The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-05-07
Medical CIeanlnQs.

Dr. Curwen, of the State Hospital for the Insane in
Pennsylvania in late report has sensible remarks
the subject Of blood letting of insanity Dr. c.
says that all hospital experience both in this country
and in Europe has proved that the loss Of blood in any
form Of insanity is almost universally attended with
pleasant effects prolongng the period of cure, and in
many cases placing the patient hopelessly beyond the
reach Of benefit to be derived from subsequent treat
ment Insanity is essentially disorder, and
the greatest should be taken to distinguish between
that excitement which is purely nervous and the deli.
rum caused by innammatory action.
Opium eaters may be interested though perhaps not
entirely to their satisfaction in the results Of recent
scientific analyses of that article given in the London
Lancet Twenty three samples Of gum-opium, import
ed examined, and thirtytwo samples Of the pow
dered opium OF the former, only four pure the
rest being less aduerated with poppy capsule
wheaton four sand sugar, and gum. or the powdered
opium, only one sample was found free of admixure
with poppy capsule, -four, and powdered wood
Professor Mattel, Of Corsica, proposes kind of
lgature consisting Of two loops intercrossed and with
The ends opposite directions The end of the
placed between these loops and CONSTRUCTED by pulling
the ends or II 1t is entire and undetached trunk
which has to be tied one loop first passed around the
vessel in direction and then the other it in
contrary direction taking 10 thread the endsn such
way around the silk forming the FIRST loop as to secure
the necessary intercrossng If the vessel is of large size
the ends Of the loops made 10 have exn turn upon
each other After the vessel tied end Of each loop
Is cut away close 10 the vessel and the other end il
brought out OF the wound the two remaining ends being
disposed nearly possible in opposite directions In
Is oberated, and then they removed by gentle trac
ton at each end Of the protrudng ends each loop slip
ring from the other with perfect readiness and
without In any way disturbing the parts.
Death by tetanus caused by the cramps extending
10 the respiratory muscles and to the heart Il rarely
from loss Of power In the brain spinal cord
from exhaustion The usually acute the tetanic
symptoms ensuing In the following order;-Trsmus,
crnp In the muscles Of back and neck the extremtes
often remaining free. Most patients die before the
twelfth day.
Dr. George g. ones has become associate editor Of the
Boston Medical and Surgical Journal with Dr. J. v. c.
Smith The editor Is IN old hand Ut the editorial
pen and scissors.
Dr. Robert Lees communication TO The Royal Medical
and Chirurgca Society I'm which he gives account Of
seventeen Of parturiton In which chloroform
inhaled with pcrncious effects, formed the topic OF
interesting discussion in that body Dr. Lees views
by received the OF his associates
especially his prophecy that the most deporabe resus
would follow It's general application to midwifery In
spite Of the facts remarks the Medical ss and Gose
that grave and experienced physcsns had endorsed the
authors views yet the question whether chloroform
should be inhaled had become almost extra
SILLY and ignorant Of fashion chose to set the
example Of using IT. the Of science and humanity
thus being In the hands Of the most weak and frivolous
portion Of the community, and, there was systema
tic conceament OF the truth By the physicians Who used
t. be feared that young and inexperienced mothers
might be lured 70 their destruction In conclusion, the
suthor expressed hope thst hu ssay might tend n ~