The Express.
London, England, 1868-07-16 00:00:00

HUMAN MALADIES.

A oterrixoutsuzio authority asserts in the current
number of a medical contemporary, that the exist-
ing definitions of diseases, as set forth in the
names given to common maladies, lack precision
and accuracy. So far from the terms erysipelas,
gout, eczema, etc., indicating definite states
of the system, which on being recognised,
receive definite treatment, it would seem that
one instance of disease often more truly resembles
another bearing a different name than it does
one having its own designation. "No physician
" can guarantee to another that he will obtain
" the same results as he has himself if he follows
" the same procedure in dealing with an apps-
" ?male quite similar disease." This is a
startling assertion and contrary to the popular
notions regarding the character of a man's ail-
ments and the power of his medical adviser. Still,
if it be truth, it can scarcely be too widely known
and acted on. The cause of this difference in the
character of a disease having one name, as observed
in two different patients, is stated to be found in
the fact that no two human bodies are precisely
alike. This being so, a cause is also supplied
of the observed difference of effect of
the same drug on two different persons.
If these explanations are correct, our hopes of
therapeutics ever being raised to the position of
an exact science are almost destroyed. Medical
practice must become less a matter of rule than
experience founded on rule—acute observation
and reflection based on a sound and extensive
knowledge of chemical and physical laws.

A GREAT deal of gratuitous advertising goes
on in the world, and no one has had a larger share
of it in recent times than Madame BACUEL.
Before she was known to the police courts, or to
the Old Bailey, she had been popular as a typo
amongst the censors of modern manners, and it
is said that even the pulpit has heard of
her works. Fortunate still, she is to-morrow
to occupy the attention of the Legislature. The
pages of " Ilansard" are to preserve her name in
connexion with that of Lord ARTIMR CLINTON,
who intends, according to a notice in the Parlia-
mentary Order-book, " To call the attention of
" the A'rroRNEY-GENERAL to the reports in the
" papers of Wednesday last with reference to
" the application for the release on bail of
" Madame RAcirEL; and to ask him what is the
" state of the law on the subject, and whether the
" motion for the release was properly made to
"Mr. Justice BLACKBURN." Madame RACUEL'S
fading and faded clients, and the matrons
known to the Saturday Review, who are
awaiting her return with distressing eager-
ness, will appreciate Lord ARTHUR CLINTON'S
interest in the liberty of the subject, but it is not
so clear that the general public will be edified by
the appearance in Parliament of the cosmetic
merchant.

As ten days must elapse after tho last vote in
supply, which will be granted at this morning's
sitting, there is little chance of a prorogation
before the 28th. The country party insist,
against, as it is said, Mr. DienAzu's wish, that
the Cattle Plague Bill be persevered in. A sitting,
however, is to take place on Saturday morning, and
the public business will be so far expedited.

Tint QuEsn's journey to Switzerland will take
place, it is believed, immediately after the 4th
of August. Her MAJESTY, who will be accom-
panied by Lord STANLEY, is understood to have
taken two villas near Geneva.

The Duke of Cambridge favoured the Right
Roe. Sir R. Pall, Bart., ILP., end Lady Emily Peel by his
company at dinner last evening at their residence in
Whitehall-gardens. The Duchess (Dowager) of St.
Albea's sad lady Diana tesaolark, the Marquis of
Clorlearda, the Earl of flatca, the Earl and Counts=
Costley, the Earl and Coinage or Mabassirory, Earl
Gmareate, M.P., and Lady Madame Gramme, Lad
btestkasten, the Right Hos. Racy L. Rohm Res.
Yen Nortca, sad Mr. Moray bad the boom of seesaw
toga& higbiamat Omaha

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