MONTHLY METEOROLOGICAL REGISTER AT H. M. MAGNETICAL OBSERVATORY, TORONTO, C. W.-AUGUST, 1846. Highest Barometer, 29.844 at 10 a.m. on 24th. do. Under the head of Tension of Vapour, is given the elastic force of the Aqueous Vapour in the Atmosphere at each Observation, in decimals of an inch of Mercury, or the proportion of the Barometric pressure due to its presence, The Observations entered in the column for 7 a.m., on Sundays, are actually taken at 9 a.m. The two Observations taken on Sundays are not included in any of the means. CONTRIBUTIONS TO CLINICAL MEDICINE. the 19th time, there being an interval between this and BY J. CRAWFORD, M. D. Lecturer on Clinical Medicine and Surgery, McGill College, the preceding operation of ten months. For some time previously, she had been complaining more than she usually had done. About 15 quarts of the ordinary hydropic serum were drawn off, which did not entirely reduce the bulk of the abdomen, some obstacle, which Mrs. White, a venerable and highly respectable old could not be removed, preventing the full discharge. She did not make her usual good recovery, and filled woman, 79 years of age at the time of her death, became my patient in 1838, in consequence of being rapidly. She complained a good deal of a pain in her affected with ascites. She had, generally speaking, right iliac region, of a heavy dragging character, as if the enjoyed good health previously, and, notwithstanding tumor were more closely fixed to that neighbourhood; the dropsical affection, looked well, and was very active and she could not bear much examination of that part. for her time of life. From 1838 till the end of 1840, The pain did not in any way appear to have originated she was treated by a variety of diuretic, hydrogogue, in the operation of paracenthesis, as there was no pain and tonic medicines, and was three times tapped, on in the linea alba, where the puncture had on all occaeach of which occasions there generally had been 18 or sions been made. Her health began to suffer, and her 20 quarts of the ordinary serous fluid drawn off, and strength to fail, and great apprehensions were enterafter each tapping she made a surprising recovery, being tained that she would sink if again tapped: she, however, able always to leave her bed and move about her room at this time became so anxious to be relieved, that she on the day following the operation; and on one occa- was again tapped on the 4th August 1845, when 16 sion, a few days after being tapped, she joined in a quarts of extremely offensive, puriform, brownish or dance with three generations of her children! bloody looking fluid, were drawn off, which gave her In the winter of 1840 she fell, and hurt her abdomen, instant relief. The canula was darkened by the fluid, while it was much distended; after this accident she which, together with the smell, demonstrated that sulsuffered a good deal of pain and uneasiness in the epi- phuretted hydrogen was present. The entire abdominal gastrium; but did not apply for relief till she again tumor disappeared, and no enlargement could be detected required tapping. In January, 1841, she was tapped in any part. She bore the operation well, and also the for the fourth time, when, after the abdominal fluid was subsequent examination and pressure. She now stated removed, a large tumor was discovered, principally oc- that about a week before the operation, she thought that cupying the epigastric region, being the size of the head she perceived a sensation as if something had burst in of a full grown fœtus: it was very moveable, and ap-her abdomen, in the right iliac region. The microscope peared attached by a pedicle, about the thickness of the detected abundant pus and blood globules in the fluid arm of a fœtus. Subsequently this tumor was found to which had been drawn off. She made a very speedy vary its position, but it appeared to be principally con- recovery, but again rapidly filled, and was obliged to be nected with the right iliac region, and was diagnosed to tapped on the 1st September; when 14 quarts of well be an ovarian tumor. It did not appear, however, that formed purulent fluid were drawn off, which smelled she had ever suffered from any uterine disease. The strongly of sulphuretted hydrogen, and exhibited under tumor generally gave her inconvenience and some de- the microscope abundance of pus globules, but no blood. gree of pain, but not such as might lead to the appre- This operation, as well as the preceding one, was perhension of a malignant growth, nor did her countenance formed while she was lying in bed: she bore it well, afford any indication that such was the nature of the and got up next day. On the 6th October, 7 quarts of similar puriform fluid were drawn off, together with In the beginning of July, 1845, she was tapped for some small shreds of coagulable lymph, but the whole tumor. a collection was not discharged, in consequence of the rect diagnosis, the sensations of the patient indicating its canula becoming several times plugged up. She had connection with the right iliac region, and to this cause, been complaining for some days before this time of a in all probability, the ascites may be attributable. The painful dragging sensation in the right side of her abdo-extraordinary nature of the fluid evacuated in July, men, and did not make a good recovery, had one or two 1845, and the disappearance of the tumor, led to the slight faintish feelings on the day after the operation, and opinion, that either it had burst into the peritoneal caalso some abdominal tenderness, which, however, yielded vity, and become intimately mingled with the dropsical to the application of a bran poultice; she took soup fluid, or that the tumor had accidentally been punctured with a relish, but was averse to wine; she was, how-by the trochar. The previous sensations of the patient, ever, able to go about her room as usual in a few days. as well as the homogenous nature of the fluid, and the On the 10th November she was again tapped, and 13 total disappearance of the dropsy, favored this view, quarts evacuated of similar purulent fluid; after which while the absence of symptoms of constitutional irritashe made a fair recovery. She was tapped in the tion, threw doubts on the correctness of this idea; the beginning of February, 1846, and only seven quarts of advanced time of life of the patient, might have been similar fluid were drawn off-the canula becoming ob- unfavorable to the development of constitutional irritastructed. On the 28th February 8 quarts were evacu- tion, but it could hardly have been an effectual preserated, but the abdomen was only very partially emptied vative. On the whole, I concluded, that the tumor had, on either occasion; her recoveries were not good; she after being opened, formed adhesions to the abdominal suffered a good deal of pain in the abdomen, and she walls, and was safely punctured on all occasions: the did not regain strength, and was seldom able to move formation of matter appeared a sufficient explanation of about the room; her appetite failed, and her sleep be- the rapidity of the growth of the tumor. The complete came interrupted. On the 11th May it was again and sudden disappearance of the dropsy was not so necessary to relieve her of the weight, and four quarts were drawn off (when the canula became stopped) The Autopsy. The body was much emaciated; the which did not reduce the size of the abdomen much. abdomen considerably distended, and very prominent, On the 27th May, a phlegmon, which had been forming unlike its ordinary appearance on former occasions; in the seat of the wound in the linea alba, opened, and about 5 or 6 quarts of purulent fluid, like what had for a small quantity of purulent fluid was discharged, which the last twelve months been discharged, was evacuated continued to flow at intervals, in sufficient quantities to by puncture. On opening the abdomen, it was found prevent any great distention of the abdomen, till about that this fluid had been contained in a cyst, having firm the 21st of August, when she again desired to be tap-dense walls, as thick as the strong leather generally used ped, and about 10 quarts were drawn off, the matter to make "beef moccasins," or coarse boots. being unusually offensive. She bore the operation well, was so extensive that it quite concealed the entire of and the abdomen appeared sufficiently emptied. the abdominal viscera; it was loosely adherent to the loose cellular texture, apparently of old formation, which abdominal peritoneum in many points, by long bands of were easily torn down. Towards the hypogastric region, the tumor was free and unattached, and presented the shining and healthy appearance of serous membrane; in like manner, the parts adherent to the walls of the abdomen, when detached, presented the characteristic appearance of serous membrane. There were no recent formations or effusion of lymph. easily explained. This sac Her strength and appetite had been gradually failing her for some time, and she did not make a good recovery after this operation; she slept badly, scarcely ate any thing, kept her bed, and died on the 7th September. Before I notice the pathological condition which the post mortem inspection revealed, I will state the views I entertained previously to the autopsy. The diagnosis I formed of the case, at first, was, that it was ascites, probably owing to her advanced time of life (although The color of the sac generally, was a mottled brown, her constitution and general health were unusually good or red and white, in some parts being more of a livid for her age) as no organic change could be detected in hue, and very vascular. Its inner surface was thickly the heart or liver, nor did the urine afford any indication coated by a tenacious puriform lymph; two large pieces of alteration in the renal structure. The ovarian tumor, (the size of a hand) of thick adventitious membrane, however, may, probably, have existed for some time coated with pus, were found in the cavity, in a great previously to its discovery, as it had acquired such con- measure detached. Two cysts, about the size of a siderable size when it was first detected: if not, its hen's egg each, were found in the walls of the sac, or growth in 10 months must have been very rapid. Its attached to its outer surface; they contained a yellowish situation in the epigastrium did not mislead from a cor-gelatinous looking fluid, like synovia. The right fallopean tube stretched along the tumor, for successful in the bowel complaints of children during about 9 inches, and was about half an inch broad. The the hot months. left ovary was of small 'size, very hard and cartilaginous. In the acute forms of diarrhoea of infants, in which There was also a small cyst, or hydatid, attached to it. the surface of the abdomen feels hot and dry, somewhat The internal membrane of the uterus was of a rose tender and full, with great irritability of the bowels and color, but, in every other respect, normal and healthy. frequent watery stools, changeable in colour, and offenAbout a drachm of sanguineous looking fluid, like men- sive, with symptoms of a febrile state generally, I have strual blood, was found in the cavity. The small in-seen in some cases an almost magical effect from the testines were remarkably vascular and injected, but did liniment, and that in a few hours. not appear inflamed, nor was there any effusion of any In chronic forms of the disease, where there is indescription into the peritoneal cavity, or any alteration creasing emaciation, and the glandular system connected of structure in the serous membrane. The kidneys with the digestive organs are evidently obstructed, the were small and normal; the liver healthy and natural : careful employment of the iodine liniment will, I think, a gall-stone, the size of a hazel nut, was found in the in conjunction with other suitable measures, prove a gall bladder. very satisfactory remedy. Remarks. There are those in the world who would continue Among the several diuretics employed, the pyrola their observations on any new remedy, or mode of treatumbellata was exhibited for a long time, and appeared to ment, with jealous privacy for a series of years, and agree very well, seeming to possess tonic, as well as then astound the world with some wonderful discovery diuretic properties. During the year about 79 quarts or other; but I think that if we possess fair grounds for of purulent fluid were drawn off, in addition to what considering that such and such a remedy, or mode of flowed from the puncture spontaneously, during the treatment, possesses certain advantages, we should take months of May and June, which may be estimated fully an early opportunity of applying it generally in the alleat 20 quarts, and to this is to be added 6 quarts removed viation of the ills of mortality. I would rather know at the autopsy, which will make the whole amount to that I had been the means of relieving one poor little 105 quarts, secreted during little more than a year-an suffering infant by a simple suggestion of mine, improved amount, I believe, exceeding anything of the kind on upon by others, than have all the credit, after a long lapse of time, of this or that discovery. Prescott, October 19, 1846. record. IODINE LINIMENT IN BOWEL COMPLAINTS. By J. DUNCAN MACDIARMID, Staff Surgeon, 2d Class. Having employed "iodine liniment" as an external application to the abdomen in various affections of the bowels with marked benefit, I would wish, through the medium of your Journal, to communicate the fact to "all whom it doth concern," that its virtue in such cases may be tried. POISONING BY OIL OF TURPENTINE. Mrs. B sent for me in great haste to see her son, æt. 14 months. On my arrival the greatest consternation prevailed, being informed by the person that came for me, that the child had swallowed four ounces of the oil of turpentine, which Mrs. B had procured to apply for rheumatism. It may be that it has been employed in this way by The turpentine was kept in a long-necked bottle, which others, and if so, I think they would be conferring a had been formerly used to hold milk for the use of the favour on the profession by communicating the results. child. In the absence of the mother the child procured The iodine, in the proportion of a scruple to the ounce said bottle, and drank about four ounces of turpentine, of olive oil, is freely smeared over the entire surface of which caused him to cough immediately, together with the abdomen, and the operation is repeated as soon as alarming cries, which aroused the attention of his the liniment is absorbed, and the skin has again become mother, when, lo! to her astonishment, she was told dry and colourless, or almost so. In infants two or three that "Billy" had drunk all the turpentine. applications may, I think, be safely employed in the I found him two hours after the above occurrence, in twenty-four hours, and in the adult more frequently, if a comatose state, pulse 130, tunica conjunctiva injected, necessary that is, in acute cases; while in those of a pupils dilated, eyes watery, face flushed, breathing hurchronic form, probably its free application once a day ried, strangury, urine the smell of violets, bowels painful, would be the more advisable plan. But in all, I would particularly along the course of the spermatic vessels. only employ the liniment as an adjunct to the ordinary He was ordered an emetic of ipecac. Vomiting was treatment, which, however, by itself, is often very un-Isoon excited, and briskly kept up by tepid water; the 176 Statistics of Crime in the District of Montreal. contents of the stomach had a strong odour of the tur- of crime in this Province, and particularly within the pentine. After the operation of the emetic, aq. ammo-populous District of Montreal, must be self evident. nia acet. 31., omni hora, cold applications to head, and Six courts, holding criminal jurisdiction over the Disflannel cloths wrung out of hot water to be constantly trict, are annually held in this city, and their proceedings applied to the epigastrium. At 6 P.M., same day, eight are carefuly recorded and published by the daily press, hours after I first saw him, much improved; is quite and the attention of the public directed, by many able lively; pulse 120; bowels loose; had passed eight small communications, to the increasing evil, and the necessity worms. Ordered tinct. opii. iv., and spt. æther nit. gtt. of taking measures to check the torrent. v., to be given at bedtime. Thus far nothing has been done. On the following day decidedly better; slept well Believing that a tabular representation of the actual during the night; slight pain in the bowels on pressure. state of the criminal statistics of this District might call Gave ol. ricini 3ij. From this time he was daily re-the attention of the Legislator to this moral disease, covering, except a little excitement about the brain, but and induce him to apply the healing remedies so in four or five days he was perfectly recovered. urgently called for, I have compiled tables showing the disproportionate increase of crime over population, since the year 1828. I have no doubt, if the child had been neglected, he would have paid the debt of nature for this "singular debauch." However, this case may prove a warning The awful result come to, is, that whilst population to parents and others leaving medicine (although not has increased in the ratio of 33 per cent, crime has ranked poisons) in the way of children; many have augmented at the rate of 100! fallen victims by such neglect. Richmond, C.W., Sept. 29, 1846. USE OF CASTOR OIL IN MUCOUS MEMBRANE By Dr. THOMSON, Burton-on-Trent. [Dr. Thomson believes there are but few cases of diarrhoea oc. curring in infants under a year old but what may be cured by castor oil, even when ulceration has taken place: as shown by a predominance of blood in the evacuations-tenesmus, abdomen tumid and painful, mouth dry and apthous, &c., &c. He gives the castor oil with yolk of egg, and according to circumstances does or does not add a gentle opiate. He recommends, however, as accessory, the warm bath, liniments to the abdomen, and occa. sionally a mild mercurial dose. He observes] The inquiry into the cause of this fearful increase, and its remedies, comes, properly within the duties of the Legislator, and in this examination I would respectfully direct his attention, among many other causes, to the following: The unnecessary number of houses of public entertainment, particularly those of an inferior class, such as taverns, beer shops, &c.,; the total want of houses of correction and of refuge for young delinquents, and the absence of all prison discipline and classification. In conclusion, I cannot forbear quoting the following "Our punishments are ingeniously devised to abet their efforts, for not only are our prisons admirably planned for the further corruption of youthful offenders by the society of the vilest criminals before trial, but they induce the after-destitution, which, with valuable opportunity for the purpose, they do but little to prevent. No mercurial so quickly changes the character of the evacua- extract from the Law Magazine, published in London, tion as the emulsion, which only requires to be steadily persevered which so ably and truly depicts our actual situation in in. The following is the form in which I generally prescribe it for infants :-For an infant of from two to four months old: this colony, that it might be supposed written for us and Ol. ricini, 3-3iss, Vitelli ovi semis., Aq. aneth. feneculi, aa- not for England. 3i. Ft. emuls. Sumat. coch. parv. bis. die. To the above, from two to six drops of laudanum may be added, or not; but, of course, this as well as the size and frequency of the dose, must vary with the case. The mixture is generally taken readily, and even liked. The same preparation is equally useful in that form of intestinal affection which is met with in children of from one to nine years of age, but presenting slightly varied symptoms, such as the ten. dency of the evacuations to become watery, brown, black, and very offensive; the picking of the lips, nose, &c. In a case of this nature which lately came under my care, the patient, a boy aged three years, lay almost insensible and somnolent. The eva. cuations, resembling black dirty water, and very offensive, were passed eight or ten times in the twelve hours. Other symptoms of subacute inflammation of the mucous men brane were also present. After the first dose of simple emulsion, there was no motion for thirty-six hours, all the other symptoms becoming ame. liorated. The medicinal action of oil is certainly much modified by its union with the yolk of egg, for the same dose which would act well as an aperient alone, when thus combined will scarcely act at all.-Monthly Journal of Medical Science. STATISTICS OF CRIME IN THE DISTRICT OF By Mr. JUSTICE MCCORD. "Imprisonment, in the abstract, so far from improving, may harden the offender: and it often deprives him of the means of supporting himself with honesty when it termiaccessible resource. It would be far otherwise if prisons nates, thus driving him to a return to dishonesty as his only were schools of industry as well as correction; and seeing the wonderful effects produced by the industrial system where it has been fairly tried, and a useful trade is taught, it appears a national wrong to defeat the chief object of punishment by neglecting the means of improving, whilst we imprison criminals. Measures for the separation of untried prisoners are, it is true, in progress in many places; a tardy removal of a crying evil! The introduction of the improvement of prisoners is yet to be begun. In the meanwhile let us remember that about eighty per cent. of all our convicted offenders are forthwith consigned to these normal schools of vice; that being the real character of our prisons To the most superficial observer, the enormous increasel before conviction," |