“The treatment begins with percussing the sacrum, in the stride standing position, which in the first day or two not only allays and relieves the more violent inflammation and copious secretion, but also changes the whole state of the disease in such a manner, that the following treatment by movements, (different {223} according to the state of the patient,) produces an increased flow of arterial blood in the upper extremities, and the cure is very much accelerated. In the first stage, during which only moderate stitching pains, tension, and little secretion appears; the percussion on the sacrum alone is sufficient, if repeated three or four times daily. If the symptoms become more violent, and accompanied by chordee and pain during urinating, &c., then other movements are necessary, then make use of the transversal chopping of the neck, which acts strongly against the chordee, and of the pressure above the os pubis in the above mentioned lying position, which increases the venous absorption of the bladder and sexual organs, by its effect on the excited nerves of these parts. In the second period if the urinating is very difficult, the perineum swollen and painful, the discharge mixed with blood, and fever is present, then a more general treatment is necessary. To increase the more local absorption in the urethra, vibrations along the whole tract of the perineum from before backward are employed.”

That percussion on the sacrum has long been known as a remedial measure in moral complaints we are perfectly aware, but that it was to become an article of materia medica is something new under the sun!

Kinesipathy has not yet, we believe, been formally introduced into the United States, but we hear that a new set of quacks, who call themselves Psychologists, have adopted something from its rules, and are employing “percussions and flagellations” as one of their means for the cure of the various ills that flesh is heir too.

After all some partial truth, long well known and acted on by the profession, as is the case in most successful quackeries, underlies Kinesipathy. Exercise and stimulation of the external surface, are in themselves exceedingly beneficial, and under the influence of a charlatan, patients will submit to a discipline, which if directed by a physician would never receive more than momentary attention.

PHARMACY IN RICHMOND.

“The undersigned, believing that by friendly co-operation among themselves, their respectability will be increased; their standing in the community will become more elevated, faults in their profession be remedied, evils to which they are now subjected be removed; that their art may be more systematized, and better regulated; a more friendly feeling towards each other be excited amongst them, their mutual interests advanced, and the public good promoted; do most earnestly call upon their brethren, engaged in Phar­ma­ceu­ti­cal pursuits, to meet at the Gentlemen’s Parlor, Exchange Hotel, on Friday evening, 11th inst., at 8 o’clock, for the purpose of considering the advantages that would result to all of them, from the formation of some organized Association, that would have for its {224} object the above named desirable ends; as well as to encourage among themselves mutual improvement in the knowledge so necessary to a proper discharge of those duties, (both to themselves and the public,) which their situations as men occupying positions among the most responsible in life, impose upon them.

As the organization which it is now proposed to form, would contemplate the good of all its Members, it is most earnestly hoped that all the Druggists and Apothecaries who feel any interest in this important subject, will cordially unite their intelligence and talents in an effort to accomplish the above named ends, and that the proper preliminary steps will be taken for the formation of a society of the Apothecaries in this city, which will prove beneficial to its members, an honor to their profession, and a credit to the city of Richmond.”

Richmond, June 8th, 1852.