387LIVERPOOL.—SCOTLAND—IRELAND.

the folly of the next, and in Liverpool the saying has had apainfully practical illustration in the matter of grantinglicenses. The licensing magistrates of the past generation,regarding monopoly as a terrible evil, granted licences toevery one applying. The result is, as may be guessed, theexistence of an overwhelmingly excessive number of publichouses, which it will take many years of steady reduction tobring down to a number proportionate to the reasonablewants of the population.

Hospital Sunday.Among other sermons preached on Jan. 12th the one

delivered by the Rev. Herbert M. Braithwaite at St. Saviour’sChurch has been printed by request. It is entitled"Christian Patriotism, a Sermon on Behalf of Hospitals." It

gives their claims in a clear, lucid, and concise manner, andwill well repay perusal. Its price is 6d., and the profits areto be given to the Liverpool Hospital Sunday Fund.

The Liverpool Sailors’ Home.The annual meeting of this valuable institution was held

yesterday. During the year 1895 there had been a totalof 5632 boarders, including apprentices. Their health hadbeen good, the diseases from which they suffered being ofmuch the same type as in past years.Feb. 5th.

_______________

SCOTLAND.(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENTS.)

The New Photography in Edinburgh.THE startling discovery made by Professor Roentgen in

photography has aroused much interest m professional circlesin Edinburgh as elsewhere. Dr. Dawson Turner, Lectureron Physics at Surgeons’ Hall, Edinburgh, has been experi-menting with the process as described, and has obtainedsome successful and interesting results which do not differfrom those already recorded. He has found that tobacco is

impervious to the light, although not quite so markedly asbone, cigars in an aluminium case giving a distinct shadow.

-Fire at the Royal College of Physicians’ Laboratory, IEdinburgh. ,

Early on Saturday morning of last week the laboratory in ’’

Lauriston-lane of the Royal College of Physicians of Edin-burgh was found to be on fire. The fire began on the toplanding in one of the histology rooms, and is thought tohave possibly originated from a Bunsen burner under awater-bath. The fire was subdued before more than the topstorey had suffered, but the damage was considerable and isestimated at considerably over B1000. Several workers inthe laboratory have lost material on which they were

working and also valuable specimens and notes whichcannot be replaced. Other losses are understood to be

largely covered by insurance. The premises belong to theRoyal Infirmary, and preparations were beginning to be madewith a view of removing the laboratory to the new premisesrecently purchased by the College.

The Longmore Hospital for Incorables, Edinburgh.The annual report of this useful institution shows that

there is now accommodation for 110 patients, while therewas only accommodation for 22 when the hospital was openedtwenty-one years ago. There is still much demand for morebeds, and the managers hope to be able to supply more,thanks to a legacy of £25,000 left by Mr. Peter Waddele ofLeith. When a new wing is built to the west of the presentbuilding it is proposed to set apart two wards for the use andtreatment of phthisical patients. The managers regret afalling-off in the subscriptions for the year amounting toabout £500, and also a falling-off in donations. Out of 184applicants for admission only 80 could be received.

The Boarding-out of Pauper Lunatics.In consequence of an assault made by a pauper lunatic

boarded out in Collessie parish, Fife, on a woman, and afatal assault on one of her children, there has been someanxiety aroused in the minds of persons living in the

parishes where this system of boarding-out is carried out toa considerable extent. The matter has been brought beforethe Lunacy Board and fully investigated by them, and, whilethey deplore the incidents which have happened, they do notconsider them of sufficient importance to warrant altering aline of policy which has been of marked public advantage

from various standpoints. In this the board seems to be

supported by the opinion of the local medical men. Theboard proposes to restrict the number of boarded-out patientsin various parishes to pauper lunatics chargeable to theseparishes.

Glasgow Central Dispensary.The subscribers to this Institution, which conducts its

work amongst the very poorest class, held their annualmeeting on the 30th ult. To prevent abuse of the charitypatients are expected to pay a penny for each bottle ofmedicine or surgical dressing. The number of consultationslast year was 12,482.

Faculty of Physicians and Surgeons, Glasgow.The following gentlemen having passed the necessary

examinations and been balloted for have been admitted tothe Fellowship of the Faculty :-Geo. T. Beatson, B.A., M.D.,and R. H. Parry, L.R.C.P. and S. Edin.

Dumfries Infirmary.It has been decided to transfer from the annual sub-

scribers to the directors the right of appointing physiciansand surgeons to the hospital, reserving, however, the rightof the subscribers at the annual meeting to veto any appoint-ment (if so desired) by a majority of not less than two-thirds.

Glasgow Royal Infirmary.The 101st annual meeting took place on the 28th ult. The

Lord Provost, in moving the adoption of the report, referredto the foundation of the Convalescent Home and its endow-ment by Miss Schaw with a sum of .f:15,OOO; also to’donations of Z500 by Lord Overtoun and Sir Charles Tennant.Sir John Burns, in seconding the report, expressed the

opinion that general infirmaries, like those for infectiousdiseases, should be supported by the rates managed by themunicipal authorities. This view was energetically opposedby the chairman of the House Committee, and from sub-sequent correspondence in the local newspapers publicopinion appears to be in favour of the present arrangement.

Glasgon R .yal Hospitalfor Sick Children.The report for last year indicates a considerable increase

in the number of patients, especially in the out-door depart-ment. The directors have, therefore, decided to increasethe accommodation at the dispensary, and the BellahoustonTrustees have intimated their willingness to give a sum of.f:l000 for this purpose.

Glasgon’ Sanitary Staff.The members of the staff dined together on the evening of

the 28th ult., Dr. A. K. Chalmers being in the chair. BailieMacfarlane proposed the toast of the evening, and expressedon behalf of the corporation the hope that Dr. J. B. Russellwould shortly be able to return to his duties in restoredhealth.

Corporation Lodging-house for Aberdeen.The report of the lodging-house committee recommending

the adoption of the Housing of the Working Classes Actand the erection of a corporation lodging-house in EastNorth-street has been adopted, on the understanding that thenumber of lodgers to be provided for may, for a beginning,be somewhat under that suggested by the committee. The

original recommendation was that accommodation be pro-vided for 250 male lodgers, the cost of the buildings beingestimated at from £10,000 to .f:l1,OOO. The site has costE3400 additional, and the committee will afterwards reportas to the precise number of lodgers to be provided for.

Feb. 4th. ________________

IRELAND.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENTS.)

Ait Interesting Veterinary Case.A CASE of great interest and importance to the veterinary,

profession has just been decided by the Right Hon. theRecorder of Dublin. The particulars are briefly as follows :-The Right Hon. T. Meade, LL.D., sent a horse some monthsago to the Messrs. Freeman, the veterinary surgeons, fortreatment. The horse was sent home after a time cured,but as his owner chanced to be out of town a groom atMr. Meade’s residence requested the Messrs. Freeman tokeep the animal until his return, which they agreed

388 IRELAND.-PARIS.

to do. - A few days later the horse, while beingexercised at Messrs. Freeman’s establishment, struckhis hoof against a ridge at the entrance to the ringand fractured his pastern bone so badly that it be-came necessary to destroy him. The Messrs. Freemannow brought an action for the recovery of £48 for stablingcharges and medicines for the cure of the horse, while Mr.Meade brought a counter claim of f:50 for the animal’sdeath. It was stated that the existence of the ridge whichcaused the injury was a proof of negligence on the part ofthe veterinary surgeons, and the case was adjourned for somedays so that the Recorder should have an opportunity of per-sonally examining it. After he had done so, and after anexhaustive hearing of the case, his lordship delivered judgmentyesterday in favour of the claim of the veterinary firm andagainst the counter claim of the defendant, which was dis-missed.

Addresses to Her Majesty.Addresses conveying respectful condolence and sympathy

with Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen and with HerRoyal Highness the Princess Beatrice on the melancholyoccasion of the death of His Royal Highness Prince Henryof Battenburg have been presented by the Royal Colleges ofPhysicians and Surgeons, the Irish Medical Association, andother public bodies, and also by the Lord Mayor of Dublin.

The National Hospital for Consumption in Ireland.The building of this hospital, which was commenced in

February, 1894, is now on the eve of completion, and is tobe opened for the reception of patients by the Marchionessof Zetland at an early date.

Enniskillen County Infirmary.Mr. Gunning, who through ill-health has been obliged to

resign his post as honorary assistant surgeon and apothecaryto the Enniskillen County Infirmary, has just been most

cordially thanked by the governors for his valuable servicesrendered to that institution, and in acknowledgment ofthese the board has presented him with one year’s salary ofhis position as apothecary.

Health of Bellast.From the report presented at the meeting of the city

corporation on Feb. 1st I find that during the past fourweeks 132 cases of zymotic disease have been reported, andof these 69 were scarlet fever and 30 measles. In thefive weeks ending Jan. 18th there were 846 births and694 deaths in Belfast. Of the deaths 87 were fromzymotic disease, 94 from phthisis, and 180 from diseasesof the respiratory organs. The annual death-rate from allcauses was 26-2. During the past five weeks the weather hasbeen dull, wet, and unsettled, but the temperature has beenhigher than usual, and there have been no frosts or snow.Notwithstanding the mildness of the season the health ofBelfast remains, as usual, in a very unsatisfactory con-dition, the death-rate from chest affections being unusuallyhigh and that from zymotic diseases greater than usual.Scarlet fever is still prevalent in every district of Belfast andcaused 21 deaths in the period named. It appears, however,to be gradually subsiding.The Election of a -Representative on the General Medical

Council.

The Cork medical profession, who have pledged themselvesto support a provincial candidate, as they believe Dublin isalready fully represented on the General Medical Council,have undertaken a preliminary poll between the three pro-vincial candidates now in the field-Dr. Cuming, Mr. Greene,and Dr. MacDonnell-and have issued voting papers, which areto be returned on or before Feb. 8th, when the unsuccessfulcandidates are to retire (as agreed) in favour of the onewho receives the greatest amount of support. Elaborate

preparations have been made for counting the votes expe-ditiously, as it is felt that the sooner a single provincialcandidate is before the electors the better. The selectedcandidate is to pay the expenses of the preliminary vote.The final contest will then be between a provincial candi-date and Dr. Thompson and Dr. Jacob, both of Dublin.

Irish University Education.The question as to what form the Government proposals

will take on Irish university education is being very keenlydebated at present in the north of Ireland. Everyoneadmits a change is coming, the present unsettled conditionof affairs being very unsatisfactory. Many solutions are

being put forward and discussed, but there is a growing

feeling that the matter will not be touched during the presentsession.

Small-pox Imported into Limerick.Some alarm was created in Limerick last week when it.

became known that a steamer had arrived there with small-

pox on board. Mr. Shanahan, medical officer of health,acting on instructions, visited the vessel, the.LVort7t Cambrian,prior to her arrival in dock, and found nine out of a crew oftwenty-four suffering from small-pox. Some of the cases

appear to have been rather mild, as Mr. Shanahan states sixof the invalids were going about the ship discharging theirordinary duties. All were promptly removed to a wardspecially set aside for such cases at the Union Hospital. No one’is allowed to go on board and disinfection is being carriedout. In an interesting report to the Local Government.Board Mr. Shanahan states that the disease appears to havebeen contracted in New York, where one of the crew was sentto hospital, and three other members of the crew then adoptedthe precaution of getting revaccinated. None of the latterhave shown any signs of the disease, and some of those whohave it in a very mild form exhibit very marked signs ofprimary vaccination. The Local Government Board withcommendable promptness have sent down their inspector(Dr. T. J. Browne) to see that all precautions are taken to.prevent the spread of the disease.Feb. 4th.

PARIS.(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Books as Carriers of Disease.IN THE LANCET of Jan. 18th there appeared an annota

tion on some remarks in the Author founded on observationwconducted by Dr. du Cazal and Dr. Catrin on the trans-missibility of disease by books. This important subject isworthy of a fuller mention, and I therefore give in detail asynopsis of the result of the investigations of our confrères.1Do books contain microbes, especially pathogenic varieties ? ?’New and old books that had been in use in the wards ofhospitals were soaked in bouillon, which was then added to-different culture media and used for inoculating variousanimals. In this way it was found that even an absolutelynew book was not aseptic, but that it contained no patho-genic germs, which, however, are invariably present in old!books. Is a book soiled with the secretions of a personsuffering from infectious disease capable of transmitting thedisease to another individual ? The experiments devised forthe elucidation of this point concerned the streptococcus,the pneumococcus, Lomer’s diphtheria bacillus, the typhoidfever (Eberth’s) bacillus, and Koch’s tuberculosis bacillus.With regard to the first three germs the answer is inthe affirmative, whereas it is in the negative for thelast two. Dr. du Cazal and Dr. Catrin are positive as-

to the impossibility of rendering animals tuberculous

by means of paper charged with Koch’s bacillus. Canbooks be easily and thoroughly disinfected ? Fumiga-tion with formic aldehyde yields good results, but the appli-cation of this method on a large scale is difficult. Dis-infection in the autoclave is perfect, all germs beingdestroyed ; but while stitched volumes bear no trace of theprocess, binding is deteriorated. After all, the safest planis to burn all books that have been exposed to a source ofcontamination.

Sero-therapy as a Re-rrzedy for Snake-bites.A communication due to the collaboration of Dr. Calmette

(Director of the Pasteur Institute of Lille), Mr. Hankin ofAgra, and Dr. Lepinay of Saigon, and having reference to theefficacy of Dr. Calmette’s method of treatment of snake-bites,was read at the Académie des Sciences on the 27th ult. Largesupplies of serum furnished by immunised horses have beenprepared by this investigator and shipped to countries infestedby poisonous snakes, particularly India and Australia. Thisserum is endowed with 20,000 degrees of activity-i.e., onedecigramme of it injected into a rabbit weighing two kilo-grammes enables the animal to resist a dose of cobra venomsufficient to kill a rabbit of the same weight in three or fourhours. Mr. Hankin and Dr. Lepinay have conducted experi-ments on its efficacy against divers snake poisons and also onthe persistence of its preventive properties in hot countries.

Annales de 1’Institut Pasteur, 1895, No. 12.