The Sun.
London, England, 1853-05-02 00:00:00

MISCELLANEOUS.

Tait's Edinburgh Magazine commences with "A
Glance at Alliances." " A Christmas Vacation in
Jutland" is continued, and describes a ghost's ad-
venture. W. Carleton begins an Irish tale,
which promises to increase in interest. There are
several political articles.—The 'Colonial continues
" The Euphrates Valley. Route to India," and this
month describes the climate of Syria. "A. Year
in Mexico" is entertaining. There is a variety of
colonial intelligence.—The Eclectic presents us
with an eloquent article on the "Life and Writings
of St. Paul. "The chief criticisms are on "Pulszky's
Sketches of American Society," "Moore's Memoirs,'
and the "Key to Uncle Tom's Cabin."—The National
Miscellany is a new competitor, and is full of pro-
mise. The subjects are replete with interest. Among
them are " Layard's Discoveries," " Public :Libra-
ries," and " Slavery in America."—The Illustrated
Magazine of Art gives us upwards of thirty illus-
trations for the price of one shilling. If not of a
very superior class, they convey a good idea of the
subjects, at a very moderate price. " The Alps,
Switzerland, and Savoy" is to be completed in 12
monthly parts. It consists of a description of
those countries, with accompanying illustra Lions.
—The Follet, in addition to its usual elegant plates,
gives us a sheet of sleeves and collars.—Sunday
Beading, conducted by John Kitto, D.D., is an
excellent miscellany, which is a valuable addition
to the list of serials.

On Rheumatism, Rheumatic Gout, and Sciatica ;
their Pathology, Symptoms, and Treatment.
By Henry William Fuller, M.D. Churchill.
This volume of Dr. Fuller's will be gladly wel-
comed by the junior members of the medical pro-
fession, and by students ; treating, as it does, of a
highly important disease, which has for so i nany
ages claimed discussion, and upon which there still
remains so much to explore. In a climate, like
ours rheumatism is ever likely to be a prey: tiling
malady, influenced as it is so much by moisture.
It is true that many diseases once rife amongst us
have totally disappeared, and are now unknov rn in
Posology. Intermittent fever, or ague, reigne ci do-
minant in the last century. It is now of rare
occurrence, and the Registrar-General haa for
four or five years reported no cases of h ydro-
phobia in London ; but we believe rheumatism, in
all its varied forms and types, will always be a
rampant malady. In the volume before us there
is a great deal of research displayed in the na, ture,
treatment, and phenomena of all that may be com-
prehended in the designation—rheumatism. In-
troductory to the subject is an inquiry into the
nature of this disease, its causes, predisposing; and
exciting ; and the Doctor bestows great pat us in
showing that atmospheric agencies, cold and :mois-
ture, are the exciting causes. He next attempts
to prove that the predisposing cause is a m orbid
condition of the blood, charged with lactic acid,
which essentially produces mal-assimilation. Here
we must be pardoned for saying there are n o in-
astaanlycesiss
toor
cases brought forward in the for m of
support this theory, and without proof it
rests on physiological assertion alone. This' is i auch
to be regretted. The want of proof of an acrid. poi-
son shows that the theory is not based on s table
ground. We are perfectly well aware that l attic
acid is present, and always exists in the secretions
of every human body; but we do not, nevertheless,
get rheumatism any more than we get dysp opsia
by the abnormal presence of this acid. The objec-
tion, then, to this theory is—want of proof.
There is a great deal, nay a vast amount, of prac-
tical knowledge in the book, founded on experience,
coupled with an acquaintance of all those writers
who have preceded him, and on the solid ground of
observation are the symptoms tested by an accuLrate
examination and careful elucidation.
Great praise is due to the chapter on the
treatment of rheumatism, in which are reviewed
the numerous remedies now in use for this pain-
ful malady, and sound opinions formed of the
merit and demerit of each ; and all this is elu-
cidated with great practical judgment, explaining
how far, and under what circumstances, each
remedy may be carried with safety to the patient.
A most important feature, too, in the work, is
the wAnaeroua and carefully-arranged otatigti4 of

'cases, illustrative and corrobrative of the p-racticil
remarks brought under notice.
Our limits necessarily confine us to practical re-
marks • we cannot, therefore, follow
through the multifarious combinations of acute and
chronic rheumatism, sciatica, lumbago, and the r.
matic affection of the heart productive of valoselar
derangement. All that we can say in conolugoa
is, that most of the views take, on the subject upon_
which he writes denote the sound practical Or
sician. the author

THE SAMARITAN FREE HOSPITAL FO

WOMEN AND CHILDREN.

The patrons and friends of this meritorious institution
assembled numerously at the London Tavern, •n Sat,
Satur-
day evening, to celebrate its first anniversary. The,
chair was taken by Lord Dudley Coutts Stuart: 31''
o
at six o'clock- precisely. The dinner and wines were
the most recherche character. More than 100 gentleinellf
participated in the entertainment, while a number °
ladies graced the proceedings with their presence. 31r.
Harker officiated as toast-master with his well-0011
ability.

After the usual loyal toasts,
The Noble PRESIDENT, in giving the toast of the
ing, " Continued Prosperity to the Samaritan Free Ja to
pital," declared that he felt himself scarcely adecluatebut
do justice to the claims of this excellent institution, ld
felt satisfied that the good feeling of the meeting weblleg
fully supply his deficiencies. Their object in assonlb'for
there was to see if they could not provide nle3lls
ont
extending relief to the objects who had so many
claims upon their bounty. It was not merely an hesrosi
tal whence relief was distributed as well in the houtA
at the homes of the recipients, but it was a freehosl3l;
the only qualification required being the distress andifee:,
titution of the claimant. It was "The Samaritan Free-11°i;
pital" open to all persons, of whatsoever clime, or oPinied;
or creed, and without any introduction or recornxnen,u.
tion, the only qualification being the qualification dmi
tress. The institution was in its Infancy, but he fervenwet
hoped that, under the guiding influence of its rttepst
promoters, it would ere long rival some of then e":vcl
charitable establishments which were the pride ;ice
boast of this great metropolis. It had been in existe-'of
only six years, but it had already effected a vast det".ce
good ; and had so far recommended itself to the nPtib-0
of the public that amongst its patrons were many 01
cthe
highest personages in the country. It appeared, s3j"b r
noble chairman, that during the year ending Dee° o
31, 1852, the number of out-patients admitted To
8,010, of whom 617 were under treatment on the
,1
of January, 1853. The limited means at the dispel;
of the committee prevented a greater increase tb
one in the number of beds ; but, during the year, 68„41
patients were admitted, of whom 1 died in the hosP":";
24 were discharged cured, 13 materially relieved, S 1 ,
curable, and 12 were in the hospital on the Ist Jaullap•the
1853. The annual report further stated that during
past year 112 poor married women were gratlute-,1 ,11
or
attended at their own homes in their confinements,i3er
supplied with loans of baby linin, blankets, and et 00
1
comforts during the month ; and upwards of ;01,1
others had received assistance of a minor nature. for
lordship observed that one of the most interesting fot
tures in the management of the institution was the
that it extended relief to patients on recovery.. of
thought this circumstance was especially deservleress
notice, as it was well known that much pain and dist:fie
were sometimes experienced by persons who,
having been inmates of an hospital for a length`too
period, were unable to secure employment, or were 140
weak to undertake any laborious responsibility
novo-
confidently appealed to the sympathies of the
_,,be`itself
lent, on behalf of an institution which had prove"
so eminently entitled to patronage and support. the
The toast having been cordially responded to, „ced
honorary Secretary, R. R. ROBINSON, Esq., alln°11;00.
the list of donations and subscriptions, including
e Lion of 20 guineas from the noble Chairman, an
cially dwelt upon the value of obtaining annual BT-60s
bers, the commercial value of one guinea subscrill, Ag
being equivalent to twelve guineas donation.
happy to say that the amount received had surPasse, 331
expectations, there being donations to the sum
guineas, and annual subscriptions 75 guineas. led
Mr. DIGBY SEYMOUR, M.P. for Sunderland, P'.,,•06„ 09
the health of "The President of the Society, Lord
Coutts Stuart," and was received with loud cheers•
co
declared that to him one of the happiest privilecres„
netted with his seat in Parliament was that it phr.ect:fitso
in a position to support such institutions as the Salo_,%-ble
Hospital. (Cheers.) Referring to the sacred Pe'''" be
whence the name of the hospital was taltei,nvite
trusted there was no proud Egyptian or selfish -1-'
~.fen
in that room. Alluding to the assistance Eon('
in out-door relief to many afflicted wornefirtieles
children, he said—" I find foremost among the
.91..0 of
mentioned in this report as supplied to the necesswod
these poor people, two of which you, my lor‘l'hofs,
have heard a good deal of late—tea and soap. lse,
traced out, as it were, from guidance in another P
the benefits of Mr. Gladstone's budget. (Cheers.)sir
sagacity of the statesman and the piety of thrs,)
thropist have here embraced each other !" Cht 01
After paying a graceful tribute to the ladies present' ors'
dwelling upon the immense importance of their costte'atp
tion, he proceeded to the toast particularly entr.tl_ noble
him. Having referred to the sympathies ofsutwed Fo;
chairman with the cause of betrayed anci,injiungarf,'
land, and terror-smitten but mavanquishe' iitieal re:
and predicting that ‘, the trumpet of their P° ots
surreetion would yet ring in the ears of the de9P4,01
Europe," he reminded the assemblyrsthe.t the chanir
the noble lord did not expatriate itself, but while h_la
terested himself in the cause of the persecuted aridotil
foreigner, the friend of the slandered and Mono
Kossuth was the ready and active patron of all op)
principal humane institutions in London. (ChesitS
"My Lord," said Mr. Seymour, "if you had no cloi
upon my respect but that you could refer to an 3,1100 r
pedigree and the portraits of eminent ancestors—if -'
noble birth was not twice ennobled by your pub'.
tues, I should not have said so much, but as it lg,
we ore
calling on this meeting to drink your health,
offering, in your person, the tribute Englishmen xo"
proud to pay to political consistency, private wort',
indefatigable benevolence." (Loud applause.) r tb°
The Noble CHAIRMAN, after returning thanks ,ro'
compliment paid him, said—He had now a toast 14012-;',
pose which would be received with general sasisfacti..m.
" The health of Mr. Digby Seymour and the SteWnii.
(Cheers.) After referring to the favourable oPinielloo
tertained of that gentleman in the House of CorsTeved
he said he did not hesitate to declare that he heilcei
Mr. -Seymour was destined to lead a brilliant Politic
career. (Applause.) tell*
Mr. SEYMOUR acknowledged the toast in suitable,- go"
"Before I sit down," he proceeded, " I cannot 114 ie•
ing you an illustration which has just occurred t° fleet
The noble lord has told you that charity has the etber.
of bringing men of all creeds and opinions tor tip!
Observe that chandelier which adorns this beau oell
room—the lights are separate and distinct front
other—the glittering lines have each their own loin
liancy and their peculiar charm—it is a hat
union of perpetual contrasts. These varying e°„
these distinct but combining splendours, are t`',,-;g:ber,
ferent creeds and opinions amongst us ; but look
up !—one chain sustains them all—that is the „,s1:1
band of charity which draws together all ranks a''j tlle
grees, and whose aim is the happiness of men all
brotherhood of nations. (Great cheering.) f
The healths of Dr. William Jones, the founder °for
charity, of Mr. R. R. Robinson, Mr. J. A. F.„lose!
nard, and others, who had devoted their time anu- eo‘",
to the interests of the institution, and to whose be
tions its present prosperous condition might 01'4 re;
attributed, were subsequently drunk, and eloquell„ts
sponded to by each of these gentlemen. The tO. tee,
"The Ladies Patronesses," and "Ladies' Corani
were enthusiastically received.
yiTr.her. marucisuihcaalrsaornransgmeintihe,ntassswisetreedubnyder the direct:°olll
Miss Stre.i.e Vic)' •
Miss Freeman (pupils of the Royal Academy of -7.4.016
Miss Jane Baur (late prima donxa at Milan), Ms'
Perren, and Mr. Genge. lost'
We are happy to find that the Rev. Robert 01011
gomery, minister of Percy Chapel, will preach a ,deg
in behalf of the Samaritan Free Hospital, on gore')
morning next, the Bth of May, at St. Mary's
Park-street, Grosvenor-square.

THE AUSTRALIAN MAILS FOR MAY.—NOtiee
, issued on Saturday last at the General Post-0f6070#
Martin's-le-Grand, to the effect, that snails will ba,
up on Wednesday morning, the 4th instant, for S,°-10011,
and Western Australia (Port Philip, Melbourne, ueveoles
Adelaide, Victoria, &c.), Sydney, New South
and Van Diemen's Land, to be forwarded by the itipoet
sular and Oriental Steam Company's mail packet..oe,
with the Gibraltar and Indian mails, via Southal"ro
and by the New Central packets, from SingaP'olll/'
Australia, &c. Letters will be liable to a postage for
per half-ounce, which must be pre-paid. News&
free.
ploOeer
THE MAY MEETINGS.—.CAUTION TO THE -,•ch Y ,
Several instances have recently occurred in w.,,,,,,u".0t0
sons attending the anniversary meetings of rentr, bie
cieties have been robbed, in some cases of valug', 1000 4
tides, and in others of their purses. When it 's„fori°,l
in what various ways those who practise We n-ilorii;
art obtain their ends, the public will, it is to l of have learned not to be too confiding in the °orj
ry 04
place of gathering, or careless in intermixing wlineetili,y
who surround the door as they retire. At tilearoslP4`
of the Bible Translation Society, held at ik°oo- an ;i;
Chapel, on Thursday evening last, the alai, of th
quested that all present would be watedlii of
I),e,eot
pockets, he having been informed that a lady nf itv" st
robbed of her purse. The thief was a youth te%
17 years of age, and it was observed tintt cps's,/
abruptly left the lady's side long ere the rneetitle 11,1°
walking away at a rapid pace. Another imit Wile;
pursued by these persons was detailed by Jo,seP Wee ply
Esq., Barrister, at the annual meeting of 14100,
ea
qd
Tract Society. held at Freemason's Tavern a be
ings since. He stated that the previous nil he :3
addressed a Ragged School meeting, and held, 310 f,o°-ev,
about to leave the room in which it was tif
the door way thickly studded with men 3";,.,par,hellose
and that, among others, there was one 133311.,' of to
very lame, supported on either side by o°'";flovre"osti
of his party. Mr. Payne requested to be, ins. releell
pass, but no notice whatever was taken 0- bet ow
and in the meanwhile he was jostled about tOl4
them. During this time the lame man see Twhich;oo
proach him, and lean upon him for suPP°ordiatelY woo
a sense, he was doubtless seeking), iron:l,4 not able
which he was extricated, and the brae a TAlutbel
walked nimbly away, carrying with th°,oo:l
gold watch, the property of the speaker,
had appeared to lieteu with such deccrouo