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from the " poor-law " as degrading and conveying astigma of pauperism ; they feel-and the committeesupports them-that when they are in need and notcatered for by a pension, by insurance, or otherwise,they should not have to apply for public assistancebut should be a State charge.

THE NEW GUY’S

THE familiar quadrangle and facade of Guy’sHospital are threatened with demolition. The surgicalblock that lies behind them has been in existencewith but little alteration since 1725, and the hospitalauthorities think it quite unsuited to modern require-ments. The alternatives are to do away with all the

remaining old buildings and erect an entirely newblock, or to retain the facade and make new surgicalwards behind it. The present entrance to the hospitalhas a quiet dignity and beauty that it would bedifficult for a modern structure to emulate, andGuy’s men feel that if it disappears something of thetradition that binds successive generations will gowith it. If sentiment were the only considerationthe second alternative would be the obvious choice,but a modern hospital, if it is to meet the increasingdemands on its services, must put the claims of

efficiency before those of architectural charm or evenof tradition. The present surgical block covers anarea of 250 by 150 feet and it is doubtful whetherthis will provide enough space for the present andfuture needs of the surgical wards unless the

quadrangle is included. Moreover, defects in thewalls and foundations of the chapel and the adjacentbuildings may, it appears, already be imperillingtheir existence. The hospital architect, Mr. W. J.Walford, has drawn up a tentative plan for rebuildingwhich most but not all of the governors have approved.Fortunately, perhaps, the problem is not one thatmust be solved immediately, for the fulfilment ofeither scheme depends upon raising the necessarycapital, some 500,000 ; and while this is being donesome compromise may present itself that will beboth surgically and aesthetically satisfying.

THE ACE OF LIBRARIES

ON Nov. 16th, 1936, the American Army MedicalLibrary entered upon its second century of inestimableservice to the medical and bibliographical world.Originating in a few works of reference for the privateuse of Surgeon-General Joseph Lovell, the collectiongrew under the care of its first great librarian, ColonelJohn Shaw Billings, slowly at first, then more rapidlyinto what is now the finest and most comprehensivemedical library in the world, housing close on a

million volumes and employing a staff of thirty.Since 1880, it has been responsible for the publica-tion of the Surgeon-General’s Index Catalogue infour series and, as a sort of monthly supplement,the invaluable " Index Medicus," now amalgamatedwith the Quarterly Cumulative Index.A commemorative volume has been issued in the

form of a collection of articles reprinted from the

Military Surgeon for January, 1937, and from theDecember, 1936, issue of Medical Life, bound togetherinto one slim volume of some 130 pages. There is nointroduction, nor is the pagination consecutive ; andone’s disappointment increases on finding that nearlyall the articles are duplicated in the two sections.Among them are some charming ones, notably thereport of Sir Humphry Rolleston’s commemorativeoration.2 2 On the occasion of its delivery he was

1 The One Hundredth Anniversary of the Army MedicalLibrary. A symposium by various authors. Washington,D.C. Pp. 124.

2 See also Lancet, 1936, 2, 1286.

presented with a diploma appointing him consultantto the Army Medical Library. The history ofmedical book illustration from the twelfth to thetwentieth century is outlined by C. F. Mayer,assistant librarian; and Major E. E. Hume, latelibrarian, describes the " Buildings for the ArmyMedical Library." The present librarian, ColonelH. W. Jones, gives accounts of the centenary celebra-tions and of the tributes received from some 200institutions and distinguished men representing 45different countries. Even if the commemorativevolume is not entirely worthy of its subject, it will bevalued for its historical account of one of the greattreasures of the medical and bibliographical world.

EDUCATING OUR MASTERS

THE lack of confidence in doctors now displayedby the public is often deplored, but seldom so vigor.ously as by Dr. A. H. Douthwaite in his presidentialaddress to the Harveian Society of London last week.Dr. Douthwaite had much to say about the folliesof patients, especially rich ones, and regretted the" complete severance of the masses from logicalthought." He did, however, end by admitting thatthe profession should be more ready to descendfrom its olympian heights. " We can’t blame patientsfor disregarding our conventions if they don’t knowof their existence," and he had been credibly informedthat the public as a whole has no idea that a generalpractitioner should be approached before going toa consultant. It may be asked, said Dr. Douthwaite,who is going to make himself responsible for thedissemination of medical truths. The campaignmust in his opinion be in the hands of a body alooffrom medical politics, and the General MedicalCouncil would serve the purpose if it could obtainthe necessary powers. (To enlist the sympathy ofthe public and the press has certainly not been theprimary purpose of the council hitherto ; whereas theBritish Medical Association has taken definite steps todoso.) On the whole, however, Dr. Douthwaite wouldprefer to see the task in the hands of younger men, andhe hinted at the possibility of securing financial aidfrom bodies such as insurance companies whichstand to lose from the self-treatment, or inefficienttreatment, of disease.

THE 25 members of the General Nursing Councilelected or appointed for the next five years include4 members of the medical profession, Dr. M. A.Collins, Dr. Geoffrey Evans, Dr. M. H. Kettle, andSir Frederick Menzies, all of whom are appointedby the Minister of Health.

INDEX TO " THE LANCET," VOL. II, 1937

THE Index and Title-page to Vol. II, 1937, whichwas completed with the issue of Dec. 25th, will beready next week. A copy will be sent gratis to sub-scribers on receipt of a post card addressed to theManager of THE LANCET, 7, Adam-street, Adelphi,W.C.2. Subscribers who have not already indicatedtheir desire to receive Indexes regularly as publishedshould do so now.

WESTMINSTER HosPITAL.-A portion of the newWestminster Hospital now being erected on the St.John’s Garden site is to be called the Coronation wing,and the King has consented that the first ward shallbe named the King George VI ward, and the second theQueen Elizabeth ward. The wing will constitute a

complete medical unit, with 25 beds, a clinical laboratory,and ancillary service rooms.