or gold; yet it is easy to be observe what happens; the synovial membrane and the borne because it exactly fits. Make equal pressure everyA row of artificial teeth is made of the ligaments are all distended, and must be all stretched, to a where ; and these splints cannot fail to fit the parts to which greater or less extent; and when the cartilages are ulcera- they are applied, as they are moulded upon them in the first ted, very often the internal ligaments at one or other of instance. their extremities become separated from the bone. They give a more complete support than can be flexor muscles are constantly pulling at the head of the that if the joint should swell, or the splints be uncomforThe obtained in any other way; and they have this advantage, tibia, and by little and little they draw it backward, until table, the patient can easily re-adjust them for himself, makat last it is removed from its proper place, the condyles of ing that degree of pressure which is agreeable to his own the femur projecting in front of the head of the tibia, and feelings. the latter being lodged in the ham. There is then dislocation, sometimes complete, but more frequently incomplete, is nearly completed, and it is your object to limit the mo In a more advanced stage of the disease, when the cure the head of the tibia being still partially in contact with tions of the joint-not because there are any serious sympthe articulating surface of the femur. change as this may take place without suppuration. I have inflammation-a bandage, made by Schoolbred, in JermynEven so great atoms at the time, but lest there should be a recurrence of the known many persons recover with this kind of dislocation street, may be applied with advantage. of the knee, in whom abscess never shewed itself. In fact, spiral wire, enclosed between two pieces of leather, with a abscess is not a very common consequence of inflammation stiff piece of leather, of moderate thickness, behind, and It is composed of of the synovial membrane of the knee, being for the most laced on one side. part limited to two orders of cases; one, in which it super-cellent splint, and the bandage being elastic, if the knee The leather behind makes a very exvenes after a long period, during which the disease has should swell a little, it does not matter; besides which, the been neglected, the patient walking about and using the patient may draw the lace as tight or as loose as he pleases. limb, in spite of great suffering; the other, in which the In many cases, after inflammation of the synovial memfirst access of inflammation has been of more than usual brane has subsided, and when the patient first begins to get intensity, the disease going on to suppuration in the first about, it is advisable to let him be provided with one of should be a little raised, so as to keep the knee slightly these bandages. At the same time the heel of the shoe bent: this being much more convenient to the patient than the absolutely straight position. instance. With regard to treatment in all cases of inflammation, and I may add, of other diseases of a joint, the first and most important thing is, to keep the joint in a state of perfect quietude. In an acute attack the patient suffers so much from motion that you need scarcely give him any in-bleed from the arm, to apply leeches, or to take blood by In cases of acute inflammation it may be necessary to junctions on the subject. This, in fact, is the method that cupping not from over the joint itself, but from the neighnature adopts for the purpose of informing him that the bourhood: for the pressure of the cupping-glasses will bruise joint should not be moved. tion, also, the pain on motion is often sufficient to produce gives as much relief as if it were taken more immediately In case of chronic inflamma- the joint and do harm, and blood taken in the neighbourhood the same effect; but sometimes it is not, and then you from the part affected. With respect to the extent to which must have recourse to some special means for keeping the blood-letting should be had recourse to, it is impossible to joint in a state of repose. You may bind it up with a great lay down any general rule; but I may mention that at this quantity of diachylon plaster, and a roller over it, or with a day we do not for the most part find occasion to abstract starch bandage, either of which contrivances will keep the blood so freely as was done in former times, because we joint quiet, acting as a splint. both these plans, especially the latter. I will relate a case, shall speak presently. But there are objections to have other means of subduing inflammation; of which I which will best explain what I mean. lady labouring under inflammation of the synovial mem-the application of blisters. The first blister may be applied In the case of a mation has subsided, the patient may derive benefit from When the violence of the inflambrane of the knee, I had applied some leathern splints to not on the knee, but on the thigh above the knee, and afterkeep the joint quiet. This was just at the time that starch wards on the joint itself. bandages came into use; she went into the country, and any very active inflammation going on, but they do great Blisters do harm when there is her surgeon there took off my splints, and applied a great service afterwards; and they operate advantageously in quantity of these bandages. enough; and when she came to London again, I said, they draw away the blood from the synovial membrane, and They supported the knee well two ways. "The starch bandage does very well; we will leave it lessen the inflammation there; and secondly, by causing a First, by exciting inflammation in the skin, Two or three evenings afterwards I was sent for; great secretion of serum from the skin, they in some way with an urgent message, entreating that I would go to the or another, cause the absorption of the fluid from the joint, house as soon as possible. in a state of intense agony. She had had a fresh attack of membrane which tends to keep up the inflammation is reI went, and found my patient and the fluid being absorbed, the tension of the synovial inflammation of the synovial membrane. beginning to swell, but the starch bandage, binding the The knee was lieved. joint like an iron hoop, prevented the effusion of fluid from sides blood-letting. Of course purging and diaphoretic mediI said that we had other means of subduing inflammation betaking place. With some difficulty I took it off, which cines are useful in cases of inflammation wherever situated, probably she would not have been able to do for herself, but I meant to allude especially to what may be called speciand unless it had been relieved I know not what might fic remedies; namely, mercury and colchicum. A gouty perhave been the consequence. to these bandages-which applies in a great degree to those urine depositing a red sediment. You see the objection, then, son sends for you with acute inflammation of the knee, the of diachylon plaster also-that the patient cannot very lived freely, taken but little exercise, that acid is genera¬ You find that he has on." 18 Periscope.-Observations on Ligatures and Aneurisms. This may be omitted when the skin is tender, then applied again, and so on. ted in the stomach, that he has been for some time flatulent, and his bowels costive. Having taken care that he is in the first instance freely purged, you may give him 15 I said that mercury was useful in another and more adminims of the vinum colchici in a saline draught 2 or 3 vanced stage of the disease, when the altered character of times a day. Never give more than that, for large doses of the pain, attended with starting of the limb at night, indicolchicum are dangerous, and small ones accomplish all that cates that ulceration is going on in the cartilages. Here is required. Even the latter should not be taken for more the only remedy is mercury, and the effect of it is remarkthan two or three days at a time. Where inflammation of able. Make the gums sore, and the patient, who was sufthe synovial membrane depends on a gouty diathesis, the fering tortures, will, in a few days, be quite relieved. If effects of colchicum are sometimes marvellous. I have it be administered at a sufficiently early period, it will known patients suffering extreme agony to be completely save the mobility of the joint; if it be exhibited at a later relieved by it in a few hours. But let me repeat, for this period, it will save the limb, but will not prevent anchylois of importance, that you should not venture on the exhi-sis. Mercury should be given here in the same manner as bition of colchicum in this or other cases, without previous-in cases of iritis, or chronic inflammation of the testicle. ly administering purgatives, and they should also be given Calomel and opium may be administered two or three times occasionally while it is being used. Small doses of mer-a day till the gums are sore, mere alterative doses being cury also, the blue pill for example, may be given at the insufficient. It is, however, seldom necessary to continue same time. The tendency of colchicum is to produce the exhibition of mercury for any very lengthened period. white evacuations, which indicate, I suppose, a diminished I think that one of the greatest improvements of modern secretion of bile. Of course it is not right that bile should surgery is the exhibition of mercury in these and some not be secreted and evacuated, and the combination of mer-other cases of ulceration of the articular cartilage. I do cury with the purgatives, at the same time that you ex-not know any other remedy that will answer the same hibit the colchicum, prevents the injurious effects that purpose. might otherwise arise from the biliary secretion. Mercury may be administered with advantage in another way; that is, not as a purgative, not merely with a view to act on the secretion of the liver, but in larger or more frequent doses, By T. W. KING, F.R.C.S.E.-Lecturer on Pathology at so as to produce its specific effects on the general system. Such mercurial treatment may be often had recourse to with advantage in cases of gouty inflammation, but still more in cases of what may be properly called rheumatic inflammation. The combination of calomel with opium is a very convenient method of giving it in these cases, as it is in those of iritis. Useful as is the mercurial treatment during the active inflammatory state of the disease, it is still more useful at a later period, accomplishing that which can scarcely be accomplished by other means; as I shall explain presently. OBSERVATIONS ON LIGATURES AND AN- Guy's Hospital. different estimation of the existing theories, and even pracSome observation and reading have brought me to an intices, as to securing arteries. I deem it safe to speak of discrepancies, deficiences, and serious errors, and I shall not must eventually modify the general view of the matters in hesitate gradually to unfold a set of remarks which, if true, question. I find a good deal to complain of in experimenters, and most of all in writers; but it will be my single object to set down such facts and reasonings as may appear needful and just. It may be, in the main, needless to discuss the doubtful and erroneous opinions which some hold, and it is not imperative rashly to advance to any general conclusion. In reviewing the course of my examination of the present subject during the past year or two, the following opinions present themselves; and I venture to set them down to explain my ultimate object, and to shew that if I am in error, it has been a somewhat complicated temptation which has misled me. If I am not mistaken, we have 1. Actually a succession of writers overlooking the better points of their predecessors. 2. Experimental data, partial or erroneous, or admitting of very different and better explanations than have been anticipated, and even of the most important additional deductions. There is no essential difference between the treatment of chronic and acute inflammation of the synovial membrane, except that in the former such active measures are not required as in the latter. Leeches may be necessary, but blood-letting from the arm is never requisite. Blisters are very useful here, and may frequently be applied with out having recourse to leeches. You may employ either a succession of blisters, or one blister kept open for some time with savine cerate. In cases of gouty inflammation of the synovial membrane having a chronic character, colchicum may be exhibited as an alterative-one or two grains of acetous extract, with as much blue-pill, every night, and aperient medicine every third or fourth morning; or you may give the acetous extract, with calomel and the compound extract of colocynth, every second or third night watching the effect of the remedies, and continuing their use for a longer or shorter time, according to circumstances. In such cases a course of the iodide of potassium in small doses, combined with alkaline remedies, may also be productive of benefit. In slighter cases of the disease, liniments that stimulate the skin, but which fall short of a blister, may be usefully employed. The volatile liniment, with oil of turpentine added to it, or the com6. Finally, all these several considerations, pointing in pound camphor liniment, may he rubbed on two or three one sufficiently direct course, form, to my mind, an argutimes daily. The following makes an excellent linimentment cumulative, which it will be difficult to set aside. Take an ounce and a half of olive-oil and a drachm of SECT. 1.-A General View of Facts relative to Bleeding afsulphuric acid; when these are well mixed together, add ter Ligature of Arteries". half an ounce of oil of turpentine. This makes a black liniment, which may be rubbed on with a bit of lint twice The following paper was read before the Physical Society of daily until the skin becomes inflamed and tender. It will Guy's Hospital, by Mr. G. H. King. Mr. King had collected produce a good deal of inflammation in the skin, but not a numerous facts on the subject at my request, and I still hope to blister. Another convenient method of stimulating the make good use of his labours. But for the initiative thought, skin is to paint the knee by means of a camel's hair brush and my friend's diffidence, his name ought to have taken the with a solution of a drachm of iodine in an ounce of alcohol. Place of mine at the head of this chapter, which, however, has 3. Great physiological principles, apparently correcting the prevailing opinions. 4. New and essential demonstrations from pathology, which compel us to remodel our views. 5. There are broad general facts in surgery, which seem to lead inevitably to a revision of present principles. gradually expanded. There is a critical day for the discharge of ligatures, before riding of the fragments, and even crepitation, when the which fatal bleedings arise, and after which, the thread general rachitic affection is not too advanced. comes off safely. Late hæmorrhages are comparatively The symptoms of fracture persist a long while after the safe, and tardy ligatures harmless.— Dr. Norris's Statis-accident, even when it is treated properly. Fifteen days tics of the Subclavian. afterwards, the fragments are generally still found moveA healthy coachmaker, in the country, had popliteal an-able, whereas, in a healthy child at that time, consolidation eurism. The femoral artery was tied, and hæmorrahages has always taken place. Consolidation is thus always followed. The iliac was tied with the like result; and tardy, and the more so the more severe the general disthink I should state that it was a third ligature which in-lease. In addition to the direct unfavourable influence of duced the fatal bleeding. rickets, there are other morbid influences to which the pa The event here sketched, occurred some years ago, and tients are often exposed. Thus, they are frequently atis by no means unique. The reader will feel that such a tacked with pneumonia, bronchial catarrh, and eruptive fecase, for a first experience as to the tying of arteries, is not vers, to which ricketty children are extremely predisposed, a little impressive. The fact is, perhaps like too many these diseases always lengthening the treatment of the others, in having hitherto remained unpublished. Mr. B. Phillips (Med. Gaz. 15, 870) states, that of 171 ligatures of arterial trunks, between the years 1824-34, one in three was fatal, and that one-seventh of the successful cases had some secondary hemorrhage.-It appears that the recorded successful ligatures of the iliacs were 74 per fracture. M. Guersant reduces the treatment of these fractures to the mere application of a roller-bandage applied to the limb, and three or four small splints placed at the seat of the fracture, the whole being again kept in place by another circular bandage. The splints must not be allowed to rest on the osseous protuberances, lest excoriations should follow; this is the more important, as the extremities of the long bones are morbidly swollen. The entire apparatus must be surrounded with a piece of oil-skin, if it is one of the inferior limbs that is fractured, owing to the circumstances of very young children often wetting their bed. M. Guersant does not approve of any other forms of apparatus, all kinds of padding or cushions being soon destroyed, and the starch bandage being soon softened, by the contract of the urine. The general treatment ought to consist principally, as in simple rachitis, in a good and tonic alimentation. Some writers have latterly asserted that a substantial diet is not beneficial in rachitis; but this is an error, which may be M. GUERSANT ON THE INFLUENCE OF RACHITIS ON FRAC- explained by the circumstance of substantial food being TURES IN CHILDREN. sometimes given too suddenly to children who have previously been living on very low diet. The change should be gradual, so as to allow the stomach to become accustomed to the difference in the food.-Clinique des Hopitaux des Enfans. From statistical researches founded on a medium of eighty cases of fracture, yearly, we have remarked, that about a third of the fractures which we observe, occur in rachitic children. The circumstances which predispose them to fractures are two-fold; the anatomical structure of the rachitic bones, and the great weakness of rachitic CAUTIONS WITH REGARD TO THE PREMONIchildren, which exposes them to frequent falls. The TORY SIGNS OF PUERPERAL CONVULSIONS. structure of rachitic bones varies according to the period of By Dr. MEIGS and M. COLOMBAT. the disease. In the first period, the spongy tissue is gorged with blood, more especially in the extremities of the long Let the physician be aware of the danger of headache in bones. In the second stage, the vascular system is still women in advanced stages of gestation. A severe headmore developed, the compact tissue softens, the medullary ache, and especially one accompanied with a sense of canal becomes larger, and the bones bend in various direc-, weight on the crown, or a severe pain that can be covered tions. In the third period, the disease remains stationary, with the thumb, is but one step removed from eclampsia. and then improves, the cellular structure becoming less Such a person ought to be bled freely from the arm, if it be vascular, and the bones regaining a certain degree of hard-possible to do so without flying in the very face of powerful ness. The predominant feature in these various states is counter-indications. I have not spared the lancet in many extreme fragility of the bones. This fragility, however, such cases; but I may confidently assert, that where I have is fortunately compensated by the thickness of the perios-done so, I have had cause most bitterly to regret it. teum in children generally, and more especially in rachitic children. A severe headache in a woman advanced in pregnancy should be taken as a sign that she ought to be let blood—almost, I was about to add, without inquiring of the pulse. M. The symptoms of fracture in rachitic children are very different from those which are met with under other cir- For those cases of insomnia that are coincident with a cumstances. There is no crepitation, owing to the softness plethoric habit of body, we should direct a venesection, of the bones; often no deformity, on account of the perios- which is, under such circumstances, the first and best of tic covering; and when deformity exists, there is no means sedatives. C. [Not merely to cure the vigil, but, what is of distinguishing it from the curvatures that are so frequent far more important, to ward off the attack of convulsion or in rachitic children. These are the only symptoms which apoplexy, which should be held as threatened, and even as enable us to recognise the fracture:- 1st. Abnormal mo- an imminent danger, for persons in whom the insomnia has bility of the bones modified by the resistance of the perios- arisen to a considerable height.] M. teum; 2nd. Flexibility of the limb at the seat of the frac- It a woman in labour should say, Sir, I cannot see you, ture. If the existence of a fracture is not recognised, or if the room has been darkened; or should she say, I see every a lengthened period elapses before the surgeon is called in, object doubled, or only half of any object, I esteem it far the periosteum may be ruptured, and then the signs of more prudent to look upon the complaint as one exigent of racture become more apparent. There is then deformity, immediate treatment, than to say, along with M. Colombat, 20 Editorial Department.-Address to our Subscribers. WITH SULPHURIC ACID. that it arises from sympathy with the womb, and pass it MODE OF DETECTING THE ADULTERATION OF VINEGAR slightly by. A woman in labour said to me, "Doctor, what is the matter, sir? I cannot see you." "Give me a bandage and basin," said I to the nurse; "quick, quick!" but before I could tie up the arm, she was in eclampsia. M. Fecula or starch is recommended as the best and most simple test for the discovery of this cheat. It is well known" that dilute sulphuric acid, by aid of heat, CHEMISTRY, MATERIA MEDICA AND PHARMACY. converts fecula first into dextrine, and if the heat be FERRUGINEOUS PILL OF MERCURY. The following formula for preparing the above is recommended by Professor M'Lean in the Illinois Medical Journal, of June 1845. continued, into glucose or grape sugar. It then loses the property of turning blue when treated with iodine. In the first case this reagent colours it of a vinous violet, in the second there is no colouration at all. A specimen of Mercury, 1 oz.; Confection of Roses, 14 oz.; Ses-pure vinegar, and another of the suspected fluid being quioxide of Iron, oz.; Liquorice Root in powder, The object of this preparation is to obtain the united effects of the iron and mercury where both are indicated, to serve as a substitute for the blue pill alone when required, and to possess a mixture of certain and uniform strength, and consequently uniform in its operation; while the addition of the iron renders the reduction of the mercury an easy matter, requiring but five or ten minutes trituration for that object. Country practitioners may accordingly find this formula occassionally of essential service to them. TO PRESERVE COLCHICUM CORMS. Dr. Houlton suggests, in the Pharmaceutic Journal, that the corms should be dried without slicing. They should be stripped of their loose coats, the little bud (embryo) carefully picked out, and then be permitted to dry. Thus prepared, the corms will maintain unimpaired, their medical properties, if kept dry, which it is well known they frequently lose when sliced. ANALYSIS OF COD LIVER OIL. taken, to each a small portion of fecula is to be added, and heat applied for about ten minutes. On then testing "these two liquors separately by tincture of iodine, in pure vinegar the colouration is blue as usual, and in the other it presents a violet tint, which approaches vinous red. If the ebullition of the vinegar be continued, and if the testing be repeated with a small quantity, the colouration seems to become more and more vinous, whilst that of pure vinegar always remains the same. Finally after 20 or 30 minutes boiling, the adulterated vinegar is no longer coloured by iodine.—Chemist. British American Journal. MONTREAL, MAY 1, 1846. TO OUR SUBSCRIBERS. The revolution of a year has given to the readers of the British American Journal, a specimen of the utility of such a work, as its Editors contemplated; and it has left us in possession of the additional experience that may enable us to render it for the future more deserv ing still of public approbation. It was scarcely to have This animal oil which has, within a few years past, been expected, that a periodical of this nature, furnishacquired considerable reputation in the treatment of ing no food to amuse, and separated from the party several diseases, has been analysed by Mr. Tough. politics in which the great body of the community find There are three varieties of it, the white, brown, and for the most part a special gratification, should be susblack. The first separates spontaneously from the se-tained with that interest, with which the organs of party cond by rest, while the third or black kind, is extracted passions are made to float so prosperously. The nature from the livers by boiling in water, after the white and brown have been removed. The chief active principles which these oils contain, are iodine, chlorine and bromine, with phosphoric and sulphuric acid, and bases of lime, magnesia and soda. The iodine exists in largest proportion in the brown, being 0.406 p. cent.; the white and black contain it in the proportions respectively of .03 and 02.; the brown contains the chlorine with a trace of bromine and in greatest abundance, the quantity being as much as 9.15. The white contains 1.04 p. cent., and the black 0.08. The animal proximate principles abound most in the black and white varieties, the inorganic principles in the brown. of its objects precludes it from this advantage. Addressed to the communication of knowledge, in the several departments of Medical and Physical Science, its success was seen from the beginning, to be dependant upon the good-will and favourable consideration of those, whose profession and taste inclined them to such pursuits; and it is pleasing to think, that in a thinly settled population, there are so many to whom these pursuits appear valuable, as to have afforded such a fair proportion of subscribers, as to guarantee its existence and prosperity. We beg leave earnestly to solicit still their patronage, and what is of equal importance to us, their best endeavours to sustain it, by extending, as may seem best to them, its circulation, terests. Editorial Department.—The Medical Bill and the School of Medicine. 21 The interests of the Medical Profession require, in a young men desirous of practising as physicians and surspecial manner, to be regarded and maintained. In the geons, an object which reflects most immediately on present conjuncture they may be sacrificed beyond the dearest and best interests of the community at large hope, by the lending of legislative sanction, to measures to regulate the practice of medicine in its various that may affect its best interests. By demonstrating branches, to protect the licensed practitioner, and to the mischievous consequences of inconsiderate and ill-punish the ignorant pretender, that all parties would judged legislation on a subject which requires to be have striven harmoniously together, that no divellent or managed with the full knowledge that the working of discordant principles would have arisen to mar or to enMedical Institutions in other countries might supply, danger a measure of such vast utility. We regret to an incalculable service may be done to the Profession; observe that the reverse is the case, and that unless a and this Journal supplies at least a medium, through sufficiency of conservatism be found in the House, that which the experience of medical men may be conveyed; species of conservatism which, recognising with careful and let us add, a medium which will not be overlooked, and prudent forethought the true interests of an enlightif the Profession be faithful to its own honour and in- ened profession, would shrink from sacrificing them to what might be deemed a present expediency, regardless In regard to the department of Physical Science, we of remote consequences, or to satiate the overweening are inclined still to be more urgent for the supply of ambition of a few on a flimsy plea of fancied ininteresting matter. The leisure essential for the prose-justice, unless the demand be acceded to, such cution of Natural History may not generally be great; a result, we fear, will be inevitable. We say but the field which, in this widely extended Province deliberately, the ambition of a few, for there can is open to the naturalist, is a temptation to him by be no doubt that the passage of the Bill materially dewhich we trust we shall still further profit. This depends upon a concession to the pretensions which the partment of our Journal has not been sustained by con-school of medicine of this city is making, to have their tributions so extensively as we imagined it would have certificates or diplomas recognised as ad practicandum been; but we trust that when it is now found that a licenses, thus adding to the already too great number of medium of communication is furnished to the naturalist, licensing boards for the Province. We regard the quesin his own country, or it may be, the country of his tion at issue as a most important one, one too serious to adoption, it will be more generally taken advantage of. be passed lightly by, one demanding the deepest and To the contributors to this department of the Journal, most serious consideration of the profession generally, as well as to the Medical, in the volume which has and, as far as the Legislature is concerned, not to be closed, we return our warmest acknowledgments for dismissed without calm deliberation. their support, a support which we venture to hope has It has been most industriously and insidiously attempnot been misplaced, and of which we would respect-ted to convert the question into one of M'Gill College, fully solicit a continuance. versus the School of Medicine; to assign the opposition to the pretensions of the School of Medicine taken by some members of the former, to a persecution of the latter, on the plea of a fear of rivalry. However desirous the School of Medicine may be thus to confine and narrow down the motives to the opposition which they encounter, (and it is their interest to have it so believed) we beg to assure them that such an incentive to The year has closed, exhibiting a small balance duel the publisher; to meet which there are subscriptions due the Journal of more than double the amount. Those who have not already paid their subscriptions for the past year, are requested to do so at once. We feel persuaded that the Members of the Profession will agree in this opinion, that the Editorial responsibility connected with a Journal of this nature is sufficiently the opposition exists but in their own imagination; we severe, without having superadded to it any of a pe- deny most explicitly and most emphatically any direct cuniary kind. THE MEDICAL BILL, AND THE SCHOOL OF In the progress of the Medical Bill, which is now before the Legislative Assembly, a question has arisen which deeply affects the best interests of the profession of this Province. One would have imagined, that to secure an object of such paramount importance as the entailment of a proper system of medical education on interest which either of the Universities of M'Gill College or King's College may have in the matter. It is a question which does not affect either of them in the slightest degree. The concession of the privilege, which is desired by the School of Medicine, will not be the means of withdrawing one graduate from the halls of either, for so long as a graduate holds a grade above that of the possessor of a mere diploma, so long as degrees are considered honours, and their value estimated by the |