The report brought out the thought of most of the members present. The two questions of “the identity of pseudomembranous croup and diphtheria,” and of “diphtheria a local or a constitutional disease” were again argued, and, as usual, no opinions were changed. Like the Scotchman, each was willing to be convinced, but he could not find any one able to convince him. Two points were fully agreed upon, namely, that the presence of membrane in the fauces, and of sequellæ, are not of importance in diagnosis; also that nearly all of the cases in which the posterior nares becomes seriously implicated are fatal. One gentleman advanced the opinion, supported by “statistics” (as accommodating a friend as “facts”), that when the submaxillary glands were enlarged in this disease recovery took place; when they were not enlarged, death occurred. The doctor did not say that death occurred at once or within a few days, so we shall be charitable and suppose that he meant sometime during the succeeding hundred years.
Notes of two very interesting cases of myelitis, followed by spastic paraplegia, were read and discussed. The author made special mention of the exaggerated tendon-reflex being always present in disease of the lateral tract of the cord, and that this symptom is diagnostic—if hysteria be first excluded. He also noted in these cases that the condition of the muscles of the posterior portion of the legs (lower) was very tense, producing an impression on grasping them similar to that noticed on grasping a piece of iron. Neither of these men were able to place the heel upon the floor when standing erect. No amount of effort on their part could enable them to accomplish it. Neither of them were improved by the use of the iodides.
NOTES AND COMMENTS.
If “K.” will send name, we will take pleasure in publishing his article in our next number.
White physicians in Oriental countries are asked almost daily whether they cannot prescribe for suffering women without seeing them. Oriental women, debarred by social custom from consulting male physicians, are the victims of great and unnecessary suffering. They are thus shut off from the aid of western medical skill, though they know its value and are desirous of availing themselves of it. The movement in China and Japan to introduce female physicians from Europe and America is conferring great benefit upon the women of those countries and making brilliant opportunities for skilled women who go there. The hospital for women recently opened at Shanghai, under the charge of American women, is already filled with patients. An association has also been formed in India for training native nurses.
The new college building of the Medical Department of the Western Reserve University is being pushed rapidly to completion. The stone-work is done and the roof is now being placed in position. When once inclosed, work upon the interior can proceed regardless of the weather. It is thought that it will be so far completed as to be used for commencement exercises the last week in February.
Four cases of trichiniasis were reported to the health officer of Cleveland, December 23d. All were members of one family and had partaken of the same uncooked ham. The physician reporting the cases, Dr. J. F. Armstrong, had his suspicions aroused by the symptoms presented, and at once examined the suspected meat. His fears were confirmed by finding trichinæ spirolis in the remaining portions of the ham, and his observations were verified by the health officer. None of those affected are as yet seriously ill. It appears necessary to sound a constant warning against eating uncooked pork.