New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1871-06-16

A TREATISE on DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM By
Wm1IAx HAMMOND, MD $50. pp. 754 D. Appleton Co.
The scope of this volume embraces very
considerable portion Of the diseases that of the most
frequent occurrence in every condition Of human life
In treating Of the diseases of the system, the
author arranges them in five general classes namely
diseases Of the BRAIN diseases Of the spinal cord,
diseases Of the brain and spine in complication, dis
eases Of the nervece and diseases Of the pepheral
nerves classification includes cerebral congestion
apoplexy softenng the BRAIN tumOrs of the brain,
insanity Gin various forms epilepsy, hydrophobia
loekiaw and many Others lhe vsitations OF which, IL
perhaps less common certainly not less fatal The
work designed primarily for the medical profession,
but as it sinGulary free from unntegibe technical
terms and with copous explanations OF those which are
necessarily introduced the variety Of information which
II mparts on points of universal interest in connection
with the bodily health, and its clear and even popular
method OF treatment, recommend it to the attention
Of readers who are curious with regard 10
the border-land between sensation ana thought, OF
which the nervous system is the organic representative
DR. Hammond however, does not pretend to dguise his
own conviction of the unity Of mental and physical
nature Throughout his work. he assumes the material
ste view of the origin and conditions Of the intellectual
phenomena With him, the force called the mind Is
evolved from the system, and developed by
nervous action especially by the action OF the BRAIN
He does not, however, undertake 10 discuss the
psychological OuestiOn-an omission that is doubtless
creditable his good sense, and which 10y no means I'M
pairs the value Of his work-is remarks on the treat
ment of apOpexy offer several important suggestions,
which may be of service to readers outside the profe
son as well to the medical student 1t often happens,
he states that attack may he prevented even where
the threatenings are very decided. The bromdes OF
potassium sodium and lithium have proved effcacious
70 this end, and in some cases the effect OF
the latter salt has been successful, when
the former would have acted less favorably.
But in the vast majority of cases, the
less that done during attack the better Blood
letting should, with very exceptions, be avoided
With the ordinary symptoms Of apOpexy, there is no
medication that afford the slightest prospect Of re-
eA very curious chapter is devoted 10 the subject OF
aphasaan affection OF the brain. in which the idea OF
language Of its expression is impaired and some
times nearly destroyed. The examples adduced by
the author under this head, are among the
most remarkable instances Of human infrmity,
short OF absolute insanityhe section epilepsy sets
forth variety of important and recent facts in relation
70 that disease but find reference to the
interesting experiments of DR.. Brown-sequard which
have attracted so much attention European phys
biologists The author eDarges upon the results OF his
own personal observations in almost every disease which
he considers-and this a valuable and to certain
tent unique feature of his work,-giving freshness
and vitality 10 his style which is in medical rea
tieee