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Notes, Short Comments, and Answersto Correspondents.

" BENIGFITE D ITALY."

IT used to be a proud distinction of the profession that its membersmight be summoned by duty to the lowest haunts of vice and crimeand their persons be secure from aggression or violence, where noother intruder, not even the clergyman, could enter an appearancewithout danger, except when accompanied by an imposing policeforce. Now, it seems, in the " Third Italy," which has lately beencelebrating its "new departure" on the line of progress, this

distinction no longer holds good. A well-informed correspon-dent writes : "From the Alps to Etna, from the Venetian territoryto Palermo, the populace in town or country has risen in

revolt against the divisional practitioners or sanitary ofbeers

when in the very act of protecting them from epidemic disease,causing them to run for their lives and thereafter to find that

their houses had been set fire to and their families threatenedwith extinction in the flames. Barely six miles from Palermo, theseat of a university, a cathedral city, and a great entrepôt of trafficand tourist resort, the population of Belmonte Mezzagno assembleden masse on the night of July 10th before the town-hall, where the

syndic, the town council, the departmental practitioner, Dr. Genova,and other functionaries of the commune had met to take opportunemeasures for the public health, threatened, .infel’ alia, by cholera.A storm of hooting and hostile cries brought the prefectoral commis-sioner to the balcony, where he vainly tried to appease the infuriatedmob. His words were drowned in a volley of invectives, closelyfollowed by a shower of stones, which made havoc of the windows ofthe town-hall. The syndic and others of the councillors effectedtheir retreat through a back door, while the town clerk was seeing tothe closure of every point of access. By this time the assailants hadtaken to their revolvers, while others of them were using logs ofwood as battering-rams against the main entrance. The besiegedparty (for such they now were) put out the lights, but the fusillade ofstones and pistol-shots continued and forced them speedily to seeksuch shelter as they could in the corners of the several rooms. Mean- I

while the brigadier of carabineers with a few linesmen succeededin occupying the immediate front of the building, but the mob,which had added to its numbers, maintained its steady fire of pro-jectiles, making the position of the besieged every moment morecritical. Fortunately the town clerk bethought him of a door to theback which had been closed up with plaster, and he and the others bydint of their penknives got down to the door-handle, which by goodluck they turned and so effected their escape to the open country. Themob on ascertaining this became still more infuriated and renewed

their efforts to force the main entrance, shouting Morte al medico !Morte al commissario!’ (’Death to the doctor! Death to the com-missioner ;’). Having got inside the building they burst throughthe door improvised by the besieged and gave chase, but without

overtaking the fugitives. They then marched to Dr. Genova’s privateresidence, broke into it, sacked it, and flung the fragments of furni-ture into the street. They finally set fire to it and put the neighbour-ing houses in imminent danger of being involved in the conflagration.The brigadier with his handful of soldiers could no longer protect thetown hall which the mob now proceeded to set on fire, with theresult that the municipal registers were all destroyed. Only thearrival of a strong contingent of carabineers succeeded in quelling theriot and arresting the ring-leaders and some of their abettors." Asimilar uprising, equally inspired by superstitious dread of hygienicprecautions and the institution of a lazzaretto, is reported fromVenice, doubtless to be followed by others. Surely" the schoolmasterabroad" has been very far afield, and the priestly confraternitiesculpably negligent of their duty as mediators, when such scenes arewitnessed in a country whose Past has figured so honourably in theadvancement of medicine.

A MYSTERIOUS BURNING FATALITY.

AN inquest was held recently at Marlborough upon the body of a littlegirl, 6 years of age, who ,was burned to death owing to her clothescatching fire in the street, there being no evidence obtainable toaccount for their ignition. The child was standing in the Highstreet, when suddenly she was seen to be enveloped in flames, anda lady, who suffered some injury by her prompt and pluckyeffort to save her, succeeded in extinguishing the flames, but notbefore the child had been severely burnt. It was thought that amotor-car which had just passed near her had set her on fire, and toenable the possibility of such a thing to be tested the coronerrather ingeniously caused a reconstruction of the scene to take

place before the jury and himself on the actual spot, and

with the witnesses of the occurrence present in the places that theyhad occupied. The car suspected was backed out of the garage by itsdriver just as it had been on the day of the burning with a piece of

flannelette saturated in petrol placed near the exhaust pipe, fromwhich it had been suggested that a spark might have escaped.The test took place and nothing occurred. The flannelette did notcatch fire, and expert evidence was given in confirmation of thisnegative result, when the inquest was resumed in more normal

fashion, to the effect that no spark could be emitted from the ex-

, haust when the engine was running and that it had never occurredto anyone before the case in question that anything could catchfire from the exhaust. The jury returned an open verdict and themanner in which the poor little girl lost her life remains for the

present unexplained. It is of course possible to conjecture that shewas playing with matches before the car passed her or that somecareless smoker had thrown a lighted match upon or near her clothes,which consisted apparently to some extent of flannelette. That theyshould become fiercely alight before they were noticed is a curious

circumstance, and it was hardly to be expected that responsibilitywould be brought home to the motor-car. With every variety of

inflammable material, constantly brought close in the streets of

towns to every’part of motor-cars of all classes, such an occurrencecould hardly remain unique if it were possible for it to happen inanything like the manner suggested.

THE NECESSITOUS LADIES’ HOLIDAY FUND.

To the Editor of THE LANCET.

SIR,-You were good enough on previous occasions to allow me spacein your valuable paper to appeal for contributions to provide holidaysby the sea- or country-side for necessitous ladies. Through the

generosity of your readers I was enabled to bring rest and refreshmentto many. I appeal again for help to send away governesses, type-writers, hospital nurses, secretaries, musicians, actresses, and ladiesengaged in other professions who, unable to provide holidays for them-selves and without the possibility of earning money in the summermonths, are left behind in London exposed to the sufferings attendanton poverty.In this happy Coronation year I plead for those too proud to plead

for themselves, for the overworked and unfortunate, and more

especially for those broken down in health., All contributions sent to me to appended address will be gratefullydistributed. I am, Sir, yours faithfully,

48, Upper Berkeley-street, London, W. CONSTANCE BEERBOHM.

DEATH FROM ANTHRAX IN A LABORATORY.

AT an inquest held recently at St. Pancras on the body of HenryStephen Thurston, laboratory attendant at University CollegeHospital, it was proved that the deceased had died from anthraxpoisoning. He had developed a boil on the side of his neck whichhad been removed after microscopical examination of matter

obtained from it had shown that it was due to anthrax. After the

operation he had progressed so favourably as to appear out of danger,but a rise of temperature followed and he died several days after theoperation. The actual source of infection was obscure. Dr. Francis

Thiele, lecturer on bacteriology at the hospital, stated that experi-ments in connexion with anthrax had been conducted in the labora-

tory, and explained to the jury the possibility of a tube having beenleft out in error, in which case it might have been handled by thedeceased. If this happened the tube might have been in a condi-tion to require sterilisation outside, and it would, in fact, have beensterilised if the attendant had reported having found it. As he hadsuffered from toothache he might have touched his face and neck andinfected the latter through a scratch. The jury returned a verdict of" Death by misadventure."

HOME SUMMER RESORTS.

MANY people are now turning their attention to the absorbingquestion where to spend their holidays. The attractions of Cardiff

as a summer resort are put forth, " with the approval of the corpora-tion," in an illustrated pamphlet by Mr. B. J. Austin Jenkins, B.A.,published by the Health Resorts Association under the title " Cardiff,including Penarth and Barry." The same association also puts forthan illustrated handbook on Llandrindod Wells, edited for the urbandistrict council by its clerk, Mr. D. C. Davies. This pamphlet dealswith the amusements and recreations, the muriated, sulphur, andchalybeate springs of Llandrindod, and with other information of in-terest to the prospective traveller. The medical officer of healthinforms us that infectious diseases are practically unknownthere. Also, we have received from the same association anillustrated handbook to "Deal." All these :pamphiets can be

obtained free on application to the Health Resorts Association,29, John-street, Bedford-row, London. For those in search of real

quiet for rest and recuperation, especially for convalescents, it wouldbe hard to find, perhaps, a more peaceful spot than St. Margaret’sBay, between Deal and Dover, of which Mr. J. Harris Stone, M.A.,writes entertainingly and well in his pamphlet, "The Piccadilly ofthe Sea." It is a curious little settlement on the beach of St.

Margaret’s Bay, sheltered from the cold winds by high chalk cliffs.It thus possesses much of the delightful and equable climate of the

274

Canaries ; and in winter, while those at the top of the cliff arE

shivering in the icy blasts or shrinking in the snow, the dwellers atits foot, it is said, bask in the sun in comparative warmth and comfortwithout need of extra clothing. Here, within a few feet of

the sea, are to be found rose gardens the products of which

have taken the gold medal at the Kent Horticultural Society.Here is no rush of train, no hooting of motor, no great throngof people. Those who are seen there have business or residencethere. Yet the ceaseless passing and repassing of ships in the

" Piccadilly of the Sea" dispels all dulness. Mr. Stone’s little book canbe had for 6d. from the Central Publishing Co., 358, Strand, W.C."On the East Coast" is the title of yet another attractive booklet,compiled by Percy Lindley for the Great Eastern Railway Company.It is an entertainingly’written guide-book to the principal seasideresorts of the Essex, Suffolk, and Norfolk coasts. Besides many

vignette engravings it contains several railway maps showing how toget from point to point, and 14 page illustrations in colours. The

descriptive notices of the various places contain information as to

walks, drives, hotels, boarding-houses, and house agents. A list of theEastern Counties’ golf links and of the principal fishing and yachtingpoints in Norfolk is appended. The pamphlet can be obtained gratison application to the Superintendent of the Great Eastern Railway,Liverpool-street Station.

CHOLERA IN MADEIRA.

IN a report on the affairs of Madeira for the year 1910 Captain JamesBoyle, British Consul, states that a severe epidemic of cholera brokeout in November and practically paralysed trade and shipping. Therecan be no doubt (he writes) that as early as September-and some saybefore that-suspicious cases occurred, but it was not till nearly theend of November that the port was closed and the disease announcedas cholera. The difficulties of medical men and others in fightingthis epidemic were enormously increased and their actions muchhampered by the ignorant peasantry, who really believed that themedical authorities were killing patients on purpose, and furtherthat the various water-courses (levadas) were being poisoned bythose interested in politics. There were two peculiar featuresin the epidemic. The first was the many cases and deaths

among women and children, and the second was the exemption fromthe disease of the richer classes. This clearly points to insanitaryarrangements in the poorer quarters. It is the general belief thatbad water and defective drainage, &c., were the main causes, as all

or most of the cases at first occurred at Funchal and its environs.The efforts of medical men and authorities in combating the epidemicwere most praiseworthy, but as long as solation in the first place isnot strictly adhered to and insisted on, these diseases must spread,in spite of precautions such as the use of disinfectants, boiled

drinking water, &e. According to official statistics, the number ofcases during the epidemic was 1769 and of deaths 556. The

population of Madeira is, roughly speaking, 150,000. It may be

interesting to recall the epidemic of cholera in Madeira in 1856. It

began in July and ended on Dec. 31st, and the deaths in the wholeisland (then having a population of 105,856) numbered 7041, showing amortality of 6’7 per cent. It is most sincerely to be hoped that theauthorities will now take in hand the long-talked-of scheme for a

proper water-supply and a modern system of drainage for Funchal.This is important, not only for the inhabitants, but for the nr merousvisitors who flock to the island annually. Another severe epidemicis certainly possible with the water-supply in its present conditionand the obsolete sanitary arrangements. If this unfortunatelyshould happen it would have the effect of frightening away visitorsand others perhaps for many years, and would cost the island farmore in the long run than the public works which are so urgentlyneeded.

FACTORY GIRLS’ COUNTRY HOLIDAY FUND.

THE Rev. Canon Scott Holland has sent us a plea on behalf of theFactory Girls’ Country Holiday Fund, the good work of which wehave frequently extolled. Although the means for improving thehealth of the workers may be a matter for discussion, the need for improving the physical well-being of those who labour in our work-shops and factories is thoroughly recognised, and it should be

remembered that the class for which this fund provides a briefholiday in the country once a year furnishes the mothers of a largesection of the population. The fund deserves wide support. Sub-

scriptions and donations may be sent to the honorary treasurer,Mr. H. Rendell, 51, Gordon-square, London, W.C., and the Rev. EdwardCanney, Chairman, St. Peter’s Rectory, Saffron-hill, London, E.C.

SALVARSAN.

Messrs. Meister, Lucius and Briining of 51, St. Mary Axe, have issued apamphlet on "606," which they will supply without charge to anymedical man applying for a copy. It gives an account of the mode ofpreparation of salvarsan and of its administration, and it printsreports’from numerous physicians who have used it. Not the leastvaluable part of the pamphlet is a copious bibliography occupying nearly 50 pages.

* Oxygen.-It is quite usual for both names to appear on both plates inh such circumstances.

COMMUNI[CATIONS not noticed in our present issue will receive attentionin our next.

_____

. A DIARY OF CONGRESSES.

WE shall publish this diary from time to time that our readers mayhave under their hands the dates of the approaching scientific Con-gresses. It is unnecessary to issue the lists of all these functionsweek by week, and we propose to make only such gatherings as willoccur in the immediate future the subject of regular announcement.The following Congresses, Conferences, and Exhibitions are announcedfor July and August, 1911 :-

April-October.-Rome Exhibition (United Italy’s Jubilee).11 29th-Oct. 26th (Turin).-International Exhibition.

May 3rd-Oct. 31st (Glasgow).-Scottish Exhibition." 6th-Oct. 31st (Dresden).-International Hygiene Exhibition

(British Section opens June 14th)." 12th-Oct. 31st (London, Crystal Palace).-Festival of Empire

Imperial Exhibition. (Profits to King Edward VII.Hospital Fund.)

" 18th-October 31st (London, Shepherd’s Bush).-CoronationExhibition.

" 19th-Oct. 31st (London).-Earl’s Court Exhibition.June lst-August 31st (Squirrels Heath, Romford).-Town Planning

and Modern House and Cottage Exhibition.July 24th-27th (Portsmouth).-British Pharmaceutical Conference." 24th-28th (London).-Second International Congress of Urology.24th-29th (Belfast).-Congress of the Royal Sanitary Institute." 24th-August 2nd (Belfast).-Health Exhibition in connexion

with above Congress.., 25th-28th (Birmingham).—British Medical Association, Seventy-

ninth Annual Meeting.26th (Rouen).-French National Dental Congress.26th-29th (London).-Universal Races Congress.

July 31st-Aug. 4th (Paris).-Second French Congress of Stomatology.,, 31st-August 5th (Dijon).-Congress of the French Association-

for the Advancement of Sciences.

August lst-6th (Amiens).-Twenty-first French Congress of Alienistsand Neurologists.

" 3rd-5th (London).-British Dental Association, AnnualMeeting.

" 12th-18th (Brussels).-First International Congress on ChildStudy.

" 12th-30th.-E.M.I. (Enseignement Medico-mutuel Inter-national) Tour in Scandinavia.

" 15th-21st (Dublin).-Royal Institute of Public Health." 21st-23rd (Larvik).-Fourteenth Norwegian Physicians’

Congress." 28th-Sept. llth (South-East of France).-Eleventh "Voyage

d’Etudes Medicales.",, 30th-Sept. 2nd (Berlin).-Third International Laryngo-

Rhinological Congress." 30th-Sept. 6th (Portsmouth).-British Association." 31st and Sept. 1st (Vancouver).-Thirteenth Annual Meeting

of the British Columbia Medical Association.

Medical Diary for the ensuing Week.LECTURES, ADDRESSES, DEMONSTRATIONS, &c.POST-GRADUATE COLLEGE, West London Hospital, Hammersmith-

road, W.MONDAY.-10 A.M., Dr. Simson: Diseases of Women. 2 P.M., Medical

and Surgical Clinics. X Rays. Operations. 2.30 P.M., Mr.Dunn : Diseases of the Eye.

TUESDAY.-10 A.M., Dr. Robinson: Gynaecological Operations.2 P.M., Medical and Surgical Clinics. X Rays. Operations. Dr.Davis: Diseases of the Throat, Nose, and Ear. 2.30 P.M., Dr.Abraham : Diseases of the Skin.

WEDNESDAY.-10 A.M., Dr. Saunders: Diseases of Children. Dr.Davis : Operations of the Throat, Nose, and Ear. 2 P.M., Medicaland Surgical Clinics. X Rays. Operations. Mr. B. Harman:Diseases of the Eye. 2.30 P.M., Dr. Simson: Diseases ofWomen.

THURSDAY.-2 P.M., Medical and Surgical Clinics. X Rays. Opera-tions. 2.30 P.M., Mr. Dunn : Diseases of the Eye.

FRIDAY.-10 A.M., Dr. Robinson: Gynaecological Operations. 2 P.M.,Medical and Surgical Clinics. X Rays. Operations. Dr. Davis sDiseases of the Throat, Nose, and Ear. 2.30 P.M., Dr. Abraham:Diseases of the Skin.

SATURDAY.-10 A.M., Dr. Saunders: Diseases of Children. Dr.Davis : Operations of the Throat, Nose, and Ear. Mr. B.Harman : Diseases of the Eye. 2 P.M., Medical and SurgicalClinics. X Rays. Operations.

CENTRAL LONDON THROAT AND EAR HOSPITAL, Gray’s Inn’road, W.C.

TUESDAY.-3.45 P.M., Lecture :—Dr. Kingsford : Anæsthetics.FRIDAY.-3.45 P.M., Lecture :-Mr. II. James : Mouth and Teeth.