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NEW ORLEANS
Medical and Surgical
Journal
INDEX TO VOLUME SEVENTY-ONE
*
JULY, 1918,
TO
JUNE, 1919.
NEW ORLEANS.
L. Graham Co.. Ltd.. 430-432 Common street
Index to Volume Seventy-One
FROM JULY, 1918, TO JUNE, 1919.
A.
A Corps of Pharmacists for the Army — Editorial . 491
Acute Nephritis in Childhood, by Solon G. Wilson, M. D.. .............. . 100
Address of Incoming President of Orleans Parish Medical Society, by H. E.
Bernaclas, M. D. . . . 403
American Society of Tropical Medicine 521
Antityphoid Serotherapy; Preparation and Application of the Serum, by Prof.
A. Rodet. Translation by Lodilla Ambrose, Ph. M. 388
Army School of Nursing — Editorial 57
B.
Bass-Watkins Agglutination Test for Typhoid, by Foster M. Johns, M. D 22
Biological Research on the Wounds of War: Phenomena of Proteolysis in
the Wounds of War, by A. Policard, M. D. Translation by Lodilla
Ambrose, Ph. M 154
Blood Chemical Methods in Diagnosis and Prognosis, by R. B. Gradwohl, M. D. 456
Board of Health at New Orleans — Editorial 5
Broncho-Pneumonia Following Measules, by Sidney F. Braud, M. D 512
c.
Control of Venereal Disease, The — Editorial. 381
Correspondence 518
Cross-Eyed Child Neglected, The, by J. Hume, M. D. ................... . 206
D.
Delusion and Dream, A Comment on the “Freud Theory,” by S. T. Tucker,
M. D. . . . . . 467
Dermal Myiasis Caused by Lucilia Seratica, Memorandum on a Case of, by
W. V. King, M. D 106
Dermal Myiasis, Clinical Phase of a Case of, by Isadore Dyer, Ph. B., M. D.. . 105
Diagnostic Method, Treatment and Prophylaxis of Malaria as Conducted in the
Sanitation of Brioni, Istrie (Austria), in 1899 to 1902, by D. Rivas,
Ph. D., M. D 322
Dietetic Treatment of Liver Diseases, The, by Allan C. Eustis, B. S., Ph. B.,
M. D. . . 59
E.
Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Middle-Ear Diseases of Children, The
Importance of an, by M. P. Boebinger, M. D.. 36
Eclampsia, Treatment of, by Hilliard E. Miller, M. D 28
End of Influenza — Editorial v ..... . 263
Epidemic Meningitis — With Special Reference to Types of Meningococcus and
the Transmission of the Disease, by Charles W. Duval, M. D 312
F.
Function of the Gall-Bladder, The, An Experimental Study, by F. C. Mann,
M. D. 80
G.
Gall-Stone Disease Complicating Pregnancy, by A. P. Heineck, M. D....... 348
Index.
iii
H.
Happy New Year — Editorial 304
Histological and Bacteriological Investigation of a Juxta- Articular Nodule in a
Leper, The, by Donald H. Currie and Harry T. Hollman 384
I.
Increase in the Army Medical Department — Editorial 123
Inguinal Approach in the Cure of Femoral Hernia, The, by Lucian H. Landry,
M. D., F. A. C. S 235
Is Argyrol Uuseless? by Henry Dickson Bruns, M. D 426
L.
Laboratory as an Aid in the Diagnosis of the Pneumococcal Complications of
Influenza, The, by Foster M. Johns, M. D.. ....... 421
League of Nations, The Proposed, by G. H. Theard, Esq 393
Lemon Juice in Pellagra, Effect of, by J. N. Roussel, M. D 283
Local Anesthesia for Operations for Goiter, by A. A. Keller, M. D.. ...... . 305
Louisiana Leper Home, The — Editorial 1
Louisiana State Medical Society Notes 406
M.
“Medical Experiences Overseas:”
By John B. Elliott, Jr., M. D 470
By John T. Halsey, M. D 473
By John W. Morris, M. D 474
By I. I. Lemann, M. D 476
Medical Profession and the Great War, The, by Col. Henry Page, M. C 11
Medical Reserve Corps, The, by Isadore Dyer, M. D 11
Medical Reserve Corps and Medical Military Activities, by Major Frank
Simpson, M. R. C 19
Meeeting of the Louisiana State Medical Society — Editorial 119
Meeting of the State Society — Editorial 455
Mobilization of Physicians — Editorial . 58
Mortuary Report 56, 122, 176, 218, 260, 300, 344, 380, 416, 452, 488, 530
N.
New Technic for Suspension of the Kidney, A, by Rawley M. Penick, M. D„
News and Comment. .. .49, 116, 165, 209, 257, 294, 335, 372, 409, 447, 479, 522
Notes on Tropical Diseases, by Lodilla Ambrose, Ph. M 272
o.
Obituary — Dr. deRoaldes — Editorial 5
On Some Minor Matters, by H. D. Bruns, M. D 145
Our Diamond Anniversary — Editorial 453
P.
Peace — Editorial 261
Popliteal Aneurysm — Matas Operation — Recovery, Report of a Case of, by
George T. Tyler, Jr., A. M., M. D.. 281
Postgraduate Study of Medicine — Editorial 345
Practical Congenital Syphilis, by Charles James Bloom, S. Sc., M. D.. ..... . 436
Presentation of an Obturator, by A. G. Friedrichs, M. D 367
Procain and Novocain Identical 48
Proceedings of the American Society of Tropical Medicine 322
Publications Received 54, 121, 174, 217, 298, 343, 378, 414, 451, 487, 528
IV
Index.
R.
Radium Treatment of Fibroid of the Uterus, by E. C. Samuel, M. D.. ...... . 69
Recollections of the War in Europe, by Capt. L. J. Genella 493
Report of President of Orleans Parish Medical Society for 1918, by Paul
J. Gelpi, M. D 399
Resistance of the Ova of Toxascaris Limbata, Some Studies on the, by Meyer
Wigdor, M. D.......... 264
Retro-Pharyngeal Abscess, by M. P. Boebinger, M. D.. . . 249
Return of the Tulane Unit (Base Hospital 24) — Editorial. 419
Review of the Sessions of the Section on Surgery, General and Abdominal,
Meeting of the A. M. A., Chicago, by H. B. Gessner, M. D.. 108
Running Ear, A, by George J. Taquino, M. D 203
Ruptured Gastric and Intestinal Ulcers, by H. K. Kostmayer, A. B., M. D. . . 125
S.
Shell-Shock — Psychoneurosis of War, by C. S. Holbrook, M. D 191
Simple Surgical After-Treatment, A, by E. L. Sanderson, M. D,. . . . . 74
Society Largely Responsible for Some of the Most Potent Factors of Nervous
and Mental Diseases, by J. C. King, M. D.. ........... 132
Sodium Citrate in the Treatment of Pneumonia, With Report of Cases, by
W. H. Weaver, M. D.. 181
Some Psychology of Syphilis — Editorial 454
Some Spanish Views on Spanish Influenza. Translation by Lodilla Ambrose,
Ph. M 222
Spanish Influenza — Editorial 219
Special Notice — Editorial 221
Spinal Analgesia, With a New Local Anestheic, by P. Jorda Kahle, M. D.. . . 366
Stabilization of American Medicine, The — Editorial 301
Standardization of Hospitals, The — Editorial 418
Students’ Army Training Corps, The — Editorial. 220
Surgical Treatment of Potts’ Disease, by Paul A. Mcllhenny, M. D. ....... . 287
T.
Tenth Meeting of the Congress of American Physicians and Surgeons — Editorial 490
The Control of Venereal Diseases — Editorial 489
The Physician, The Army, and The Civil Population — Editorial 177
Thrift and War-Savings Stamps and Liberty Bonds, by Mr. Charles Janvier. . 6
Thyroidectomy Under Local Anesthesia, by Carroll W. Allen, M. D. ....... . 242
Tuberculosis in Army and Civil Practice, Important Factors Relative to, by
Wallace J. Durel, M. D.. . . 92
V.
Venereal Diseases An Active Public Health Question — Editorial 3
Vomiting in Infancy, by L. R. DeBuys, B. S., M. D., F. A. C. P 141
W.
War Necessity — Editorial 180
^iVounds of War From the Biologist’s Point of Observation, The, by Ernesto
Bertarelli. Translation by Lodilla Ambrose, Ph. M 368
Index.
y
Books Reviewed in Volume Seventy-One
American Illustrated Medical Dictionary, The — Dorland. ................. 53
Anatomy of the Human Body — Gray 413
Animal Parasites and Human Disease — CHANDLER. 339
Antiseptics, A Handbook of — Dakin-Dunham . ... 120
Autobiography of an Androgyne — Lind 527
Blood Transfusion, Hemorrhage and the Anemias — BERNSTEIN 171
Case Histories in Obstetrics — De Normandie 298
Clinical Cardiology — Neuhof. . . . . . . 53
Clinical Disorders of the Heart-Beat — Lewis 526
Clinical Diagnosis — Todd 376
Clinical Medicine, A Treatise On — Thomson 376
Clinical Medicine for Nurses — RlNGER 485
Cystoscopy and Urethroscopy, Treatise Of — Luys 216
Diseases of the Heart and Blood Vessels — SatTERTHWAITE . . . . . 377
Diseases of the Male Urethra — Koll 341
Diseases of the Skin — HartzELL. . 53
Diseases of the Skin — SuTTON 53
Emergencies of a General Practice — Morse. 413
Essentials of Volumetric Analysis — ScHIMPF 174
Genito-Urinary Diseases and Syphilis — Morton 341
Genito-Urinary Diseases and Syphilis, Compend of — Hirsch ............... 485
History of Medicine, An Introduction to the — Garrison.. 119
Hygiene for Nurses — Mumey . 528
Information for the Tuberculous — WlTTICH 485
Interpretation of Dental and Maxillary Roentgenograms — Ivy. ...... 172
Johnson’s Standard First-Aid Manual — KlLMER 377
Long Heads and Round Heads — Sadler. 120
Manual of Physiology — STEWART 526
Massage and the Original Swedish Movements — OsTROM.... 528
Materia Medica, Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Prescription- Writing — Bethea 173
Medical Clinics of North America, The 485
Medical Record Visiting List 298
Medical War Manual, No. 3 and No. 4 .................... 120
Naval Hygiene — Pryor 340
Newer Knowledge of Nutrition, The; The Use of Foods for the Preservation
of Vitality and Health — McCollum. 484
Oral Sepsis in Its Relationship to Systemic Disease — Duke . . 172
Paper Work of the Medical Department of the United States Army — Webster 527
Physical Diagnosis — Rose 120
Practical Medical Dictionary, A — Stedman 486
Practical Medicine Series 173, 340, 528
Practical Treatment, A Handbook of — Musser-Kelly 173
Prescription- Writing, A Manual of — Mann 486
Principles of Bacteriology — Eisenberg 339
Principles of Hygiene, The — Bergey 376
Quarterly Medical Clinics — Smithies 486
Recollections of a New York Surgeon — Gerster 54
Roentgen Diagnosis of the Diseases of the Alimentary Canal, The — Carman-
Miller 413
VI
Index.
Seriousness of Venereal Disease, The — Carleton 341
Studies in the Anatomy and Surgery of the Nose and Ear — Smith 172
Surgery and Diseases of the Mouth and Jaws — Blair. 215
Syphilis and Public Health — Vedder. . 216
Textbook of Physiology for Nurses — CHRISTIAN 526
The Physician’s Visiting List. 341
The Ungeared Mind — Chase 526
Tropical Diseases. A Manual of the Diseases of Warm Climates— M ANSON . . 340
Tropical Surgery and Diseases of the Far East — McDlLL 486
Contributors of Original Articles
in Volume Seventy-One
Allen, Carroll W., M. D.
Ambrose, Lodilla, Ph. M.
Bernadas, H. E„ M. D.
Bertarelli, Ernesto, M. D.
Bloom, Charles James, B. Sc., M. D.
Boebinger, M. P., M« D.
Braud, Sidney F., M. D.
Bruns, Henry Dickson, M. D.
Currie, Donald H., M. D.
DeBuys, L. R., B. S., M. D., F. A. C. P.
Durel, Wallace J., M. D.
Duval, Charles W., M. D., M. A.
Dyer, Isadore, Ph. B., M. D.
Elliott, John B., Jr., Lieut. Col., M. C.
Eustis, Allan C., B. S., Ph. B., M. D.
Friedrichs, A. G., M. D.
Gelpi, Paul J., A. B., A. M., M. D.
Genella, L. J., M. D.
Gessner, H. B., M. D., F. A. C. S.
Gradwohl, R. B. H., M. C, U. S. N. R. F.
Halsey, John T., Major, M. C.
Heinick, Aime Paul, M. D.
Holbrook, C. S., M, D.
Hollman, Harry T., M. D.
Hume, J., M. D.
Janvier, Charles, Esq.
Johns, Foster M., M. D.
Kahle, P. Jorda, M. D.
Keller, A. A., M. D.
King, J. Chester, M. D.
King, W. V., Ph. D.
Kostmayer, H. W., A. B., M. D.
Landry, Lucian H., M.D.,F. A.C.S.
Lemann, Isaac Ivan, Major, M. C.
Mann, F. C., M. D.
McIlhenny, Paul A., M.D..F. A.C.S.
Miller, Hilliard E., M. D.
Morris, John W., Capt., M. C.
Page, Henry, Col., M. C., U. S. A.
Penick, Rawley M., M. D., F. A. C. S.
P OLICARD, A., M. D.
Rivas, D., Ph. D., M. D.
Rodet, A., M. D.
Roussel, J. N., M. D.
Rucker, S. T., M. D.
Samuel, Ernest Charles, M. D.
Sanderson, E. L., M. D.
Simpson, Frank, Major, M. C.
Taquino, George J., M. D.
Theard, Delvaille H., Esq.
Tyler, George T., Jr., A. M., M. D.
Weaver, W. H„ M. D.
Wigdor, Meyer, A. M.
Wilson, Solon G„ M. D.
W&&
WaR SAVINGS STAMPS
ISSUED BY THE
UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT
NEW ORLEANS MEDICAL
AND SURGICAL JOURNAL
E D I T O R S •
CHARLES CHASSAIGNAC, M. D. ’ ISADORE DYER, M. D.
COLLABORATORS:
C. C. BASS, M. D., Prest., Amer. Soc. of Tropical Medicine \ .
JOHN M. SWAN, M. D., Secty. American Soc. of Tropical Medicine j Ex
P. T, TALBOT, M. D., Secretary Louisiana State Medical Society .Ex-Officio.
RUPERT BLUE, M. D., Surgeon General, United States Public Health Service.
H. D. BRUNS, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
C. F. CRAIG, M. D., Col., U. S. A.
S. T. DARLING, M. D., Sao Paulo, Brazil.
W. H. DEADERICK, M. D., Hot Springs, Arkansas.
E. M. DUPAQUIER, M. D. (Paris), Tulane University of Louisiana.
A. G. FRIEDRICHS, M. D., New Orleans, La.
J. T. HALSEY, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
JOS. HOLT, M. D., New Orleans, La.
F. A. LARUE, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
E. S. LEWIS, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
R. C. LYNCH, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
E. D. MARTIN, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
R. MATAS, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
AUGUSTUS McSHANE, M. D., Greenwood, Miss.
PAUL MICHINARD, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
C. J. MILLER, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
F. W. PARHAM, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
E. A. ROBIN, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
W. H. SEEMANN, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
ALLEN J. SMITH, M. D., University of Pennsylvania.
EDMOND SOUCHON, M. D., Tulane University* of Louisiana.
E. R. STITT, M. D., Rear Admiral, U. S. N.
J. A. STORCK, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
R. P. STRONG, M. D., Harvard University.
ROY M. VAN WART, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
Vol. LXXI
JULY, 1918
No. ?
EDITORIAL
THE LOUISIANA LEPER HOME.
During the month of May the Commission from the United States
Public Health Service visited the Louisiana Leper Home, among
other places, in the survey of favorable sites for the National Lepro-
sarinm authorized by Congress in 1916.
The Louisiana Leper Home began operation on December 1, 1894„
when ten lepers were transferred from the pesthouse in New Or-
leans to the present site of the home. The old cabins at first occupied
were habitable, though crude.
In twenty-four years a colony of modern cottages, well con-
structed, with conveniences of steam heat, running hot water, with
modern facilities for bathing and other comforts, has come into*
2
Editorial.
existence. Of nearly three hundred inmates, almost all have volun-
tarily sought the asylum of the institution, which has. been diligently
and faithfully administered by the Sisters of Charity of the order
of St. Vincent de Paul. From 1896 until 1902 the Board of Control
in charge of the home had little interest in the treatment of the
disease ; hut in the past sixteen years treatment has been offered and
accepted, with the result that twenty cases have been discharged as
cured and a large number have been ameliorated.
The average admissions for the period of existence have been
about one a month. In some years the number has been larger than
in others.
The point of striking importance in the biennial reports of re-
cent years has been the types of recent admissions, in which the
tubercular form is by far the largest number. The conclusion must
be drawn that old cases of leprosy outside the home are no longer
found and that the recent admissions are of recent occurrence.
Leprosy has been known in Louisiana and along the Gulf of
Mexico as far as Florida since the last quarter of the eighteenth
century. The proximity to the West Indies and its peoples, known
to have lepers among them, and the more frequent contact with the
colonies of Latin countries, probably will explain the importation
of leprosy to Louisiana so early in the history of this country. The
Atlantic seaboard has less occasion for such and, except in the
French colonies of Vova Scotia, no like history of leprosy obtains.
The surviving lepers at Tracadie, New Brunswick, would argue this.
The opportunity of studying leprosy in Louisiana and the need
of segregating the victims of this disease together claimed early
attention. The incidence of leprosy in the United States is not
known; it is known, however, that the majority of the States have
had one or more lepers in the past ten years and that the disease
has been reported with much more frequency in recent years. The
need of national care of leprosy has been recognized because it is so
widespread.
The Louisiana Leper Home has succeeded in segregating lepers
so far as is known. More than this, it has demonstrated that this
may be done without publicity and with the willing consent of the
leper in most cases. The segregation of lepers has permitted their
treatment in some cases to the point of success.
A National Leprosarium could do even more, for it would add the
scientific laboratory and the intensive method of application of ex-
isting treatments.
Editorial.
3
The location of a National Leprosarium is momentous, because
it must consider provisions for many years to come, for leprosy has
been let loose over most of the United States and the disease is
slow in developing.
The majority of cases in the United States to-day are found in
New York, Massachusetts, Florida, Mississippi, Texas and Lou-
isiana on the Atlantic and Gulf seaboards, and in California on the
Pacific side. The Middle States have shown less of the disease,
excepting Minnesota.
The conclusion that the disease develops more along the seacoast
might he drawn, and would argue that any site chosen for a national
hospital should be as remote as possible from the places of ready
spread of the disease. An equable climate would seem to be the
ideal in choosing a site.
It might be added, finally, that in Louisiana the objective in
establishing a Leper Home was to eradicate the disease in the State ;
if the Federal Government takes over the Louisiana Leper Home
no such objective can be attained for another generation.
VENEREAL DISEASES AN ACTIVE PUBLIC HEALTH
QUESTION.
The Louisiana State Board of Health has undertaken the attack
on venereal diseases. A report on the activity of the Board has
recently been issued and its purposes are comprehensive. Provision
is made for the careful record of each patient and disease, to be
reported by name or number to the Board of Health, together with
data as to the degree of infection and probable source. The migra-
tory patient is required to give the record of prior treatment and
the name and address of physician. While the name of the patient
is not required on first report, neglect of treatment, or failure to
give the information as to prior treatment, makes it mandatory that
the name of the patient should be recorded.
Hospital patients are to be recorded and reported, and the super-
intendents of hospitals are to be held liable for the notification to
the Board of Health of any violation on the part of the patient.
The law covers also the cases of criminals and prisoners who may be
venereally diseased.
There is a provision for the marriage license which must require
a form of certificate showing freedom from venereal disease on the
4
Editorial.
part of the male contracting party within seven days prior to
issuance of the license. The laboratory tests are to be made by the
State Board of Health or by laboratories recognized by the State
Board of Health. Infraction of the law by a clerk- issuing license
is liable to imprisonment of one to five years, and disclosure of in-
formation so legally obtained is liable to punishment by imprison-
ment. A physician making false statement in the certificate will
be. guilty of perjury and will lose his license. Ministers or others
empowered to conduct the marriage ceremony who celebrate such
marriage except under a license properly dated within seven days
are liable to imprisonment of one to six months.
Hospitals for venereal diseases, or arrangement in existing hos-
pitals for their care, is contemplated. Special medical officers,
qualified by previous instruction in venereal disease, are to be as-
signed to care for such cases.
The report emanating from the State Board of Health is much
more comprehensive than our digest can convey, but it may be
summed up as a most pretentious program and promiseful of many
difficulties in administration.
The whole question not only invites, but demands, solution, and
probably is more integrally vital in the economic salvation of the
human race than any other; it always has been, and must be for a
long time to come. Morals and venereal disease are concomitant,
and the elasticity of the first will gauge the degree of the second.
The prohibition of prostitution will not stop venery and law will
not make morals. The enactment of laws will surely be educative,
and their enforcement will tend to restrict immorality, and perhaps
may in time induce better habits.
The medical profession is supremely interested, and Louisiana
has just the same problem that faces all other States and all other
countries in trying to meet a world-wide disorder and to overcome it.
We shall watch the efforts of the State Board of Health with
much interest and with the hope of success. We believe, however,
that any provision leading to the violation of the professional secret
and disturbing the close and confidential relation between patient
and physician should be eliminated. Hot only is such a provision
a violation of a sacred principle, but we fear that it would work
against the very, end sought to be attained by the law. A great deal
has been accomplished by propaganda already, and more is to be
gained by urging and teaching than by treating the careless or un-
fortunate as criminals.
DR. ARTHUR W. de ROALDES.
Obituary. 5
BOARD OF HEALTH OF NEW ORLEANS.
We have before ns the biennial report of the Board of Health
for the Parish of Orleans for 1916 and 1917. It makes interesting
reading, and one experiences a sense of gratification after looking
it over. The Board claims three conspicuous achievements for the
two years— a new low death rate; diminution of communicable dis-
eases ; the eradication of plague in rodents.
It might well have added one step forward, the opening of the
Isolation Hospital in December, 1916, equipped with the best safe-
guards and conveniences -of the day. Only smallpox cases were
received during 1917, but quite a number were treated, with the
percentage of recoveries given as 100. This perfect mark entitles
the Board, the Superintendent of Public Health, Dr. AY. H. Eobin,
and the attending physician of the hospital, Dr. J. G. Stulb, to the
warmest commendation.
OBITUARY
DR. DE ROALDES.
Arthur Washington de Roaldes, an esteemed collaborator of the
Journal for many years, a much -loved friend, died on June 12,
1918, aged over 69 years.
Born in Opelousas, La., he lived most of his life in Hew Orleans,
though he studied in Europe and had traveled extensively and
frequently. From the time of his graduation in medicine, his was
a most active and useful career. As early as during the Franco-
Prussian War of 1870 to ?71 he distinguished himself for bravery
under fire while serving with the Eed Cross, receiving later the Cross
of the Legion d’Honneur as a token thereof. In after years he was
promoted to a high rank in the order.
To enumerate all of the achievements of De Roaldes would be
a lengthy task and beyond our purpose. Yet, as his blindness during
the last twenty years of his existence gradually removed him from
the prominent position he occupied amid professional activities, it
is not amiss to recall some of the most notable.
As House Surgeon of the Charity Hospital in the days when that
officer had most of the surgical as well as executive duties on his
shoulders, with a comparatively small staff to assist him, he estab-
lished many improvements, and two, which did not bear fruit during
6
Original Articles .
his incumbency, were clue to his initiative — the inauguration of the
ambulance service and the introduction of trained nurses* in the
hospital.
After his connection with the Charity Hospital, he was the first
in the South to limit his practice to the ear, nose and throat, and
he soon founded the Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital, which
from the most modest beginnings became one of the most important
institutions of its kind in the world. This hospital was his creation ;
he watched over it, nurtured it, worked for it like for a beloved child.
It hears his impress, and he needs no other monument.
Why say more ? The above would be plenty for any life. He was
a good friend, an affectionate teacher, a real doctor, a useful citizen.
He had honors enough: valued member of special and general
medical societies, here and abroad, national and local; emeritus
professor of diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat in the Graduate
School of Medicine of Tulane University ; chief surgeon of the Eye,
Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital.
To his beloved and loving wife, whose devoted care made it pos-
sible for him to continue a fruitful existence long after the loss of
his sight, we must express our most deep and sincere sympathy.
ORIGINAL ARTICLES
(No paper published or to be published in any other medical joumil will be accepted
for this department. All papers must be in the hands of the Editors on the tenth day of
the month preceding that in which they are expected to appear. Reprints may be had at
reasonable rates if a WRITTEN order for the same accompany the paper.)
THRIFT AND WAR-SAVINGS STAMPS AND LIBERTY
BONDS.*
By MR. CHARLES JANVIER, New Orleans.
In the absence of Hon. P. H. Saunders, of New Orleans, who was to
have addressed the Society on this subject, Mr. Charles Janvier, of New
Orleans, was introduced and spoke as follows:
Mr. President , Members of the Louisiana State Medical Society ,
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Shall we continue to own ourselves, or shall we permit the German
Kaiser to own us ? There is no exaggeration in that question, and
the answer which must be returned must not be expressed in bom-
bastic phrase or in high-swelling periods. It must be returned in
^Delivered at the 39th Annual Meeting, Louisiana State Medical Society, New Orleans,
April 16, 17, 18, 1918.
Janvier — Thrift and War-Savings Stamps and Liberty Bonds. 7
deeds which shall speak for themselves with an eloquence far greater
than language can possess, and with a force which shall cause the
soul of the nation to be stirred to its profoundest depths and cross-
ing across the broad Atlantic shall strike terror into the craven soul
of the German despot as he crouches, monstrous and murderous,
upon his dishonored throne. (Applause.)
We know, ladies and gentlemen, the boys in khaki, and those in
blue, are going to do their duty unflinchingly and heroically, but
they must have behind them the united and determined people
which will cause them to hold their heads up higher, if they know
and feel that every fiber of American manhood tingles with the same
love of country and with the same resolution as nerves their courage
and animates their spirit.
The war in which we are engaged is not alone a war of nations ;
it is a life-and-death struggle between two great principles of gov-
ernment— autocracy on the one hand, with its imperious and bar-
baric maxim that “might makes right,” and democracy on the other,
with its guarantee of peace and good-will to all men, of freedom to
the individual and of independence to the State. Between these
two contending principles there can be no compromise. It must be
a fight to a finish, and in that fight must be enlisted not only the
heroism of those whom we have sent to the front, but the stern de-
termination of those who remain behind.
We are accustomed to say the boys at the front will do their bit.
Ladies and gentlemen, in what does that bit consist? It consists
in leaving home, in leaving their mothers and wives and sweethearts
and children and their jobs. It means leaving everything to take
part in the greatest game of chance the world has ever known : on
one side, life ; on the other, victory. When victory is earned, what
do they get, those who survive? The right and privilege to return
home and to begin life over again, while we who have been staying
at home all the time and enjoying the comforts of life have for-
gotten in a large measure the sacrifices that were made for us on
the other side.
I need not tell such an intelligent audience as this that there are
three things essential to the successful prosecution of the war —
men, money and material. Men we will have from the loins of the
people ; money must come from us, and, with this money, material
will be purchased. But bear in mind, ladies and gentlemen, the
government does not want money only for money; it wants money
8
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for what money will get, and we onght to be careful not only to
save onr money, but not to become competitors with the government
in using labor and material for our own selfish purpose that might
better be employed in furnishing equipment to the soldier at the
front. If this suit of clothes I have on strikes me as being a little
shabby, I ought to wear it longer and not get another suit, which I
do not urgently need, because in buying another suit I might de-
prive some soldier of the material that goes into it and deprive the
government of the labor necessary- to make it. (Applause.)
The United States Government has devised two ways through
which to raise money to prosecute this war. One is by taxation, and
the other by bond issue. Economists have not yet decided what
proportion of the expenditures should be borne by bond issues,
which transfers a portion of the debt to posterity and makes
posterity pay a part of the price we pay for liberty, the same
liberty they will have, and what proportion taxation should pay.
Some contend that it is 50-50, and others 40-60. But there is one
thing absolutely certain, on which both political economists and
business men will agree, and that is the United States Government
is going to get the money in one way or the other. If the people
will loan their money to the government, the government promises
to return the money at a stated period, and the United States Gov-
ernment has never failed to carry out a promise of that character.
"While the government is using that money the government promises
and will pay the highest rate of interest ever paid by the United
States Government since the Civil War. Kow, if we do not want
to lend money to the government, the government will take it from
us in the shape of taxation, and I do not suppose any man has ever
heard of any interest being paid upon taxes, or any government
returning taxes once paid to the government. Therefore, the
proposition is simple — if you do not voluntarily lend money to the
government, the government is going to get it, for we are going to
win this war. (Applause.) If it takes an army of five million or
ten million men, every resource this country possesses will be
used, and money will be spent in order that Old Glory be victorious
in the end. (Applause.) Hot only will we be victorious because
the heroism of pur soldiers and of the determination of our
people, but there is another reason, stronger, perhaps, than those
'.two, and that is, we have right upon our side, and right, liberty and
must eventually triumph, for upon the triumph of these
.
Janvier — Thrift and War-Savings Stamps and Liberty Bonds. 9
three great principles onr safety, onr happiness, our prosperity
absolutely depend.
Some one once said that it was not the genius of Wellington, nor
the gallantry of the allied armies, nor the timely arrival of Blucher
which made impossible the victory of Napoleon at Waterloo, but
the irrepressible operations of the unconquerable laws of justice
and liberty; and those same laws operate with more inherent force
to-day than in the time of Napoleon, and their operation may hasten
or delay victory according to the way in which the people do their
duty.
I have been asked to say something specifically to you on the
question of War Stamps and Thrift Stamps. I had supposed by
this, time this subject was very familiar to every man, woman and
child here. It is the most ingenious, the most generous proposition
ever submitted to a people in the way of investment by any govern-
ment.
There are three purposes to be borne in mind in connection with
Thrift Stamps. First, raising money for the government; second,
inculcating a spirit of thrift and the habit of saving among the
people ; and the third purpose is to bring every man, woman and
child into closer relationship with Uncle Sam or with the United
States Government. As for the second of these three purposes, our
great President said, when the campaign was launched, if this
country derived nothing more from this great war than the habit
of saving, it would be worth to the country more than all the money
and material expended in the war ; and I take it he is a good judge,
for he is sound, in my opinion, in pretty nearly everything he has
touched thus far. (Applause.)
These War Savings Stamps and Thrift Stamps can be purchased
almost everywhere. When I say we ought to lend our money to the
Government I do not mean that you should lend your loose change ;
I do not mean that you should lend that part of your surplus that
you have in a savings bank. You can easily do that. But I mean
that you must put that money in Savings Stamps and Liberty
Bonds. In addition to that, you should put money in it that you
have gathered through self-denial, because self-denial is the door
through which sacrifice enters, and until we have made sacrifices
we have not associated ourselves with this war in the way we should.
The men on the other side are making sacrifices, and I care not
what sacrifices any of us may make on this side of the water they
10
Oi'iginal Articles.
will in no way compare with the sacrifices that are being made by
the boys in the trenches and on the sea.
The War Stamps, the Thrift Stamps, yonr Liberty Bond was not
invented for any of ns to take refuge behind it. As Mr. McAdoo said
the other day, we do not want 25 cents from people that ought to
be $5 patriots, and $5 from people who can well afford $50. Ladies
and gentlemen, who shall be the arbiter ? I say conscience. Con-
science never makes a mistake. The man who follows his conscience
will never make a mistake. Let him invest in a Liberty Bond and
in War Savings Stamps; if he follows his conscience, and it tells
him to invest, he will have done his duty. Duty is the sublimest
word in the language. A sense of duty, said Daniel Webster,
pursues us ever. It is omnipresent, like the Deity.
When that illustrious American, whose character enriches the
annals of humanity and sheds imperishable luster upon the pages
of American history, Robert E. Lee, dismissed his half -starved and
tattered veterans who suffered every form of privation in upholding
the cause which they believed to be right, he told them that they
carried to their homes the satisfaction which proceeds from a con-
sciousness of duty well performed; that, in the eyes of the world,
they had covered themselves with glory which shall remain un-
dimmed and undiminished as long as human virtue and human
patriotism remain the basis of admiration and esteem; that their
greatest glory consisted in the fact that their able and venerated
commander had told them they had done their duty, and had done
it well. When conscience tells you that you have done your duty,
and have done it well, you are all right.
General Pershing, when he reached Paris, visited the grave of
Lafayette, it is said, and when he stood at that sainted spot he
bowed his head and whispered, “Lafayette, we are here.” It seems
to me, ladies and gentlemen, that the great American people should
stand in spirit beside the grave of George Washington, the great
father of this splendid Republic, and with bowed heads should send
to his illustrious shades this thrilling message, “George Washing-
ton, we are here. We are here in unity of spirit, with unflinching
determination of purpose to preserve this Republic which you and
your illustrious associates established for us. We are here to de-
fend and protect that legacy of freedom you bequeathed to us. We
are here to carry out the trusts committed to our hands. We
are here, George Washington, in the accomplishment of that great
and splendid purpose. We are here to pledge our lives and our
Dyer — The Medical Reserve Corps .
11
sacred honor.” And if the American people will stand at that
hallowed spot and in spirit make that pledge and live np to it,
liberty and justice will rnle the world. With onr spirits and with
the spirit of this great nation glorified by the lofty idealism of the
issues for which we are contending, and which have been so
eloquently expressed by onr great President in his vivid messages
to the American people, can it he possible that the least one among
ns who will prove recreant to his humblest duty and forfeit
his share in that glory which will come to all of us when our boys
come marching home, bearing triumphantly Old Glory crowned
with the laurel wreath of victory? (Applause.) I, for one, don’t
believe it. I have an abiding faith in the patriotism of my people,
which grows stronger and greater day by day, and becomes more
gripping as each eventful day passes along to take its eternal place
in the expanding landscape of the past.
Will you permit me to express a sentiment which I saw printed
in a newspaper the other day, and which I think ought to be the
feeling in every American breast ? :
“Here’s to the Blue of the wind-swept North,
When we meet on the fields of Prance.
May the spirit of Grant be with you all
As the Sons of the North advance!
“Here’s to the Gray of the sun-kissed South,
When we meet on the fields of France.
May the spirit of Lee be with you all
As the Sons of the South advance!
“Here’s to the Blue and the Gray as One,
When we meet on the fields of France.
May the spirit of God be with us all
As the Sons of the Flag advance!”
THE MEDICAL RESERVE CORPS*
By MAJOR ISADORE DYER, M. R. C., New Orleans.
Mr. President , Ladies and Gentlemen:
You have heard a most interesting and illuminating address from
the President. You have heard a most eloquent and inspiring ad-
dress by a gentleman (Mr. Janvier) whom I have heard a great
many times speak eloquently and well, but I have never heard him
speak in terms which have been more inspiring than in the message
* Read at the 39th Annual Meeting, Louisiana State Medical Society, New Orleans.
April 16, 17, 18, 1918.
12
Original Articles.
he has brought to us to-night. I refer to the two previous speakers
because I have no formal address. It was not intended that I should
have; I am merely to talk for a few minutes about the Medical
Reserve Corps.
To many of you there is no necessity for referring to the Medical
Reserve Corps, because you are familiar with what it means. To
some, the Medical Reserve Corps is not yet an open hook. This is
the first time that it has been my privilege to speak on this subject
to so many men of the Louisiana medical profession at one time.
I have had the opportunity of speaking to a few at a time ; I have
had the opportunity of speaking to most of those who have gone
from Louisiana to the front.
It is the desire of the Medical Reserve Corps Examining Board
to have a personal conversation with more men in Louisiana, to
invite them into the Corps, to recommend them for commissions.
An appeal has gone out from Washington in such a way that it has
been, in a large measure, the occasion for the visit of our distin-
guished guests this evening to bring to you the message of the need
for Medical Reserve Corps officers at this time and now.
Within the last forty-eight hours I have had a man say to me,
“When you need me, let me know.” We need you now ! The same
message goes to you who are not in the Medical Reserve Corps. We
ask that you get an application blank at the office:, or, if you live
out of town, we will send it to you, with instructions as to how you
may make your examination papers complete. We will fix the day
for examination that is convenient for both of us. These examina-
tions may be taken in the morning between half-past nine and eleven
o’clock in this building.
Prom the Surgeon General’s office, and from those of us who
represent the Medical Reserve Corps examining forces, the message
goes out that we need you now. Five thousand medical officers are
called for, and the State of Louisiana is expected to furnish nearly
200 more than she has already supplied, and she has supplied
already over 300. The message should be taken back by those of
you who go to the smaller country places. The bulletins sent out
by the Medical Section are sometimes read, sometimes not. The
message should go out that the Medical Reserve Corps needs re-
inforcements. The army has estimated that for every 1,000 recruits
there should be ten medical officers, and of these, seven should be
of the Reserve Corps. The regular Army Corps has now about 700
officers, with many vacancies to make up the 2,000 personnel. The
Dyer — The Medical Reserve Corps.
13
Medical Reserve Corps now has in actually commissioned officers
over 22,000; and in the service over 14,000. If we are to have a
Medical Reserve Corps, it should be a real Reserve Corps. In other
words, if the medical profession is to constitute itself a Reserve
Corps for service, there should he at least one man at home ready
for service for every one who goes into active service. If we have
now 22,000 men, we should have twice that number available.
There will be, at the end of this year, 2,000,000 soldiers; there
should be 20,000 doctors. If 20,000 doctors are needed, it will take
most of the Reserve Corps now commissioned. If we need 2,000,000
men more before another year, it will need 20,000 doctors more, who
should be in training, ready for service, hut who may go on with
their usual professional work at home until they are called.
The time has passed when there should be much distinction
between medical services of the government. I heard and read with
interest and pleasure the address delivered in Memphis, before the
Southern Medical Association, by Col. Noble, Executive Officer of
the Surgeon Generates office, in which he made the remark that
this war has put the burden of the Medical Department of the Army
upon the profession of the United States. That statement means a
great deal. A little body of men, of some 700, in the Regular Army,
is now a part of the medical service in which there are more than
20,000 men of the Medical Reserve Corps. Those 700 men, so far
as they could, have devoted a large amount of their time to the
training of the Medical Reserve Corps to make them efficient medical
officers. If any one has the privilege of visiting the training camps
to see what kind of men are made of the ordinary doctor, who
usually follows the routine of every-day life, adjusting his own en-
gagements, keeping them as he pleases, who is forced into the mili-
tary regime, where he eats and drills and goes to school at regular
hours, it is an inspiration. All that is comprised in the text which
has been given me to-night.
I have been asked to present a message to you, and do it in as
strong terms as I possibly can. Medical men who answer the call
of their conscience, who have not yet come into the Medical Reserve
Corps, should do so now, and not wait until somebody goes after
them with a pressing invitation.
When at the beginning, nearly a year ago, it was agitated that
conscription should be made a provision in order to swell the
Medical Reserve Corps to the proper proportions, your Medical
14
Original Articles.
Section went on record, in representing the policy of this State,
that conscription in Louisiana was not necessary. I believe that
the call which has been made to the profession has been well
answered. Lp to the present time we have gotten 14 per cent of
the profession of this State. Many members of the medical pro-
fession of this State have come in voluntarily, and I am optimistic
enough to believe that the additional quota required from Louisiana
can be readily accomplished.
THE MEDICAL PROFESSION AND THE GREAT WAR*
By COL. HENRY PAGE, M. C.,
Commanding Officer, Medical Officers’ Training Camp, Camp Greenleaf, Fort Oglethorpe, Ga.
In this great city, where the traditions of glorious France and
her sister, America, are united, one need not speak of liberty, nor
is it necessary to stimulate a patriotic flame that already burns so
fiercely.
For six months it has been my good fortune to have your Tulane
Unit, Base Hospital 24, under my command at Camp Greenleaf,
and it was from this privileged association, with splendid, noble
fellows, that I learned much of Hew Orleans, and had born within
me a desire to see this queen of cities which can send forth to war
such men. I am, therefore, happy to be with you, and to profit by
my association with you.
My address to-night is upon the medical profession and the great
war. It is intended to be an inventory, or stock-taking of the assets
and liabilities of the medical profession, so that we may, all of us,
better balance the ledger of our lives and know where, as a profes-
sion, we stand.
In a brief address it is not possible to deal with statistics, and I
shall not attempt to do so. On the other hand, I do not wish to
generalize too broadly, and I do not think I am doing so when I
express the belief that at this moment Germany would be master
of the world had not American food, ammunition and doctors been
sent to aid the Allies.
Comparison of vital necessities are futile, and one cannot state
that of all the gifts we made to the Allies the gift of our doctors is
the most valuable, but we can say that up to the beginning of 1918
. .. AeaA 39th Annual Meeting, Louisiana State Medical Society, New Orleans,
April lo, 17, 18, 1918.
Page— The Medical Profession and the Great War. 15
the value of America’s contribution of man-power was 95 per cent
medical.
In the months to come, American fighting troops in France will
be vastly increased, but the value of the doctor will be only relatively
diminished. Like the battle plane and the 16-inch cannon, the
doctor is a necessity, and the country, that fails to provide its army
with necessities shall perish. This fact has at last begun to be
realized in America, but we are almost criminally slow in recogniz-
ing the fact that the trained doctor — the doctor trained along mili-
tary lines — is a necessity. Some of you even yet fail to understand
that unless we give our doctors military training we will certainly
lose this war.
Fortunately for my argument, I have facts to present that will
prevent you from laughing at this statement and utterly repudiating
the proposition which, prior to 1914, I so many times advanced
with humiliating consequences^ TJhe British Medical Journal ,
quoting figures of the French Statistical Bureau (M. Bertillion in
charge), and from such German sources of information as were
obtainable, states that in August, 1914, the Germans were sending
back to the firing line about 90 per cent of the wounded that reached
hospitals. Now, if salvage of the wounded is a purely medical
proposition, the French, English and American doctors should have
been returning to the firing line about 90% per cent of their
wounded, because you will agree with me that English, French
and American doctors are vastly better surgeons than are the Ger-
man surgeons. I cannot tell you what the Ally statistics on this
subject were in August, 1914, but in November of that year, when
railroads were built to connect the firing lines with all the hospitals
in France and England, when America had sent its Criles, Brewers
and Hartes to give them aid, and when every condition conspired
to give the doctor his opportunity to make a brilliant record, the
French and English returned to their front only 23 per cent of
those who had reached their hospitals. In April, 1915, this figure
had jumped to 65 per cent, and it has been only within a short
period that our Allies have nearly approached the excellent record
that has given Germany a very decided advantage expressed in
terms of companies, battalions and divisions.
We can, therefore, count ignorance of the fact that a military
surgeon must be a soldier, as our first great liability ; but, on the
opposite side of the ledger, you can enter Camp Greenleaf as an
asset to military medicine, which makes the balance no longer
16
Original Articles.
formidable. At this camp the knowledge has taken root that even
the ward snrgeon in a base hospital mnst receive a military train-
ing; that, unless the least military of onr organizations are manned
by soldiers, we shall fail to get the team-work that results in
efficiency.- To paraphrase Lincoln’s famous epigram, “You cannot
have an army half military and half civilian,” and my message to
all of you is that to serve in any capacity in the army at 100 per
cent efficiency you must have military training.
The second liability of the medical profession has been expressed
in terms of personal losses and the disruption of medical schools.
The former we can dismiss in a few words. We are all in the
market to buy happiness — physical happiness, which is short-lived
and largely imaginary after the bread-line has been passed; and
contentment, which comes of knowledge of duty well done, which
is real and permanent. Like any other commodity, happiness must
be paid for to be appreciated. The boy who works and saves his
pennies gets more happiness out of his Ingersoll than the rich boy
gets out of his $100 gold watch; and for the same reason what you
get out of this war will be exactly what you put into it. It is a
glorious chance to make a good bargain, to purchase happiness
cheaply, and I hope every doctor in America will be pinched with
sacrifices, and more sacrifices, until he has laid up treasures that
all of the gold of Croesus could not buy. The liabilities in this war
will rest only with that rare bird of our profession who seeks in
this hour to feather his nest. “What profiteth a man to gain the
whole world if he loseth his own soul?” The medical pirate will
not only lose his own soul, his only chance for everlasting happiness,
but he will lose the world as well; for, with all the assurance of
positive conviction, I tell you that the men who sacrifice self in this
war shall be the owners of the earth and all that it contains.
The disruption of medical schools, at first sight, looks serious,
but the legislation now in force will preserve the output that will
be necessary to supply wastage in the army if the war continues
for several years. Temporarily the civilian population will not be
served as well as in times of peace, but this will be more than com-
pensated for by the fact that if this war lasts long enough the
medical profession will be of so much higher quality that the tem-
porary hardships will soon be forgotten.
Our Assets in This War.
This brings us to the end of our recital of liabilities, which are
in fact simply assets in disguise. Of our apparent assets we have
Page — The Medical Profession and the Great War.
17
too long a list to mention them all, bnt we can emphasize first the
fact that onr profession is the great volunteer profession of America.
It was the first to have a Reserve Corps, it filled np this Reserve
Corps without the pressure of the draft, and it is the most efficient
part of the United States Army. It promises to remain the most
efficient. With less to gain, with more to lose, with less thought
of self and with more regard for duty than any other profession,
this profession of ours has heard the call and it has responded. Is
this our asset for the profession ? I should say that for all time we
have gained happiness and honor.
The second great visible asset is the good, just referred to, that
will come to all who serve. I mean the professional advancement.
You do not yet realize that the Army Medical Service is a vast train-
ing school, where opportunity to become skilled in medicine knocks
at the door of every doctor. To many young men this is the only
chance they have ever had; to all others it is the best chance they
have ever had to learn their art. While this is true in every part
of the army, it is chiefly true of Camp Greenleaf, where not only
military art, but medical art as well, claims the best efforts of the
best teachers the country can afford. I refer to the Camp Greenleaf
schools.
It was my good fortune to start these schools at the camp — schools
of hygiene, internal medicine, surgery, orthopedics, laboratory and
X-ray schools — and it has been a revelation to me to see what can
be accomplished under intensive study conditions now in oper-
ation. What the future of these schools shall be is now in other
hands, but it is safe to say that the plan shall not fail, and all of us
must use our best efforts to see that such a force for good shall
receive our backing and our most loyal support. The plan con-
templates a great medical university at Camp Greenleaf — a unique
institution that shall serve during and after the war to give the
best post-graduate courses the world has ever known to an un-
limited number of our profession. Is this an asset? The most
confirmed pessimist must shout for joy when these facts become
known.
But all of these assets are but minor matters compared to the
great idea which is the logical sequence of all of these happenings.
Xeed I show you the goal toward which we tend?
Let us approach the idea from another angle : The medical pro-
fession is the most learned of all professions, and yet in the councils
of the nation it has no force — nay, it has barely a hearing. Labor is
18
Original Articles.
presumably the least learned of all classes, and yet it has a cabinet
minister and is the mightiest force of the nation — yes, even more
mighty than capital.
Why this difference? The answer is not that labor combines
criminally to force its wishes upon the rest of the world, while
medicine, in altruistic lethargy, is willing to let others work their
will. The true answer is that labor is exercising the sovereignty
vested in it when we abolished thrones from our midst, while medi-
cine has shirked its obligations and has allowed its sovereignty to
go by default. A doctor once said to me that he deemed it a strange
thing that a cabinet minister existed to see that hogs did not catch
cholera, while the diseases of mankind were handled by a subordi-
nate bureau. I asked him if he had voted at the last election, if he
belonged to the A. M. A., if he was an advocate of a National Board
of Medical Examiners, and to each question he answered “No.”
I told him to go his way and to marvel not henceforth.
In a democracy, sovereignty is vested in the individual.- Each
individual, according to his brains and his personality, is the center
of a sphere of influence. The sphere is large when the individual, by
study and industry, makes it large, and it is small when he is ignorant
and non-social. As the government supplies education, it likewise
demands service in return. Each educated man, therefore, has an
added responsibility thrust upon him to maintain — i. e., he not only
has his individual obligation to exercise sovereignty, but also he
assumes an obligation to exercise an influence upon others in their
individual exercise of sovereign rights. In other words, sovereignty
is vested in every man, but democracy depends upon the educated
man to guide those who look to him for precept and example.
With groups, as with individuals, democracy likewise demands
the assumption of sovereign acts. Groups are collections of special-
ized individuals, and thus it is that unless medicine unites to de-
mand statutes that it in its wisdom deems necessary for the public
good it is in the position of a cabinet minister that sits silent and
draws his pay without rendering a quid pro quo. Democracy in
America will be a farce unless the profession of medicine and all
other classes unite, as labor has rightly and democratically done, in
the exercise of their sovereignty. In a democracy, the guardian of
the public health is the medical profession, and if the medical pro-
fession has no representative to speak for it, or if it does not speak
for itself,, it is but right and proper that special laws relating to the
public health, and even to the profession itself, should be made by
Simpson — M. R. C. and Medical Military Activities.
19
other classes who have exercised their sovereignty and have earned
the right to speak for those that have not.
If all classes did as medicine has done, democracy would be dead
and imperialism wonld triumph. If all do as labor has done, de-
mocracy will triumph, and all kings will perish from the face of
the earth.
We can now answer our question and cry aloud that, actuated by
the sight of the horrible crimes of imperialism, united in service
as we could never before unite upon any common ground, we, the
profession of medicine in America, have found ourselves, have found
a new meaning in the word liberty, are at last about to take up our
sovereign rights to serve America and humanity.
Gentlemen, I believe that the big asset of this war is that medi-
cine shall unite, and thus convert its potentiality for good into a
reality, and I believe it is through the Medical Reserve Corps and
the Volunteer Service Corps that this shall he accomplished. Our
motto will be “I served and, as our opportunity to serve is infinite,
so will our results he infinite. Being the greatest learned profession,
we ought to have the greatest influence in America. Being the great
humane profession, this influence should be the best influence in
America. I ask you to take these ideas home with you and ponder
deeply upon them. If we earnestly desire to do this great work we
must make the Regular Medical Corps, the Reserve Corps and the
profession at large one and the same thing. All who are eligible
must join the Reserve and place themselves in the hands of the
Medical Department ; and this medical profession, united on the one
common ground of “service,” will then enjoy its birthright.
Optimist that I am, I therefore see no liabilities. Assets we have
in plenty, and let us see to it that we shall not hide our talents in
a napkin.
MEDICAL RESERVE CORPS AND MEDICAL MILITARY
ACTIVITIES.*
By MAJOR FRANK SIMPSON, M. R. C.,
Chief Medical Section, Council of National Defense, Washington, D. C.
Mr. President , Ladies and Gentlemen:
My message is brief. I call upon all who hear it to carry it to
the remotest corner of this State. At present Louisiana has con-
tributed liberally to the service of the nation in its medical activity.
Existing conditions require that in the next few weeks this State
* Read at the 39th Annual Meeting, Louisiana State Medical Society, New Orleans,
April 16, 17, 18, 1918.
20
Original Articles.
must make another liberal contribution — about 175 medical officers
to the army and about twenty -five to the navy.
You have followed current events with the keenest of interest.
You know of the shameless deception of the Germans in trying to
destroy the morale of the Italian Army. You know of the repeated
rumors of peace, designed for the purpose of preventing the speedy
transformation of this nation, and especially of its industries, from
a peace to a war footing. You know of the rumors of dissension in
the German Army, of mutiny in her navy, of starvation riots and
of dissension among her people, all circulated for the express pur-
pose of causing us to underestimate the strength of the enemy. The
lie has been given to those rumors by the hordes of Huns that have
been thrown against the Western front. You have seen the master-
ful effort that is being made by our war-weary Allies ; you have
heard and have not doubted the words of Premier Lloyd George, of
England. It is impossible to exaggerate the importance of getting
reinforcements from across the Atlantic in the shortest possible space
of time. Your hearts have been gladdened by the statement that
the President himself gave orders to the effect that all else must he
subordinated to the one task of getting American soldiers to France.
With bated breath we are now watching the wavering lines in
France. Your hearts are filled with admiration and with gratitude
for those brave men who for four years have checked the mad onrush
of the Huns ; but many of us have not realized our full significance
or individual responsibility in this crisis until the terrible drive now
in progress forced from the lips of Sir Douglas Haig that tragic
appeal :
“Words fail me to express the admiration which I feel for the
splendid assistance offered by all countries to our army in the midst
of these trying circumstances. Many of us now are tired after four
years. To those I would say that victory will belong to the side
which holds out the longest. The French Army is moving rapidly
and in great force to our support. Again, with our backs to the
wall and believing in the justice of our cause, each one of us must
fight to the end. The safety of our homes and the freedom of man-
kind depend alike upon the conduct of each one of us at this critical
moment.”
What does that mean to the medical profession of Louisiana?
It means that if you do your part in this terrible crisis your
State will in the next few weeks send 200 additional officers
Simpson — M. R. C. and Medical Military Activities. 21
to the army and to the navy of the nation — 175 to the army
and twenty-five to the navy. You naturally ask, what is to
be done with so many doctors? You recall that a few months
ago, before a committee of the Senate, the Secretary of War
. made the statement that before the close of this year 1,500,000
would be in Europe. Prudence of the most primitive type dictates
that in this crisis for every soldier that is sent to the front at least
one, certainly two, probably three or more men must enter training
if we are to have adequate protection for this nation. Who among
you can bring himself to believe that this great nation, in the
greatest struggle of the world’s history, could be so short-sighted as
to make such meager protection ? and yet that means, if we replace
one soldier by a new recruit, three million under arms before the
first of next January. The lowest possible estimate of medical men
requires 7,000 doctors to a million of men, so that it would mean
21,000 doctors for our army. Of the 22,000 who have volunteered,
there are available to-day approximately 18,000, net deficit of 3,000
existing at this time. But that is not all. Our Allies need medical
officers. We must come to their support. That is not all. In order
to be sure that we may find the right man for all emergencies, and
put him in the right place at the right time, it is essential that the
Surgeon General should have a good margin, a good surplus, from
which to select those men. It is just as necessary for the Medical
Department of an army to have a reserve surplus as it is for a bank
to have a surplus of dollars. You all know what would happen to
-the banks of New Orleans if at the close of business to-morrow the
.cash reserve were perilously low or if the vaults were empty. The
Surgeon General’s vaults of precious men must never be empty.
The Surgeon General has called for 5,000 men to meet immediate
needs. It is clear to men of vision that, before the close of this
year, we must have at least 10,000 more doctors. The navy to-day
needs 1,000. Your task is, therefore, to help us raise that number
within the next few months. So you see, you have a real task, one
that is to tax your,, ingenuity — the strength of not one member of
the medical profession, not of two members, but of all loyal, patriotic
men, and to that kind of men I know I am now speaking.
In closing, I would ask that each one of you take this brief
message to heart, always remembering that when in the future your
wives, your children, your friends, your neighbors, your patients
ask what part you have played in this great crisis of the world, the
22
Original Articles.
accusing conscience will always place the burden of responsibility
upon the man who stays at home. I feel very sure that this State
will do what it has always done— meet its full responsibility, and
that within a brief period we shall have the full quota from Lou-
isiana. (Applause.)
THE BASS-WATKINS AGGLUTINATION TEST FOR
TYPHOID*
By FOSTER M. JOHNS, M. D.,
Assistant Professor, Laboratory of Clinical Medicine, Tulane University,
New Orleans, La.
In an article entitled “A Quick Macroscopic Typhoid Agglutin-
ation Test,” by Drs. C. C. Bass and John A. Watkins, in the
Archives of Internal Medicine for September, 1910, an agglutin-
ation test for typhoid was brought forward as a practical method
of securing the information furnished by the classical Widal re-
action, a test that ' requires a knowledge and the equipment of a
laboratory.
This reaction was simply a development of the observation that,
within certain wide limits, the more concentrated the suspension
of bacteria, the more rapidly agglutination takes place in the pres-
ence of a given amount of agglutinin. In the finished test not only
was the time factor greatly reduced, but with the heavy suspensions
of bacteria used the resulting agglutination was rendered easily
visible to the naked eye, which at once obviated the microscope and
considerably improved upon the more or less dilute contemporaneous
macroscopic tests then in use, which, in addition, required many
hours in their performance.
In the eight years that have elapsed since the publication of this
article this reaction has constantly grown in favor among the
clinicians of the South, in spite of many improper lots of reagent
supplied by private laboratories, my own included, as well as the
various biological houses. During this time the test has been in
constant use in the laboratories of clinical medicine with which I
am connected, and it is with the belief that this reaction offers an
easier, quicker and even more accurate reaction to not only the
clinicians, but the trained laboratory worker as well, that I have
prepared this discussion of a now well-known test. During this
* Read at the 39th Annual Meeting, Louisiana State Medical Society, New Orleans,
April 16, 17, 18, 1918.
Johns — The Bass-Watkins Agglutination Test for Typhoid. 23
time the few faults in technic and production brought out by con-
tinual use have been met and overcome, with 'the exception of a
technic that will insure the uniform production of a stock suspen-
sion of typhoid bacilli that will keep well under the ordinary con-
ditions of usage; With the aid and cooperation of Dr. Bass, I have
been able to evolve a formula that has answered every requirement
for over a year, and I will take this opportunity to briefly outline
the reason and manner of the change in method of preparing the
stock Bass-Watkins suspension.
As described in detail in the original article, the technic is de-
signed to meet the exact requirements of the classical Widal in a
serum dilution of 1 to 100, with the exception that the organisms
are definitely spaced to where they are immediately sensitive to the
collective forces of surface tension, when these are initiated by the
addition of the agglutinating serum instead of depending on the
many varied factors of motility, reaction, strain and concentration
of the broth culture in the classical test.
That the reaction is founded on correct principles and, when
properly performed, will check to the last detail with the classical
test when it is properly performed, is a definitely established fact
and needs no further attention here, beyond the statement that in
student and private work in our laboratories are the records of now
many thousands of parallel reactions using both the Bass-Watkins
and the original Widal methods.
The material required in the test are a few microscope slides,
blood sticker, medicine dropper, toothpick and a stock of suspen-
sion of typhoid bacilli, this latter consisting of 10,000 million
typhoid bacilli per c. c. in 1.7 per cent salt solution and preserved
with 1 per cent formalin.
In making the reaction we add one drop of water to a smear con-
sisting of one-quarter drop of blood; dissolve the blood by stirring
with a match or toothpick. Add one drop of Bass-Watkins suspen-
sion and then gently agitate the slide for one minute, watching for
the appearance of a meal-like sediment of agglutinated organisms
in the positive reaction. In the case of a negative reaction the
suspension on the slide remains uniformly turbid.
As simple as the technic sounds, there is often considerable
difficulty in doing a simple thing. Taking up the test step by step,
I will endeavor to point out the places where error may creep in.
To begin with, an absolutely clean slide, freshly washed with soap
and water to remove the grease and dust, must be used. Now, we
24
Original Articles.
require one-quarter of a drop of blood on the center of the slide.
This is a quantity almost impossible to describe to one not ac-
customed to the routine making of proper blood smears, but prac-
tically it is easily approximated. Squeeze a quantity of blood out
of a puncture on the finger or ear lobe that will not quite drop off,
and then barely touch the slide to it. The quantity adhering to the
slide will vary from one-quarter up to one-half of one drop. In
either instance, for practical purposes, the end result will not be
influenced, as it is commonly estimated that in the presence of the
usual positive Widal there are several hundred more units of
agglutinin present than is needed in the actual agglutination of the
organisms. The actual dilution of the organisms will not be dis-
turbed by either of the quantities of blood, as the blood is then
spread roughly over the middle third of the slide and allowed to dry.
Now, one drop of plain water is added. Drops can vary enor-
mously in size, and while, if the proportions in the test were carried
out to suit, no harm would ensue, still, for working purposes, we
need a full-sized drop. In this instance the standard drop is meas-
ured by preferably using the ordinary medicine dropper held almost
parallel to the table, so that the drop collects on the side of the
elongated glass tip of the dropper.
In dissolving the blood the water should be carefully spread,
taking care not to scrape up the blood-cell stroma that will adhere
to the slide if the specimen is over a few hours old.
Now, shake the bottle of suspension well and add one full-size
drop of suspension to the diluted blood. The slide is now slowly
tilted (so as not to break up the clumps as they form) backward
and forward and from side to side for a few seconds to thoroughly
mix the suspension and water on the slide, and then is viewed by
indirect light — i, e., toward the window, with the window sill or
crown as the background. Continue rocking the slide and observe
the gradual formation of the small white granules of agglutinated
bacilli as they now begin to form. The earliest agglutination is seen
around the edge of the dilution, and are seen best as they are gath-
ered up on an advancing wave as the angle of the slide is varied.
Agglutination is always complete in one minute, and no attention
should be paid to the formation of clumps after drying of the edges
has begun, as this is simple conglomeration and not specific aggluti-
nation. Varying degrees of agglutination will be noted— depend-
ing on the concentration of agglutinin in the blood of the patient.
The formation and collection of these protective substances in the
Johns — The Bass-Watkins Agglutination Test for Typhoid. 25
blood only begins with the onset of symptoms in the patient — and
is only present in demonstrable quantities in the usual case by the
end of the second week. A negative reaction counts for very little
early in the case, but gradually assumes importance as the days
pass. Weakly positive (or doubtful negative) reactions should be
repeated from day to day. A positive reaction must be interpreted
in the light of the present symptoms, discounting the history of
antityphoid vaccination or previous typhoid. The agglutinins
are usually lost several months after an attack of typhoid (or vac-
cination), but may persist in a few individuals for many years.
Make it a fixed rule to make a known negative control reaction
at the time each test is made. This is a requisite in all laboratory
reactions, and is the only way an error in technic or suspension can
be kept constantly checked up.
As mentioned previously, in the past we have occasionally noted
a variation in the keeping quality of the suspension prepared as
closely to the original formula as possible. Many of the suspensions
on the market, as prepared by the various biological houses, were
found to have deteriorated. Some vials react perfectly, after now
eight years of preservation, while other would not keep more than
several weeks. All of the suspensions made up in our laboratory,
when not reacting properly, always gave the error on the positive
side of the reaction. In other words, non-specific positive agglutin-
ation. It has long been known that suspensions of bacteria would
be agglutinated by acids or alkalies, and that this action was ex-
erted in varying degree on different strains of the same variety of
organisms. Indeed, strains of typhoid bacilli may be found, or even
produced, that do not yield specific agglutinations as well as others,
such as the famous Russell strain for vaccine use, that agglutinates
to a considerable extent non-specifically with the sera of many
normal individuals.
After considerable experimentation, which embraced the or-
ganism, culture media, diluent and preservative, I have found that
a suspension that is made up practically neutral in reaction will
keep perfectly. This includes the elimination of the sodium chloride,
which becomes dissociated in solution, and even though present in
minute quantities, exerts a deleterious effect on some strains of
organisms when acting over a long period of time.
Briefly, a fairly recent strain of B. typhosus suitable for Widal
purposes, and that gives a good heavy growth, is selected. This is
26
Original Articles.
inoculated by broth cultures on to Roux flasks containing a surface
of ordinary laboratory agar-agar, with the sole requirement that it
be fairly dry. After several minutes the broth is poured off, the
flasks inverted and incubated for forty-eight to seventy-two hours
at 37° C. The organisms are then washed off with a minimum of
1 per cent formalin (Merck) in water.
The washings containing the organisms are then poured through
a thin layer of cotton to separate any course sediment, and are then
placed in large, wide jars, not over six inches deep. (Small quan-
tities may be centrifuged.) In about a week the organisms have
settled to a layer approximately one inch deep— the supernatant
fluid is then carefully decanted, the bacterial sediment counted,
and made up of 10,000 million per c. c. with 1 per cent formalin. '
This amounts to the preparation of washed typhoid bacilli in 1
per cent formalin. The absence of the salt in no way has interfered
Witi the proper reacting of the organisms, whereas 17 per cent
sodium chloride will cause the iso-agglutination of many strains of
typhoid bacilli.
Discussion on the Paper of Dr. Johns.
vantage because of thl fait Th OTganiSm ^ haS a decided ad
nating^ue’s “irwith te :igaJs,:re “ "° P°SSibl<J Ch“Ce °f C°“tami-
“creso1 or
rsrss1 r.s srs
was^sf b?ou“ut’ “f™ beea this test since it
bility and simplLty T T appealed me on account of its practiea-
a very small lfttle Lv T ! Camed to the Patient’s bedside. It is
= sir iSr-xr rz 3 ;s
» “Swiij.TS.'tr1' *» “> »»
- - ss? ssir: ssss
Johns — The Bass-Watkins Agglutination Test for Typhoid. 27
solution, and I have used it many times, and it is a great help in diagnosing
cases of typhoid fever.
I wish to express my thanks, and believe it is a very simple and prac-
tical method by which we can get at the true nature of the disease.
Dr. Frank H. Walke, Shreveport: I would like to ask Dr. Johns what
part the paratyphoid stain played in this particular test? I might say,
in listening to Dr. Johns7 paper, the test has appealed to me on account
of its simplicity, and also on account of the fact there is much less of
the culture of typhoid on hand, transferring the live cultures, and the
method appeals to me very much. I would like to know, however, what
part the paratyphoid stain has played in this particular test.
Dr. Foster M. Johns, New Orleans (closing) : In line with what Dr.
Duval has said, I will say that six or eight months ago a ruling came out
from the War Department requesting each laboratory to keep cultures
under lock and key. The demand for the Bass-Watkins test has been so
great that the laboratories have been swamped to fill the orders. We
have not been able to keep up the cultures. The test fills a want during
war-time.
As regards tricresol as a preservative, we have not tried it, for the
simple reason that formalin has answered all purposes, and, as the blood
is kept in this bottle and allowed to stay, it can be kept perfectly for
any length of time. It is a question of how well the bottle is stoppered
and how to keep from contaminating the growth. If the stopper is left
out, there is evaporation, and the contamination destroys and autolyses
the organism.
We have not tried tricresol. It is much better in vaccine work than
anything else, and possibly it would be worth while.
I think Dr. Hamner has the right idea, only I believe in the last few
years the Widal or any of the agglutination tests are simply confirmatory
reactions — they are not diagnostic. Typhoid fever should be diagnosed
within the first three or four days with a blood count. That is scientific
medicine, and we can practice scientific medicine. The next thing is to
rule out malaria with . a low leukocyte count and call it typhoid fever.
Along about the third week you get anxious and want a confirmatory
test, and that is the time when the Widal or the Bass-Watkins test can
be used.
As regards paratyphoid cultures, they constitute organisms whose
pathogenicity varies from the typhoid bacilli on down to an enteritis or
organisms of the colon group. We isolate and keep on tap two different
strains — one paratyphoid A and another paratyphoid B — and the agglutin-
ation is specific for paratyphoid A and B types. My experience with
paratyphoid is that it constitutes less than 3 or 4 per cent of the cases,
and for practical purposes I keep a suspension of paratyphoid A and
paratyphoid B for my own use, so that we rule out typhoid, and that is
sufficient.
28
Original Articles.
TREATMENT OF ECLAMPSIA.*
By HILLIARD E. MILLER, M. D., New Orleans, La.
There have been few problems in the medical category which have
caused as much speculation and been the stimulus for a more earnest
campaign of research than the toxemias of pregnancy, or the so-
called preeclamptic state. Yet, from the time of Hippocrates, all
of the theorizing, laboratory and experimental data haye amounted
to practically nil, so far as elucidating the underlying factors of
causation or furnishing any clue as to what would be the most
promising method of treatment to he adopted.
As a result of confusing and conflicting statistical reports from
the various large maternity hospitals, there has naturally been a
division of thought among members of the profession, which division
has evolved two opposing factions, namely: the advocates of radical
treatment and those who still claim good results from palliative
measures. The advocates of each method have waged a campaign
pro and con, with no other results than that at the cessation of
hostilities each one was still impassioned with his own prejudiced
ideas and unable to see any reason why they should be different.
One will see from the beginning that he must ally himself either
with the radicals or conservatives, for there can be no individualiza-
tion of cases, nor is there any particular feature in a given case
which will designate whether the uterus is to he hurriedly emptied
or whether one can afford to procrastinate with symptomatic treat-
ment and allow nature to free the mother of this vicious poison.
Whatever method we choose, it must be directed toward conserv-
ing the vitality of the mother in eliminating, as far as possible, the
development of shock. The child should not incur a great deal of
consideration, as many of them are as much as a month or month
and a half premature, and live only a few hours after delivery.
Some die during the initial convulsion, while only a few survive the
storm, and a large percentage of them succumb during the first few
days as a result of trauma sustained through the method of delivery,
or from remote effects of the profound toxemia.
The essential factor, and the one which offers the most effective
means of dealing with this dreaded condition, is the early recognition
and proper interpretation of the initial symptoms and the institu-
tion of a vigorous treatment to abort the dire consequences which
April* 16^1 7 ai8th1918th Annual Meeting’ Louisiana State Medical Society, New Orleans,
Miller — Treatment of Eclampsia.
29
result through neglect. The fully developed case of eclampsia is
either due to gross negligence or ignorance on the part of the at-
tending obstetrician, or else a failure of the patient to appreciate
the significance of signs and symptoms which her doctor has warned
her of as portending trouble.
The history of all preeclamptics is essentially the same, namely:
headaches, spots before the eyes, epigastric pain, muscular twitch-
ings, occasional slight mental unbalance, dizziness, ringing in the
ears, etc., also a rise in blood pressure from 140 to 250 m. m., find-
ing of albumen and hyaline and granular casts, low urea percentage
and diminished output. These prodromata may be present from a
few days to four or five weeks before the actual occurrence of con-
vulsions, and all serve to point to a kidney or liver involvement of
varying intensity. Of all the signs of impending trouble, the blood
pressure recordings are probably the most reliable and constant, for
many cases develop convulsions where the urinary findings have
been repeatedly negative even for a few hours prior to onset of
attack.
These symptoms should be seriously heeded, and at once a vigorous
eliminative treatment instituted as a prophylaxis. This, however,
is only empyric,' since we do not know the real causal factors; yet in
a large percentage of cases the symptoms subside and the patient
goes to full term without a great deal of discomfort.
The object of the eliminative treatment is to relieve as far as
possible the extra burden thrown on the kidneys, and consists of hot
packs every twelve hours, colon irrigations, three to four gallons of
a 2 per cent sodium bicarbonate and glucose solution every eight
hours. The diet should be limited to milk entirely, two to four
quarts daily.
If the patient is restless and irritable, morphia, gr. to be re-
peated as often as is necessary, or chloral, gr. 30, sodium bromide,
gr. 40, by bowel, will usually quiet the patient and procure a few
hours’ restful sleep.
The old practice of bleeding to lower blood pressure is, I believe,
a pernicious one, and should be practiced only in cases developing
postpartum convulsions. A few minutes after a sufficient quantity
of blood is withdrawn to lower the blood pressure appreciably, con-
ditions may arise necessitating a rapid emptying of the uterus, with
a consequent loss of a great deal of blood ; the two combined may be
quite enough to precipitate a pronounced state of shock or immediate
death.
30
Original Articles.
If the eliminative form of treatment is to b.e effective, improve-
ment will manifest itself within the first forty-eight or seventy-two
hours by an abatement in symptoms, rise in urea, percentage, lower-
ing of blood pressure, etc.
Should these symptoms persist over a period of four or five days,
however, we have trusted the palilative measures as far as we should
dare, and immediate measures should be made to evacuate the uterus
as rapidly as possible.
Many authorities, however, continue to treat the patient symp-
tomatically, even after convulsions appear, attempting to abate and
lessen the immediate and remote effects of the convulsive seizures
with large doses of morphia. The morphia, to be effective, must be
given in very large and oft-repeated doses — enough, according to its
advocates, to bring the respirations down to eight or ten per minute.
This, to my mind, is not only adding an extra toxin, but borders on
to fatal morphin poisoning.
We know only one thing certain about eclampsia, and that is that
only the products of conception are capable of producing such a state
of toxemia, hence it would seem logical to remove this cause by the
quickest possible route as soon as conditions arise which place the
mother’s life in jeopardy. The mode of rapid delivery, however
depends on several conditions— first, the period of pregnancy’
second, the state of the cervix; third, complications, as contracted
pelvis, placenta previa, etc.
As to the first mentioned, if the convulsions appear before viabil-
i .y o the child is established, it is only necessary to procure suf-
ficient dilatation of cervix to do craniotomy and extraction
It the cervix is fully dilated, and the head is engaged, apply
forceps and deliver. If the head is still floating above the brim,
version and breech extraction is the best maneuver. If the cervix
is only partially effaced, manual dilatation with fingers or Diihrs-
sen s incisions, followed by forceps delivery or version, depending
on conditions aforementioned. F 8
If the cervix is large and hard, with no dilation, and the pelvis
ai tonur of deliveryj ™ginai °esarean se°-
’ If there should be a contracted pelvis, or a placenta
33SSS* the 1>ic‘ure- » f.
una ely with the onset of convulsions, labor usually begins
and in a small percentage of cases the severe convulsive seizures
apidly dilate and efface the cervix and effect a precipitate labor.
Discussion.
31
Ether is to be the choice of an anesthetic, bnt as little as is pos-
sible is to be given.
The post-partial care of these patients demands as much con-
sideration as any stage of the treatment, as it is not uncommon for
them to be so saturated with the offending toxin as to develop
eclampsia after the nterns is emptied. Hence, the same drastic
eliminative methods outlined before should be carried out until the
symptoms subside, blood pressure drops and urine is negative for
albumen.
It is the duty also of the obstetrician to ascertain subsequently
the amount of damage done to the kidneys and to advise strongly
against any future pregnancy in case a true state of chronic nephritis
exists.
Discussion on the Paper of Dr. Miller.
Dr. T. B. Sellers, New Orleans: I have listened to the careful and
instructive paper on eclampsia, which is a subject of. vital importance to
every practitioner. The point we are most interested in is prevention.
I had the privilege three years ago of serving on Dr. Allan Eustis’
staff, who is a strong believer in not only testing the urine for albumen
and sugar, but also for indican and urobilinogen. I feel that if you find
indican and urobilinogen, as he stated yesterday in his paper, in the urine,
it is an index that the liver is not functioning. We know that the primary
cause of eclampsia is a central necrosis of the liver, and the albuminuria
is only a secondary manifestation late in the development of the disease.
If this is true, and it is needless to say that I believe in it, thanks to Dr.
Eustis for impressing this on me, we have to solve the great problem in
preventing eclampsia. In my limited experience we cannot foretell the
outcome of eclampsia, and it is well to put these cases on a strict carbo-
hydrate diet, forced liquids, purgation, and so on. In many of these
cases the eclampsia comes on like a bolt out of a clear sky, with convul-
sion as a first instance. Another class of cases are those that come on
with albuminuria several days ahead. You test the urine and find al-
buminuria. Those cases you put on a carbohydrate diet. In those cases
that come to us like a bolt out of a clear sky, if we can obviate the de-
velopment of the convulsions it is a point worthy of consideration.
As to the mode of delivery, I feel that depends a great deal upon the
locality. If you are in the country, Cesarean section is almost impossible.
If you are in a city, where you have the advantage of hospitals and
nurses, no doubt the surgeon prefers to do Cesarean section, the vaginal
route being preferable in cases where the pelvic measurements will
permit; but you have another class of cases in the country in which it is
almost impossible to do anything but delivery in the natural way. In
those cases where you are handicapped, obstetricians throughout the East,
most of them, are heartily' in favor of large doses of morphia and of
resorting to conservative treatment almost exclusively. While I was in
the East I found most of them recommending conservative treatment.
When a case began to do badly, they took the woman and delivered her
and used morphia in combination.
32
Original Articles.
Another point is this: There are a large number of cases of eclampsia
that come into the hospitals just after a large meal, and the thing we do
not want to forget is to eliminate the meal from the stomach as quickly
as possible and get in our diuretics and purgation and so on.
Dr. P. B. Salatich, New Orleans: Eclampsia can come on as early as
the third month (Zweifel), but it is generally met with during the second
half of pregnancy, and most frequently nearer the end. It occurs about
once in one hundred pregnancies. It occurs about 55 per cent during the
later months of pregnancy, 30 per cent during labor and least frequently
after delivery, about 15 per cent.
Convulsions may come on without symptom-s, but usually the following
symptoms are noted: vertigo, persistent headache, precordial distress,
epigastric pains, disturbed vision or total blindness; sometimes only spots
before the eyes, and general edema.
Systematic examination of the urine not only for albumin and casts,
but also for urea, and the amount of urine passed in twenty-four hours,
and the total amount of urea. This is more important than casts or
albumin, for they may be present or absent. High blood pressure persist-
ing, should always be regarded as a dangerous sign.
The treatment may be considered under three heads: 1, Prophylactic;
2, medicinal, and (3) surgical.
1. Prophylactic. — The preventive measures during pregnancy are of
paramount importance. Strict attention must be given to the various
hygienic measures, such as the free use of water. Every pregnant woman
should be watched by a physician or, if unable, at a hospital dispensary.
They should bathe regularly in tepid water. Regular exercise in the open
air, preferably walking and riding. The diet should be principally fruit
and vegetables, with restriction of the nitrogenous food, especially during
the later months. Take especially milk if albumin appears in the urine.
Laxative mineral water should be taken to keep the bowels regulated.
Be sure to make the total estimation of urea in a twenty-four-hour
specimen. Alkaline drinks, such as sodium bicarbonate in hyperacidity,
are very beneficial.
2. — Medicinal. — Large amounts of water and the intravenous injection
of normal saline are highly recommended. Venesection and the introduc-
tion of saline into the skin can be used not only in the plethoric, but also
in weak patients. The salt solution is quickly absorbed and takes the
place of the blood removed. If venesection is performed before the child
is delivered the saline should be introduced simultaneously, or the slow-
ing of the circulation of the uterine sinuses will kill the fetus. When the
convulsions come on, calomel in two or three-grain doses or two minims
of croton oil in half-ounce olive oil should be given. High enema, consist-
ing of glycerin one-half ounce, Epsom salts three ounces to six ounces,
saline. When the bowels are opened give forty grains of sodii bromide
and fifteen grains chloral hydrate in six ounces of saline by rectum. The
bromide without the chloral may be repeated in three hours. Hot pack
should be prescribed for twenty minutes; ice cap to the head and water
by mouth freely during pack, if patient can swallow, otherwise Murphy
drip of saline. Fifteen minims of Norwood’s tincture of veratrum viride
by hypo should be given, and repeated every hour in decreasing doses
until the blood pressure and pulse fall. Morphin, one-third grain, should
be given at the onset of the convulsion, and repeated in one hour if the
convulsions continue.
3. Surgical. — When the above measures have been used and failed, and
the convulsions continue to recur at more frequent intervals, the uterus
Discussion.
33
should be emptied. This can be done in several ways. If the case is not
urgent or surgical means not possible, the introduction of a rubber
catheter into the uterus and packing the cervical and vaginal canals are
indicated. A hydrostatic bag can be introduced into the uterus and
cervix dilated with water. This is a quicker means than the catheter.
The cervix will generally have to be dilated before. The cervix is soft
and yields, as a rule. If the blood pressure is high, rupturing the mem-
brane often relieves it, and the case can continue on. If the cervix is
rigid or unyielding, as in primipara — and five out of six eclampsias occur
in primipara — then we resort to multiple incisions in the cervix or do
vaginal hysterotomy. Williams prefers vaginal hysterotomy where there
is no disproportion or pelvic contractions. In an institution, abdominal
Cesarean section is the least injurious, especially in a primipara. I
always prefer it, for I do not know of anything in surgery that is harder
than a vaginal Cesarean section and high forceps in a primipara. After
delivery the course outlined under the medicinal treatment should be
followed if convulsions continue. Basham’s mixture, 3i to 3iv, to clear
up the remaining kidney involvement, acts very well.
Dr. J. A. Hendrick, Shreveport: We must use local anesthesia in these
conditions. I have had cases that have done beautifully under local
anesthesia. I find that under ether anesthesia you have a greater increase
of toxemia than from local anesthesia. In these cases I am in favor of
abdominal Cesarean section instead of vaginal Cecarean section on ac-
count of traumatism.
Dr. I. J. Newton, Monroe: I do not care to discuss but one phase of
this most excellent paper, and that is, after the obstetrician has reached
that stage of attendance upon the case where he feels that immediate
emptying of the uterus is necessary, his judgment should obtain, and I
would advocate abdominal Cesarean section as preferable to all other
methods of emptying the uterus, when necessary, after the eliminative
and dietetic and other measures have ceased to be of avail. The Cesarean
operation is more spectacular and difficult and dangerous. It can be per-
formed in from twenty to thirty minutes, and, on account of its surround-
ings, is easier for the physician who is handicapped by want of hospital
or other facilities, and it is more cleanly to enter the abdomen than to
resort to manipulations through the vagina. I have had quite an exten-
sive experience in these cases in my town, and it is the experience of
myself and that of others that the abdominal Cesarean section is by far
the better plan for emptying the uterus under such conditions. I do not
think I am making any mistake in advocating the complete removal of
the contents of the uterus by abdominal Cesarean section.
Dr. S. M. D. Clark, New Orleans: I do not know of any subject that
is prone to bring out a more liberal discussion than eclampsia, except it
be quinin in malarial hematuria; therefore, in this particular subject, I
want to touch on two or three more points. First, the importance of
prohylaxis. There is no denying the fact that the obstetrical woman is not
getting a square deal. You know, and I know, that the only time in
many of your cases that you see your patient is when a fellow comes in
town, starts to do some shopping, drops into your office and says, 1 1 Doctor,
I may need you next week or a few weeks afterwards.” You know
absolutely nothing about the woman’s pelvis; you do not know the
position of the child or anything about her blood pressure or elimination.
To me, that condition has to be changed in /time. I think the obstetrical
woman is an extremely lucky individual, judging from the results of the
34
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usual methods and according to the treatment they get. Why is that?
1 believe it is because the good, conscientious man who wants to protect
his wife is not properly educated. He does not know the dangers of
obstetrical procedures. He does not know the many pitfalls. He has
been raised in accordance with the idea of the old school that the midwife
will do, and he feels that the routine fee of $15 or $25 is all that it is
worth to have his wife delivered, and really I believe in many instances
that is all it is worth, judging from the amount of time given to his wife
If such a man were acquainted with the hazards and the dangers of this’
obvious procedure he would only be too, willing for his wife to receive
proper treatment.
There is a great field for propaganda in a community in this regard
I feel very forcibly that if any fellow will go into a community* and
take a group of these people and tell them that he is prepared to do that
kind of work and is going to charge more for it and is going to give
these women a square deal and look after them properly the people or
husbands will be only too glad to pay the extra fee. The way to avoid
eclampsia is to keep hands off the patient and watch her during the
entire time, and, so far as possible, educate the people not to look upon
present-day obstetrics as a physiological process, but as a pathological
The second point I want to mention is with reference to vaginal
Cesarean section. I hear men speak of it lightly. I believe, with Dr
Salatich absolutely that it is a very difficult procedure in certain cases.
euben Peterson tried to make us believe it was a simple procedure and
he almost convinced me, until I got into a few of these cases. With a
child at full term, with an unprepared cervix, splitting the lower segment
of the uterus and putting on high forceps is anything but easy, and the
man to do it wants the best surroundings and should be thoroughly
familiar with the anatomy of the pelvis or he will get into deep water.
The third point is the danger of post-operative hemorrhage in all toxic
cases I do not believe any man should leave an eclamptic patient under
two hours after delivery. I remember one case in which I was on the eve
of leaving after an hour- and a half. I had my hand on the uterus. Labor
was precipitated, and she had an eight months > baby. Her uterus welled
up and I had a hard time to overcome it. If I had not been there she
would have died. Therefore, my caution is to always stay with these
women at least two hours after delivery.
Dr. J. W. Newman, New Orleans: There are three points I would like
c10nnectl0n with eclampsia. One point, I am sorry to say,
that Dr. Miller has overlooked, and which is a most important point from
the standpoint of selection of time for interference in eclamptic cases,
is the renal function. I mean by that we should not be guided solely by
the amount of albumin. The amount of albumin is only of relative value
and not of absolute value. We can be guided as to the progress of our
patients by an increase m the amount of albumin that will assist us, but
the renal function test, the phthalein test, is the only reliable one. A
ailing off m the renal function and an increase, in the blood pressure
„the rapiaity °f the puise> with “i0n °f
temperature, should be our guides.
Another point in regard to the treatment: Unfortunately the profes-
sion has been very slow to grasp the suggestion made by Freund, of
r in, in . , and that was the use of serum in eclamptic cases. In
fact, m all toxemias of pregnancy, we all know that in eclamptic patients
Discussion.
35
the nitrogenous waste products, the purin bodies are present in normal
quantity. We also know in eclamptic patients that urea is not present
in normal quantities; that urea is the final product of oxidation of these
nitrogenous waste products; therefore, says, Freund, there must be some-
thing in the blood that interferes with the proper oxidation of the purin
bodies. In working along the line suggested by veterinary surgeons who,
in the case of convulsions in animals, inject ether with oxygen gas and
the convulsions cease, Freund thought possibly there was something in
the blood that prevented the combining of the oxygen and giving oft' of
the oxygen to oxidize the purin bodies in the urea. On the basis that
every woman who is delivered normally generates within her body the
product that was necessary to oxidize these products, he withdrew the
blood from one woman just delivered and injected serum into the woman
in 20 c. c. doses, who was having an eclamptic convulsion, with good
results. He then went a step further, on account of difficulty in getting
material from time to time, and used defibrinated blood with just as good
results. I came across a short article some time ago, but have not been
able to put my hands on it since, so that I cannot say where it was
published, in which the use of normal horse serum was suggested. I have
used it in twenty-five cases of toxemia of pregnancy with splendid results
at that period when we want to tide the woman over to have a viable
child.
What is there in the normal horse serum which brings about such a
change? It cannot be the amount of fluid, because we have injected
2,000 glucose and saline solution; it cannot be the amount of inorganic
salts; there must be something contained in the serum that allows the
oxygen to combine with these purin bodies and to oxidize to the stage
of urea to the final waste products. I have had splendid results from the
use of normal horse serum, especially in the toxemia manifested in the
vomiting of pregnancy, and in about ten cases we have tided the woman
over from six to seven months.
Another point I wish to speak of is with reference to the selection of
the operation. From my viewpoint, the Frank extraperitoneal operation
has not been accepted by the profession, and why, I cannot understand.
When we see these cases with ruptured membranes that are naturally in-
fected, that are handled possibly by the midwife, and then again handled
by the doctor and brought into the institution, and then a classical
Cesarean operation performed, I cannot understand why the extra-
peritoneal Cesarean section as advocated by Frank is not .performed. It
is not as difficult as one would imagine. We have had ten cases that
have made uninterrupted recoveries, and, in fact, there has been no
difference between the recoveries following such an opration than in the
average normal obstetrical case. It is the operation to be preferred. It
does away with the mutilation following high forceps, especially if we
do episiotomy either unilateral or bilateral, and if we want to do a vaginal
Cesarean section there is certainly everything in favor of the extra-
peritoneal operation.
Dr. H. E. Miller, New Orleans (closing) : I want to bring out one
point that I did not lay enough stress on in the paper, and that is the
blood pressure in these cases. I believe a blood pressure record should
be made as frequently as a urine examination. After the sixth month it
should be made every two weeks. In a good many cases you can have
pre-eclamptic symptoms, the woman will go on into convulsions without
a great deal of kidney disturbances in one-sixth of the cases, you won’t
36
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find any albumin in the urine, a low percentage of urea, and in these
cases it is the liver behind it. The liver suffers the most in the cases
where you do not find severe kidney disturbanace. In five-sixths of the
cases you will find urinary findings.
About dilatation of the cervix, my contention is that we should not
be in too much of a hurry about it. Dilatation of the cervix is nature’s
method of hastening delivery, but if a practitioner goes in and roughly
handles the ease in bringing about dilatation of the cervix, if he makes a
section of that cervix and examines it with a microscope, he will find
that his operation was not a dilatation, but a laceration or tearing, and
the man who does the accouchement force in an obstetrical case should
prepare himself for so doing. As a rule, it ought to take twenty minutes
to effect dilatation of the cervix, and nature does it by thinning or draw-
ing back the fibers towards the fundus, and if you dilate manually you
tear the muscle fibers, which complicates the subsequent pregnancy.
THE IMPORTANCE OF AN EARLY DIAGNOSIS AND
TREATMENT OF MIDDLE EAR DISEASES
OF CHILDREN.*
By M. P. BOEBINGER, M. D., New Orleans, La.
Since only fifteen minntes is allowed me to discnss so broad and
deep a subject as middle ear diseases of children, the author shall
go straight to the most important points of this paper.
Examination- of External Meatus. — In order to obtain an
otoscopic picture it is necessary to have a clear field. Should the
drum be hidden, we must remove the obstruction by means of the
forceps, suction, washings, applicators, etc.
In the normal otoscopic picture the entire drum and external
canal can be surveyed. The division of the tympanic membrane
into quadrants will facilitate the description of the pathological
findings. Again, we note the condition of the handle of the malleus,
umbo, cone of light, Shrapnelhs membrane, whether drum is
reddened, thickened, bulging, ruptured, mobility, etc. The Valsalva
test is important for demonstration of drum perforations. Crepi-
tant rales point to accumulation of secretion in the middle ear.
Politzer’s and compressed air are important aids, when available
and practical.
The author now has an infant under treatment, in which he used
the Valsalva method as an adjunct with most excellent results,
obtaining a, cure. Never use Politzer’s bag, air nor Valsalva’s
* Read at the 39th Annual Meeting, Louisiana State Medical Society, New Orleans,
April 16, 17, 18, 1918.
Boebinger — Treatment of Middle Ear Diseases of Children. 37
method when you are dealing with a recent or active inflammation
along the nasopharyngeal tract if possible.
Anesthesia of the Ear— Susceptibility to pain differs with
various parts of the ear, according to whether any particular part is
normal, acutely inflamed or recovering from some affection. Para-
centesis can be almost painlessly carried out with a non-inflam-
matory drum membrane — for instance, in suppurative otitis media ;
while paracentesis with an inflamed tympanic membrane is very
painful without local anesthesia. Susceptibility to pain in the
membranous part of the external meatus does not differ from the
rest of the skin, while the osseous part of the canal is even normally
very sensitive.
Generally speaking, it is easier to induce anesthesia when the
epithelial layer of the mucous membrane has been destroyed; also
in the presence of granulations, in chronic as compared to acute
cases of inflammation. Local anesthesia may be induced in three
different ways: (a) Instillation of fluid media; (b) insufflation of
powders; (c) injections; (d) fluid media applied on cotton plug.
Anesthesia of the middle ear can only be accomplished by injec-
tion of 1 per cent sol. novocain or Schleich’s solution. The solution
is warmed and injected subperiosteally at the union of the carti-
laginous and osseous parts of the external canal. Many operators
prefer to use ethyl chloride; a few drops of chloroform or ether is
also recommended in extensive ear work. In infants, in Dr. Dupuy’s
clinic and the author’s clinic, we seldom resort to the use of an
anesthetic — simply roll up patient in sheet and have an assistant
hold him.
Preparation for Paracentesis. — Cleanse auricle ; the external
meatus is cleansed with H202, alcohol, boric acid irrigation, etc.
If the patient is an infant, no anesthesia is necessary, but in older
children equal parts of cocain, menthol, phenol as ear drops, usually
suffice as an anodyne. Ethyl chloride is most excellent and is com-
paratively safe; ether is sometimes used.
Some authors recommend the injection of a Schleich and adren-
alin mixture into the tympanic cavity. The operation should be
done under aseptic precautions, to avoid the danger of secondary
infection. If paracentesis is done at the proper time it will be fol-
lowed immediately by a sero-hemorrhagic or a hemorrhagico
purulent exudate. Immediate evacuation of pus shows that the
operation was done too late, that the inflammatory exudate has
38
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been completely transformed into pus, and that all middle ear
spaces are replete with pus.
Acute Empyema of the Middle Ear. — Never dry or syringe,
but place sterile gauze strips into canal, plug up outer canal with
cotton and change often. In favorable cases there is profuse
purulent discharge in the course of the next few hours. The fever
gradually recedes to normal; the pain disappears completely a few
hours after paracentesis. If the above fails to give relief, it is pos-
sible we are having faulty drainage or complication.
Almost any kind of a knife will suffice in the hands of an ex-
perienced surgeon. The curved one is perhaps better, in order to
have a clear view. The style of incision is from above downward,
from below upward, following the posterior curve of the drum mem-
brane. The author recommends the incision along the floor of the
middle ear, as this is the most dependent portion of the tympanic
cavity, also being nearer the trouble-maker (eustachian tube) and
avoiding the severing of the chorda tympani nerve. Of course, when
we have a typical bulging to deal with we cannot select our spot.
Acute Catarrhal Otitis Media (Simple,) . — The otoscopic find-
ings show no changes save a retraction of the drum ; hearing is not
materially reduced, feeling of fullness in the ear, subjective noises.
As the inflammatory changes abate in the nasopharyngeal tract the
tubo-tympanic catarrh will heal within a few days or else the con-
ditions will grow worse and call for some form of treatment, probably
constitutional and local.
Acute Catarrhal Otitis Media With Effusion. — Pain, red-
dened drum, more or less pronounced reduction of hearing, pressure,
slight elevation of temperature, thickened drum and perhaps
bulging.
Treatment.— Keep patient in bed, give hot bath, hot drinks,
purgation, aspirin, etc. Treat nasopharyngeal tract at home ; when
patient is able to visit office, use compressed air three times weekly;
post-nasal applications of solution A g. N03, % per cent, and order
patient to use solution Ag. N03, % to y2 per cent into nose t. i. d.
with head lower than body and turned to diseased side. The hear-
ing rapidly improves and a complete cure usually takes place in
about two weeks. Should the above treatment fail, and we still
find our patient growing steadily worse, the only remaining remedy
is paracentesis. Chronic catarrh of the middle ear in early child-
hood is primarily traceable to chronic changes in the nasopharyngeal
Boebingek — Treatment of Middle Ear Diseases of Children. 39
space, and particularly to adenoids. The disturbed physiological
function of the tube gradually leads to grave manifestations of the
tympanic membrane and mucosa of the middle ear, the result being
circumscribed or diffuse atrophy, with considerable retraction of
the drum membrane. The treatment should be energetic and com-
mence with the nasopharyngeal tract. The air passages should
always he made permeable by operative interference, removing all
obstacles. Catheterization and massage are carried out three times
weekly, but normal hearing will result only in the rarest of cases.
Valsalva’s method should be forbidden, as it conduces to extend the
atrophy. The prognosis depends upon functional findings. It is
favorable if at the first examination the passage of air and bougie
(Yaukauer) materially improves the hearing; otherwise it will be
a waste of time for further treatment.
In some cases, indeed, the gradual transition of simple chronic
middle ear catarrh into the more unfavorable chronic adhesive
process cannot he arrested.
Subacute recurrent middle ear catarrh is principally observed in
children suffering from adenoid vegetation, etc. Acute inflam-
matory swelling of the enlarged faucial tonsils occurring in the
course of a common cold or coryza will in these children imme-
diately lead to all the symptoms of middle ear catarrh. Without
proper treatment by skilled and experienced physicians these re-
lapses will increase in frequency and obstinacy. If these children
contract an acute infectious disease, there is considerable danger
of grave middle ear infections resulting.
Simple; Acute Inflammation of the Middle Eak — Etiology:
In simple acute inflammation of the middle ear we have hyperemia
edema of the mucosa, followed by secretion of a serous or sero-
hemorrhagic exudate of the middle ear. Injection and swelling
of the mucosa decrease in a few days, with subsequent complete
cure. It is an infectious disease caused by microorganisms which,
however, are of slight virility or quite degenerated.
The staphylococcus pyogenes aureus, the various forms of strepto-
coccus and the influenza bacillus predominate. Mechanical, thermic
and chemical irritation may likewise give rise to simple otitis
media. Infection through the tube may also take place from sneez-
ing, violently blowing the nose, retching, vomiting, etc.
Symptoms and Course— A sudden pain in ear, impaired hear-
ing, fever, continued severe pain, causing sleepless night, point to
purulent middle ear disease.
40
Original Articles.
Course. — The entire illness usually lasts from eight to ten days.
Temperature reduced to normal ; hearing increases, and pain occurs
only periodically. Later the drum membrane becomes paler, when,
the inflammation has run its course ; the drum may resume its
normal condition, or else run a dragging course.
Treatment of the nasopharyngeal tract is absolutely necessary if
the inflammation was caused by chronic changes of that tract. In-
stillation into the affected ear of anodyne remedies, applications of
solution cocain hydrochlorate 5 per cent and solution adrenalin
chloride to the eustachian cushion, solution argyrol 10 per cent
applied to the post-nasal space, or solution Ag. NO3, % per cent,
applied to post-nasal space daily for a few days, and Ag. N03, %
to % per cent, as nasal drops, t. i. d., with head lower than body
and extended to diseased side. The latter treatment has afforded the
author most excellent results in acute middle ear catarrhs.
Atrop. sulph., coc. hydrochl., phenol and glycerin as ear drops are
also highly efficacious. As an adjunct, heat, irrigations of warm
boric acid solutions, normal saline solutions applied several times
daily, have a favorable effect. Thorough purgation, rest in bed,
hot bath, etc., are the methods of choice in simple catarrhal otitis
media. Gentle use of compressed air daily has favorable results.
Do paracentesis if above methods fail to offer relief. We can never
open drum too soon, when in doubt, but to neglect this operation
may lead to serious results. After the inflammatory manifestations
have abated, treatment of the nasopharyngeal tract must be in-
stituted. Special attention must be given to adenoids and faucial
tonsils.
Acute Purulent Inflammation of the Middle: Ear. — This
disease is very common in children and is caused by bacterial in-
fection . In most cases the infection occurs through the auditory
or eustachian tube from the nasopharyngeal tract. The author be-
lieves that fully 90 per cent of all middle ear disease in children
springs from the epipharynx, the external meatus being responsible
for conveying infection to the middle ear in traumatic suppuration.
Acute suppuration of the tympanic cavity in children is frequently
observed in the course of many acute affections of the nasopharyn-
geal tract and general infectious diseases, such as measles and
scarlet fever. In all cases in which infection of the middle ear
occurs through the tube there will be swelling of the tubal mucosa,
which rapidly spreads to the mucosa of the middle ear ( attic,
Boebingeor — Treatment of Middle Ear Diseases of Children. 41
antrum and often the mastoid process), are filled with an infections
exudate. Ulceration sets in shortly, leading to copious exudation
into the middle ear spaces, the pus eventually perforating the
tympanic membrane. The secretion is often blood-tinged at first,
but will become purulent only at a later stage, the secretion still
later becoming stringy, pus diminishes from day to day, and is
gradually replaced by mucus. When the secretion has been arrested
the perforation closes in normal cases and there will he anatomical
and functional restoration to normal.
Symptoms.— The prominent symptom is violent pain in ear,
which sets in suddenly; loss of rest and sleep, loss of hearing, but
later returns toward end of disease; high temperature. A sudden
drop of temperature to normal or subnormal in the first days of the
inflammation is an unfavorable symptom, unless it is accompanied
by an abatement of all other pathological manifestations (often
seen in early intracranial involvement).
The second stage is characterized by suppuration. There is no
pain ; temperature is normal or slightly elevated ; profuse secretion
of pus during first few days, which decreases in about seven days.
Later the pus becomes stringy, and still later consist of almost pure
mucus ; the secretion lasts two to three weeks. The final stage sets
in with the arrest of the discharge and with the gradual filling of
the perforation. Extensive perforations require more time to heal.
It may be difficult to decide at first examination whether there
is simply an inflammation of the external meatus or a middle ear
suppuration besides, especially if there is a multiple furunculosis
of the external auditory canal with considerable pus. A tugging
or pulling of the auricle will elicit pain, if the seat of the trouble is
in the external meatus ; no pain if disease is in the middle ear. The
otoscopic picture, pus, history, etc., will assist in arriving at
diagnosis by exclusion. Treatment is about the same as for acute
catarrhal otitis media with effusion, unless we are dealing with
perforation, then we should employ cleansing agents, ear irrigations,
and strive to assist drainage and ventilation. Locate seat of trouble
and correct.
Large perforations are usually the result of neglected treatment,
badly managed or chronic suppurative otitis media, and the
prognosis is usually bad, while small perforations hold out better
prospects, and by energetic and heroic treatment may close spon-
taneously or else interfere with the proper drainage and call for a
counter opening. This can easily be recognized by failure to re-
42
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lieve pain— small amount of secretion, and perhaps damming back
of pns through antrum with mastoid symptoms.
Exploratory Paracentesis. — When in doubt as to whether a
patient has middle ear disease in obscure cases, running a high tem-
perature, pain, etc., an exploratory paracentesis is justifiable, if
done under aseptic precautions, as we can do very little harm, and
often it is better to open the drum membrane too soon rather than
too late. Bleeding following paracentesis usually denotes middle
ear disease.
Symptomatic Peculiarities in Infantile Otitis. — The gen-
eral practitioner should examine the ears of infants and young
children in all febrile affections, even in the absence of symptoms.
The possibility of overlooking an inflammation, or even suppuration
of the middle ear, is increased by the helplessness of the infant. It
is not before the fourth month that infants direct attention to the
possibility of an auricular affection by rubbing the ear, putting
hand to head, crying whenever the ear or its vicinity is touched,
and even avoiding to lie on the affected side. Pus from the tympanic
cavity may escape through the eustachian tube, which is short and
wide.
Suppuration of the middle ear occurs less frequently in the
breast-fed than bottle-fed infants. Owing to congenital cracks of
the osseous facial canal there is greater danger in infantile otitis
than in otitis media of the adult, of peripheral paralysis of the
facial nerve, due to spreading of the inflammation to the connec-
tive tissue enveloping the nerve, but any such paralysis is only
slight and will disappear in a few days or at the most two or three
weeks.
An extremely characteristic symptom of acute infantile otitis is
the sudden onset of fever, in which the temperature reaches the
highest possible degrees in the first few days. The fever is up to
104°. The temperature is of the continuous type and returns to
normal, or abnormal temperature is usually a sign of complications.
A peculiarity of infantile otitis consists in the great danger of
abscess formation in the mastoid, which is favored by the large
antrum being loosely connected with the middle ear. These abscesses
very rapidly perforate outward, forming a subperiosteal mastoid
abscess, the lateral wall of the antrum being a very thin osseous
layer, which often contains cartilaginous remnants in rachitic
children. This cartilage rapidly ulcerates, a fistula and subperiosteal
Discussion.
43
abscess resulting. After complete development of an empyema of
the middle ear, the fever may abate or entirely disappear without
perforation of the membrane, but spontaneous perforation may still
later occur.
Discussion of the Paper of Dr. Boebinger.
Dr. C. A. Weiss, Baton Rouge: The essayist has covered the subject
so fully that there is very little to say on it. Any one who has witnessed
the dire results of what started to be a simple earache cannot help but
be impressed with the importance of this subject, and I desire to em-
phasize a few points the essayist has brought out. A very important
point in the examination of children is the way you hold the auricle. If
you pull the auricle downward and backward you get a better view of
the tympanum than if you pull it in any other direction.
In regard to the examination again, we do not want to be deceived
by the white appearance we see at the external auditory canal. That
may be an exfoliation of the dead epithelium in front of the drum. If
this subject is to appeal to the general practitioner, I think our appeal
is more in the capacity of preventing middle ear disease rather than
curing it after the disease has been established. Just the mere applica-
tion of a hot-water bag and Pollitzer inflation does not end the picture
at all. I think the exudates that have been formed there and have be-
come plastic and have caused adhesions produce more after-effects, which
are deleterious to the hearing of the patient, than the primary disease
itself. All of our cases with either partial or complete deafness in after-
life are started with one or two attacks of earache in childhood.
As regards education, we ought to educate the parents as to the pre-
vention of the disease, as there are so many fallacies connected with
this. So many parents bring their children to the physician whose ears
have been running for three or four weeks, and when the doctor says,
“Why didn’t you have the child’s ears treated before?” they say that
every teething child is expected to have a running ear, and that is one
of the fallacies we ought to eradicate.
As far as anesthesia is concerned, up to the age where the child can
offer active resistance, we do not require anesthesia. If any one has
seen a child suffering with acute earache, with nervous symptoms, with
beads of perspiration on its forehead, tossing around the bed, the mere
opening of the drum will transform the picture almost immediately. The
child becomes quiet, falls off into a peaceful slumber, and the next day
the child suffers no more. If that does not relieve the condition there is
another picture presented, when we have to introduce more active
measures.
In talking to the parents about the prevention of this trouble, the
mother should be instructed against having the child blow its nose
forcibly. After the child is old enough to blow its own nose, forcible
atomization of the nose, with fluids under pressure should be cautioned
against.
In the closure of the drum, as long as the ear is suppurating, I think
it is a bad idea to allow the drum to close, and, as a rule, it will not
close as long as the ear is suppurating; but if we have a sero-sanguinolent
discharge there is a tendency for the drum to close, and under such
circumstances it is best to keep it open.
44
Original Articles.
The keynote of the treatment is depletion, both constitutional and
local, therapeutic and surgical, and, if constitutional, local and thera-
peutic measures do not do the work, in this affection more than anything
else we make use of the lancet because it does relieve when nothing else
will an acute condition.
-So far as the after-treatment is concerned, if we inculcate into our
teaching of parents the importance of taking care of the naso-pharyngeal
space with the same degree of interest that they do the eyes of the new-
born, and feeding of children, we will have advanced to the consummation
of the happy end of this very important subject.
Dr. Homer Dupuy, New Orleans: This most excellent paper specifically
states that it deals with the early diagnosis and treatment, and therefore
I shall try, as far as possible, to hew to the line and base my remarks
principally on the early diagnosis and treatment of middle ear infection
in infants.
The essayist has laid stress on some points, and I desire to re-em-
phasize what he has already said. First, as regards the symptoms of
middle ear infection in infancy before perforation of the drum: If there
is no discharge from the ear, what are the symptoms? Only two are
possible, namely: pain and temperature. The infant unfortunately does
not specifically by his actions give you an absolute idea that his trouble
lies in the ear, or, if it does lie in the ear, he may shake his head from
side to side; but which is the ear? You cannot rely on the pain symptom
alone. The temperature is more reliable, provided you can be broad
enough to institute other things. In other words, probably with a tem-
perature running from 99° to 104°, with the child tossing its head around,
you may suspect ear trouble, and you may not look for other things first.
We have three vulnerable areas in the infant’s life — the lower respira-
tory tract, the gastrointestinal tract, and the middle ear. If you exclude
the lower respiratory tract and the intestinal tract, then certainly you
must look to the middle ear as the possible cause for the temperature. I
said before perforation of the drum, but even so, supposing the infant
has otorrhea or a discharge from one ear, and still goes on screaming
and has a temperature, what then? Even then the perforation on the
side which is discharging may be too small; it may be a pinhole perfora-
tion, allowing only a small escape of pus, and the pain still continues,
and so does the temperature. Again, the child has two ears — right and
left. The right one is discharging, possibly, and you have directed all
of your attention to one side, forgetting the other side. The pain is con-
tinuous; the temperature keeps up because the child has trouble in the
other ear.
As to the symptoms without perforation, in spite of the discharge
from both ears, or a profuse otorrhea on both sides, the temperature may
keep up, it being 99° in the morning and 104° in the afternoon. Again,
you must be sure about excluding the condition of the lungs. If you
have done so, in spite of profuse otorrhea in both ears, you can get help
from a blood count. With profuse otorrhea from both sides and a high
blood count, you may suspect a baby, although only three months of age,
may have a mastoid antrum infection.
As to treatment before perforation, the baby has pain, the baby has
temperature, and you have proven by the examination that you wish to
do something for him. Dr. Boebinger lays stress on cocain, adrenalin
and so forth. If you remember the drum membrane is composed of
epithelial cells, it makes simply mechanically impossible for the solution
Discussion.
45
to gain access to the middle ear to relieve the pain, still less infection.
What does the work? The heat. All your drops composed of cocain,
adrenalin and so forth do not do the work, but it is the heat that does
the work per se; therefore, I cannot lay stress on any special solution.
In fact, if any one solution can be used with safety I would lay stress
on adrenalin; and why? Because the first picture in a middle ear in-
fection, so far as we can see it from the outside, is a highly hyperemic
drum membrane, and adrenalin solutions, 1 to 1,000 or 1 to 3,000, heated,
of course, applied to the canal, may, by producing ischemia, reduce or
relieve the pain. I admit that. Oils ought to be condemned, not because
they do not give relief; they do, but not per se. But you heat the oils,
and it is the heat that the oil transmits to the drum membrane which
affords relief of pain. But the oil cakes up in the canal, and when you
attempt to get other information of what is going on behind the drum
membrane the canal has to be cleansed; it is a hard job sometimes, and
therefore oil solutions interfere very much with future observations and
ought to be condemned on principle. Before perforation, heat applied
with the hot-water bag is possible, but not to the infant. I shall limit
myself to adrenalin solutions, because they can produce ischemia and
the adrenalin can address itself to the primary stage of infection of the
middle ear hyperemia. If the temperature and pain keep on for twenty-
four hours our next step, as already described by the essayist, is in-
cision of the drum — not a paracentesis, but a free incision of the ear-
drum. * Now, in the infant, oftentimes it is so small that you can hardly
see your wgy through it. You can hardly see absolutely within the
affected ear the right side; it looks off color. The left may be com-
paratively normal and still be on the safe side. I say this because we
know that tympanotomy is, per se, innocuous. You may not do any harm
whatever. There is no danger of injuring a blood vessel of any size;
you can hardly injure the facial nerve or brain. Tympanotomy is in-
nocuous per se. Therefore, in the incision of the drum in infants around
the first six months of life, I would never be satisfied personally by in-
cising the drum; I am not prepared, because I would not be absolutely sure
I could put my finger on the right side only. The baby has two ears, and
both are liable to be affected. You open the right side; the temperature
rises to 99° to 104°, and unfortunately you devote your attention to that
same side without thinking about the mastoid condition. Tympanotomy
is justifiable in infants and should always be done on both sides for fear
you may neglect to open the right or both sides.
Dr. William T. Patton, New Orleans: There is one point that strikes
me as being of considerable importance in addressing an audience of
general practitioners. We cannot all expect to be specialists. The most
important thing in doing ear work is to see. We may tell you what to
do, how to do it, but can you do it? The opening of the ear-drum is not
a simple matter. I have opened many ear-drums, and there are some ear-
drums that I find very hard to open. Take a child, and it is a compara-
tively simple matter to open the drum. On the other hand, if you take
a baby six months old, even the specialist will have a hard time in find-
ing the ear-drum, and you do more damage in trying to open the ear-
drum unless you can see, and I venture to say in 80 per cent of such
cases you will not open the drum. If you consider the anatomy of the
child you will find that the posterior canal goes straight in, and the ear-
drum is a continuation of the posterior canal. If you stick a knife in
the infant’s ear you should be able to see the opening with the head
46
Original Articles.
mirror, but if you have not a head mirror you must see that the rays of
light are focusing on that ear-drum, or you cannot see it at all, and you
will not be able to treat the ear-drum unless you can see it. With the
knife, the opening is made in the posterior canal, you get bleeding, the
temperature does not drop, and the patient gets no relief. This is not
infrequently done by specialists.
In regard to anesthesia: In patients up to one or two years of age
I hardly ever use a local or general anesthetic; but take a child two years
of age, that is obstreperous, and it is a different proposition. Five people
can hardly hold a two-year-old child from moving and wiggling, and on
two separate occasions I have seen local anesthesia used in such cases.
In one case in which no anesthesia was used an attempt was made to
open the ear-drum and the child jumped and wiggled to such an extent
that the external canal was slit right open. Eemember how close you
are to the brain and jugular and carotid when you are opening a baby’s
ear-drum. With the least slip inside you will get into the labyrinth, the
jugular or carotid. In very young children that are obstreperous I think
it is very essential to use an anesthetic. Gas is preferable, but it is
expensive. Ethyl chlorid is a safe anesthetic for these cases. If you
use cocain, menthol and carbolic solution, you are using about 32 per
cent carbolic acid. If you leave the solution two minutes you will get
very little or no anesthetic effect. That solution put on a cotton probe
and pressed against the ear-drum should stay there ten or fifteen minutes,
to get the full anesthetic effect. When you take that out you have got
a blanching of the ear canal from the carbolic acid, and the safe thing
to do is to immediately apply alcohol to neutralize the carbolic solution,
you get very little trouble from it.
In opening the ear-drum the incision should be made high up and
down low. In the upper part of the ear-drum you meet with a flaccid
membrane, and there are a lot of ligaments which separate the middle
ear from the attic, and there may be secretion coming from up in the
attic, which is thrown back into the aditus and antrum. If you do not
make the incision high up, the ligaments will' block or interfere with
drainage, and you do not drain the most dependent part. You are drain-
ing the aditus through the antrum. The incision should be made low
down and high up in order, to establish good drainage. Perforation in
the center of the ear-drum will not do much good.
With reference to the use of oils, which was spoken of by Dr. Dupuy,
I want to emphasize the point that we should hesitate to use oil of any
kind in the ear. It is true it does good by its heat, but it soon cakes up
and it takes as long a time to remove it as it does impacted cerumen or
wax out of the ear. Druggists always advise green oil. I do not know
what it is exactly, but it has some opium in it. It does not do any good
except by the heat it generates; it cakes up and you get difficulty in
removing it. Ten grains of carbolic to half an ounce of glycerin can be
used, and the carbolic acid and glycerin, with heat, will relieve the ear-
ache. Dr. Dupuy said that cocain had no effect on the skin. Menthol
and carbolic acid both act on the skin. If you rub it on your hand or
anywhere you get numbness. The same thing happens in the ear. Ten
per cent carbolic acid in glycerin acts on the ear and relieves pain. The
glycerin is hygroscopic; it does not cake, and it is an ideal agent for
pain in the ear. If the ear-drum continues to pain, it should be opened.
If you cannot get a specialist to assist you, and you are not accustomed
to using a head mirror in the country, then I would advise that you
Discussion.
47
spend a week or ten days in one of onr clinics, where yon can be shown
how to use the head mirror, and do it as well as we can, seeing is the
main thing in opening the ear-drum.
Dr. Boebinger, New Orleans (closing): My chief laid stress on
anodyne preparations. Fully 90 per cent of all middle ear troubles begin
in the epipharynx, and I still maintain that it is the experience of the
majority of men doing ear, nose and throat work. Therefore, if that is
so, why monkey with anodyne preparations, or drops of any kind, with
the external auditory meatus when the discharge is coming from the
epipharynx? Why not go to the seat of the trouble? The outer layer
of the drum membrane is cutaneous; it will not take up oils and probably
lots of other things.
I am not going to answer Dr. Patton, because he did not answer me.
My chief said that there is very little danger in opening the ear-drum.
You will find the roof of the jugular fossa often extending up into the
middle ear, and very often the roof of the jugular fossa is either missing
or is detached, and the jugular vein or bulb extends up into the middle
ear; therefore, if you are unskilled, if you lack experience, you can posi-
tively cause serious and grave hemorrhage in puncturing the jugular bulb.
Dr. Homer Dupuy: I would like to ask Dr. Boebinger how often he
has seen injury done to the jugular vein from tympanotomy, or has he
ever seen a case?
Dr. Boebinger: I have heard of two such cases. In answer to Dr.
Patton, who says that you cannot see to open the ear-drum, I want to
call attention of the general practitioners to the point that when you are
doing a mastoid operation in- a young child after the second or fourth
year, where the mastoid process is developed, or where there is no
mastoid developed, and a very simple antrum, I have seen time and again
where you could not see what you were doing, but you can positively
puncture the ear-drum and will hear a crackling sound like driving a
knife through a piece of tissue paper.
With reference to the use of ethyl chlorid as an anesthetic, when I
was resident at the Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital — and I left there
in 1912— we had a record of 20,0.00 cases anesthetized with ethyl chlorid
without a death. Therefore it is a very safe and simple method of
anesthesia to use in young children who are kicking up in opening the
ear-drum. As far as opening the ear-drum high up is concerned, I called
attention to the fact that the most dependent portion of the middle ear
was along the floor, remembering that the floor of the middle ear is
lower than the floor of the external auditory canal, and you need as much
drainage as you can possibly get. We must not forget what the text-
books say about the eustachian tube being a trouble maker. If that is
so, why not go as near to the trouble-maker as you can get? If I have
bulging in the anterior quadrant I must go there. Other things being
equal, I would take the floor in preference to the posterior incision. While
the antrum is a big field, I would take the closed eustachian tube, because
that is the trouble-maker.
48
Communication.
COMMUNICATION
PROCAIN AND NOVOCAIN IDENTICAL.
To the Editors:
It appears that in certain quarters the attitude is taken that the
local anesthetic sold as procain is not identical with that marketed
as novocain. The Subcommittee on Synthetic Drugs of the National
Research Council believes it important that this misunderstanding
should be corrected, and hence offers the following explanation :
The monohydrochloride of para-amino-benzoyldiethyl-amino-
ethanol, which was formerly made in Germany by the Farbwarke
vorm. Meister, Lucius and Bruening ,Hoechst A. M., and sold under
the trade-marked name of novocain, is now manufactured in the
United States. Under the provisions of the Trading-With the-
Enemy-Act, the Federal Trade Commission has taken over the
patent that gave monopoly for the manufacture and sale of the local
anesthetic to the German corporation, and has issued licenses to
American concerns for the manufacture of the product. This license
makes it a condition that the product first introduced under the
proprietary name “novocain” shall be called procain, and that it shall
in every way be the same as the article formerly obtained from
Germany. To insure this identity with the German novocain, the
Federal Trade Commission has submitted the product of each firm
licensed to the A. M. A. Chemical Laboratory to establish its
chemical identity and purity, and to the Cornell pharmacologist,
Dr. R. A. Hatcher, to determine that it was not unduly toxic.
So far, the following firms have been licensed to manufacture
and sell procain :
The Abbott Laboratories, Ravenwood, Chicago.
Farbwerke-Hoechst Company, New York, N. Y.
Rector Chemical Company, Inc., New York, N. Y.
Calco Chemical Company, Bound Brook, N. J.
Of these, the first three firms are offering their products for sale
at this time, and have secured their admission to new and non-
official remedies as brands of procain which comply with the new
and non-official remedies standards.
While all firms are required to sell their product under the official
name “Procain,” the Farbwerke-Hoechst Company is permitted to
use the trade designation “Novocain” in addition, since it holds the
right to this designation by virtue of trade-mark registration.
News and Comment.
49
In conclusion, procain is identical with the substance first intro-
duced as novocain. In the interest of rational nomenclature, the
first term should be used in prescriptions and scientific contribu-
tions. If it is deemed necessary to designate the product of a par-
ticular firm, this may be done by writing “Procain — Abbott/5 “Pro-
cain— Rector/5 or “Procain — Farbwerke55 or “Procain (Novocain
brand).55
Julius Stieglitz, Chairman ,
Subcommittee on Synthetic Drugs, National Research Council.
The official names so far adopted by the Federal Trade Commis-
sion are :
Arsphenamin for the drug marketed as salvarsan, diarsenol and arseno-
benzol, etc.
Neorsphenamin for the drug marketed as ,neosalvarsan4 neodiarsenol
and novarsenabenzol, etc.
Barbital for the drug marketed as veronal.
Barbital-sodium for the drug marketed as medinal and veronal-sodium. .
• Procain for the drug marketed as novocain.
Procain nitrate for the drug marketed as novocain nitrate.
Phenylcinehoninic acid for the drug marketed as atophan.
NEWS AND COMMENT
The Commencement of the Tulane University of Louisiana
was held at the French Opera House on June 5 at 11 a. m. At this,
the eighty-ninth graduation exercises, degrees were conferred on a
total of 172 candidates, of whom sixty-one were in medicine and
four in pharmacy. The dean of the graduate school of medicine
reported a total attendance during the term of 205 physicans. The
orchestration was under the direction of the Newcomb School of
Music, the selections being excellent and well executed. The first
stanza of “America55 and of the “Star-Spangled Banner55 was sung
by the entire audience at the beginning and the end of the program,
respectively. The alumni address, delivered by Edward H. Ran-
dolph, of Shreveport, was both eloquent and timely. The con-
ferring of degrees by the president, Hr. Robert Sharp, was made
more than, usually impressive, owing to the approaching voluntary
retirement of that much-loved and esteemed official.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology and Oto-Laryn-
gology will hold its twenty-third meeting in Denver, August 5, 6
50
News and Comment.
and 7. Dr. Lee Masten Francis, 636 Delaware avenue, Buffalo, is
the secretary.
Association of American Physicians Elects Officers. — At
the meeting of the Association of American Physicians, May 7 to
11, the following officers were elected : President, Dr. Alexander
McPherdran, Toronto; vice-president, Dr. Herman M. Biggs, Hew
York; secretary, Dr. Thos. McCrae, Philadelphia; recorder, Dr.
William W. Ford, Baltimore; treasurer, D. Joseph A. Capps, Chi-
cago; councilors, Dr. Theobald Smith, Princeton, H. J., and Dr.
Chas. F. Martin, Montreal, Canada. The 1919 meeting will be held
in Atlantic City during May.
Pediatric Society Elects Officers. — At its thirtieth annual
meeting, held in Lennox, Mass., May 27, 28 and 29, the American
Pediatric Society elected the following officers : President, Dr.
Edwin E. Graham, Philadelphia; vice-president, Dr. Henry
Heiman, Hew York City; secretary, Dr. Howard C. Carpenter,
Philadelphia; treasurer, Dr. Chas. Hunter Dunn, Boston, and
recorder, Dr. Oscar M. Schloss, Hew York City. The next meeting
will be held at Atlantic City.
Legacy to Johns Hopkins.— The Johns Hopkins University
and the Johns Hopkins Hospital have received a legacy valued at
$700,000, which is to be divided equally between the university and
the hospital, without any restrictions as to its use.
Louisiana Hurses' Board of Examiners. — The semi-annual
examination of the Louisiana Hurses? Board of Examiners was held
in Hew Orleans and Shreveport, May 20-22. One hundred ap-
plicants qualified as registered nurses, many of whom will enter the
Red Cross service and will soon be doing duty “Somewhere in
France.” The board is composed of the following: Dr. J. T.
Crebbin, Hew Orleans, president; Dr. J. S. Hebert, Hew Orleans,
acting secretary; Dr. C. A. Bahn, Base Hospital Ho. 24; Dr. G. S.
Brown, Hew Orleans, and Dr. F. J. Frater, Shreveport.
To Speed Training of Public Health Hurses.-— -The Amer-
ican Red Cross has allotted $25,000 to the Henry Street Settlement,
Hew York City, for the purpose of speeding up the training of public
health nurses needed here and for reconstruction work in France.
The course will be open to three-year undergraduate nurses and the
term will be from June 1 to September 30.
Death Rate From Tuberculosis in the Principal Cities of
News and Comment.
51
the United States. — According to a bulletin published by the
Health Department of Chicago, among the ten principal cities of
the United' States Pittsburgh has the lowest death rate from tuber-
culosis, for the year 1917, the rate being 147.05 per 100,000 popula-
tion. Chicago is a close second, with a rate of 148.67. The rates of
other cities in this group are: Detroit, 160.66; Boston, 170.87;
Cleyelanad, 174.7; Hew York, 176.75; Philadelphia, 194.81; Los
Angeles, 199.42; St. Louis, 202.95, and Baltimore, 236.61.
Medical Schools Holding Summer Sessions.- — In compliance
with a request from the War Department, a number of medical
schools throughout the country are continuing the school session
through the summer months. By a continuous school session, the
junior students will graduate four or five months earlier than other-
wise, thereby releasing them for government service.
Paris Anti-Cancer Institute. — An anti-cancer institute, sim-
ilar to those working in London, Hew York, Chicago, and the one
established by Czerny at Heidelberg, is soon to be founded in Paris.
All patients, rich or poor, suffering from tumors will receive the
care required for each particular case. There will be laboratories
for the use of students, regardless of their nationality, who are in-
terested in the study and treatment of cancer.
Souvenirs From France. — The Harvard Medical School has
received from Dr. Harvey Cushing, head of the Harvard medical
unit in France, a collection of souvenirs, including several patho-
logical specimens from the cases of cranial injury. The Warren
Museum will receive these gifts.
Dental Clinic Destroyed.— The dental clinic at Tuft’s Med-
ical School, Boston, was recently destroyed by fire, with a damage
amounting to $25,000. The students aided in saving the fittings of
the dental room and the property used for research purposes. The
work of the clinic will be carried on in another building.
Hospital Facilities in the United States. — The Medical
Section of the Council of National Defense', Washington, D. C., has
established a central bureau of information concerning the hospital
facilities of the United States in war-time. Information regarding
over 1,000 active hospitals has been collated and indexed, and the
data will be kept up to date from month to month. Full data will
also be collected concerning nearly 8,000 other institutions. A
record will be kept of the number of doctors, interns and nurses
contributed by each hospital to the service.
52
News and Comment.
Army Medical Department Moves Into New Building. —
The offices of the Surgeon General of the Army and the Medical
Corps of the Army have been moved into one of the new war build-
ings recently constructed at Sixth and B streets, Washington, D. C.
Dr. Carrel's Hospital Destroyed. — In spite, of the fact of a
constantly flown flag hearing a large red cross and an immense
white flag on its lawn as a further mark of identification, the hos-
pital established near the front by Dr. Alexis Carrel, of the Rocke-
feller Institute, has been petsistently bombed by German aviators
and almost destroyed. Dr. Carrel will install his hospital in Paris
or the suburbs.
State Board Examinations, 1917. — There were 2,605 gradu-
ates of 1917 and 4,253, altogether, examined, 96 colleges being repre-
sented. The failures were 7 per cent for Class A colleges; 18.4 per
cent for B; 35.4 per cent for C; 41.7 per cent for foreign schools;
46.8 per cent for undergraduates. The maximum number of licenses
was granted in 1906, the minimum in 1917, numbering 7,865 and
4,061, respectively. Thirty-eight States required one year of col-
legiate study; thirty, two or more.
Iowa Medical Society Bans German Instruments.— At its
annual meeting on May 1, the Iowa State Medical Society passed
resolutions declaring that it should be considered an evidence of
pro-Germanism for any members of the Society for the next fifty
years to purchase instruments or appliances or other articles made
in Germany.
Health oe the United States- Army.— Surgeon General
Gorgas, in an address recently delivered in Chicago, is quoted as
saying that the United States Army has surpassed the record of the
Japanese Army, heretofore considered the model of the world, in
holding down the percentage of disease among its forces.
Personals. — Dr. Edward J. DeBergue was named assistant city
coroner to succeed the late Dr. C. W. Groetsch. Dr. DeBergue
served two years as private assistant to Dr. Joseph O’Hara, chy
coroner.
Word has been received from “over * there” that Dr. J. G.
Dempsey has been placed in charge of one of the large tuberculosis
hospitals in France.
Removals.— Archives of Pediatrics , from 241-43 West Twenty-
third street, to 45 East Seventeenth street, New York City.
Died.— On June 12, 1918, Dr. Arthur W. de Roaldes, aged 69
years, a native of Opelousas, La.
Bool- Reviews and Notices.
53
BOOK REVIEWS AND NOTICES
The American Illustrated Medical Dictionary, by W. A. Dorland A. M.,
M. D., P. A. C. S. Ninth edition, revised and enlarged. W. B.
Saunders Company, Philadelphia and London.
Besides the enlargement necessary to the growing terminology of
medicine, this edition of one of the standard American dictionaries has
aimed at an additional service in putting the name of the individual who
has been identified with the word defined. This will mean that the name
refers either to the discoverer or the originator of the term, disease or
thing named. Babinski’s reflex, Argyll-Robertson pupil, Du h ring’s dis-
ease, the Widal reaction, are instances where the identity of the indi-
vidual, with data of birth, nationality, etc., are given. Such an innovation
will be much appreciated, as to many medical men just such information
has been long wanted, and biographical references are not found every-
where. The general make-up and detail in arrangement conforms to pre-
vious editions of this book, and the demand for a ninth edition should
speak for its continued popularity. DYER.
Diseases of the Skin, by Richard L. Sutton, M. D. Second edition. C. Y.
Mosby Company, St. Louis.
Among the several standard texts on skin diseases, Sutton’s work
holds a firm place. A second edition in so short a time indicates its popu-
larity. More than a hundred new illustrations have been added and sev-
eral new articles are noted. DYER.
Diseases of the Skin. Their Pathology and Treatment, by Milton B.
Hartzell, A. M., M. D., LL. D. J. B. Lippincott Company, Phila-
delphia and London.
The author’s long service in this special field has encouraged the
publication of the work in review. It commends itself as an expression
of its author’s views and observations, with such references as so large
a work must demand in according credit to others. The illustrations are
numerous. The articles on Eczema, Pemphigus and Syphilis are especially
noteworthy for their scope and original handling. The classification of
the diseases discussed is a departure from that usually followed, and this
may be open to criticism, if the work is to be used as a textbook. Tinea
versicolor, for example, finds place among the anomalies of pigmentation,
while pinta is classed with the vegetable parasitic diseases, in a general
group of inflammations. The dermatologist will appreciate and under-
stand the individual vagary of such procedure, but the medical student
or practitioner might be confused.
Throughout, the author has left the imprint of his keen sense of the
importance of the pathology of skin diseases, and, where this has been of
diagnostic value, due emphasis has been laid.
Altogether, Dr. Hartzell has added materially to American derma-
tology by this work. DYER.
Clinical Cardiology, by Selian Neuhof, B. S., M. D. The MacMillan Com-
pany, New York.
By means of many illustrations, careful text and systematic detail,
the subject of cardiology is excellently presented. The mechanism of
apparatus is fully explained and then applied to all phases of irregular
54
Publications Received .
cardiac conditions. Diagnostic methods, differential points and associated
findings are given. Blood pressure and its occasion, with concomitant
symptoms, are discussed fully. Therapeutic suggestions also find place.
In small space, a comprehensive guide has been afforded, which is timely
and should render large service. DYER.
Recollections of a New York Surgeon, by Arpad G. Gerster, M. D. Paul
B. Hoeber, New York.
At the edge of his threescore and ten years, Dr. Arpad G. Gerster, over
forty years resident in New York, writes of his life. It is interesting
throughout. Of Swiss origin, the early life and growth of this well-known
surgeon cast excellent sidelights on the political, economic and social life
in Europe during the mid-period of the last century. Among the many
who emigrated from Europe to America, both Gerster and his sister,
the prima donna, have made mark in the country of their adoption.
Necessarily such a book must be saturated with the personality of its
chief topic, but the names of many contemporaries appear, of whom in-
timate glimpses are given.
His long active service with the New York Polyclinic affords the
author excellent opportunity of connoting some of its faculty. Lange,
Stimson, Markoe, Bull, McBurney, Wyeth, all are sketched in the nar-
rative.
At sixty-three, “then still vigorous, ” the author joined the Medical
Reserve Corps, firm in his belief of universal military service. Says the
author: “The tonic and wholesome asperities of military discipline are
needed in this our commonwealth to limit the egotistic excesses of an
unchecked individualism; they alone can correct the trend of prevalent
selfishly utilitarian views of life towards luxurious effeminacy and law-
lessness.’’
Much of a wise philosophy is spread through this biographic nar-
rative— natural enough for one who has lived such a life.
The story of a successful carrier is always a stimulus to those coming
on, and it is therefore worth while to sit apart in these days of turmoil
and stress and read the story of one who puts his mantle aside — with the
thought that —
‘ ‘ Serenely will he wait the final call, and bowing his head in
meekness will say, 'Nunc dimittis, Domine. ’ ” DYER,
PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED
W. B. SAUNDERS COMPANY, Philadelphia and London, 1918.
A Text-Book of Obstetrics, by Barton Cooke Hirst, A. B., M. D., LL. D.,
F. A. C. S, Eighth edition, revised and reset.
Text-Book of Embryology, by Charles William Prentiss, A. M., Ph. D.
Revised and extensively rewritten, by Leslie Brainard Arey, Ph. D.
Second edition, enlarged.
Chemical Pathology, by H. Gideon Wells, Ph. D., M. D. Third edition,
revised and reset.
The Practice of Pediatrics, by Charles Gilmore Kerley. Second edition,
revised and reset.
The Elements of the Science of Nutrition, by Graham Luck, Ph. D.,
Sc. D., P. R. S.
Publications Received.
55
Differential Diagnosis. Volume 11. Presented through an analysis
of 317 cases. By Richard C. Cabot, M. D.
The Principles of Hygiene, by D. H. Bergey, A. M., M. D., D. P. H.
Sixth edition, thoroughly revised.
A Treatise on Clinical Medicine, by Wm. Hanna Thomson, M. D., LL. D.
The Nervous System and Its Conservation, by Percy Goldthwait Stiles.
Second edition, revised.
The Medical Clinics of North America. March, 1918. Vol. 1, No. 5.
Principles of Surgical Nursing, by Frederick C. Warnshuis, M. D.,
F. A. C. S.
C. V. MOSBY COMPANY, St. Louis', 1918.
The Treatment of Cavernous and Plexiform Angiomata by the Injec-
tion of Boiling Water (Wyeth Method), by Francis Reder, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Emergencies of a General Practice, by Nathan Clark Morse, A. B.,
M. D., F. A. C. S.
Oral Sepsis in Its Relationship to Systemic Disease, by William W.
Duke, M. D., Ph. B.
Interpretation of Dental and Maxillary Roentgenograms, by Robert H.
Ivy, M. D., D. D. S.
WASHINGTON GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE, Washington, D. C.
Public Health Reports. Vol. 33, Nos. 20 and 21.
Field Identification of Malaria-Carrying Mosquitoes, by Ernest A.
Sweet.
MISCELLANEOUS:
Sickness Insurance or Sickness Prevention? (National Industrial Con-
ference Board, 15 “Beacon street,. Boston.)
Report of the Board of Administrators of the Louisiana Hospital for
the Insane of the State of Louisiana. Biennial period ending March
31, 1918.
Shall Disease Triumph in Our Army? by Major Louis Livingston Sea-
man. (Published by American Defense Society, Inc., 44 East Thirty- third
street, New York.)
Monthly Bulletin of the Louisiana State Board of Health. Vol. 7,
No. 8, New Orleans.
REPRINTS.
Some of the More Important Advances in the Diagnosis and Treatment
of Tuberculosis, by Francis M. Pottenger, A. M., M. D., LL, D.
Infections With Coccidium and Isospora in Animals in the Philippine
Islands and Their Possible Clinical Significance, by Frank G. Haughwout.
56
Mortuary Report.
MORTUARY REPORT OF NEW ORLEANS.
Computed from the Monthly Report of the Board of Health of the City
of New Orleans, for May, 1918.
CA USE.
s
'e
S’
5
6
e
£
Typhoid Fever _ __ _ . ...
9
g
12
Intermittent Fever (Malarial Cachexia) __
1
2
3
Smallpox _
Measles _
7
7
Scarlet Fever. _ _ _ __
Whooping Cough _
3
2
5
Diphtheria and Croup.
1
1
Influenza _ __ __ __
6
13
19
Cholera Nostras _ .... __ _
Pyemia and Septicemia __ ..
l
1
Tuberculosis
42
60
102
Cancer. _
31
7
38
1
Rheumatism and Gout
1
Diabetes _ _ _
6
2
8
Alcoholism
1
1
Encephalitis and Meningitis
2
3
5
Locomotor Ataxia _
1
l
2
Congestion, Hemorrhage and Softening of Brain
25
14
39
Paralysis _ _
3
3
Convulsions of Infancy _
1
1
Other Diseases of Infancy
11
12
23
Tetanus..
1
1
Other Nervous Diseases
4
4
Heart Diseases _
54
52
106
Bronchitis
1
2
3
Pneumonia and Broncho-Pneumonia __
23
29
52
Other Respiratory Diseases ...
2
2
Ulcer of Stomach _
2
2
Other Diseases of the Stomach
3
1
4
Diarrhea, Dysentery and Enteritis
31
16
47
Hernia, Intestinal Obstruction
4
6
10
Cirrhosis of Liver.
3
3
6
Other Diseases of the Liver
5
1
6
Simple Peritonitis ...
Appendicitis _
2
2
4
Bright’s Disease ...
29
19
48
Other Genito-Urinary Diseases
10
7
17
Puerperal Diseases __
7
2
9
Senile Debility __
2
2-
Suicide
4
4
Injuries _
21
7
28
All Other Causes _
30
28
58
Total.. _
387
297
684
Still-born Children— White, 18; colored, 18; total, 36.
Population of City (estimated)— White, 276,000; colored, 102,000;
_ total, 378,000.
Jleath Rate per 1,000 per Annum for Month — White, 16.58; colored,
34.27; total, 21.38. Non-residents excluded, 18.15.
METEOROLOGIC SUMMARY (U. S. Weather Bureau).
Mean atmospheric pressure. 30.07
Mean temperature. 7 q
Total precipitation. .... 2.79 inches
Prevailing direction of wind, southeast.
ws.s.
TO* SAVINGS STAMPS
ISSUED BV THE
UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT
NEW ORLEANS MEDICAL
AND SURGICAL JOURNAL
EDITORS s
CHARLES CHASSAIGNAC, M. D. ISADORE DYER, M. D.
COLLABORATORS :
C. C. BASS, M. D., Prest., Amer. Soc. Tropical Medicine | .
S. K. SIMON, M. D., Acting Secty, American Soc. of Tropical Medicine ..... .
P. T. TALBOT, M. D., Secretary Louisiana State Medical Society... Ex-Officio.
RUPERT BLUE, M. D., Surgeon General, United States Public Health Service.
H. D. BRUNS, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
C. F. CRAIG, M. D., Col., U. S. A.
S. T. DARLING, M. D„ Sao Paulo, Brazil.
W. H. DEADERICK, M. D., Hot Springs, Arkansas.
E. M. DUPAQUIER, M. D. (Paris), Tulane University of Louisiana.
A. G. FRIEDRICHS, M. D., New Orleans, La.
J. T. HALSEY, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
JOS. HOLT, M. D., New Orleans, La.
F. A. LARUE, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
E. S. LEWIS, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
R. C. LYNCH, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
E. D. MARTIN, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
R. MATAS, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
AUGUSTUS McSHANE, M. D., Greenwood, Miss.
PAUL MICHINARD, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
C. J. MILLER, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
F. W. PARHAM, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana,
E. A. ROBIN, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
W. H. SEEMANN, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
ALLEN J. SMITH, M. D., University of Pennsylvania.
EDMOND SOUCHON, M. D., Tulane University1 of Louisiana.
E. R. STITT, M. D., Rear Admiral, U. S. N.
J. A. STORCK, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
R. P. STRONG, M. D., Harvard University.
ROY M. VAN WART, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
Vol. LXXI AUGUST, 1918 No. 2
EDITORIAL
ARMY SCHOOL OF NURSING.
The large demand for medical officers for the army has had a
certain corollary in the need of trained nurses, and the loyal response
of the patriotic women in this calling has been significant. Various
suggestions have been made for meeting the civil need, such as the
resumption of nursing by those who have married, and by providing
partially trained nurses in the emergency.
With the same foresight which has characterized so much of the
activities of the Medical Department of the Army, a regular plan
for training nurses for military needs has been put in operation.
The Army School of Nursing has been established by the Surgeon
General, under the Medical Department of the Army, and it offers
-58
Editorial
a thorough course in nursing to women desiring to care for the sick
and wounded soldiers. The course will he systematic, and a diploma
will be awarded at the completion of the course. The training is to
be given at the military hospitals, and a three years’ course of in-
struction is outlined. Credit of three to nine months will be given
applicants with college education. Each hospital employed for train-
ing will have its corps of teachers.
The outline of work provides a probationary period of four
months, eight months of junior work and twelve months each in
intermediate and senior classes. An allowance of $15 a month is
allowed for necessary expenses, covering uniforms, etc.
The published outline of the school invites a large response from
young women between 21 and 35 years of age, and especially from
those who are inspired to engage in this patriotic service.
Direct information may be had by addressing the Army School of
Nursing, through the Surgeon General of the Army, Washington,
D. C., or, for this vicinity, the Gulf Division of the Bureau of Nurs-
ing of the American Bed Cross, Postoffice Building, New Orleans.
MOBILIZATION OF PHYSICIANS.
From time to time unofficial or semi-official statements are pub-
lished regarding a forthcoming mobilization of the members of the
medical profession. If the term “mobilization” is used in the
figurative sense, well and good, as we are firmly of the opinion that
the medical profession should be utilized to the utmost. Dsed in
any other sense, these annoouncements are both useless and of ques-
tionable taste.
The physicians of this country, all in all, have responded nobly
and are as patriotic as any other body of men. They have not
waited to be drafted, nor have they drawn the line at age; many
Volunteers have been refused for being over the age limit. That a
few, here and there, have dodged their responsibility is bound to be
and is admitted, but those are exceptions that prove the rule.
Movements already inaugurated will no doubt further stimulate
-recruiting among the physicians left, but it must not be lost sight
of that already some communities and institutions are suffering for
the lack of medical services.
Any really compulsory measures would be of doubtful legality.
ORIGINAL ARTICLES
(No paper published or to be published in any other medical journal will be accepted
for this department. All papers must be in the hands of the Editors on the tenth day of
the month preceding that in which they are expected to appear. Reprints may be had at
reasonable rates if a WRITTEN order for the same accompany the paper.)
THE DIETETIC TREATMENT OF LIVER DISEASES."
By ALLAN EUSTIS, B. S., Ph. B., M. D., New Orleans, La.
The importance of a proper diet in such conditions as present de-
ficient liver function is manifest when one considers the frequency
with which the latter is found in diseases beside cirrhosis and other
primary hepatic disease.
A consideration of a few will be of interest.
Gall-Bladder Disease. — In this condition there is an associated
cholangitis, varying in intensity with the virulence of the infection,
and certainly dependent, in part, on injudicious dieting. Further,
after operations upon the gall-bladder there is always more or less
cholangitis, and the importance of a proper diet in the post-oper-
ative treatment of gall-bladder cases has been urged by me for
several years.
Eclampsia.- — The trained obstetrician regards this condition as
primarily hepatic, due to central necroses in the liver lobules, and
the albuminuria as only a secondary manifestation of the toxemia.
However, I have found that even they make little attempt to spare
the liver in their dietetic measures, while the average practitioner
waits until large amounts of albumin appear, or even for convul-
sions, before any attempt is made to regulate the diet. I believe
firmly that it is possible to avoid 'eclampsia by proper dietetic
measures, and that the time will come when a case of eclampsia will
undermine an obstetrician’s reputation as much as one of puerperal
sepsis. The day has passed when the obstetrician has done his full
duty when he examines the urine once a week for albumin and
sugar; for, by more frequent tests for indican and urobilinogen, he
is in a position to determine the liver function of any case. This
opinion is based upon the experience gained during my four years
of rural practice in a locality where eclampsia is very prevalent.
While there I was able to guide women, who had had eclampsia in
previous labors, through normal parturition, without even an al-
* Read at the 39th Annual Meeting, Louisiana State Medical Society, New Orleans,
April 16, 17, 18, 1918.
60
Original Articles.
buminuria. Other observers have reported some interesting experi-
mental work, which will be referred to later, in its relation to
eclampsia.
Malarial Fever. — We all recognize the liver as being damaged
in malaria, and calomel is as frequently administered as quinin ; and
yet, how many practitioners consider the diet in the treatment of
malarial fever?
This same question can justly be made to include loss of cardiac
compensation with secondary passive congestion of the liver ; typhoid
fever, in which there is always more or less hepatic degeneration,
and especially the common term “biliousness,” in which there is a
passive congestion of the liver from overwork in detoxicating the
poisons coming from the intestinal canal.
Yellow fever should also be considered a disease in which the liver
should be spared on account of its- fatty degeneration. A rational
diet for liver diseases can be prescribed only after a thorough knowl-
edge of the physiology of the liver and of the chemical pathology
in diseased conditions of the organ.
Physiology of the Liver.
Besides the secretion of bile and the storing of glycogen in its
cells, we have known for a long time that a large proportion of the
amino acids in the portal blood are deaminized by the liver cells
and that the liver is the principal site of urea formation. It has
also been known for years that dogs with an Eck fistula (an anas-
tomosis between the portal vein and vena cava), if fed on meat,
develop a toxemia and die in a few days in coma or convul-
sions. Examination of the blood shows a relative decrease in
the urea content and a relative increase in the ammonia content,
which has led certain observers1 to believe that the intoxication
is due to an alkalosis, probably from ammonia salts. However,
on the other hand, experimental and clinical data all point to
a tendency to acidosis in liver insufficiency. It is more probable
that, by our present methods of estimating ammonia in blood, many
volatile amins are estimated as ammonia, and that the relative in-
crease in ammonia in the portal blood and in the blood of dogs with
Eck fistulse is really due to the presence of putrefactive amins
absorbed from the intestinal canal, these being broken up into urea
by the normal liver. In experiments, which have never been pub-
lished, I have demonstrated that the two diamins, putrescin and
Eustis — The Dietetic Treatment of Liver Diseases.
61
cadaverin, pass over with ammonia and cannot be detected from the
latter by the Folin method of determining ammonia in blood. As
this method, or some modification of it, is usually employed, one
can readily understand that with such volatile amins as methylamin,
dimethylamin and trimethylamin arising from protein putrefaction
the apparent ammonia content will be still further increased. I
have endeavored for seven years to find or perfect a method for the
separation of these volatile amins from ammonia, hut without suc-
cess, and therefore evidence, as yet, is not conclusive on this point.
These volatile amins, arising from protein putrefaction, are but
slightly toxic, although capable of causing local necrosis when in-
jected subcutaneously, according to such a well-known authority as
H. Gideon Wells.2 The higher, non-volatile amins, however, are
-extremely toxic, and the only explanation of their failure to mani-
fest themselves in the normal dog or individual is that in passing
through the liver they are in some way detoxicated. Certain of
these detoxication processes are well known. Indol, which Herter3
has shown to produce in man headache, irritability, insomnia and
confusion, is detoxicated by the liver by oxidation to potassium in-
•doxyl sulfate or indican. Richards and Howland4 have claimed
that this toxicity is markedly increased when conditions favoring
lo wiped oxidation obtain. Ewins and Laidlaw5 have further shown
that paraoxyphenylethylamin, a toxic amin from the putrefaction
of tyrosin, is broken up by the liver into paraoxyphenylacetic acid
and urea, while I have reported elsewhere6 experiments to prove
that the liver of the turkey-buzzard, at least, contains an enzyme
which is capable of detoxicating solutions of betaimidazolylethyl-
amin, a highly toxic amin derived from the putrefaction of histidin.
This detoxicating function of the liver, therefore, is its most im-
portant function, and failure thereof soon results in death, and yet
we find barely a paragraph devoted to it in our text-books on
physiology. Ho further argument is necessary to convince me that
any efforts tending to relieve the liver of work should be exerted
towards overcoming any tendency to absorption of protein putre-
factive products.
In a paper before this Society, in 1912, I reported the results of
363 tests of urine for the presence of urobilinogen in various cases,
using Ehrlich’s aldehyde reagent, and at that time I stated that in
each case in which urobilinogen was present the liver was clinically
deficient in function.
62
Original Articles.
During the past three years, in my office alone, 5,042 examina-
tions of urine have been made, in which this reagent was used, and
in each instance where a positive test was obtained the liver was
found diseased. Further, by means of this test, it has been possible
to accurately note the effect of intestinal poisons upon the liver.
Patients giving a positive urobilinogen test, after purgation and
being kept on a low protein diet, have shown a negative test for as
long as two months, the urobilinogen reappearing in a few days
after they are allowed to run a heavy indicanuria, the urobilinogen
again disappearing, but slowly, after the intestinal toxemia is over-
come.
Certain experimental data support this theory. Whipple and
Sperry,7 in their experiments on dogs in which liver necrosis was
produced by chloroform, while not claiming their evidence as con-
clusive, reported failure to obtain the typical chloroform necrosis of
the liver cells in dogs with Eck fistulas — i. e., in which the liver was
not subjected directly to the influence of blood coming from the
intestinal canal. In conclusion, they state :
‘ 1 There are many points in favor of the view that accumulation of
waste products in the blood as it flows from the edge to the center of the
lobule renders the central cells more prone to injury. ’ ’
Later, Opie and Alfords produced liver necrosis in rats by sub-
cutaneous injections of chloroform mixed with two parts of paraffin
oil. One set of rats was fed on oatmeal and cane sugar, one set on
suet, and one set on meat. The animals which received carbo-
hydrates survived, whereas those which received meat and fat died
in from one to four days. They state, in closing :
‘ ‘ Since necrosis of the liver from chloroform in animals coincides so
closely with a variety of conditions in man, namely: toxemia of preg-
nancy, acute yellow atrophy of the liver, etc., the foregoing- experiments
suggest that a carbohydrate diet may be found to influence favorably
the course of these diseases, whereas fat may have grave danger/7
Quite recently Lavake9 repeated the experiments of Opie and
Alford and advocates a high carbohydrate in pre-eclamptic toxemia,
as he considers that the carbohydrates have a distinctly protective
influence on the liver cells. In line with this, it is interesting to
note that in a recent issue of the Journal of the American Medical
Association 10 it is stated that the incidence of eclampsia has mark-
edly decreased in Berlin since the war began, a 75 per cent reduc-
tion at the Charite and a 66 per cent reduction at the Frauen
Ivlinik, the reduction being ascribed to the scarcity of meat.
Eustis — The Dietetic Treatment of Liver Diseases.
63
Diet. — The diet should consist essentially of an abundance of
carbohydrates, and, while a transient glycosuria may be produced,
this soon disappears as the liver cells regenerate. This must be
selected according to the gastric function of the patient, and, if
vomiting exists, glucose by drip proctoclysis or by hypodermoclysis
must be resorted to. Where there is little disturbance with gastric
function the following diet list should be selected from, and the
patient maintained on this diet as long as a positive aldehyde re-
action is obtained, or as long as there is an intestinal toxemia.
DIET LIST FOR PATIENTS WITH DEFECTIVE LIVER FUNCTION.
May Take.
Soups: All clear soups, vegetable broths, puree of corn, beans, peas,
asparagus, spinach, celery, onions, potatoes and tomatoes.
Eggs: None.
Fish: None.
Meat, Game or Poultry: None.
Farinaceous: Oatmeal, rice, sago, hominy, grits, cracked wheat, whole
wheat bread or biscuits, corn, rye and Graham bread, rolls, dry and but-
tered toast, crackers, muffins, waffles, batter cakes, wafers, grape nuts,
macaroni, noodles and spaghetti.
Vegetables: Potatoes (sweet and Irish), green peas, string beans,
beets, carrots, celery, spinach, artichokes, alligator pears, eggplants,
lettuce and onions. All vegetables except cabbage, cauliflower and
turnips.
Desserts: Rice and sago with a little cream and sugar, figs, raisins,
nuts and syrup, stewed fruit, preserves, jellies, jams, marmalades and
gelatin; prunes, apples and pears, either raw or cooked.
Drinks: Tea and coffee (with cream, but not milk), grape juice,
orangeade, lemonade, limeade and Vichy, cocoa. An abundance of pure
water, cold or hot.
Must Not Take.
Veal, pork, goose, duck; salted, dry, potted or preserved fish or meat
(except crisp bacon) ; oysters, crabs, salmon, lobster, shrimp, mackerel,
eggs, turtle and ox-tail soup, gumbo, patties, mushrooms, mince pie,
cabbage, cauliflower, turnips and cheese; alcohol.
Negative tests for urobilinogen and indican extending over a week,
indicate that either eggs, fish or easily digestible meats may be taken
in moderation, in my practice this being limited to not oftener than
once a day. It will be fonnd that buttermilk to which lactose has
been added is the best animal protein on which to start, bnt I can-
not too strongly urge a constant control of the diet by frequent
examinations of the nrine.
A detailed record of cases in which the diet was observed to in-
fluence the liver function will simply prolong this paper unnecessarily
and will be dispensed with. I will state again, in closing, however.
64
Original Articles.
that careful observation of patients with defective liver function, in
whom liver function has apparently regained its normal capacity,
have invariably shown evidences of decreased hepatic function when
allowed much animal protein, with resulting intestinal putrefaction
of same, as evidenced not only by a return of a positive aldehyde
test, but in a return of headaches, vertigo, nausea and occasional
vomiting.
Summary.
Experimental and clinical data indicate that in all conditions in
which the liver is diseased a high carbohydrate diet is indicated.
In conjunction with the dietetic regime, efforts should be
directed towards overcoming any tendency to the production of in-
testinal toxemia.
BIBLIOGRAPHY.
1. Fischler. Deutsch. Arch. Klin. Med., 1911, CIV, p. 300.
2. Wells, H. G. Chemical Pathology, 1918, 3rd Ed., p. 123.
3. Herter, C. N. Y. Med. Jl., 1898, LXVIII, p. 89.
4. Richards and Howland. Jl. Exp. Med., 1909, II, p. 344.
5. Ewins and Laidlaw. Jl. of Physiol., XLI, p. 78.
6. Eustis. Biochem. Bull., March, 1915, Vol. IV, pp. 97-99.
7. Whipple and Sperry. Johns Hopkins Hospital Bull., 1909, XX, p. 278.
8. Opie and Alford. Jl. A. M. A., 1914, LXII, p. 895.
9. Lavake. Am. Jl. Obst., 1916, LXXIV, p. 401.
10. Editorial, Jl. A. M. A., 1917, LXVIII, p. 732.
Discussion on the Paper of Dr. Eustis. •
Dr. J. E. Knighton, Shreveport: I think Dr. Eustis’ paper serves to
emphasize what our chairman said at the opening of this section this
morning, namely: the importance of paying more attention to and having
a better knowledge of internal medicine. As a matter of fact, I think
we all recognize the situation that the majority of the profession do not
give that attention to internal medicine that they should. A young man
comes out of school with a diploma and looks forward to the time when
he can do major surgical operation. The spectacular side of medicine
appeals to him more than tedious, painstaking scientific work that is
brought out and developed by internal medicine.
I think the Society is indebted to Dr. Eustis for bringing this phase
of internal medicine to our attention this morning. We do not give the
attention to internal medicine that we should, and especially we do not
give attention to dietetics as we should. We should recognize the fact
that dietetics is one of the most important parts of therapeutics with
reference to any of the diseases. We should ever keep this in mind.
I can add nothing of value to what the doctor has said in his paper.
I simply want to emphasize the importance of the medical profession
paying more attention to internal medicine, and especially to dietetics.
There is one point he brought out that I want to emphasize, and it is
a point that has been pointed out for some years past — thati in gall-
bladder diseases we have an associated cholangitis, and especially after
operation, and in these cases, surgical as they are, very little attention
is paid to the dietetic management of them afterwards. Dr. Eustis him-
Discussion.
65
self, as I remember, called attention to this point before the Surgical
Section of the Southern Medical Association at Memphis last fall. He
did not mention it in his paper, but I would emphasize it, and I hope he
will mention it in closing the discussion. Every case of gall-bladder
operation should have special attention with reference to dietetic manage-
ment after operation. If these cases do not receive such attention after
operation, your results will not be what you think they should be.
Again, I wish to thank Dr. Eustis for bringing this subject so forcibly
to our attention this morning.
Dr. R-. B. Wallace, Alexandria: Dr. Eustis has brought a very im-
portant subject before us, and it should be of interest to all of us who
are engaged in medical and surgical work. He goes into the subject much
more broadly and minutely than we can appreciate, but what he has said
sets us thinking. That is one of the great advantages of coming to these
meetings. It gives us the opportunity to be free in the expression of our
opinions and to derive knowledge from others.
I would like to ask Dr. Eustis how he makes that particular test and
whether it is to be brought out in connection with the publication of his
paper?
Dr. F. W. Parham, New Orleans: I did not expect to be called upon
to participate in this discussion. I devote myself almost entirely to
surgical work, and have been frequently associated with Dr. Eustis and
have derived helpful assistance from his suggestions along the line he
has brought out to-day. I believe that we, as surgeons, neglect too much
the assistance of the internist. I often feel like saying this — that the
surgeon works with his hands, while the internist works with his head,
although the surgeon shows the internist something by making a hole, and
sometimes correcting his diagnosis. That leads me to say that we ought
to have cooperation between the surgeon and internist in our most im-
portant surgical work. Frequently the surgeon is misled by the failure
to consider the medical treatment of his cases particularly, and there is
where the sensible, common-sense internist, one who is scientific in his
attainments, will give greater assistance to the surgeon.
In connection with gall-bladder trouble, our cases do not always im-
prove as we think they should. We have done a satisfactory operation,
according to the rules of our art, and yet the patient does not continue
to improve as we think, following our general experience, such a patient
should improve. There is an instance where the internist frequently will
help to turn the scales in the right direction.
I believe Dr. Eustis has worked out a very important line of sugges-
tions by these methods of examination to which he subjects such patients.
After a gall-bladder operation it is important to follow some sort of
dietary. Not all people are able to take eggs as soon as the stomach is,
ready for them. I have seen people poisoned by eggs after operation. I
have seen considerable trouble caused by the use of eggs frequently. I
remember one patient who had a most intense intractable nausea, and
I was unable to do anything for that case until I stopped eggs. They
were hunting the country for fresh eggs to give to this patient. As soon
as we stopped the eggs the patient did better, and finally got well. I
have made it a rule, after all operative procedures, not to give proteins
or fatty foods, but to rely chiefly upon starches, and I have been in-
fluenced by Dr. Eustis in following this plan, after a serious operation,
until all nausea has completely disappeared and the patient seems to be
incapable of retaining anything. I never depart from the rule of being
careful about the condition of such articles of diet as Dr. Eustis has
66 Original Articles.
pointed out that may give rise to undesirable changes and turn the scales
in the wrong way.
Dr. Joseph J. Frater, Shreveport: It seems to me some of the things
brought out in this paper we have all more or less realized. Medicine,
with some of us who are here, is divided into surgeons and general prac-
titioners, and a whole lot of us are simple general practitioners. Some
of the surgeons who operate frequently and are so well versed in internal
medicine are just general practitioners. I would like to ask Dr. Eustis
if he can suggest some good work on dietetics that will help us surgeons
and general practitioners? We need to study more thoroughly some of
these problems. Some of us have good men to refer to, like Dr. Eustis
and Dr. Knighton, who are ever ready and willing to help us out of any
trouble. If we had more knowledge of these cases and of this subject
we might save our patients and ourselves some anxious rest. When we
try to put our patients on a restricted diet — that is, leaving off meats —
they complain. They do not like it, and yet we know, from many tests
that have been made, that some men have been rendered physically very
capable by following a strictly vegetable diet. Many of you doubtless
recall the tests that were made at Battle Creek, Mich. As you recall, they
took a number of college boys and fed them on strong meats where they
were engaged in athletics. They also took another bunch from Battle
Creek and fed them on a strictly vegetable diet; and you remember that
the men who won out in these tests were those who were put on a strictly
vegetable diet and not the strong-meat men.
Dr. John M. Barrier, Delhi: I cannot add to this discussion from a
scientific standpoint, but I was reminded of what the last gentleman said
in reference to the general practitioner. I find that the question of
dietetics has been very helpful to me in my practice. When I have been
unable to make a diagnosis of any particular trouble with the stomach,
liver or what not, I have usually prescribed a mild placebo and put the
patient on a restricted diet, lessening the amount and cutting out the
strong meats, and so on.
Dr. J. L. Adams, Monroe: I am sure that we are all of one accord in
appreciating the value of Dr. Eustis’ paper, and I can assure him that
he has our support from beginning to end. It is a very important subject,
that is passed up usually by physicians and largely passed up by the text-
books.
The average physician, in prescribing a diet, tells the mother to keep
the patient on a soft diet, and the mother or the attendant is made re-
sponsible for what constitutes a soft diet. It is like our judgment — it
depends where we are as to what a soft diet is.
I would like to emphasize the point brought out relative to having
cooperation of the internist in surgical work. I do a little surgery
myself, and I see a little surgery done by others in New Orleans and
elsewhere, and I never attempt to do an operation without feeling thaf
I need the hearty cooperation of an experienced internist. It does not
make much difference about the magnitude of the operation, you need
some man to steer you safely on the internal side of the proposition. You
can get into serious trouble unless the internal side of the case is well
cared for. That brings out, as Dr. Knighton said a while ago, renewed
insistence on the fact that we should encourage internal medicine more.
Usually those fellows in the medical centers do the operative work and
we general practitioners are simply shipping clerks. We send the cases
to the medical centers to be operated on, and the surgeons fail to give
us value received for our shipments. We send them our cases and they
Discussion.
67
should help us in part by encouraging and assisting us to study our cases
more carefully and closely and help them make a diagnosis. The surgeon
is put to his wit’s end, for the reason that he has not the time or oppor-
tunity to study the case as carefully as he should do, and the practitioner
who has brought the case to him for some reason or other has not given
the patient the proper amount of attention and study, so that both the
surgeon and practitioner are in the dark.
Dr. Allan A. Eustis, New Orleans (closing) : I wish to thank the sev-
eral speakers for the very kind reception of my paper. It is a subject I
have been much interested in for a good many years, and it is a great
relief to get up before this Society now and not find a dozen or four dozen
broad grins on the faces of the men. I believe that there is a lot in this,
and I have attempted in some individual work that I have done on this
question to set it on a sound, scientific basis.
Regarding the post-operative treatment of gall-bladder disease, I
would like to mention, in passing, that phase of the subject, because I
called attention to the relationship that is always associated. I say that
because I have followed numerous cases in which you will find positive
aldehyde appearing after operation on the gall-bladder, which will not
obtain in an operation on other parts of the body, so that it cannot be
the effect of the anesthetic.
Regarding the aldehyde test which I use in this work, and which has
not met with universal use in this country, I will say that an article re-
cently appeared in the American Journal of the Medical Sciences, in
which the author stated that the purol derivative would give a positive
aldehyde test. The only purol derivative is urobilinogen, and if you do
get the purol derivative it will not get in there unless the liver cells are
defective. While I do not like to quote from our enemies, we have a lot
to learn from Germany and Austria. I have been using this test for the
past eight years. Of the last lot, I bought four ounces, realizing it is
a German product which would enhance in vglue. I paid $9.30 an ounce
for that salt, and unless I was getting results .1 would not be so idiotic
as to pay that amount for it. This salt is selling to-day for $20 an ounce.
It does not take a great deal.
The formula for Ehrlich’s aldehyde reagent is:
Paradimethylamidobenz-aldehyde 2 grams
Hydrochloric acid (chemically pure) 20 c. c.
Wfiter 80 c. c.
Two grams of it, or one gram, is enough for three or four hundred
determinations; so that it does not take a great deal. You can buy a
certain amount wholesale in dram vials. You do not have to invest $20
in it. The test is made by simply adding two or three drops of this re-
agent to a small amount of urine in a test tube, and, in the presence of
urobilinogen, a bright cherry-red color is obtained. I believe it will be
generally adopted in this country now, because I noticed in a recent
article in the American Journal of the Medical Sciences that it is
being used as a uniform procedure in the Mayo Clinic, and it will be
obtained in this country on a cheaper basis.
I wish to thank Dr. Parham for his kind remarks and to bring forward
the importance of cooperation between the surgeon and internist, not
that I am trying to increase my practice, but from the patient’s stand-
point, because I have had more than one disagreeable experience with
surgeons who have operated on cases that I have referred to them. They
are not all so broad-minded as Dr. Parham. I recall one patient in whom
68
Original Ai'ticles.
I was very much interested, a relative of mine, who had a laparotomy
performed for an extensive pelvic condition, with appendectomy. She
was vomiting for three or four days. I found that the nurse was giving
soft-boiled eggs. I told her to stop it. The surgeon came along and dis-
agreed with me. I went back the next day and found that the patient
was still gettings eggs. I told the surgeon that I would not give the
patient eggs, as her urine was loaded with indican, and the surgeon said
to me, "You are a damn crank on indican. ” Here was an instance where
the surgeon overstepped the bounds. Some surgeons do not hesitate to
cooperate with the internist in these cases, while others do not.
I cannot stress too much the importance of the surgeon cooperating
with the internist as regards post-operative treatment. I have seen
patients poisoned by improper dietetic measures, and I cannot urge too
strongly the importance of dieting after post-operative procedures and
more especially after gall-bladder cases.
In reply to Dr. Frater, I dislike to say it, but there is not any good
book on dietetics, for the simple reason that every book on the market
has been written by a physiological chemist, or a laboratory man without
clinical experience, or these books have been written by a clinician, a
gastroenterologist, with a limited knowledge of physiological chemistry.
In most of the books on the market, if you read the chapters on the
dietetics of liver diseases you will find that they say that the liver should
be conserved and carbohydrates should be restricted as much as possible
and an abundance of fats given, absolutely contraindicated. The best
book I have seen is one by Tibbies on 1 1 Diet in Health and Disease. ’ ’
There is another good book, written by Smith, of Boston. It is read-
able, but I do not coincide with all that he says. However, he gives some
good points, and the title of this book is “What to Eat, and Why. ”
I believe and feel that we will get better results if there is greater
cooperation between the surgeon and internist, because there is no doubt,
in my experience, that 90 per cent of the cases that we see are suffering
from overindulgence in proteins and from subsequent protein poisoning.
Dr. Leckert: I would like to say that Dr. Eustis is altogether too
modest to say that he has written a book himself on dietetics, but he has
done so, and I would like to ask him when that book is going to be pub-
lished?
Dr. Eustis: If any of you have attempted to write a book in the
midst of an actual busy practice you realize how difficult it is. The
manuscript is ready for publication, but every time I thought of sending
it to the publisher something new came out and I delayed it. The prin-
cipal reason for the delay of two years is on account of the recent work
of Allen on the treatment of diabetes, to which I do not wholly sub-
scribe, and I have been waiting for a sufficient number of cases to bolster
up my side and to give some reasons for advocating that generally ac-
cepted method.
Samuel — Radium Treatment of Fibroid of the Uterus . 69
RADIUM TREATMENT OF FIBROID OF THE UTERUS.*
By ERNEST CHARLES SAMUEL, M. D.,
Radium Institute, Touro Infirmary, New Orleans, La.
Dr. Robert Abbe made the statement some few years ago that he
had successfully treated with radium a large fibroid of the uterus.
His statement was received with a great deal of skepticism by a
large majority of the medical profession, but as time has gone on
and radium therapy has been placed on a more rational basis we
must realize that we have a very potent instrument in the posses-
sion of the radium salts.
When Dr. Abbe started his work the only place where radium was
obtainable was from the Curie Laboratory, of Paris. There was no
standard of measurement, such as the Curie unit, which we accept
to-day; no definite screening measures provided. The physics of
radium at that time were very well understood, but the physiology
was an unknown quantity, and it is such men as Beequerell we must
thank for blazing the way to a more rational therapy than was first
instituted. Radium, like the X-ray, before it was well understood,
produced some very mean burns, and, of course, was condemned,
only because there was insufficient evidence as to what we were able
to accomplish with the radio salts.
A great deal of discussion has been raised in this country and
abroad as to how much radium (or what is the smallest amount of
radium) we should use in these conditions. The concensus of
opinion among the radium workers at the present is that fifty milli-
grams of the element should be the minimum amount of salts that
should be used. The average fibroid generally requires at least fifty
milligrams inserted in the uterus to have the desired effect, and re-
peated by the method that will be described later.
I would first take up the indications for radiation of the non-
malignant tumors of the uterus. These are found in cases where
the hemoglobin is under 50 per cent on the Talquest scale, due, as
you know, to the terrible bleeding that usually accompanies these
cases, and where operative interference cannot even be considered.
For patients with cardiac or renal complications, or where the blood
pressure of patients is over 200 millimeters of mercury, or for
patients not willing to submit to any operative interference whatso-
ever, or in cases where you wish to preserve the pelvic organs, and
* Read at the 39th Annual Meeting, Louisiana State Medical Society, New Orleans,
April 16, 17, 18, 1918.
70 Original Articles.
where a myomectomy is not indicated, treatment with radium is the
best possible method.
I am still of the opinion that purely uncomplicated cases of
fibroid, where a woman has passed the child-bearing period, surgery
is still the best procedure, but in my last statement I wish more
than ever to emphasize the fact that the treatment can be carried
just so far, and not produce a menopause, and the woman still re-
tains her function that she was intended for — that is, to produce
children, which we all know is the desire of most of these patients
suffering from this pathological condition.
Patients showing the counter-indications for radiation, as I have
said before, the uncomplicated cases after having passed beyond
thirty-five or forty years of age, should be operated upon. All
sloughing fibroids, pedunculated tumors, cases where there is sus-
picion of malignancy, are in this class. I wish to emphasize my
last statement, as I believe that the tumor that is left alone, such
as the usual fibroid, does not undergo malignant changes. It is
either malignant from the beginning or is benign. In cases with
serious pelvic complications, such as a great amount of adhesions
or with large pus tubes, a preliminary curetment for diagnosis is
always advisable.
I would like to say a few words about technic. In the intra-
uterine applications of radium we have to observe the same strict
rules of asepsis that we do in any vaginal operative interference, as
the tubes that contain the radium come in contact with the endo-
metrium, and, as we know, no infectious material should be carried
in. Patients should be given a light cathartic the night before, and
report for treatment early in the morning. An enema, followed by
a lysol douche, is given. If the patient is nervous, a hypodermic of
one-quarter grain of morphia is given; this usually controls pain
and nervousness after the tube has been inserted. The celluloid
tube which contains your radium dosages is sealed with paraffin
and put in 40 per cent formalin for at least twenty minutes before
it is used. A string attached to the tube by an eye, after the tube
is inserted into the uterus, acts as an anchor, which is attached to
the skin by a small strip of adhesive, also facilitating the with-
drawal when the treatment is finished. It generally requires some
little dilatation, which is easily accomplished with the Hagar gradu-
ated dilator, producing very little discomfort to the patient. Some
patients complain most pitifully, and others do not, and in over one
thousand applications given we have only required an anesthetic
Samuel — Radium Treatment of Fibroid of the Uterus. 71
twice. The vagina is next packed with sterile gauze, to prevent the
expelling of the tube if the patient is put to bed and not allowed
to get up, and must use the bed-pan. Some patients complain a
great deal of nausea, and others do not, so that you can never say
exactly what is going to take place.
The usual exposure should last for twelve hours, using 50 milli-
grams 6f the element, which gives 600 milligram hours as a dose.
The patient is requested to return in seven days for another ex-
posure. This is repeated for three successive weeks, when a
menstrual period is allowed to come in before resuming the treat-
ment, and if the first treatment is given early after the last
menstrual period, and the patient is over thirty-five years of age,
we sometimes do not find a recurrence of the flow, and, if it does
appear, it is usually diminished in amount.
After thorough examination by the referring physician the patient
is allowed to rest for three or four weeks, and at the end of this
time is examined again, when considerable reduction in the size of
the tumor is generally noticed. Another series of treatments is
given, of shorter duration — from six to eight hours — and at the
end of this time usually suffices. It takes from six to seven months
for the tumor to entirely disappear, in some cases even longer, and in
some instances menstruation has been stopped, with no appreciable
effect on the tumor, but it does not seem to worry the patient very
much.
Some patients complain, after radiation, of a thin, watery dis-
charge. This is due to the action of the radium on the glands of
the cervix and endometrium. This disagreeable symptom rapidly
passes off, especially if the patient takes the saline douches that are
prescribed twice daily, as warm as she can stand it. We have not
observed any other unpleasant symptoms in the large number of
cases that have been treated up to The present time.
Radium is preferable to the X-ray, for the reason that radium
destroys the endometrium, and the Roentgen ray causes cessation of
the ovarian activity, and the symptoms of the change of life are,
therefore, very mild after radium treatment, whereas they are very
much more pronounced after the Roentgen treatment, due, as you
know, to its action on the ovary. Another reason: the Roentgen
ray requires more of the patients’ time, for the reason that they have
to come to the radiologist for repeated radiation, this not being the
case with radium ; it only requires the desired number of hours, as
mentioned previously.
72
Original Articles.
The time has been too short since radium has been more gener-
ally used for these conditions to draw any absolute conclusions. If
we can observe these patients at the end of from seven to ten years
and still find them free of a tumor and no return of the hemorrhage
we could say that we have accomplished a great deal and have not
subjected the patient to the dangers of operative interference.
The tables of a summary of onr work up to the present time will
be attached to this paper and will he for your consideration.
Discussion on the Paper of Dr. Samuel.
Dr. W. D. Phillips, New Orleans: I came in a little late and did not
hear all of Dr. Samuel’s paper, but I agree with him in reference to the
use of radium in gynecological cases. In one type of case particularly —
that is, the hyperplastic endometritis cases — radium works wonderfully
in some of them. I am sure we have all had an opportunity of curetting
such cases two or three times without any results. The bleeding would
let up for a while, and then recur. I have used radium in such cases and
have obtained excellent results with one dose, but in a few cases I have
had we used one dose, extending over twenty-four hours, and it stopped
bleeding entirely. I had a case recently in which I used it in a recurrent
malignancy in the vault of the vagina. The woman had been operated
on some time before, and the condition recurred. This patient came in
because of foul-smelling discharge and also bleeding. For a little while
we could control the hemorrhage, but there was practically nothing to
do for her except to give two doses, twelve hours apart, of radium and
have her come to the office every day. It is given at intervals of three
or four days, and the foul-smelling discharge has stopped, and the bleed
ing surface has practically disappeared. Of course, I do not think we
can say that case is absolutely cured, but by repeating the doses of
radium we may be able to tide the woman over for several months with
a comfortable existence.
As to the treatment of cases of large fibroid, I had a case recently
that I was ready to operate on, but some one suggested the use of radium.
The patient consulted another physician. He agreed to the use of radium
if I would permit it. In large fibroid tumor cases I have been afraid of
radium, particularly large fibroids of long standing, because of the danger
of changes taking place. We have seen fibroids that have existed for a
long time and then have operated on them. In some cases we have done
supravaginal amputation, and there has been a recurrence of the disease
in the stump. We know that in large fibroid cases these changes take
place, and I hesitated in this particular case because the fibroid had
existed for quite a while. I gave in, and was surprised, after one dose of
radium, to see the change that had taken place in the tumor of the sub-
serous type pressing on the anterior wall of the vagina and bladder.
After one dose of radium, extending over twenty-four hours, that tumor
had practically disappeared. The patient has had a second dose, and I
have not seen, thus far, the effects of the second dose.
Dr. Samuel mentioned leucorrheal discharge. I have observed that
in the few cases I have had, and as my experience has been limited in
radium I do not want to be too optimistic; nevertheless I have been very
Discussion.
73
well pleased in the hyperplastic form of endometritis with its use. We
have all curetted such cases, and, as I have previously remarked, they
have done well for a while, and then the bleeding would recur. The use
of radium is particularly indicated in this class of cases. Without it there
is nothing else but to sacrifice the uterus, and in a young woman we
hesitate to do that. I do believe that we have a golden era ahead of us
in the use of radium.
Dr. E. Denegre Martin, New Orleans: I would like to ask Dr. Samuel
as to the indications for radium in carcinoma of the cervix. I think we
have a most valuable aid in the use of radium in these inoperable cases.
T recall the case of a woman who had a cauliflower growth appearing at
the vagina. When she was discharged I had no idea there was anything
that would benefit her. This was about eighteen months ago. Radium
was used in her case, and since then there has been absolutely no sign of
trouble. The growth has disappeared. She has no pain and is able to
perform the duties of a housekeeper. She may have a recurrence.
Dr. E. C. Samuel, New Orleans (closing): I purposely did not touch
on the subject of malignancy, but I must agree with Dr. Phillips in every-
thing he has said in so far as the radium treatment of malignancy is
concerned. In one statement, where he brings up the question of the
tumor undergoing carcinomatous degeneration, it was one of the things
I called especial attention to. There is no absolute evidence that we
have at hand to-day wherein a tumor that is not malignant at the start
becomes malignant later on. When it does become malignant later you
can say that there have been cells that have been existing from the time
the tumor just started. That is the opinion of some pathologists, and it
is still a debatable question.
If the president will permit, I will try to answer Dr. Martin with
reference to the question of malignancy and radium. We have, up to
date, over 700 exposures that we have given for malignant disease of the
cervix, the vaginal vault and the pelvic organs. There is no question in
the world but that radium offers the greatest possible advantage in
malignancy of the female genital organs, especially the uterus, that we
have at our command to-day. Of course, as radiologists and radium
therapeutists we do not say that radium or anything else is to supersede
surgery. Surgery comes first. In early cases of malignancy of the uterus
within the operable stage they should be treated with radium. It is a
surgical condition from the time it is first found, if it has not passed
beyond the stage of operative intervention. In cases thaf; come to you
far advanced, with a large crater, with a foul discharge, anemic, and
practically ready for your signature on the death certificate, radium offers
the most wonderful hope that you have to give these patients to-day. We
have some eases that have gone on for nearly three years that are re-
markably well, but how long they will continue I do not know. In the
majority of cases, we have seen them go along for fifteen to eighteen
months or two years without evidences of recurrence, but the majority
of them show some evidence later on, say at the end of two years or at
the end of two and a half years. If you have recurrence after radium
therapy, there is nothing in the world that will stop it. Radium is of
no value in such cases. It is like putting a match to gasoline — these
patients go right straight on and go down. What the explanation of this
is nobody knows. These patients come to you, and when you place 75 to
100 milligrams of radium, with proper screening to prevent any effect on
the neighboring organ, the patient will tell you that the discharge has
74
Original Articles.
stopped, there is no more odor and she feels that she is well. When you
examine her you see the typical appearance on the cervix of the radium
application, namely: a thin, whitish film, which you find in these cases,
and oftentimes physicians think they are sloughs. They are not sloughs;
it is the effect of the radium on the crater-like substance, and they go on,
and after you have finished your series of treatments, which last gener-
ally from two to three months, they are allowed to rest for six months,
when they return for re-examination. The effect is almost phenomenal
from radium in the majority of cases. There may be no evidence of the
disease left, but they go like that for eighteen months or two years, and
in the majority of cases there is recurrence taking place in the vaginal
vault or deep in the pelvic structures. If there has been a pan-hyster-
ectomy done it is practically useless to treat them with radium, because
it does not do them any good. Th6 majority of them die from urinary
complications due to the growth encroaching on the ureters and gradually
occluding them, ana urinary sepsis is generally the cause of death.
A SIMPLE SURGICAL AFTER-TREATMENT.*
By E. L. SANDERSON’, M. D., Shreveport, La.
A large part of the literature on surgical after-treatment deals
with details suited to special cases. I wish to draw some general
conclusions applicable to all cases, and suggest a few simple pro-
cedures which, theoretically, meet these requirements, and which, in
pracetice, have given very satisfactory results.
To discuss any phase of operative surgery, and especially that
pertaining to the time of operation * and tlje days immediately fol-
lowing, one must keep before him, as a background, man’s biology.
The patient you are about to operate upon is a wonderful machine,
every part of which is automatic and interdependent to such a de-
gree that its achievements are almost Godlike.
To contemplate the vast complexity of actions and the perfect
coordination necessary even in the simpler acts of life, you would
suppose that many forces were employed.
The wonder of it all is its simplicity. Every act, whether it be
the drawing of a breath or the taking of a city, requires only the
simple processes of osmosis and chemical reaction.
Environment, which we now recognize as the prime factor in our
development, accomplishes her work by interfering with or in-
fluencing osmosis and chemical reaction. Continued, like interfer-
ence or influence produces a change of function and leaves its im-
print on the race. But, after all, the one-celled protozoon who takes
* Read at the 39th Annual Meeting, Louisiana State Medical Society, New Orleans,
April 16,' 17, 18, 1918.
Sanderson — A Simple Surgical After-Treatment. 75
his food by endosmosis from fluid surroundings and excretes by
exosmosis through the same membrane, is exactly like ourselves, ex-
cept that we represent a large collection of such protozoa, become
interdependent by long association, and finally, very sensitive to
influences suggesting past experiences to themselves or to their pro-
genitors in ages past.
It is this last element that besets the surgeon on every hand; for,
be as kind and gentle as you may, your operative procedure still
remains very like the onslaught with tooth and claw upon our an-
cestors in the forests of antiquity.
Here lies the secret of shock : Abdominal distention and its at-
tendant nausea, and of that long train of nervous phenomena so
often lasting for months after operative procedures.
The many chapters written about the vasodilators and con-
strictors, the excitors and inhibitors, and the intricate maze of
actions and reactions involved in shock and post-operative neuras-
thenia, which might well be called chronic shock, may be summed
up in the word “fright,” or the phrase “recollections of injured
posterity.”
Throughout our development as a species we have been attacked
by our fellows and other species. The attack, especially when un-
able to defend ourselves, has always meant loss of blood, prostration,
great pain and infection. If the abdomen was opened it meant torn
viscera; the stomach was emptied to minimize escape of contents.
Distention and cessation of peristalsis followed to facilitate ad-
hesions and limit peritonitis.
An aseptic surgical attack arouses these recollections, and the
same phenomena are prone to follow. Therefore, we feel justified
in stating that one-half of surgical after-treatment should consist
in combating the evil effects of man’s wonderful power of associa-
tion of present experiences with the perils that beset his ancestors
since the beginning of time.
The remedy is simple and efficient: Protect your patient before
and after operation from all influences suggesting danger or pain,
as far as possible. Give morphin before operation and continue
afterward until the period of severe pain is past — not just enough
to cause nausea and wakefulness, but to relieve almost, if not com-
pletely. Don’t instruct the nurse to give as little as possible, but
instead all that is necessary. After forty-eight hours, in ordinary
76
Original Articles.
cases, it may be decreased rapidly and discontinued in a few more
hours.
However, if for any reason its effects are allowed to wear off and
the patient begins to suffer greatly, don’t return to it, or a condition
resembling acidosis will develop, which I cannot explain. This
very action is the underlying factor that carries near to death’s door
so many patients who are really in the hands of skillful operators.
Morphin is given before operation because the patient takes the
anesthetic easier; after operation the nurse is instructed to give a
hypo if very necessary. The previous morphin dies out completely,
the patient becomes wild with pain; at last morphin is given and
all the symptoms of acidosis appear. This one point is of extreme
importance.
Yet the rule to fight the use of morphin is so universal that many
of us forget that fire has any other purpose than to burn houses.
The nurses have to be constantly reminded to not let the patient
suffer, else you will come back in the afternoon following the oper-
ation and find the nurse doing her best to ease and quiet your
patient — holding the morphin' back as a last resort.
Of course, it should not be continued longer than necessary;
common sense suggests this. I have written less than a dozen pre-
scriptions for morphin to be used Ipy the patient himself since the
Harrison law was enacted. I have not had a single operative patient
to show the slightest sign that the two or three days’ relief from
pain had given them any desire whatever to continue to take mor-
phin. And when I say relief I mean complete relief. A sixth or
eighth of morphin given following an abdominal section should not
thus be wasted on an adult.
How, there is only one other factor of note in surgical after-treat-
ment; that is osmosis.
The vomiting is due to deranged osmosis either in the stomach,
where irritating substances are being secreted or excreted, or in the
brain cells, where membranous coverings are not functioning prop-
erly, thereby admitting irritating elements to the cells or retaining
combustion products that should be expelled by exosmosis. The
surgical fever is a disturbance of the osmotic power of the skin or
tissue cell coverings which are admitting toxic substances or retain-
ing the products of tissue change. Stoppage of excretion and secre-
tion are simple matters of osmotic disturbance. The absorption
from infectious surfaces depends solely on the osmotic action of the
cell coverings.
Sanderson — A Simple Surgical After-Treatment.
77
Water is the osmotic fluid of our bodies. Without it life cannot
exist. A lack of it makes of our organism a hungry sponge, ready
to take into itself any fluid which may be in contact with it, whether
it be water or the vilest pus.
The law of osmosis is simple — two liquids, separated by an or-
ganic membrane, tend to pass through and mingle. The tendency
to flow is from the rare to dense and in the direction of greatest
pressure. In health, our osmotic functions are perfectly balanced. A
certain dilution of body fluids must be maintained for this balance,
of function. When this dilution varies from lack of water there is
retained in the cells certain substances which act upon the nerve
centers and is manifested by thirst. This unquenchable thirst fol-
lowing operation is' not a morbid desire, but an eloquent appeal that
you reestablish the osmotic equilibrium. The restlessness and sleep-
lessness are due to the retention in the nerve cells by defective ex-
osmosis of substances which should be excreted.
Absorption of toxins from the bowel or wound surfaces is en-
couraged by lowered tension in the tissues and increased density of
tissue fluids. Secretion and excretion are disturbed, because they
are purely osmotic processes.
But the stomach will not retain water, you say, and that is evi-
dence that the thirst is morbid. The stomach rejects it because it
has learned in ages past that opening the abdomen meant opened
viscera, and that anything taken into the stomach increased the
escape of contents. The stomach does not discriminate between
your laparotomy and the attack of the wild boar. But they did not
drink water per rectum in ancient times, fortunately ; therefore you
have this unguarded portal through which you may transport the
life-saving water to the starving tissues.
Of course, you may think I have not covered the subject because
I have not referred to position, drainage, heart stimulants, etc.
Drainage and position of patients is a matter of favoring osmosis.
And as to strychnin, camphorated oil and digitalis, I have not given
either of them in a single case for five years, and, of course, have
about forgotten the little I knew of their action.
I have used the term water instead of saline purposely. There is
no more reason for drinking saline by rectum than by mouth.
In short, a simple and efficient surgical after-treatment will be
found in morphin to control man's inborn tendency to violent re-
action to injury, and water to maintain or restore osmotic equi-
librium.
78
Original Articles.
Discussion on the Paper of Dr. Sanderson.
Dr. O. W. Cosby, Monroe: If I am permitted to discuss a paper that
I have not heard in its entirety, I will apologize by saying that I knew
something of it beforehand. I cannot discuss it in its entirety because
it is a new idea. So far as my judgment goes, it is a splendid idea. I
want to say that, entirely apart from any infectious trouble, one of the
greatest factors in these cases is metabolic derangement; that primarily
our first fault is a metabolic derangement. Incidentally infection creeps
in, and whereas a few years ago focal infection was the most important
thing for consideration, so far as we could see, I believe now that the
most important thing in medicine is metabolism. The reason that this
man is infected, and that man is not infected, is by reason of his natural
resistance, and if we could understand the enigma of metabolism and the
surehargization of the system, if I may use that term, with waste
products, we will solve the problem of infections and other diseases. We
have been taught by a number of men that the body chemistry is the
most important thing of all, and that infections are a secondary matter.
A patient may die from invasion of the pneumococcus or streptococcus
or other kind of coccus. The individual who is infected has previously
laid the ground or foundation for it. I believe what Dr. Sanderson has
said in regard to water and dilution is the most important factor that
there is in connection with metabolism.
Dr. E. M. Ellis, Crowley: I think the essayist has laid the ground for
considerable thought in the matter of after-treatment in certain cases.
I believe, however, from a surgical standpoint, that if a patient is pri-
marily prepared for an operation, the after-treatment does not amount
to much. I am a strong believer in having a man’s bowel chemistry in
the proper state before subjecting him to the terrorizing elements of an
operation. I believe that when you have a surgical case that that case
should be taken a few days before the time of operation is contemplated
and subjected to a thorough preliminary course of treatment; tha’- his
alimentary tract should be thoroughly cleansed; that you want to be sure
you have no acidosis in that patient before beginning the operation, and
that his bowel chemistry is absolutely normal. You want to see that
there is no abnormality in the urine, if possible. If the urine is loaded
with indican, you want to eliminate that, if possible, before subjecting
the patient to a severe operation. After this is done, in the meantime,
you will have obtained the thorough confidence of the patient, which, of
course, is a very prime factor in surgery, and lead him up to the idea
that the operation does not amount to much, and after operation there
will be very little suffering. Get rid of the idea of fright and fear of
the operation, and you will have accomplished a great deal with your
patient.
Then comes the day of the operation. I believe, as the doctor has
said in his paper, that a preliminary hypodermic of morphin is very
essential. I am in the habit of following Crile’s method of giving scopo-
lamin with it unless contraindicated. I know it has been abandoned by
most surgeons, but I believe by doing it the patient has no fear whatever
of the anesthetic and will take the anesthetic absolutely unconsciously.
After the anesthetic is administered — and I believe a combination of gas
and ether is the best of all— your patient will come out of the operation
with absolutely no shock, especially if you combine a local anesthetic
with your general anesthetic after the method of Crile. I believe if you
Discussion.
79
will adopt that method you can operate on a patient for two hours and
he will have very little shock after the operation. It has been my plan,
if the operation is at all severe, to subject the patient during the hour
of operation to what is known as the axillary stab — that is, I introduce
a pint of normal salt solution during the hour of operation, which will
take care of the thirst following the operation for twenty-four hours. If
the operation is at all severe, in order to combat any acidosis that may
appear ur lack of fluid in the body, I usually subject the patient to the
Murphy drip, with 2 per cent bicarbonate of soda. It takes very little
morphin to control the patient after that, and you do not find that the
pulse goes up much. There is very little reaction from the operation,
and I have had no occasion to give a heart stimulant for two years iq.
surgical shock.
Dr. E. Denegre Martin, New Orleans: So far as the after-treatment
is concerned, Dr. Sanderson gave the gist of it in the last two lines of
his paper, only it took him a long time to come to that conclusion.
In the past there has been a great lack of preliminary preparation of
these cases for operation. They are taken right off the street in some
instances and operated the same day, and I believe many of the unfavor-
able results are due to the fact that the surgeons did not have an oppor-
tunity in preparing them for operation. Again, I am convinced that we
have been over-preparing our patients, and for years we have been over-
treating them after operation. The old method of purging patients the
third day after operation is the. most damnable practice ever instituted,
and some surgeons are still doing it. My personal experience is this: to
give a patient a purgative a night or two before operation. I operated
on a patient a few days ago; that patient had no purgative, and did not
have a particle of trouble. A purgative given the night before operation
upsets the patient, and I believe the nausea and after-trouble are due to
that fact. I am convinced that it is the heart stimulant and treatment,
and especially the liquids we give by stomach, such as orangeade and
lemonade, that upset these patients. If you operate on them with instru-
ments and not with fingers, and not get them upset before you start, and
give morphin to control pain after the Murphy drip, and let them alone,
the bowels will act normaly and you will have no complications.
Dr. E. L. Sanderson, Shreveport (closing) : I wish to thank the gen-
tlemen for their very kind remarks in discussing my paper. While my
paper did not cover many points, in giving it the name, ‘ 1 A Simple Surgical
Af tey-Treatment, ’ ’ I meant to present that one thought — to control the
associated ideas, associating with present injury something that happened
to the ancestors. That is half of it, and the other half is to keep the
fluids so diluted that the equilibrium will remain as it was before and
the osmosis not interfered with.
80
Original Articles.
THE FUNCTION OF THE GALL-BLADDER. AN
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY.*
By F. C. MANN, M. D., Rochester, Minn.
A few years ago, at tlie suggestion of Dr. E. S. Judd, and in col-
laboration with him, I removed the gall-bladder from various species
of animals and studied the effect of such procedure on the remaining
portion of the biliary tract. Certain definite facts were ascertained
by this study.8’ 9 I shall now make a preliminary report of other
researches on the problems suggested by the former investigation.
The purpose of this work has been to obtain some facts in regard to
the functional significance of the gall-bladder.
The anatomic region occupied by the biliary tract is one of the
most important in the body, from the physiologic, and especially
from the pathologic point of view. A large percentage of operations
on man have for their purpose a correction of pathologic conditions
found in this area, and for this reason any increase in our knowledge
of the function of the gall-bladder is of value.
There are very few structures in comparative anatomy which
show a wider range of variation than are shown by the different
component parts of the biliary tract from each other. The exact
anatomic arrangement in one species is rarely duplicated in another
species. The gall-bladder may or may not be present. This
anatomic difference is observed even in very closely related species.
In some species two ducts may be present. In one species, small
hepatic ducts enter the gall-bladder directly. In at least one species
the gall-bladder is present in some individual animals and absent
in others. The formation of the common duct is rarely the same
in different species. The cause or significance of these marked
variations in the comparative anatomy of the biliary tract never has
been determined.7 The problem has not been solved by embryologic
studies.155
Many theories concerning the function of the gall-bladder have
been developed, varying in the functional importance which they
„ attach to the gall-bladder from the one which implies that the organ
is perfectly useless17 to that which attributes to it the production
of something necessa^ for the well-being of the organism. In gen-
eral, each theory may be grouped into one of three divisions : ( 1 )
The gall-bladder may functionate as a reservoir for the storage of
* Read at the 39th Annual Meeting, Louisiana State Medical Society, New Orleans,
April 16, 17, 18, 1918.
Mann — The Function of the Gall-Bladder.
81
bile, (2) as a secretory organ, elaborating and adding something
which is of importance either to the general body economy or to the
mechanism of bile expulsion or its chemical action, and (3) as a
regulator to the flow of bile.
The positive statements which may be made in regard to the func-
tion of the gall-bladder are very meager. It is known that the small
amount of smooth muscle contained in its walls is under the usual
double nervous control observed in the other viscera. It receives
fibers from both the vagus and sympathetic nerves. The splanchnic
nerve seems to be predominantly inhibitory in action, while the
vagus is mainly motor.2’ 11 The gall-bladder undergoes rhythmic
contractions which increase during the height of digestion.16 These
contractions usually exert but slight pressure within the viscus,
although they are capable of exerting considerable pressure when
the walls are thrown into a spasmodic contraction. The bile which
has entered the gall-bladder differs from that which comes directly
from the liver.17 This difference, however, is mainly, and may be
wholly, due to the increased mucous content which the mucosa of
the gall-bladder adds to it.
The results of our own experiments and of those of other investi-
gators prove4 that usually all the (ducts outside the liver dilate after
the removal of the gall-bladder. This is the most conclusive proof
obtained, showing that at least in some of certain species the gall-
bladder has a definite function. These results probably give the
clew to the major function of the gall-bladder, because an explana-
tion of one will include the other.
We have attempted to determine the practical significance of the
gall-bladder by a comparative study. If the gall-bladder is of any
functional importance, it is reasonable to suppose that animals
which do not possess the organ must have developed some means of
compensation for the lack of it. This study includes the obtaining
of critical data concerning the biliary tract in species of animals
with, and other species without, a gall-bladder, together with an at-
tempt to compare and correlate these data, assuming that one or
more points of difference might be found between the two groups of
animals which would add to our knowledge concerning the function
of the gall-bladder. While some comparative work has been done on
these structures, it consists, for the most part, of a study of the
grosser relationships. As our study involves many different investi-
gations, only brief, general deductions can be made at present. We
have attempted to collate the data from the comparative standpoint
82
Original Articles.
and in relation to the three possible functions of the gall-bladder, j
One of the most striking things noted in a review of onr material
is the marked individual variation in the anatomy of the biliary !
tract and, in a lesser degree, the same is true of the physiologic re-
actions studied. These variations make it difficult to draw con-
clusions.
While we are securing data in regard to the biliary tract of all the
common laboratory and domestic animals, only that will be pre-
sented which concerns comparable species, some of which do not
possess a gall-bladder.
Dilation of all the extra-hepatic ducts following the removal of
the gall-bladder does not take place if all the muscle-fibers are dis-
sected free from the intramural portion of the duct.9 From these
results great importance is attached to the interrelation of the action
of the gall-bladder and the sphincter of Oddi. Accordingly, it was
anticipated that either an anatomic or physiologic difference would
be found in regard to the sphincter in animals with a gall-bladder
as compared with those which do not possess one. The sphincter of
Oddi has been studied anatomically and physiologically. This
sphincter had been studied anatomically by Oddi15 and by Hen-
drickson.5 Archibald1 seems to have been the only investigator of
its physiologic action. Species which do not possess a gall-bladder
were not included in the series studied by any of these investigators.
The material for the anatomic study of the sphincter was secured
immediately after death and fixed in formalin. The specimen was
trimmed to the smallest size which would give the complete course
of the duct and paraffin serial sections made.
A histologic study of the sphincter was made in the following
species of animals which have a gall-bladder : Guinea-pigs, rabbit,
cat, dog, goat, ox and striped gopher (C. tridecemlineatus ) . A com-
parative study of the sphincter in the deer, horse, pocket gopher ( G
bursarius) and rat, species which do not possess a gall-bladder, was
also made.
In each species the bile-duct was found to be surrounded by
definite bundles of smooth muscle, contraction of which closed the
lumen of the duct. The amount of muscle tissue and the arrange-
ment of it differed slightly in the various species, depending prob-
ably on the difference in the thickness of the wall of the duodenum
and the course of the duct. However, no constant difference was
observed in the histology of the sphincter in animals with a gall-
bladder as compared to those not having this organ. It was not
Mann — The Function of the Gall-Bladder.
83
possible to make any specific anatomic differentiation in the sphincter
of Oddi in the two groups of animals.
The physiologic data consist of the estimation of the tone of the
sphincter in anesthetize! animals. The animal was lightly etherized
and a cannula was placed in the common bile-duct, with its point
directed towards the duodenum. To this cannula was attached an
upright glass tube having an internal diameter of about 2.5 m. m.
and being about 30 c. m. in length. An aqueous eosin solution, having
a specific gravity but slightly greater than distilled water, was allowed
to run slowly into this tube until the pressure was great enough to
force some of the solution into the duodenum. The length of the
column of water after the fluid became stationar}q expressed in mili-
meters, was taken as a measure of the tone of the sphincter.
It is obvious that this is not absolutely the correct measure of the
tone of the sphincter, as other factors, such as friction, especially in
animals possessing a very small duct, and anesthesia, etc., compli-
cate the results. However, control experiments, in which the tone
of the sphincter was decreased or abolished by deep etherization,
bleeding or formalin injections, proved that this method was fairly
correct.
The pressure withstood by the sphincter was measured in the
following species of animals which have gall-bladders, namely: the
cat, dog, goat, rabbit, guinea-pig and striped gopher.
The pressure was found to vary considerably in the different
species and the different animals, making it difficult to draw con-
clusions. However, the data show that, under light ether anesthesia,
the tone of the sphincter in each species of animal possessing a gall-
bladder which was tested, except the guinea-pig, would withstand
a pressure of 100 m. m. of water. Sometimes the pressure withstood
was much greater, and very rarely slightly less than 100 m. m.
In the guinea-pig the pressure withstood was rarely over 75 m. m.,
and frequently considerably lower. This was partially due to the
trauma incident to the technical difficulties encountered in inserting
the cannula.
The pocket gopher and rat were the only species obtainable with-
out a gall-bladder which were suitable for the investigation of the
tone of the sphincter. The results of a large number of experiments
are the same; in no instance was any pressure or, at most, only a
very slight, usually not over 30 m. m., maintained by the sphincter.
In most cases all the fluid would pass into the duodenum. This
would seem to show that the sphincter is not physiologically active
84
Original Articles.
in species of animals without a gall-bladder, or, at least, not active
to the same degree as in species possessing a gall-bladder.
The anatomic variations in the dimensions of the common bile-
duct has been considered as a possible means whereby an animal
without a gall-bladder compensates for the lack of it. Data have been
obtained in regard to both the diameter and length of the common
duct in animals with and without a gall-bladder. The data secured,
which is not yet completed, are quite variable, and it is obvious that
it is difficult to make comparisons. However, after considering the
variations both as regards the animal and the species, the results do
not seem to warrant the belief that there is any relation between the
dimensions of the common duct and the presence or absence of the
gall-bladder.
The comparison of a few species illustrates this point. The horse,
which does not possess a gall-bladder, has a relatively short duct
with a large diameter, while the ox, which possesses a gall-bladder,
has a duct of very nearly the same dimensions. The same is true in
comparing the deer and goat. However, the rat and pocket gopher,
both being species without a. gall-badder, have both comparatively
and usually actually longer ducts, with a narrower lumen, as com-
pared with such species as the guinea-pig, rabbit and striped gopher,
all of which possess a gall-bladder (Table 2).
A comparison of the thickness of the walls of the common bile-
duct in the species of animals compared herein does, however, reveal
a difference. In general, the walls of the ducts in species of animals
which do not possess a gall-bladder are thicker and contain more
muscle than the duct walls of those species having a gall-bladder
(Figs, 7, 8 and 9).
One of the points at which the biliary tract differs greatly in
various species is the distance from the pylorus at which the common
bile-duct enters the duodenum. As there might be a relationship
between bile escapes and acid escape into the intestine with regard
to alkali control in the duodenum, some comparative data upon this
point were obtained. However, no differentiation between groups
of animals having a gall-bladder and those without one can be made
in this regard. Examples are cited as follows : The common duct
of the horse, which does not have a gall-bladder, enters the
duodenum between 10 to 20 centimeters from the pylorus, while
that of the ox, which has a gall-bladder, enters between 50 and 70
c. m. from the pylorus. On the other hand, the duct enters the
duodenum about 0.5 to 1.5 c. m. from the pylorus in the rabbit and
Mann — The Function of the Gall-Bladder.
85
0.4 to 0.8 in the guinea-pig, both of which have a gall-hlaclder, and
1.5 to 2.5 c. m. in the rat and 4 to 5 c. m. in the pocket gopher, both
species of which do not possess a gall-bladder (Table 2).
The same is true in regard to the relationship of the pancreatic
duct to the common bile-duct. This relationship varies greatly in
the different species of animals, but there is no constant difference
in this respect in species possessing a gall-bladder as compared with
those without one.
The secretory pressure of the liver has been investigated by sev-
eral observers,6’ 14 but it appears never to have been measured in
species I of animals without a gall-bladder. The method employed
by us consisted in placing a cannula in the common duct of an
etherized animal; an upright glass tube was then attached to this
cannula and the lower end of the tube was placed in approximately
the same plane as passed through the center of the liver. The
height to which the bile rose in this tube, expressed in milimeters,
was taken as the secretory pressure of the liver. Our results show
that there is no difference in the secretory pressure of the liver in
animals with a gall-bladder from that of those without one (Table
3). Any one who has measured the pressure in the common bile-
duct appreciates the great influence of respiration on intra-duct
pressure. This, has formed the basis for one of the recent theories
of the function of the gall-bladder.19 A comparison of animals
using the diaphragm to a great extent, however, does not reveal a
difference such as to show whether or not they have a gall-bladder.
It is impossible to compare the horse and deer with the rat and
pocket gopher in regard to their life activities, excepting by con-
trast. On the other hand, several species, as the dog and rabbit,
compare quite closely to the horse and deer so far as the need for a
powerful diaphragm is concerned.
Many observers have stated that the gall-bladder could not func-
tionate as a reservoir. Dr. W. J. Mayo12 gives two reasons for
this — first, that the relative capacity of the gall-bladder to the
amount of bile secreted is too small, being about 1 to 40 or 50 in
man; and, second, the propulsive power of the gall-bladder is not
sufficient to empty it quickly. We obtained some comparative data
on this point by measuring the rate of bile flow for about two hours
in different species, after obtaining the capacity in relation to the
rate of flow.
The method consisted in etherizing an animal, placing a cannula
in the common duct and measuring the amount of bile secreted for
86
Original Articles.
a definite length of time. After the collection of bile was taken the
gall-bladder was removed and its capacity, when it was completely
filled, not distended, was measured. Naturally, the rate of bile
flow was complicated by the anesthetic, as was shown by the fact
that usually the amount of bile collected during the first half-hour
period was the greater, but this was the only practical method to
' employ in small animals like the guinea-pig, the rat, etc., and the
results, while individual variations are very great, are certainly
comparable. The readings, however, are probably much too low in
each instance.
In general, our results show that in each species of animals tested
the gall-bladder could hold less than the amount of bile secreted in
one-half hour, even when the animal is etherized (Table 4) .
The bile which has entered the gall-bladder normally has a much
higher content of solids than the bile which comes directly from the
liver. This is shown by a comparison of the specific gravity of the
two fluids. In the few instances in which this has been done, the
specific gravity of the bile contained in the gall-bladder was much
greater than that of the bile collected directly from the liver.
Another structure in the biliary tract, the function of which is
imknown, is the system of folds of mucosa called the valves of
Heister.3 Logically they would be considered as mechanically
adapted to prevent the bile from entering the gall-bladder. We have
measured the resistance which they offer and found that it. never
exceeded 30 m. m. of water in the individual animals studied.
It should be emphasized that the gall-bladder, in so far as it is
possible to determine, is not essential to the maintenance of health.
Human beings have lived for many years in perfect health after its
removal.10 One of our dogs lived for three and a half years after
removal of the gall-bladder and was always in excellent condition.
We cannot say whether or not there are changes in the gastric and
pancreatic secretions, as Rost asserts, because our experiments up
to the present time on this point are too few from which to draw
conclusions. The results of our comparative studies which, it must
be emphasized, have not yet been completed, allow the following
tentative statement to be made :
Negative Findings.
1. There is no specific demonstrable difference in the anatomy of
*the sphincter of Oddi in species of animals with a gall-bladder as
compared to those without one. '
Mann — The Function of the Gall-Bladder.
87
2. The adhesions of the biliary tract are no different in species
of animals without a gall-bladder, when considered as a group, from
those species possessing a gall-bladder.
3. No differentation between groups of animals having a gall-
bladder and those without one can be made in regard to (a) the
relationship of the pylorus to the point of entrance of the common
bile-duct and (b ) the relationship of the pancreatic duct to the
common bile-duct.
4. There is no special difference in the secretory pressure of the
liver in species of animals with a gall-bladder as compared to those
without one.
Positive Findings.
While the following statements are substantiated by the data
obtained, it is emphasized that the species of animals without a gall-
bladder studied, so far, are few.
1. The sphincter of Oddi appears to be more or less physio-
logically inactive in species of animals without a gall-bladder.
2. The walls of the common bile-duct seem to be relatively
thicker in species of animals without a gall-bladder as compared
to those possessing this origin.
The results of these studies show that there are some facts which
support two of the major theories concerning the function of the
gall-bladder. A consideration of the full functional significance of
the gall-bladder must include the recognition that (a) it does add
something to the bile, and (b ) it does influence the flow of bile.
Probably in no species of animal is the gall-bladder capable of
holding more than 5 per cent of the total amount of bile secreted
in twenty-four hours, and in most cases it may contain little more
than 1 per cent. It is, therefore, impossible for the gall-bladder to
functionate as a true reservoir in the same sense that the urinary
bladder does.
There is no doubt that the mucosa of the gall-bladder adds some-
filing to the bile. The character of the secretion and its functional
significance has been contradicted by other investigators, and our
own data are too few at present to draw conclusions. It may be
that this secretion aids the action of bile or has other functions, but
the only definitely known addition the gall-bladder makes to the
bile is mucus.
88
Original Articles.
The functional significance of the gall-bladder seems to he in-
timately connected with the fact that it is mechanically adapted to
change the escape of bile into the intestine from a more or less con-
tinuous flow into an intermittent one. Studies on animals, prac-
tically always dogs, with biliary fistula, show that the liver secretes
bile continuously, although the rate varies considerably. In most
instances, however, in which duodenal fistulas have been formed, the
escape of bile into the intestine has been intermittent. No studies
seem to have been made on animals without a gall-bladder in regard
to the flow of bile into the intestine, but it seems that, in all proba-
bility, it would be continuous with liver secretion. We have observed
this in the rat and pocket gopher, but the experiments were com-
plicated by the necessary anesthetic. Under such experimental con-
ditions, the entrance of bile into the intestine in these two species
was continuous, except for the slight changes produced by respira-
tion. The fact that the sphincter seems to be inactive in species
without a gall-bladder would imply that this was quite the normal
condition. A study of some species of animal without a gall-
bladder, in which it is possible to make a permanent duodenal
fistula, will be necessary to definitely prove this point.
The action of the gall-bladder seems to be as follows : The liver
secretes bile more or less continuously. Under normal conditions
this is secreted under very low pressure. The sphincter at the open-
ing of the common bile-duct is normally under tone, which is great-
enough to increase the intra-duct pressure above the resistance'
offered to the entrance of bile into the gall-bladder. At intervals
the sphincter relaxes, allowing bile to flow into the intestine. The
mechanism controlling the action of the sphincter is not known, but
is reported to be under nervous control.13 The gall-bladder not only
acts as an expansile chamber for the accommodation of the differ-
ence in rate of bile secretion and bile discharge, but it also prevents-,
some of the fluctuations in intra-duct pressure which would occur-
during respiration in all instances in which the duodenal sphincter
is active. It should be appreciated that in all species in which the
sphincter is constantly active some mechanism like the gall-bladder-
is necessary.
A description of the action of the gall-bladder does not explain
its function. Why it should be desirable in some species of animals-
to allow the bile to enter the duodenum at the same rate as the liver-
secretion, and in other species, closely related and having practically
Mann — The Function of the Gall-Bladder.
89
the same physiologic environment, to have developed a mechanism
whereby it pours intermittently into the intestine, is not clear. More
investigation will be necessary to eliminate this question. These
future researches should include (1) a study of the sphincter in
larger series of animals without a gall-bladder and (2) a determina-
tion of the mechanism controlling the sphincter in species of animals
with a gall-bladder.
REFERENCES.
1. Archibald, E. A New Factor in the Causation of Pancreatitis. Tr. Internat. Cong.
Med., 1913, Lond., 1914, Sect. VIII, Surg. pt. 2, 21-27.
2. Bainbridge, F. A., and Dale, H. H. The Contractile Mechanism of the Gall-Bladder
and Its Extrinsic Nervous Control. Jour. Physiol., 1905-06, XXXIII, 138-155.
3. Barker, M. R. What is the Function of the Gall-Bladder? And Why the Folds of
Heister in the Cystic Duct? Med Record, 1907, LXXII, 555-558.
4. Eisendrath, D. N., and Dunlavy, H. C. The Fate of the Cystic Duct After Chole-
cystectomy. An Experimental Study. Surg., Gynec. and Obst., 1918, XXVI, 110-112.
5. Hendrickson, W. F. A Study of the Entire Extra-Hepatic Biliary System, Including
that of the Duodenal Portion of the Common Bile Duct and of the Sphincter. Johns
Hopkins, Hosp. Bull., 1898, IX, 221-232, 4 pi.
6. Herring, P. T., and Simpson, S. The Pressure of Bile Secretion and the Mechanism
of Bile Absorption Obstruction of the Bile Duct. Proc. Roy. Soc., Lond., 1907,
LXXIX, Series B., 517-532.
7. Hutchinson, W. Is the Gall-Bladder as Useless as It Is Dangerous? Med. Record,
1903, LXIII, 770-773.
8. Judd, E. S. Cholecystitis; Changes Produced by the Removal of the Gall-Bladder.
Bo st. Med. and Surg. Jour., 1916, CLXXIV, 815-825.
9. Judd, E. S., and Mann, F. C. The Effect of the Removal of the Gall-Bladder. An
Experimental Study. Surg., Gynec. and Obst., 1917, XXIV, 437-442.
10. Judd, E. S. The Recurrence of Symptoms Following Operations on the Biliary Tract.
In press. Ann. Surg., 1918.
11. Lieb, C. C., and McWhorter, J. E. Action of Drugs on the Isolated Gall-Bladder.,
Jour. Pharm. and Exper. Therap., 1915, VII, 83-98.
12. Mayo, W. J. “Innocent” Gall-Stones a Myth. Jour. Am. Med. Assn., 1911, LVI,
1021-1024.
13. Meltzer, S. J. The Disturbance of the Law of Contrary Innervation as a Pathogenetic
Factor in the Diseases of the Bile Ducts and the Gall-Bladder. Am. Jour. Med. Sc.,
1917, CLIII, 469-477.
14. Mitchell, W. T., Jr., and Stifel, R. E. The Pressure of Bile Secretion During Chronic
Obstruction of the Common Bile-Duct. Johns Hopkins Hosp. Bull, 1916, XXVII, 78-79.
15. Oddi, R., and Rosciano, G. D. Sulla Esistenza di Speciali <3angli Nfervosi in Prossimita
Dello Sfintere del Coledoco. Mqnitore Zool. Ital., Firenze, 1894, V, 2161-219, 1 pi.
16. Okada, S. On the Contractile Movement of the Gall-Bladder. Jour. Physiol., 1915-16,
L, 42-46.
17. Rost, F. Die Funktionelle Bedeutung der Gallenblase. Experimentelle und Anatomische
Unter suchungen nach C’holecystektomie. Mitt. a. d. Grenzgeb, d. Med. u. Chir., 1913,
XXVI, 710-770.
18. Scammon, R. E. On the Development of the Biliary System in Animals Lacking a
Gall-Bladder in Postnatal Life. Anat. Record, 1916, X, 543-558.
19. Werelius, Axel. Suction-bulb Action of the Gall-Bladder. Surg., Gynec., and Obst.,
1917, XXV, 520-521.
90
Original Articles .
TABLE 1.
This table shows the great variation in the dimensions of the different component parts of the biliary-
tract in different species and individuals.
A. Showing the average of the dimensions in various species.
Dogs — Average weights and measurements of 29 j
animals 8
'Monkeys — Average weights and measurements of Qm.
14 animals 1722
Rabbits — Average weights and measurements of Qm.
30 animals 1752
"Guinea-pigs — Average weights and measurements Gm.
of 16 animals j 437
mm.
2.9
mm.
57.6
mm.
2.2
mm.
18.6
cc.
16.6
mm. * 1 2 3 4 5
38
3
23.5
2.2
12.2
2.3
20
2.2
35
1.4
18.7
1.6
7.3
1.8
12.6
1.1
11.2
.8
5.6
TABLE 2.
This table shows the comparative length and diameter of the common duct in adults of
species with a gall-bladder (ex. rabbit and guinea-pig) and species without a gall-bladder
(horse, rat, pocket gopher). Note that the dimensions of the common duct vary in
different species, regardless of whether a gall-bladder is present or not.
Distance of pylorus to> point
Length of Diameter of Common of entrance of common
Species. Common Duct. Duct. duct into duodenum.
Ox 4-7 cm. 7-8 mm. 50-70 cm.
Rabbit 2-5 cm. 1.5-3. 5 mm. 0.5-1. 5 cm.
Guinea-pig. 1-2 cm. 1. 5-2.5 mm. 0.4-08 cm.
Hofse 4-6 cm. 10-20 mm. 10-20 cm.
Rat 2-3 cm. 0. 6-1.0 mm. 1.5-2. 5 cm.
Pocket gopher 6-7 cm. 0.6-1. 0 mm. 4-5 cm.
TABLE 3.
Table showing the maximum secretory pressure of the liver in three species of animals,
one of which does not possess a gall-bladder (rat).
Rabbit. Guinea-pig. Rat.
Secretory Secretory Secretory
No. Wt. Pressure. Wt.- Pressure. Wt. Pressure.
1 ••• 2000 308 775 200 . 190 225 y
2 2275 245 707 210 160 200
3 2155 250 755 218 180 215
4 1765 240 480 190 190 225
5 2440 225 540 195 165 230
2127 253.6 651.5 202.6 177 219
Mann — The Function of the Gall-Bladder.
91
TABLE 4.
This table shows the relationship between rate of bile-flow and capacity of the gall-bladder
in two species. The collections of bile were made while the animal was under anesthetic
and the rate of bile secretion probably much decreased. Even under these conditions the
gall-bladder never had a capacity for more than 2 per cent of the amount of bile secreted,
in twenty-four hours.
Animal. Weight.
■a5;
p
.2 S3 o
-2,o,p
£3
be
u
£3
o
X'V'G &
o> & "S
our «
u u
Rabbit
. .2440
2 hrs.
10.0
120.0
2.4
2.0
75
Rabbit
. .2275
2 hrs.
12.8
153.6
2.0
2.0
75
Rabbit
. .2155
2 hrs.
16.6
199.2
2.0
1.0
95
Rabbit
. .1765
2 hrs.
9.0
108.0
1.4
1.3
65
Average
. .2158.8
122.7
1.95
1.4
71.25
Guinea-pig. .
. .. 707
2 hrs.
5.0
60.0
0.8
1.3
32
Guinea-pig. .
, 560
2 hrs.
6.5
78.0
0.8
1.0
40
Guinea-pig. .
. .. 652
2 hrs.
8.5
102.0
1.2
1.0
32
Guinea-pig. .
. .. 390
2 hrs.
4.4
52.8
0.6
1.1
20
Average
. . 561.8
73.2
8.85
1.1
31
TABLE 1 — Continued.
B. Showing individual weights and measurements of five animals of each species selected'
from the preceding subdivision “A” on account of their being the nearest in size in
each group.
S3
-g
I
0
O
*s
u
a
O
V>
^ .
Q*
>
d
.2
bi)
.X
o .
° a
* a
QJ
1"
m
o S
q
Sh S
<D
o
xn
P
73 o
be
o
o £
o
o
.bX)
. *
g O
b 0
be p
gtf
S 0
Si
11
s ^
o .
Mg'
x
q
"o>
c -o
a a
T* V -
' 'qj be.
03
TJ1
o
Q
£
s
0 J
s
Qj
o
Dogs.
M
Thin
.14
3
57
2.5
27
20
43
420
M
Thin
.13.2
2.5
70
2
22
17
55
440
F
Good
. 9.8
3
57
2.5
15
9
42
340
F
Good
. 9.1
3
60
2
17
14
45
470
M
Good
. 8.1
2.5
65
2
11
12
40
350
Average.
,10. 8
2.8
61.8
2 . 2
18.4
14.4
45
404
Monkeys.
F
Thin
Gm.
.2050
3.5
26
3
18
2
20
95
F
Thin
.2040
3
37
2.5
14
2.6
25
80
F
Thin
.1890
3
16
3
11
1.5
21
80
F
Thin
.1650
3
35
2
12
3
10
70
F
Thin
.,1575
3
28
2
8
4
24
50
Average .
.1841
3.1
28.4
2.5
12.6
2.6
20
71
Rabbits.
M
Good
Gm.
.2385
2 . 5
37
1.5
25
3.6
8
83
F
Good . . . . .
.2335
2
47
1.5
21
2.2
10
85
F
Good
.2280
2.5
40
2
16
3 ! 2
6
105
M
Good
.2275
2
40
1.5
12
2
8
60
M
Good
.2150
2.5
45
2
24
2.5
6
110
Average.
.2705
2.3
41.8
1.7
19.6
2.7
8
88.6
Guinea-pigs.
M
Good
Gm.
2.5
15
1.5
12
1.2
. 8
44
M
Good
2
20
1
11
1
6
33
M
Good
. 707
2
20
1.5
10
.8
6
32
M
Good
. 652
2
18
1
10
1.2
5
32
M
Good
. 560
2
12
1.5
12
.8
5
40
1
Average.
. 689.8
2.1
17
1.3
11
1
6
36.2
92
Original Articles.
Discussion on the Paper of Dr. Mann.
3)r. William H. Harris, New Orleans: I would like to ask Dr. Mann
if the question of supply and demand in the incidence of physiology plays
some part in herbivora or carnivora, and whether they have a gall-bladder
or not? Also, whether the question of a constant feeder or intermittent
feeder there has any relationship to the presence of the gall-bladder or to
the actions of the gall-bladder?
Dr. F. C. Mann, Rochester, Minn, (closing) : In answer to the question
of Dr. Harris, it is not absolutely true, but in general all carnivora, both
animals and birds, possess a gall-bladder, and that species of animals
which do not possess a gall-bladder mainly belong to the herbivora group.
There are a few species that I do not recall at present, namely: carnivora,
which do not have a gall-bladder, but in general it is true.
In regard to constant and intermittent feeders, there is no definite
differentiation between the two. It may be that if we could trace each
species back far enough, we would find that intermittent feeders do not pos-
sess gall-bladders. However, I am not able to state definitely in regard
to that, but just in reviewing them as species we cannot differentiate
them now.
IMPORTANT FACTORS RELATIVE TO TUBERCULOSIS
IN ARMY AND CIVIL PRACTICE.*
By WALLACE J. DUREL, M. D., New Orleans, La.
In order to arrive at some definite conclusion in the prevention,
diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis it is of primary
importance to remember that the stage and course of the disease
depends upon the relation between the virulency of the invading
tubercle bacilli and the resistance of the body’s humoral and cellular
tissues.
The efficacy of the body’s resistant forces in the phagocytic and
antibody action of The leucocytes will prove the decisive factor in
the outcome of a tuberculous infection; in limiting the disease to
small areas of infiltration, exudation and tubercles, or in permitting
a greater involvement of lung areas, with rapid disintegration and
cavitation.
The individual with a low tissue resistance will show more con-
fluent lesions and rapid disintegration, with marked constitutional
disturbance, if the invading tubercle bacilli are of a virulent type,
while one with a good tissue resistance will show benign lesions, not
tending to activity and disintegration, if the invading tubercle
bacilli are of a lesser virulent type.
* Read at the 39th Annual Meeting, Louisiana State Medical Society, New Orleans
April 16, 17, 18, 1918.
Durel — Important Factors Relative to Tuberculosis. 93
Variations between these two conditions of infection will account
for the different courses of the disease manifested by localized foci,
with no clinical symptoms (inactive tuberculosis) or by more dis-
seminated lesions with evident clinical symptoms (active tuber-
culosis).
This leads us to the prevention of tuberculosis by the strict ad-
herence and enforcement of our sanitary laws and by the education
of our people as to a proper “mode of living” in order to prevent
infection from man to man and to increase the individual’s resist-
ance to suppress the multiplication of the tubercle bacilli.
The individual who can live a proper anti-tuberculosis life, in the
right environment, runs very little chances of ever developing tuber-
culosis. In civil life this is a hard task with many, but in army life
it becomes almost impracticable, with the underground method of
the present warfare.
Thus, depending upon the tissues’, local and general, resistance,
we find tuberculous exudates, infiltrations and tubercles localized in
the peri-bronchial and bronchial glands, or extending into the bron-
chial tree, or still further extending into the bronchioles and al-
veolar surface of the lungs.
These limited and more extensive lesions may remain statu quo
for years, without revealing the least sign of activity or disintegra-
tion.
Still, after many years, and in a great number of cases after
having been thus encapsulated since early childhood, inactive tuber-
culosis, following a defective “mode of living,” bad environment,
disease, dissipation, overwork, worry, etc., flares up into the most
active forms of the disease — pneumonic phthisis and miliary tuber-
culosis.
The opinion of many phthisiologists, “that tuberculosis is a dis-
ease, in a great number of cases, contracted during childhood,” has
been repeatedly corroborated by numerous observers from our best
tuberculosis clinics.
That tubercles, caseous and calcareous, quiescent and not healed,
may remain encapsulated for many years in the lung without re-
vealing any constitutional symptoms of disease, though showing
evidence of their presence in the lung by physical and X-ray find-
ings and the tuberculin tests, we know to be an established fact.
And we further know that there are no measures by which we can
positively assert that such lesions will remain indefinitely encap-
94 Original Articles.
sulated in this inactive state and will not finally impair the indi-
viduals health.
Inactive foci may become active at any period of a man’s life, and
death will often be the final ending of what was thought to be an
inert condition. Therefore, it is the opinion of most phthisiologists
that tuberculous individuals should be more cautious in their “mode
of living” and should not be subjected to the exposure and hardships
of a strenuous civil or army life. Such individuals should not be
forced into a very active military service.
In making a diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis it is not suf-
ficient to locate the presence and extent of lesions, but we must first
determine the tuberculous nature of these lesions, especially relative
to their “activity” or “latency.”
The diagnosis of incipient or advanced tuberculosis cannot be
made upon the physical lung-findings alone. Any one claiming to
do this is a medical phenomenon. The presence of rales alone is
not the sole criterion of the presence of tuberculosis or of active
lesions. Therefore, we are better able to arrive at some conclusion
in the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis by obtaining a chain
evidence of the following factors :
1. The physical findings.
2. The family, personal and clinical histories.
3. The sputum findings.
4. If tubercle bacilli are not found in the sputum, positive tuber-
culin tests and X-ray findings will be valuable corroborative factors.
Always inquire into the family history as to direct and constant
exposure to infection; into the personal history as to dissipation,
overwork, infectious diseases, environment, habits, etc. Into the
clinical history as to :
1. Range of temperature (97° F. to 99.6° F or 100° F.) de-
termined by a two-hour temperature record of at least five days.
2. Acceleration and instability of the pulse — 92 to 120.
3. Disturbed digestion and loss of weight.
4. Malaise and languor, with aching and lassitude.
5. Cough and hemoptysis.
6. Low blood pressure.
Activity of the disease is chiefly determined by the above factors.
As for the physical lung-findings: Lack of expansion of the
upper lobe of the lung, slight dullness or tympany, increase of voice
sounds, feeble breathing, harsh and granular breathing, rumbling
and prolonged expiration; dry, whistling, localized rales, etc., may
Dukel — Important Factors Relative to Tuberculosis.
95
only indicate a “quiescent/* partly fibrous and inactive lesion, but
when associated with the above-mentioned clinical symptoms they
can well be interpreted as indicating “active” tuberculosis.
This is especially true if the subcutaneous tuberculin test causes
a positive constitutional and focal lung reaction, and if the X-ray
shovjs any feathering extending well into the cortex of the lung.
The tuberculous nature of a lung lesion cannot be disclosed by
even the closest and most careful lung examination alone. The
physical findings detected by a percussion and auscultation may be
caused by an absolutely non-tuberculous lesion. Ho physical lung-
findings, including moist rales, are a specific indication of “active”
tuberculosis.
If the sputum is negative — a fact which does not exclude tuber-
culosis even after repeated examinations of twenty-four-hours
specimens — it is essential to have such corroborative evidence as the
tuberculin tests and the X-ray before a positive diagnosis of tuber-
culosis can be made. The X-ray will give the location and the topo-
graphical distribution of the lesions, also the degree of infiltration
and calcification of the tuberculous foci. However, it is impossible
to determine by plate and skiagraphic readings the tuberculous
nature of the lesions, and especially whether they are “active” or
“latent.”
The “positive” tuberculin skin tests will show whether the sub-
ject harbors in his body any tuberculous foci. It does not, however,
express the “activity” of the infection.
The “positive” subcutaneous tuberculin test will denote Vhether
the tuberculin antigen and antibodies are easily accessible to the
tuberculous foci — i. e., to lesions not properly walled in by a suf-
ficient protective barrier of fibrous tissue.
A “focal” lung reaction, accompanying the “positive” constitu-
tional tuberculin reaction, gives a fairly good evidence of the
“activity” of the disease.
A twice or thrice “negative5 tuberculin skin test gives absolute
proof of the complete absence of any tuberculous foci, whether
“active55 or “latent,55 excepting in subjects suffering with some
acute toxemia or infection, as measles, etc., or with far-advanced
or miliary tuberculosis and pneumonic phthisis.
The few who contend that 10 per cent of the cases admitted in
tuberculosis sanatoria are non-tuberculous because the examiner, in
the absence of moist rales, has exaggerated the importance of the
harsh and granular breathing and prolonged expiration found in
96
Original Articles.
the upper lobe of the lung, do not realize that it might he better
understood to mean a lack of application of the proper methods in
the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis. Certainly we should not
conclude our diagnosis upon the above physical findings alone, but
we should, however, never overlook their significance. This seems
more plausible, as shown by the reports of tuberculosis sanitoria,
stating that 70 to 85 per cent of cases referred to such institutions
are in the advanced stages of the disease.
It is far better, after all, to admit a few borderline cases without
rales and extensive consolidation — i. e., those giving physical findings
which are recognized by the highest authorities on the subject as
that of incipient tuberculosis — than to run chances of the few cases
becoming advanced. By so doing, we do not injure any one, but will
reduce the morbidity of tuberculosis in our State and nation.
If we have the high prevalence and mortality of tuberculosis it
is because, unfortunately, we overlook these “signs” of incipiency
and often wait too long for the appearance of the mor£ advanced
physical findings : moist rales and tubercle bacilli in the sputum.
The same applies to tuberculosis in civil life as to tuberculosis in
army life. The man wearing a uniform is no less susceptible to
tuberculosis than a civilian.
If we are not careful, and we send to the trenches men with
definite lesions of incipient tuberculosis (lesions without moist
rales, but corroborated by clinical, X-ray or tuberculin findings)
it will mean disaster and countless expense to our national and civil
governments. What greater injustice can we do to our young men
than to send “in line of duty” a tuberculous individual who, with
all chances against him, is inevitably doomed to succumb to the
strenuous life and exposure of the damp and muddy life of trench
and underground warfare? Reports from abroad show that strong
and healthy men return from such exposure and environment de-
pleted and exhausted. What, then, can we expect of the poor tuber-
culous soldier, coming from this dungeon, breeding the very essen-
tials for the making of the consumptive? Let us be very careful
in our examinations for the detection of tuberculosis in our army.
There is no rule by which we can say that one with an apparently
“healed” lesion is fit for service in our present army. Xothing tells
us when such an individual will fail in health and become a menace
and a charge to our government.
Tuberculous lesions are not “healed” as long as they encapsulate
caseous material containing tubercle bacilli. Only lesions “healed”
Dukel — Important Factors Relative to Tuberculosis. 97
by complete fibrosis, with no caseation, can we consider well and
cured.
In my opinion, most cases of far-advanced tuberculosis and of
pneumonic and miliary phthisis are nothing more than an acute
exacerbation and extension of long-standing and apparently
“healed” foci.
Are we going to run the chances of having our young men develop
the more rapid forms of the disease by sending them to a bad en-
vironment and dangerous “mode of living” ? Oh, no ! There are
enough healthy and non-tuberculous men in our great United States,
who are better able to stand the physical exertions and privations
of trench warfare and who can better fill all the ranks in both civil
and army exigencies.
In civil practice we must pay more attention to our younger and
growing generation, to our working, factory and tenement popula-
tion, and, in fact, to all classes, thus educating them to a proper
anti-tuberculosis “mode of living,” and also providing them with
sanitary factory, shops, school houses, dwelling houses, better food
and rest hours, farms and open-air life, etc., all these factors tend-
ing toward the suppression of infection by the tubercle bacilli and
the increase of the body’s immunity against the virulency of the
tubercle bacilli.
What are we to do with the “latent” and “active” tuberculous?
Should. they both be treated alike? No ! The “inactive” or “latent”
tuberculous can safely keep his usual work or occupation, and need
not be restricted to any severe or sacrificial home or sanatorium
treatment. However, he must be made to fully realize that he is
not a sound man and that he will fail in health if he attempts to
follow the career of one who is absolutely free from any tuberculous
focus or infection. He must be instructed to carry out a proper
anti-tuberculous life by modifying his way of living and by correct-
ing his faulty habits, by insisting upon an open-air life in a favor-
able environment, by taking a well-regulated and balanced diet, by
■carefully avoiding excessive exercise and exertion, and by observing
'Certain periods of rest. “Early to bed” should be his motto. Any
secondary disease condition should be corrected, and, with the
above, will be found sufficient, in the majority of such cases, to com-
pletely eradicate the “latent” tuberculosis and thus prevent further
“activity” of the disease.
Let us bear in mind that the “latent” or “inactive” tuberculous
is not a sound man, though he does not show symptoms of disease.
98
Original Articles.
The “active” tuberculous, contrary to the “latent,” requires very
aggressive methods of treatment, such as absolute rest in bed, care-
ful dieting, abundant open-air life, and such accessories as creosote,
iodin, tuberculin, artificial pneumothorax, etc. He cannot work
and follow his usual occupation, but he must submit to a strict and
disciplinary form of treatment, at home or in a sanatorium.
I will ask this question : If what we said is true of the “active”
and “latent” case of tuberculosis in civil life, is it not the same with
the individual in army life ? Both are susceptible to the same favor-
able and unfavorable environment and “mode” of living, according
to their station and the exigencies of duty and necessities of life.
I cannot feel that the “latent” tuberculous soldier is fit for line
of duty. He can, however, be well utilized in the army in some
capacity where he will not be exposed to the hardships and fatigue
of the strenuous army life. This way he will not become a charge
to himself, the government or the public.
The “active” incipient tuberculous, without rales and tubercle
bacilli in the sputum, as well as the more advanced tuberculous,
should be entirely rejected or discharged from the army.
Discussion on the Paper of Dr. Durel.
Dr. C. P. Gray, Monroe: There are four points I would like to discuss
briefly. The first point is the timeliness of this paper of Dr. Durel’s
and the manner in which he has covered it in the length of time at his
disposal. I do that, for the reason, as he mentioned, of the army and
draft examinations, especially at this time, not that it will not be im-
portant in the future, but at this time we should all consider the im-
portance of this paper and the message which Dr. Durel has tried to give
ns in the length of time at his command.
The next point which I would like to call attention to, and Dr. Durel
mentioned it, but did not emphasize it sufficiently, is the diagnosis. It
is surprising and astonishing to know the large number of physicians who
wait, not only for moist rales, but all kinds of rales, to appear in the
lungs before they consider a diagnosis of tuberculosis. Dr. Durel has
stated that 40 or 60 per cent of the cases he examined of supposed tuber-
culosis proved not to be such, but the majority of those cases developed
tuberculosis and might have it in the active form. I have been quite as
guilty as others, because at the time I accepted the creosote and forced
egg feeding of tuberculosis I did the same thing. I would wait for all
manner of symptoms to develop in the lungs before I would entertain
the idea of tuberculosis.
Why is it that so many beginning active cases of tuberculosis are
passed over, and how many cases are we passing over as heart disease,
as stomach disease, as malaria, and so on? Why? Because we do not
find the rales in the lungs, because the patient has a rapid heart action,
because he has gastric symptoms, and because he has a slight rise of
temperature in the afternoon, and you generally know that that is true.
Discussion.
99
In the majority of cases in the beginning, unless we avail ourselves of
the other methods of diagnosis, hundreds of these cases are passed over
and given a general diagnosis of malaria, heart disease or indigestion.
A third point I want to mention is with reference to army examina-
tions. In cities the size of New Orleans it is much easier to make these
examinations and be more safe about the men going into the trenches
who have active tuberculosis. But what are we going to do in our smaller
cities, like Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Monroe, etc.? The
doctors in these smaller cities are literally swamped with work, and how
are we going to detect these cases that Dr. Durel mentioned to you. Un-
less these men have these active signs and a stethoscopic examination is
made we are bound to accept them. I do not think the Surgeon General’s
office has placed sufficient stress upon that one point, and I do not say it
in a spirit of criticism. I believe that a larger and a wider provision should
have been made for the tubercular examinations, or rather for test ex-
aminations. As it stands at present, we have to do just as Dr. Durel
mentioned.
My fourth point is in the form of a question I would like to ask Dr.
Durel to answer in closing the discussion, namely: what he said about
the three negative skin tests. I did not quite catch what he said regard-
ing that matter.
Dr. Wallace J. Durel, New Orleans (closing) : I am sorry if I did not
voice the feeling and sentiment of the general practitioners in regard to
this subject, because they are the ones that have got to solve the problem.
Tuberculosis must be solved by the general practitioner. Unfortunately,
however, tuberculosis gets the least thought from the general practitioner.
The tuberculous patient is the last to be thought of.
Relative to Dr. Gray’s question ^concerning moist rales in the lungs, I
assure you that we were greatly embarrassed in our army examinations.
You will see a complete report in the “Southern Medical Journal,” where
I stated the exact facts and the conditions under which we were placed
in our army examinations. In our army examinations we were given
three minutes to make a diagnosis of tuberculosis, and also three minutes
in which to make a diagnosis of cardio-vascular conditions. Gentlemen,
I could not do it. Army experts may make diagnoses in that length of
time, but I cannot do it.
In an individual not suffering from any toxemia or an acute infection,
acute miliary tuberculosis or pneumococcus phthisis, excluding the factors
I have mentioned, it means the complete absence of any tuberculous focus,
whether active or latent, in that individual. In fifteen years’ practice
in this line of work exclusively I have not yet seen an individual who had
symptoms of tuberculosis, with perhaps no bacilli in the sputum, with
negative tuberculin test, with repeated negative skin tests, who did not
have, sooner or later, active tuberculosis. I would not pass on any indi-
vidual unless I had this chain of evidence. I must have the physical find-
ings; I must have by clinical findings; I must have my clinical history,
personal and family history; I must have my X-ray findings; I must have
my tuberculin findings. You may have the physical findings, you may
have the clinical and X-ray findings, which simulate tuberculosis due to
other conditions than tuberculosis, and your tuberculin test may be nega-
tive. If that happens, regardless of what is said against it, I have never
regretted telling such an individual he had not tuberculosis, but I have
had cases where I was in doubt whether I could tell the individual he
had tuberculosis or not unless I got a positive tuberculin reaction. Then,
if I get a positive tuberculin reaction and positive “Subcutaneous test,
100
Original Articles.
and if there was a constitutional reaction plus a focal lung reaction, I
would advise that patient to keep on with his work and mode of living.
The active cases must be put under strict treatment.
At one of the army camps we were given greater liberty in using the
X-ray. We were limited to the X-ray. We were in the beginning not
allowed to take any history.
As to sputum examinations, the applicant might deceive the patholo-
gist. This is what was done: The applicant was furnished a cup and
asked to spit into it and the sputum was examined. Unless you get a
twelve- or twenty-four-hour specimen of sputum in a doubtful case your
sputum examination is worth nothing.
As far as the tuberculin test was concerned, it was prohibited. What
has been the result? I have seen in the last two months a case in which
a diagnosis of tuberculosis was made and the man was discharged as
absolutely non-tuberculous. I have seen other cases that were accepted
for duty where, after a few weeks or months, they developed hemorrhage
and active tuberculosis, f am glad to say, however, that some improve-
ment has been made. Major Bruns, who has charge of the work, has
made wonderful changes for the future examination of men for the army,
and I am sure in the next examinations such difficulties as I have men-
tioned are not going to be met with.
I repeat again, before making a diagnosis of tuberculosis, do not de-
pend upon the lung-findings alone. Any one with a stethoscope can make
a diagnosis of tuberculosis. You must have other clinical findings, tuber-
culin findings, X-ray findings, and so on. It is as much an injustice to
tell an individual he has tuberculosis when he has not as it is to tell an-
other individual he has not tuberculosis when he really has it.
ACUTE NEPHRITIS IN CHILDHOOD.*
By SOLON G. WILSON, M. D., New Orleans.
The picture of acute nephritis is indeed familiar to us all. It is
a subject that has never lost its interest to the medical profession;
consequently in presenting this paper the writer expects it to he
discussed from every angle.
We have come to know in recent years that nephritis in childhood
does not carry with it the same grave outlook that it did formerly,
but instead of feeling that we are dealing with a hopeless situation,
as was the case in the past, it is the usual thing to-day to expect
most of our cases to get well. It is largely due to Fisher’s Treatise
on Acidosis that this change of opinion has come about.
In the condition of acidosis where there is a diminution of the
alkali reserve of the body fluids, especially of the blood, usually at-
* Read at the 39th Annual Meeting, Louisiana State Medical Society, New Orleans,
April 16, .1^, «18, 19] G, ‘ ' A ' " ' ° ‘ '
Wilson — Acute Nephritis in Children. 10i
tended by an excessive formation of acids with its resulting clinical
symptoms.
In other words, an alteration of the equilibrium and normal re-
lationship of the alkalies and acids in the body. The blood, in order
for life to exist, must be maintained at a very constant reaction,
which is slightly alkaline, and there must be within narrow limits
a certain amount of bases over acids. Any change from the normal
towards the side of acidity tends to inhibit numerous sensitive meta-
bolic processes in the organism and acidosis results.
Acute nephritis as a primary disease is nearly an unheard-of con-
dition, but is dependent upon either chemical or bacterial irritants.
In the immense majority of cases it occurs as a complication of in-
fectious diseases, and during the diseases a condition of acidosis
exists.
It is indeed a question whether it is the bacterial irritant in
scarlet fever, diphtheria, tonsilitis, parotiditis, measles, malaria,
influenza, varicella, general sepsis, acute intestinal infection, or the
resulting acidosis, which is ever present in the diseases that are
responsible for the damage to the kidneys.
There isn’t any doubt that a great many cases are overlooked on
account of mildness, and ultimately become serious cases. Usually
the first symptoms noted are a slight puffiness about the eyes,
nausea; mild frontal headaches is a frequent symptom. Elevation
of temperature exists in all cases, but the most striking early symp-
tom is scantiness of the excretion of urine. The urine voided will
be reduced from a total quantity of thirty ounces to six or seven
ounces. Later a few ounces only may be excreted, or the urine may
be completely suppressed. Associated with this is the odor of acetone
on the breath.
There is not in the entire field of medicine a place where the
laboratory is a greater source of satisfaction. The finding in these
cases are albumen, granular (finely granular) casts, blood acetone,
indican, pus, and it is your laboratory that will assist you to in-
telligently know the progress of your patient’s case.
Test for Indican. — A few e. c. of urine are treated with an equal
volume of concentrated hydrochloric acid, to which is added two or three
drops of hydrogen peroxide and the contents mixed. Two c. c. of chloro-
form are then added and the tube inverted several times. In this process
the indican is oxidized to indigo-blue, which is taken up by the chloro-
form. The depth of the blue coloration of the chloroform will serve as
an approximate estimate of the amount of indican present.
In absolutely normal urine no blue coloration or, at most, a faint bluish
102 Original Articles.
tinge is observed. Care must be taken not to add too much hydrogeii
peroxide to the test.
Test for Acetone. — To a few c. c. of urine are added a few drops of
fairly concentrated solution of sodium nitroprussid, or potassium hydrate,
until the mixture is strongly alkaline. A ruby-red color appears in- the
presence of acetone. If the ruby-red solution be treated with a few drops,
say one c. c. of glacial acetic acid, the first red color will change into a
crimson or reddish-purple color in the presence of acetone.
Treatment. — The treatment of acute nephritis might be divided
into the following subdivisions :
1, Drugs; 2, water; 3, diet; 4, heat; 5, baths; 6, clothing; 7,
hygiene — constantly bearing in mind the acidosis.
Sodium citrates, with me, have been accorded first place, given
in ten-grain doses every three hours. Sodium bicarbonate, in ten-
grain doses, has served nearly as well. A patient with nephritis,
it matters not how mild, should have two bowel evacuations a day,
as we are trying to relieve the overworked kidneys. Milk of mag-
nesia or citrate of magnesia answers admirably.
Water — The question of wTater always provokes discussion, one
class urging indiscriminate water-drinking and more or less indis-
criminate use of diuretics, and the other class withholding water
altogether. Too great emphasis has been placed upon forcing kid-
neys to act and too little upon the necessity of relieving them of the
work for which they are temporarily incapacitated. The advocacy
of drinking large amounts of water when the blood-vessels of the
kidneys are distended and the tubules are obstructed does nothing
but harm. My course has been a moderate amount of Yichy or
Stafford water, not attempting in any way to force the kidneys.
5 Diet. — In selecting a diet two factors are to be considered : First,
a food to maintain your patient, providing his caloric needs ; second,
to provide a food that will not add to the existing trouble. In these
cases there exists a tendency to an indicanuria, which serves as a
direct irritant to the kidneys. Even milk contains 4 per cent pro-
teid, and we know nitrogneous foods, such as meats and eggs,
should be avoided, in order to relieve the kidneys of the work of
excretion of urine and creatin. So we have to reduce the proteid
of milk by giving half milk and half cereal water, never giving over
twenty-four ounces of milk a day.
Carbohydrates— Cereals, bread and butter, baked potatoes, plain
gelatins, malted milk, racahout, zweiback, fruit juices are to be
avoided, because of breaking up into hippuric acid, acting as a direct
renal irritant. The value of salt-free diet has been generally recog-
Discussion.
103
nized. The rationale was set forth by Widal, Javal and others. In
cases of edema it is interesting to see the swelling disappear by
exclusion of sodium chloride.
It is interesting to see the role that heat plays in assisting in
relieving the kidneys of their work by producing diaphoresis. The
best method to employ is to improvise an electric light cabinet cov-
ered with blankets or, instead, hot- water bottles. A temperature of
110° F. may be maintained an hour if necessary, repeated in eight
hours. In severe cases of general edema sulphate of magnesia baths
at a temperature of 100° for fifteen minutes, followed by bandaging
patient in a solution of Epsom salts, act most satisfactorily in re-
ducing the swelling.
The clothing of a nephritic is most important; he should be pro-
tected from drafts. Silk or mixture of silk and wool or flannel
should be worn next to the skin. While it is necessary to maintain
an equal heat of about 70° F., frequent airing of the sick-room adds
to the comfort of the patient.
This plan of management covers eight years, and a great many
cases treated in this way are submitted for what they are worth.
Discussion on the Paper of Dr, Wilson.
Dr. L. It. DeBuys, New Orleans: There are only a few words I want
to say in connection with acute nephritis in childhood, and that is, I do
not think we should wait for the first symptoms of swelling, edema, head-
ache, and so on. I know of no disease where prophylaxis is more im-
portant, and in that connection we should always bear in mind that when-
ever a child has a disease which predisposes to nephritis we should care-
fully watch the urine during the entire convalescence.
Dr. C. H. Pardue, Vivian: I would like to ask as to the general prog-
nosis in these cases of acute nephritis in children?
Dr. Joseph O. Weilbacher, New Orleans: Corroborative of what Dr.
DeBuys has said, we ought to go still further and be very careful about
the kidneys of all sick children. It is peculiar how often we find that a
child will develop nephritis from seemingly almost no cause, whether it
be an infectious condition or not. I have particularly in mind a child of
my own, who happens to be sick now, one year of age, who had a sup-
posedly idiopathic temperature. The child would have high temperature
for three or four hours, and then the temperature would be perfectly
normal for about six or eight or ten hours. This condition kept up for
several days. The usual routine was gone through, in the beginning, of
good purgation, and pyelitis was suspected. The urine was thoroughly
examined and proved to be absolutely negative. All conditions were
negative for pyelitis, for indican, bile, or anything else. Forty-eight
hours afterwards the urine was again examined and found negative for
acetone, indican, pyelitis or pus, but it contained bile, and this latter
specimen was filled with hyalin, granular casts, which brings out the
point that we can never tell when a child’s kidneys are going to be in-
104
Original Articles.
volved. In this respect I would like to ask Dr. Wilson his opinion as to
whether he thinks bile could produce a large number of casts in the urine.
Remember, there was not found present any albumen — nothing but bile
and casts.
Dr. J. L. Adams, Monroe: I want to relate one case in order to bring
out more discussion. It is an interesting case because it came close home.
We had a little girl in my town, about six or seven years of age, who, in
attending school, developed some tonsillar trouble, and I, being the
family physician, was called in to attend the child. I promptly reported
her condition to a specialist. He came and looked at the child and said
it would be necessary to remove the tonsils. Before the time arrived
for the removal of the tonsils the child gave evidences of some nephritic
complications, some cardiac condition, which rather contraindicated
surgical interference at the time. With the assistance and advice of the
specialist we postponed the operation from time to time, until the child
was taken from school and confined to bed. She was kept in bed for
quite a long time, with all the symptoms of an acute nephritis, both
clinical and microscopical. Finally, we abandoned the idea of removal
of the child’s tonsils, for fear the child would die after the operation.
The family became impatient, went to see .another doctor, who not only
advised, but removed the tonsils In two weeks’ time there was a marked
improvement in the child’s condition, and in four weeks’ time the child
was back in the country again attending school. This physician was a
little different from some we have had to contend with, in that he was on
the square and did not do us any damage.
I report this case so that you may be on your guard in regard to focal
infection. If you have any focal infection in the case of a child, look
out for a nephritic condition to follow and give you trouble.
Dr. Charles J. Bloom, New Orleans: After hearing the question asked
by Dr. Weilbacher, and after having followed myself for several months
the question of what effect bile has on the urine, I have been watching
particularly those cases where a diagnosis of chronic intestinal indiges-
tion has been made, and where, sooner or later, there is present in the
urine a large quantity of bile, with evident symptoms of jaundice. It is
true, but it is only true where the bile has persisted indefinitely to cause
renal irritation, such as would be expressed by the presence of casts.
Bile m the urine and bile in the blood increases the blood pressure, slows
the pulse, and after a time it acts as a renal irritant.
Dr. Solon G-. Wilson, New Orleans (closing): I appreciate this dis-
cussion very much. I do not know that I brought out anything especially
new in the paper, but I do know that when a doctor has a case of acute
nephritis he has got a big job on his hands. I think it is his duty to bring
into play every means at his command to assist him in watching over his
patients and arriving at a conclusion.
I am thoroughly in accord with Dr. DeBuys’ remarks with reference
o being early in your investigation, probably going further than wait-
ing for symptoms by anticipating your case. That method would save us
a great deal of trouble and would keep mild cases mild. As I stated, lots
of mild cases become severe because of not having been recognized.
Dr. Pardue asked with reference to the prognosis. I think the prog-
nosis depends upon the early recognition of the disease. I believe if
these conditions are recognized early there is no reason why all of them
should not get well. We have come to feel to-day that a case of acute
nephritis should get well, and when they do not get well we wonder the
Dyer — Clinical Phases of a Case of Dermal Myiasis. 105
reason why, and the answer is probably because they are not recognized
early enough.
Dr. Weilbacher asked a question which I am not prepared to answer,
with reference to bile. I should say bile probably produces irritation of
the kidney. I know that urobilinogen has that effect upon the renal
organs, and I have no doubt that the case he has recited was traceable
to irritation of the bile.
With reference to the question of diagnosis again, it is a measure
that is valuable and hard to apply to children, namely: the phenosulpho-
nephthalein test. It is a satisfactory test to determine the possible out-
look of the case. The trouble about the phenosulphonephthalein test is
that its application makes the child nervous, and they won’t void urine
for one or two hours, and the test is dependent upon the excretion of the
phenosulphonephthalein. Because of that it is not employed as in adults,
but it is certainly worthy of consideration.
CLINICAL PHASES OF A CASE OF DERMAL MYIASIS.
By ISADORE DYER, Ph. B., M. D., New Orleans, La.
From notes taken over a period of two years (1914-1916), the
case here reported presents several interesting and novel features.
The patient was a man of about fifty-four years of age, several
years bed-ridden with asthma, rheumatism, and an associated
cardiac deficiency. In the early part of 1914 Dr. Henry Bayon, of
New Orleans, asked me to look after the legs of the patient. An
acute dermatitis of both legs had rather rapidly given place to
fungating ulcers which covered the lower two-thirds of each leg
and the upper half of the dorsum of each foot. The mass of ulcer-
ation was peculiar, in that it was not uniform. In places there were
rather thin crusts of honeycombed tissue, while in others there were
varying sized cauliflower growths, some as large as a hen’s egg.
There were interstices of necrosis, with foul exudate, often cover-
ing all of the diseased area. Any part of the leg would bleed easily.
There was none of the consistency of a syphilis vegetans, no re-
semblance to a verrucose tuberculosis cutis. The masses were too
dense and aggregated for a frambesiform eruption, and there were
too many irregularities in the contour and make-up of the eruption
to suggest blastomycosis. Diabetic ulceration was negatived by the
urinary findings.
The case was, in fact, unique, and treatment aimed at cleanliness
and astringents to reduce the growth.
After several months of observation the patient called attention
to several necrotic areas in which worms were present and a number
of maggots were actually recovered from the tissue. In order that
106
Original Articles.
these might be identified, Dr. W. V. King, qualified as an ento-
mologist, visited the patient with the writer and his report is at-
tached.
The case at no time was under complete control, and finally died
of the associated maladies The chief interest lies in the entomo-
logical findings, which undoubtedly provoked the exaggerated
lesions and maintained the disease, after the original infestation of
the skin, denuded from an acute dermatitis.
MEMORANDUM ON A CASE OF DERMAL MYIASIS CAUSED BY
LUC ILIA SERATICA.
By W. V. KING, Ph. D., U. S. Bureau of Entomology.
In the fall of 1914 a white male patient of Dr. Isadore Dyer, residing
in the City of New Orleans and affected with peculiar lesions on the lower
limbs, reported that on several occasions at intervals of about two weeks
he had noticed fly maggots in the dressings as they were removed from
the legs and emerging from lesions themselves. At. Dr. Dyer’s request
a number of the maggots were saved in a bottle of alcohol, and upon
subsequent examination proved to be muscid fly larvae in two stages of
development — a few fully developed and many very young ones. These
were later determined by Mr. Nathan Banks, of the U. S. Bureau of
Entomology, as a species of the genus Lucilia.
In December, 1914, in company with Dr. Dyer, I visited the residence
of the patient and examined the lesions. No larvae were present at this
time, but it happened that, upon searching the premises, numerous
“ green bottle” flies were noticed about the yard and around the outside
of the house. Several specimens of the flies were collected and later
submitted to Dr. C. H. T. Townsend, who determined them as Lucilia
caesar, L. pilatei and L. sericata.
At this time the patient was requested to save any larvae that might
subsequently appear in the lesions, in order that the exact species re-
sponsible for the infestation might be determined. In May, 1915, a few
fully-developed larvae emerged, which, upon being placed in bottles of
moist sand, soon pupated and some time later emerged as adult flies. These
were determined by Dr. Townsend as Lucilia sericata.
The blue and green bottle flies of the genus Lucilia are of common
occurrence in the United States, but are ordinarily outdoor flies and enter
houses only when weather conditions are unfavorable to them. The
larvae are found usually on fresh or decayed meats and carrion, also in
decomposing vegetables and in excrement, and, in fact, have habits
almost identical with those of the common blow-flies, Calliphora.
The species L. sericata and caesar are widely distributed throughout
the ' world, and in England and parts of Europe are known as the sheep-
maggot flies. With their acquired habits of infesting, under certain con-
ditions, the wool and flesh of sheep, they, particularly sericata, are re-
sponsible for great losses in the sheep industry.
Exact records of the occurrence of Lucilia larvae in human cases of
dermal myiasis are not common in the literature, although general state-
ments to the effect that they are responsible for this form of infestation
are frequent.
King — Memorandum on a Case of Dermal Myiasis. 107
Meinert recorded the rearing of Lucilia nobilis from larvae taken from
the ears of a sailor (Banks, 1912).
Austen (1912) recorded the history of a case, as described by Dr.
F. W. Andrews, in which hundreds of maggots were found in a chronic
ulcer on the lower part of the leg of a patient who has suffering from
chronic Bright’s disease and dropsy. The larvae, according to the report,
had made a pretty clean dissection of the tibialis anticus and other
muscles over the floor of the ulcer, which was some three or four inches
in diameter. Austen was of the opinion that the larvae were either Calli-
phora or Lucilia.
MacDougall (1909) found that in cases of sheep infestation the cycle
of development of Lucilia sericata occupied about four weeks. The eggs
hatched in twenty-four hours; the larval period lasted about fourteen
(AFTER HOWARD.)
108
Society Proceedings.
days, after which they dropped to the ground, and in about fourteen days
more emerged as adult flies.
Bishop (1915), from observations made in Texas, found that the de-
velopmental period from the egg to the emergence of the adult Lucilia
sericata ranged from nine to twenty-one days and of L. caesar from
eleven to twenty-four days:
The case of infestation with L. sericata coming under our notice
differs in several points from any I have found described in the literature.
The peculiar nature of the lesions, unfeatured, as they were, by ulcer-
ation, which is the usual condition accompanying or inducing fly infesta-
tion; the extended period over which the larvae recurred in the lesions,
although during all this time the affected parts were kept in dressings
and bathed daily with antiseptics; the fact that the repeated infestations
did not cause destruction or the tissues, were all important features of
the case.
REFERENCES.
Austen, Ernest E., 1912. British flies Which Cause Myiasis in Man. Repts. Local Gov.
Board on Pub. Health and Med. Subjs., N. Ser. No. 66.
Banks, Nathan, 1912. The Structure of Certain Dipterous Larvae, with Particular Reference
to Those in Human Foods. Bull. U. S. Dept, of Agri., Tech. Ser. No. 22.
Graham-Smith, G. S., 1914. Flies in Relation to Disease — Non-bloodsucking Flies. Cam-
bridge, Univ. Press.
Hewitt, C. Gordon, 1914. The House-Fly. Cambridge, Univ. Press.
Howard, L. O., 1900. A Contribution to the Study of the Insect Fauna of Human Excre-
ment. Proc. Wash. Acad, of Sci., II, 541-604.
MacDougall, R. S., 1909. Sheep Maggot and Related Flies. Their Classification, Life-
History and Habits. Trans. Highland Agric. Soc., Scot., pp. 135-174.
SOCIETY PROCEEDINGS
REVIEW OF THE SESSIONS OF THE SECTION ON
SURGERY, GENERAL AND ABDOMINAL,
MEETING OF THE A. M. A.,
CHICAGO.
Reported by DR. H. B. GESSNER, New Orleans.
The sessions were held in the Auditorium Theater, Congress street.
Dr. E. Starr Judd, Rochester, Minn., presided in the uniform of a
major in the Medical Reserve Corps; he is director of the special
schools for military surgeons. The acting secretary, Dr. Geo. P.
Muller, of Philadelphia, was unusually efficient in the performance
of his duties.
The first session, Wednesday, June 12, Dr. Truman W. Brophy,
of Chicago, the dean of oral surgeons in this country, read a paper
on “Congenital Cleft Palate and Harelip.” He made mention of an
artificial velum of rubber to be used in nourishing cleft-palate babies,
whether with the breast or with a feeding-bottle. Early operation,
Gessner — The Section on Surgery.
109
within one month, was urged by him. Dr. Brophy believes that there
is nearly always enough bone in these cases. He advocates (1) union
of the bony palate and normalization of the nose; (2) union of the
lips six weeks later; (3) union of the soft palate subsequently, be-
fore the fourteenth month — i. e., before speech develops. Removing
protruding pre-maxillary bones he condemns strongly. Under technic
he referred to a small, straight needle with eye in point, as a new
development used for carrying silver sutures through the bone.
Dr. A. J. Ochsner (Chicago) paid a tribute to Dr. Brophy’s valu-
able work in the development of palate plastics. He emphasized
the consideration of function, saying a palate after operation may
look well and be useless for speech. Often an artificial palate per-
mits better speech than an operated one. Uniting the bones lowers
them, makes the soft parts more ample. In the after-treatment
these patients must be trained to speak, a new language often serv-
ing as an excellent means for this purpose. He stressed the value
of acclimatizing babies brought from a distance before operating on
them and the need of patience.
Sir Arbuthnot Lane (England) made the interesting statement
that his youngest patient had been a seven months5 baby, within one
or two hours after its removal from the uterus ; there was no shock at
this early period. He referred to the method practiced by him — over-
lapping muco-periosteal flaps — as affording opportunity for the pro-
duction of new bone. In war injuries by projectiles, the same prin-
ciple had been employed.
Dr. Charles Mayo (Rochester, Minn.) brought out the fact that
all human anomalies of development are normal to a lower type of
life. He also referred to changes in the chemistry of the amniotic
fluid as influencing in an important degree the development of the
fetus.
Dr. John B. Roberts (Philadelphia) expressed the opinion that
selective work must be done, no one method being suited to the fifteen
varieties of cleft-palate.
Dr. Brophy, closing the discussion, said there was one phase of
the Lane operation he had never been able to understand — i. e., how,
when the tissues were turned over, the mucous membrane upward,
there could be bone production. He admitted that rarely there
might be lack of tissue, but insisted that usually it was sufficient.
Dr. Charles H. Mayo (Rochester, Minn.) presented a paper on
“The Principles of Thyroid Surgery.55 He referred to the active
circulation of this gland, which — only one ounce in weight — has all
110
Society Proceedings.
the blood in the body pass through it in one hour. He dwelt at some
length on the chemical substance isolated as the essential thyroid
product, thyroxin, for which we have to thank Plummer and Ken-
dall. It governs the speed of energy production in the body. The
importance of laryngoscopic examination to determine the degree
of interference with the recurrent laryngeal nerve of either side was
brought out. Reference was made to the fact that the parathyroids
control the elimination of nitrogen from the body. The essayist con-
cluded with the statement that 70 per cent of goiters are cured by
operation.
Hr. Donald Guthrie, of Sayre, Pa., read a paper on “Temporary
Loss of Voice Following Thyroidectomy.” He enumerated, as causes
of this condition, trauma to the recurrent nerve (pinching, tying,
stretching, pressure by blood-clot) , trauma to the larynx and trachea,
lues and hysteria. The statement was made that, after ligation of
the nerve, function never returns. He emphasized the importance of
laryngoscopy for diagnosis and prognosis in these cases.
Dr. Edward G. Jones (Atlanta, Ga.), in his paper, “Goiter in the
Southeast ; A Systematic Study of 400 Cases,” stated that there is
less goiter in the South than elsewhere. He spoke favorably of the
Goetsch test for hyperthyroidism by the injection of adrenalin.
Sir Arbuthnot Lane protested against the treatment of end con-
ditions in the thyroid, the spleen and the adrenals, suffering from
the strain of poison conditions, while the primary cause of trouble —
the large intestine — was neglected. He said the removal of this idle
effluent would cause enlarged thyroids to disappear. Raynaud’s dis-
ease was referred to as a disease caused by the absorption of filth
through the intestines, improved within twenty-four hours by the
removal of the colon. He expressed the fear that surgeons are apt
to treat end results because they lose general sense of things sur-
gical in developing special sense exclusively.
Dr. W. 0. Porter expressed the opinion that there is as much
reason to remove a large non-toxic goiter to prevent injurious patho-
logic changes as there is to remove a mole to prevent cancerous '
change.
Dr. Sloan called attention to the fact that some anatomists de-
scribe the left recurrent laryngeal nerve as lying deeper than the
right.
Dr. C. H. Mayo, closing the discussion on his paper, brought out
the fact that nature has given man an oversupply of gland tissue,
citing the hypophysis, the thyroid, the parathyroids, adrenals and
Gessner — The Section on Surgery.
Ill
pancreas as instances of this oversupply. He said that the loss of
50 per cent of the thyroid — in an adult — is insignificant, though in
children it is not the case.
Dr. Edward G. Jones, closing, answered a question by stating that,
in the Goetsch test, fifteen minims of adrenalin are administered
hypodermatically. If the patient is hyperthyroid, there is a marked
elevation of the blood pressure, with tremor; patients complain of
lack of support in the lower limbs.
Dr. Willy Meyer, of Hew York City, presented, under the title,
Glycophilia,” the disease named by Leo Burger thrombo-angiitis
obliterans. The study of the blood in these cases shows no evidence
of retention of nitrogen, no decrease in the alkaline reserve, but 100
grams of glucose produce a hyperglycemia. These cases, according
to Meyer’s views, are near-diabetics. He objects to the name thrombo-
angiitis, on the ground that there are really no thrombi in the
arteries, while those in the veins are secondary, and there is no true
inflammatory process. These patients are dehydrated. Treatment
is by a duodenal flush (ten quarts a day), according to the plan of
McArthur, plus hypodermoclysis with Ringer’s, Locke’s and bi-
carbonate solutions. The result is after-restoration of pulsation
where it has ceased. These cases sometimes present as many as
7,200,000 erythrocytes, 720,000 platelets. In cases of gangrene, the
actual cautery is valuable ; associated with plenty of water in-
ternally, it permits lower amputation than could otherwise he done.
Dr. Ralph E. Morter (Milwaukee) showed the “End-Results in
Cases of Hodgkin’s Disease” treated by Yates and Bunting before
1917. Mnety-one cases were reported; fourteen clinically recovered,
five well in fourteen months, four under treatment, while sixty-eight
patients dead (all late) showed the possibility of prolongation of
life and comfort. Treatment was by elimination of portal of entry,
radical surgery to reduee the amount of pathological tissue and
raise resistance, X-ray' immune serum, and rest.
At the afternoon session, June 12, Dr. E. Starr Judd delivered
the chairman’s address on “Surgery of the Gall-Bladder and Bile
Ducts.” This was a most interesting review of the best practice in
the diseased conditions of these organs. A noteworthy feature of
the address was the reference to the oozing that takes place after
some operations on the bile passages, up to eight or ten days after
operation. The coagulation time of some cases is over ten minutes.
Calcium is not distinctly useful. Transfusion, done before the
oozing begins, is useful. After oozing begins, the best plan is to
112
Society Proceedings.
aspirate the liver with a trocar. After a time bile drains out and
this affects the bleeding favorably.
Dr. J. Shelton Horsley (Richmond, Ya.) presented a paper on
“The Reconstruction of the Common Duct from the Experimental
Standpoint.” This excellent paper showed the difficulty of such
reconstruction, owing to the contraction of the tissues. The reader
discussed at length the advisability of using, for such work, tissues
of the immediate vicinity, on the ground of their having an im-
munity to the action of the irritating discharges in their neighbor-
hood.
Dr. Le Grand Guerry (Columbia, S. C.) followed with a “Clinical
Report on Reconstruction of the Common and Hepatic Ducts.” The
fundamental idea presented was that of mobilizing the mucosa of
the duodenum so that it may be united directly to the mucosa of the
hepatic duct.
In the discussion that followed, Dr. Arthur McArthur (Chicago)
gave the details of a case in which he had joined the common duct
to the* duodenum with a rubber tube. The duct end had to be everted
so as to make a cuff, then he everted this cuff in turn so as to make
quite a flange; the duodenal end he had made quite long (several
inches), so that its weight could ultimately carry it into the bowel.
The operation was successful. He believed that the tube had re-
mained in situ long enough to permit epithelium from the duct and
duodenum to line the passage in which it lay.
At the morning session of Friday, June 14, the first paper was
that of Dr. Hermann B. Gessner (Hew Orleans), entitled “The
Therapeutics of Tetanus.” Basing his statements on a study of 427
case reports from the Charity Hospital of Hew Orleans for the
years 1906-1917, he eliminated fifty-nine cases for various causes
leaving 368 authentic cases on 'which to base his conclusions. It was
shown that the mortality was least in children receiving serum in
large doses by the intravenous, subarachnoid, intramuscular and
intraneural methods. The final conclusions were these :
1. All cases of accidental injury of a punctured, lacerated,
crushed or gunshot character, especially when associated with for-
eign bodies or with exposure to street, garden or stable contamina-
tion, should receive 1,500 units of antitetanic serum at the first
treatment.
2. All cases of this kind coming secondarily under observation
should receive the serum, though several days have elapsed.
Gessner— The Section on Surgery.
113
3. If, in this class of, cases, suppuration continues, the serum
should be repeated at intervals of ten days, as we have reason to
believe that its protective influence does not last beyond this time.
4. Cases coming under treatment for tetanus should be isolated
in quiet, comfortable rooms, under the care of surgeons and nurses
interested in their treatment and confident of improving on past
results by devoted attention.
5. Treatment should be by large doses of serum, not less than
10,000 units. Administration by the intravenous, intraneural, intra-
muscular and subarachnoid methods should be more extensively
employed for the purpose of bringing out more thoroughly their
value.
6. Food and water, skin cleaning, the care of the bowels, the use
of sedatives to calm anxiety and relieve pain, must all receive the
closest attention.
Dr. S. J. Meltzer (New York), speaking of a case report on the
subarachnoid use of magnesium sulfate, said death had been at-
tributed to pulmonary edema. Yet, a report of thirty-two autopsies
of cases that died of tetanus under no treatment, showed that twenty-
six of the patients presented pulmonary edema. He stated that
bacteriologists have reported the finding of several different strains
of bacillus tetani, while the antitoxin being prepared is from still
another strain, therefore of questionable utility. He stressed the
fact that magnesium sulfate not alone gives a relatively low mor-
tality from tetanus, but also gives greater relief from the pains of
the disease than any other remedy.
Dr. A. J. Ochsner (Chicago) quoted Huntington as saying that
in the Italian army the use of a prophylactic dose of ten times the
supposed normal had reduced the mortality to one-tenth its pre-
vious figures. In his clinic, the use of large doses was the rule.
Dr. W. Estell Lee (Philadelphia) stressed the value of the serum
for prophylaxis, quoting figures from the French army to show its
very great usefulness.
Dr. Brooks recommended the giving of a prophylactic dose pro-
portionate to the time elapsed since exposure to infection.
Dr. W. Estell Lee (Philadelphia) read a paper on “The Use of
DichloramimT and Other Antiseptics in War Surgery” (lantern
demonstration). He said all surgeons had agreed that in war
wounds the indications are : ( 1 ) Surgical treatment at the earliest
moment; (2) removal of foreign bodies; (3) removal of devitalized
114
Society Proceedings.
tissue; (4) the use of a germicide that will not delay closure; (5)
earliest possible closure.
Chlorine compounds have shown themselves superior to all others.
Of these, he believed dichloramin-T to be the best, used as strong as
10 per cent strength in oil.
Slides were shown, illustrating by graphic curves the speed and
duration of bacterial control by dichloramin-T.
Dr. Edward Ochsner (Chicago) said the error committed by sur-
geons was that of overlooking the fact that no one antiseptic is good
against all bacteria; we must look for specifics in the case of in-
dividual organisms. He cited the specificity of phenol for staphy-
lococcus pyogenes aurens, relating instances of its rapid curative
effect in carbuncle. He deprecated the harm done useful measures
by the overenthusiastic, mentioning Wright’s vaccin method as an
instance. In his opinion,, the hypochlorone compounds are useful
in saprophytic conditions only; of very little value in acute septic
infections.
Dr. Frank G-. Mfong (Columbia, Mo.) presented a paper on “The
Hodgen Extension Suspension Splint and Its Exemplification in
Both Civil and War Surgery.” The essayist stressed the fact that
the Hodgen splint affords the immobilization, extension, suspen-
sion, flexion and easy approach desirable in fractures of the long
bones.
Dr. H. D. Wood (Arkansas) advocated the use of the word ortho-
melic (melos, a limb) instead of orthopedic.
“The Fall of the Alkaline Reserve Under Surgical Conditions ;
Its Effects and Prevention,” was the title of a paper by Dr.- H. W.
Haggard, Hew Haven, Conn.
This paper followed the line of thought of Dr. Yandell Hender-
son, of Yale, who has presented the concept of shock as due to a
diminished C02 content of the blood, brought about by rapid breath-
ing (acapnia). The administration of C02, with the anesthetic to
keep up its proper proportion in the blood, was among the preventive
means suggested for shock.
In the afternoon and final session Dr. Geo. H. Kreider, of Spring-
field, 111., read a paper on “Gastroptosis ; Its Cause, Prevention and
Cure, with Special Reference to the Duhet-Rovsing Operation.”
The writer enumerated bad habits of eating and drinking, deficient
exercise, improper clothing, improper footwear, infections of teeth
or air-passages as the cause. A large number of cases are cured by
posture, proper eating, hygienic measures in general, and bandages.
Gessner — The Section on Surgery.
115
In the small number not so relieved, the Rovsing technic of gastric
fixation has given good results.
In the discussion that followed, the fact was brought out that,
while in some cases raising the stomach level did good, in others this
change might interfere with stomach-emptying by raising the
pylorus too high.
Next followed a payer by Dr. Arthur C. Strachauer (Minneap-
olis), entitled “ A New Principle in the Surgical Treatment of
Brain Tumors.” In this paper the fact was brought out that de-
compression may release the tumor, so that it will “point,” coming
to the surface, where it may be removed by reoperation.
The final paper of the section meeting was one on “Kondoleon’s
Operation,” by Dr. Walter E. Sistrunk, Jr., of Rochester, Minn.,
formerly a Louisiana surgeon. Dr. Sistrunk’s paper was well illus-
trated by slides of patients before and after treatment, as well as
by others showing the technic of the operation and the pathology
of the condition indicating it. He referred to the first paper on
the subject in this country, that in which Dr. Rudolph Matas, of
New Orleans, presented the subject to the Louisiana State Medical
Society in 1913, quoting the latter as giving infection (often, re-
peated attacks of erysipelas) as the cause of the elephantiasis for
which the operation is done. The author had modified the technic
of Kondoleon — the excision of a deep fascia, through long in-
cisions, in the limbs — by excising a correspondingly long strip of
skin and superficial fascia, not so wide as the deep layer strip. This
removes the excess of skin, that would otherwise lessen the cosmetic
result. Seven cases have been operated on, with lasting improvement.
Dr. H. A. Royster, of North Carolina, gave the details of a case
operated on by himself, previously reported.
Dr. Herman B. Gessner (New Orleans) referred to a case of his
own, reported by Dr. Matas in the original American paper on this
subject. This case, with two others, had all shown marked improve-
ment ; one involved the leg only ; one, both legs and thigh ; a third,
the forearm. All had clear histories of infection, though not one
had had erysipelas. In a recent conversation, Dr. Matas had told
him of a total of six cases all bettered by interference, including the
mother of a local hospital intern, whose close and continuous observa-
tion for a long time showed greatly relieved.
116
News and Comment.
NEWS AND COMMENT
At a Recent Meeting of the Board of the Eye, Ear, Nose and
Throat Hospital, Dr. Henry Dickson Brnns was elected chief sur-
geon to succeed the lamented de Roaldes, who occupied that position
in the hospital since its inception. Dr. Bruns’ long service and
deep interest in the hospital, as surgeon in charge of the eye de-
partment, entitled him to the honor.
Dr. Jerome Landry has been appointed a house surgeon of
Charity Hospital, to succeed Dr. W. H. Kostmayer, who resigned
in order to assume charge of the Illinois Central Hospital.
National Tuberculosis Association Meeting. — The four-
teenth annual meeting of the National Tuberculosis Association was
held in Boston from June 6 to 8, under the presidency of Dr. Chas.
L. Minor, Asheville, N. C. The following officers were elected:
President, Dr. David R. Lyman, Wallingford, Conn.; honorary vice-
president, Col. Geo. E. Bushnell, M. C., IJ. S. A.; vice-presidents,
Dr. Lawrason Brown, Saranac Lake, N. Y., and Lee K. Erankel,
New York City; secretary, Dr. Henry Barton Jacobs, Baltimore;
treasurer, Dr. Wm. H. Baldwin, Washington, D. C. The association
adopted resolutions deploring the retirement of Surgeon General
Gorgas and requested that he be continued in active service in his
present position, so that neither his work nor his plans may be in-
terrupted.
American Medical Association Election oe Officers. — At
the sixty-ninth annual meeting of the American Medical Associa-
tion, held in Chicago, June 10 to 14, the following officers were
elected: President, Dr. Alexander Lambert, New York; first vice-
president, Dr. Wm. N. Wishard, Indianapolis; second vice-presi-
dent, Dr. E. Starr Judd, Rochester, Minn.; third vice-president,
Dr. C. W. Richardson, Washington, D. C.; fourth vice-president,
Dr. John M. Baldy, Philadelphia; secretary. Dr. Alexander R.
Craig, Chicago; treasurer, Dr. Wm. Allen Pusey, Chicago; speaker
of the House of Delegates, Dr. Hubert Work, Pueblo, Colo.; vice-
speaker, Dr. Dwight H. Murray, Syracuse, N. Y. ; members of the
Board of Trustees, Drs. Frank H. Billings, Chicago; Wendell C.
Phillips, New York; Thos. McDavitt, St. Paul, and Chester Brown,
Danbury, Conn.; members of the Judicial Council, Drs. W. S.
Thayer, Baltimore, and M. L. Harris, Chicago; members of the
News and Comment.
117
Council on Health and Public Instruction, Drs. W. S. Rankin,
Raleigh, N. C., and Ludvig Hektoen, Chicago.
Training School for Mental Hygiene Workers. — A war
emergency course is being given at Smith College, Northampton,
Mass., under the auspices of the National Committee for Mental
Hygiene, to prepare workers to assist in reclaiming soldiers suffering
from nervous and mental diseases. This course also will be given
at the Boston Psycopathic Hospital. The work is under the direc-
tion of Miss Mary C. Jarrett, chief of social service at the hospital.
The course will continue for more than eight months and will be open
to college graduates and other young women who have had an equiv-
alent of technical training. The academic portion of the instruction
will be given at Smith College1, to be followed by six months’ prac-
tice work at various centers. Many eminent psychiatrists, psychol-
ogists and sociologists will be among the lecturers in the course.
New York's Lowest Infant Heath Rate. — A survey of the
infant death rate for 1917, showing a decline in infant mortality
from 135.8 per thousand in 1907 to 88.8 in 1917, has been made by
the New York Milk Committee. The improvement is attributed in
part to the medical and educational campaigns, and partly to the
efforts of the Milk Committee to improve the sanitary surroundings
of infants.
Move to Militarize State Health Boards. — According to
reports, the Surgeon General of the Army and his staff have given
their approval to a plan for the federalization of all State and, per-
haps, all municipal health organizations. A conference on the plans,
all the details of which have not yet been worked out, was held in
Washington on June 21.
Gastro-Enterologists Elect New Officers. — At the twenty-
first annual meeting of the American Gastro-Enterological Associa-
tion, held in Atlantic City, May 6 and 7, the following officers were1
elected: President, Hr. Walter A. Bastedo, New York City; vice-
presidents, Hrs. Thomas R. Brown, Baltimore, and Franklin W.
White, Boston; secretary-treasurer, Hr. Frank Smithies, Chicago;
recorder, Hr. Horace W. Soper, St. Louis.
Green Band for Whooping Cough. — The Health Hepartment
of Richmond, Va., has authorized the wearing of green arm-bands
by children with whopping cough, with a view to preventing the
spread of the disease. This will permit the children with the dis-
ease to get the fresh air. Rigid quarantine will be instituted in
cases of refusal to use the green ribbons. Forty-four babies died in
118
News and Comment.
Richmond last year from this one disease, and forty-six the pre-
vious year.
Free Antityphoid Inoculation. — The United States Public
Health Service has been directed by Secretary McAdoo to give anti-
typhoid inoculation without charge to all who apply to any of its
hospitals or field offices. Applications may be made to any United
States Marine Hospital, to any field office of the Public Health
Service or to the United States Hygienic Laboratory, Washington,
D. C. The United States Public Health Service, Washington, D. C.,
will furnish on application information as to the nearest place where
an inoculation can be obtained.
Shortage oe Labor in Hew York Hospitals.— The labor
shortage, according to report, is so serious that many hospitals in
Hew York are being obliged to curtail their work and some are look-
ing forward to the possibility of being compelled to suspend work
entirely. Appeal to the Federal authorities to institute measures
of relief is under, consideration by the Hospital Conference of the
City of Hew \rork.
Wheat Obtained 'by Doctor's Prescription. — Texas having
foregone the use of wheat flour, the Food Administration at Dallas,
Texas, on the prescription of a physician, issued to him twelve
pounds of wheat flour for a patient suffering from pernicious
anemia.
Deaths From Dental Disorders. — The Metropolitan Life In-
surance Company states that fifty-two deaths of policyholders in
1917 were traceable to infections of the teeth.
Badges eor Medical Students. — Medical students who have been
enrolled in the Medical Reserve Corps, subject to call at any time,
have been given a badge to keep them from being looked upon -as
slackers. The badge is the same as the collar ornament worn by
privates of the Medical Corps — a large, dark brass button bearing
only the Medical Corps insignia, the Esculapian rod, and are worn
at the button hole. Medical students in the Reserve Corps are sub-
ject to immediate call to the army if they fail in any studies.
The American Public Health Association Mil hold its next
meeting in Chicago from October 11 to 17. The principal topic
during the meeting will be “The Health of the Civil Population in
War Time.”
The American Laryngological Association, at its meeting
in Atlantic City, May 29, elected the following officers : President
Cornelius Gf. Coakley, Hew York; vice-presidents, Geo. E. Sham-
Booh Reviews and Notices.
119
baugh, Chicago, and John E. Winslow, Baltimore; secretary, D.
Bryson Delavam New York; treasurer, J. Payson Clark, Boston;
Councilors, Alexander W. McCoy, Philadelphia; Thos. E. French,
Brooklyn; Jos. Goodale, Boston; Thos. H. Halstead, Syracuse.
Homes Offered as First-Aid Hospitals. H. C. Frick, George
J. Gould and S. Lewisohn have offered their New York City homes
to the police department as first-aid hospitals in the event of air
raids or other emergencies. This announcement came at a com-
mittee meeting of the emergency unit of Harlem, New York City,
on June 25, which unit is composed of physicians who are training
to be prepared to give aid in case of emergency and are instructing
those desiring to take lessons in first-aid treatment.
Yale Medical School Meets Requirements.— Yale Univer-
sity Medical School has met the requirements of the General Educa-
tion Board and the $2,500,000 endowment for the medical school is
complete. As a part of its yearly income, the medical school will
receive interest on the board’s subscription of $582,900.
Removals. — Dr. J. W. Kirby, from Charenton, La., to 721 St.
Charles street, New Orleans, La.
Dr. T. J. Dimitry, from Maison Blanche Building to 3601 Pry-
tania street, corner Foucher street, New Orleans, La.
Personals. — Dr. Edward S, Hatch has returned from service in
the army and has resumed his practice in the Maison Blanche Build-
ing.
Dr. Marcus Feingold is spending his vacation at Clifton Springs,
New York, and will not return until September.
On June 30, 1918, Dr. Samuel Logan, aged 41 years, one of New
Orleans’ most prominent young practitioners.
P)IED. On July 1, 1918, Dr. A. B. Gaudet, prominent aurist of
New Orleans, aged 44 years.
On July 2, 1918, Dr. Frank Kerr, of Jackson, Miss., aged 80
years.
BOOK REVIEWS AND NOTICES
An Introduction to the History of Medicine, by Fielding H. Garrison,
A. B., M. D. Second edition. W. B. Saunders Company, Phila-
delphia and London.
The student of medicine constantly meets with references to men and
times associated with the advancement of medical science. To find a
ready reference, giving more or less definite information regarding both
men and their periods, should be welcome. It has given us the same pleas-
120
Booh Reviews and Notices.
ant task to scan the pages of this new edition as was afforded when the
first edition came before us. The painstaking care in the arrangement and !'
in the compilation of material should earn the praise and support or all
students of medicine. As a foundaton for more complete records of modern
medicine, this work is sure to serve a valued purpose. DYER.
Physical Diagnosis, by W. D. Rose, M. D. C. V. Mosby Company, St. Louis,
The author has prepared a most excellent guide to physical diagnosis, j
carefully planned and especially clear in detail. After establishing proper !
anatomical characteristics, each of the usual and unusual procedures in
diagnosis are practically given, and with well-selected illustrations, eluci- j
dating a clear text. Topographic diagnosis is given, including even the con- i
ditions of the oral cavity, particular diseases and their special features, ;
are given, with emphasis upon special characteristics of each. Altogether j
fulfilling the purpose for which the author has intended it — a compre- j
hensive guide to physical diagnosis, with the practical demonstration of
all methods and practices. DYER.
Medical War Manual No. 3. Military Ophthalmic Surgery, by G. E. De-
Schweinitz, M. D., and Walter R. Parker, M. D.
Medical War Manual No. 4. Orthopedic Surgery, prepared by the Ortho-
pedic Council. Lea & Febiger, Philadelphia and New York.
These two books, small in size and limited in scope, aim at presenting
the conditions commonly met, and with indications for their relief. There
is the evident purpose of presenting as much as possible in small space,
and with practical methods, easy of acceptance and practice. The illus-
trations are few, but useful. DYER,
A Handbook of Antiseptics, by Henry Drysdale Dakin, D. Sc., F. I. C.,
F. R. S., and Edward Kellogg Dunham, M. D, The MacMillan Com-
pany, New York.
The authors state that the main object of this little book is to give a
concise account of the chief chemical antiseptics which have been found
useful for surgical purposes during the present war. A brief, but good
review is afforded of the chlorine group of antiseptics, of the phenol group,
and of a miscellaneous lot of antiseptics of various forms and uses. Mori-
son’s paste of bismuth, iodoform and paraffin oil are especially noted in
this last group. In separate chapters, methods of testing antiseptics, the
disinfection of carriers and the disinfection of water are discussed. The
book is of hand-size, and, with its content dealing with many or most of
the new antiseptics, it is sure to serve a useful purpose. DYER,
Long Heads and Round Heads, by Wm. S. Sadler, M. D. A. C. McClurg
& Co., Chicago, 1918.
Dr. Sadler has written in order to help his fellow- Americans to under-
stand the present conflict. He studies the prehistoric races and their
evolution, gradually getting dowm to three distinct species — the Nordic,
the Mediterranean, and the Alpine. The first two are long-skulled, the
last are round-skulled. The leaders, or militarists in Germany, are Nordic,
while the masses are Alpine. Finally, it is the Nordic egotism of the
chiefs, joined to the Alpine stupidity of the masses, which furnishes the
formula of the German people of to-day. When the inherent tendency of
the Nordic element to enter upon conquest is joined to the inherent
tendency of the Alpine stock toward comparative stupidity and brutality,
Publications Received.
121
the combination brings about the reign of frightfulness, and we can under-
stand the situation among the Germans.
The writer emphasizes the frequently reiterated statement that Ger-
many is a menace to civilization, and closes with twenty-five good reasons
why we must win the war.
The entire book is interesting and well worth reading. C. C.
PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED
THE YEAR BOOK PUBLISHERS, Chicago, 1918.
The Practical Medicine Series. Volume I: General Surgery, edited by
Albert J. Ochsner, M. D., F. R. M. S., LL. D., F. A. C. S. Volume II:
General Medicine, edited by Frank Billings, M. S., M. D., assisted by
Burrell O. Raulston, A. B., M. D.
: t • I
THE MACMILLAN COMPANY, New York, 1918.
Reclaiming the Maimed, by R. Tait McKenzie, M. D.
Infection and Resistance, by Hans Zinsser, M. D. Second edition,
revised.
F. A. DAVIS COMPANY, Philadelphia, 1918.
The Ungeared Mind, by Robert Howland Chase, A. M., M. D.
WASHINGTON GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE, Washington,
D. C., 1918.
Public Health Reports. Volume 33, Nos. 22, 23, 24, 25 and 26.
Report of the Department of Health of the Panama Canal. January,
February and March, 1918:
Service and Regulatory Announcements. Supplement. (United States
Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Chemistry.)
Report of the Chairman of the Committee on Medicine and Sanitation
of the Advisory Committee of the Council of National Defense. April 1,
1918.
MISCELLANEOUS:
Japanese Medical Literature. A Review of Current Periodicals. Vol.
Ill, No. 2. (China Medical Journal, Shanghai, China.)
Annual Report of the Bulletin of Surgery. 1917. (Wm. Ellis Jones'
Sons, printers, Richmond, Va.)
The Medical Report of the Rice Expedition to Brazil, by W. T. Council-
man, M. D., and R, A. Lambert, M. D. (Cambridge Press, Cambridge,
Mass.)
REPRINTS.
Malignant Diphtheria Treated by Massive Doses of Antitoxin Given
Intraperitoneally, by George Heustis Fonde, M. D.
Sisyrinchium Bermudiana, by Oliver Atkins Farwell.
Reflections on Vaccinetherapy from the Viewpoint of the Practical
Clinician, by G. H. Fondee, M. D.
A Simple Method of Water Purification for Itinerant Missionaries and
Other Travelers, by R. G. Mills, M. D.; A. I. Ludlow, M. D., and J. D.
Van Buskirk, M. D.
122 Mortuary Report.
MORTUARY REPORT OF NEW ORLEANS.
Computed from the Monthly Report of the Board of Health of the City
of New Orleans, for June, 1918.
CA USE.
£
•8
©
e
£
Typhoid Fever . _ . .
6
4
10
Intermittent, Fever ( Malarial Cachexia)
1
1
Smallpox _ .
Measles _ __
4
4
Scarlet Fever ___
Whooping Cough __ __ _
7
2
9
Diphtheria and Croup -
2
2
Influenza _ - _
1
2
3
Cholera Nostras . -
Pyemia and Septicenjia . ... .
Tuberculosis _ .
55
40
95
Cancer_ _
24
14
38
Rheumatism and Gout _ _
3
1
4
Diabetes
4
4
Alcoholism __ __ _ _ ___
2
2
Encephalitis and Meningitis
4
1
5
Locomotor Ataxia _ __
1
1
Congestion, Hemorrhage and Softening of Brain
25
7
32
Paralysis _ _
5
1
6
Convulsions of Infancy . __
Other Diseases of Infancy-- _
10
7
17
Tetanus-- __ _
Other Nervous Diseases _ __
7
1
8
Heart Diseases _ _
64
49
113
Bronchitis _ _> . __
1
2
3
Pneumonia and Broncho-Pneumonia _
8
16
24
Other Respiratory Diseases _ _
4
3
7
Ulcer of Stomach __ _____
1
3
4
Other Diseases of the Stomach
1
1
Diarrhea, Dysentery and Enteritis
30
20
50
Hernia, Intestinal Obstruction
2
4
6
Cirrhosis of Liver
7
4
11
Other Diseases of the Liver __
5
2
7
Simple Peritonitis
1
1
Appendicitis
Bright’s Disease
Other Genito-Urinary Diseases
Puerperal Diseases __
Senile Debility _
Suicide
9
24
10
3
1
• 3
5
24
11
4
1
14
48
21
7
2
3
Injuries
19
15
34
All Other Causes _
30
30
60
Total . _
382
275
657
Still-born Children — White, 28; colored, 20; total, 48.
Population of City (estimated)— White, 276,000; colored,
total, 378,000.
Death Rate
31.73;
102,000;
per 1000 per annum for Month — White, 16.37; colored,
Non-residents excluded, 17.87.
METEOROLOGIC SUMMARY (U. S. Weather Bureau).
Mean atmospheric pressure 29.95
Mean temperature. . ! . 83. ^
Total precipitation 2.45 inches
Prevailing direction of wind, Southwest.
WSJ.
VTNGS STAMPS
ISSUED BY THB
UKi ED STATES
GOVERNMENT
NEW ORLEANS MEDICAL
AND SURGICAL JOURNAL
ED ITO R S :
CHARLES CHASSAIGNAC, M. D. ISADORE DYER, M. D.
COLLABORATORS.*
C. C. BASS, M. D., Prest., Amer. Soc. Tropical Medicine. } ,
S. K. SIMON, M. D., Acting Secty, American Soc. of Tropical Medicine vflici°'
P. T. TALBOT, M. D., Secretary Louisiana State Medical Society. . . .......... .Ex-Officio.
RUPERT BLUE, M. D., Surgeon General, United States Public Health Service.
H. D. BRUNS, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
C. F. CRAIG, M. D., Col., U. S. A.
S. T. DARLING, M. D., Sao Paulo, Brazil.
W. H. DEADERICK, M. D., Hot Springs, Arkansas.
E. M. DUPAQUIER, M. D. (Paris), Tulane University of Louisiana.
A. G. FRIEDRICHS, M. D., New Orleans, La.
J. T. HALSEY, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
JOS. HOLT, M. D., New Orleans, La.
F. A. LARUE, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
E. S. LEWIS, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
R. C. LYNCH, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
E. D. MARTIN, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
R. MATAS, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
AUGUSTUS McSHANE, M. D., Greenwood, Miss.
PAUL MICHINARD, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
C. J. MILLER, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
F. W. PARHAM, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana,
E. A. ROBIN, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
W. H. SEEMANN, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
ALLEN J. SMITH, M. D., University of Pennsylvania.
EDMOND SOUCHON, M. D., Tulane University1 of Louisiana.
E. R. STITT, M. D., Rear Admiral, U. S. N.
J. A. STORCK, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
R. P. STRONG, M. D., Harvard University.
ROY M. VAN WART, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
Vol. LXXI SEPTEMBER, 1918 No. 3
EDITORIAL
INCREASE IN THE ARMY MEDICAL DEPARTMENT.
The Owen-Dyer bill, which has been finally passed and has re-
ceived the approval of the President of the United States, provides
for a substantial increase in the personnel of the medical depart-
ment of the regular army.
There is provision for one Assistant Surgeon General for service
abroad during the present war, who shall have the rank of major
general. The combined purpose of this action may well have been
to permit the retention of the most valuable supervisory services of
General Gorgas beyond the retiring age, while providing for the
active work on the front of a younger man — retaining a Joft're as
124
Editorial.
the head of the staff, and, we hope, placing a Foch in the fighting
area.
There will be also two other Assistant Surgeon Generals with
the rank of brigadier general. All these to be appointed by the
medical corps of the regular army.
In addition, the President is empowered to appoint in the med-
ical department of the national army, from the Medical Reserve
Corps, not to exceed two major generals and four brigadier gen-
erals.
The commissioned officers of both the Medical Corps and the
Medical Reserve Corps of the regular army shall be proportionately
distributed in the several grades, none to be above the grade of
colonel, as now provided by law for the Medical Corps.
These additions are estimated to give in the Medical Reserve
Corps the following: Two major generals, four brigadier generals,
675 colonels, and over 2,000 of the ranks below. They will provide
the medical officers needed to bring the medical department up to
proper numerical strength and give the officers the authority neces-
sary to lead to their maximum efficiency.
ORIGINAL ARTICLES
* (No paper published or to be published in any other medical joumil will be accepted
for this department. All papers must be in the hands of the Editors on the tenth day of
the month preceding that in which they are expected to appear. Reprints may be had at
reasonable rates if a WRITTEN order for the same accompany the paper.)
RUPTURED GASTRIC AND INTESTINAL ULCERS.*
By H. W. KOSTMAYER, A. B., M. D., House Surgeon, Charity Hospital, New Orleans.
The cases herein presented are taken from personally-kept records^
though they all occurred as part of the writer’s routine duties at
Charity Hospital during the year 1917 :
Case 1. F. T., White male, age 49 years, resident of New Orleans;
occupation, tyler.
This man was brought in late in the evening of February 14 in so much
pain that the following history was all that could be obtained: He has
had indigestion or dyspepsia for over twenty years, for which he has
taken soda and other remedies, with only temporary relief. Some months
ago he had violent cramps in upper abdomen, which put him to bed for
some days and from which he recovered. The present attack began with
sudden, violent onset about two hours before admission, with pain over
his abdomen, especially in the upper right side. He vomited, had a cold
clammy sweat, and he came in with an exquisitely sensitive abdomen
throughout. It was intensely rigid, though pulse was fairly good. A
diagnosis of a ruptured duodenal or gastric ulcer was made, and the latter
was found at the immediate laparotomy.
The ulcer was on the outer wall of the stomach, near the pylorus, with,
an enormously indurated area surrounding it. It was plastered over with
exudate, and m its neighborhood were organized adhesions of the omentum
and transverse colon, which are believed to indicate a previous leakage,
of this ulcer, with spontaneous closure. The ulcer was closed and a pos-
terior gastro-enterostomy was done under great technical difficulties be-
cause of the fixation of the stomach. The patient was returned to the-
ward in fair condition. No drainage was done.
On being returned to the ward this man ’s pulse was found very rapid
and weak and his respiration shallow. He was given morphia and procto-
clysis, which were continued for the next few days as indicated. As soon,
as he reacted he was placed in the sitting posture in bed and allowed
cracked ice and water sparingly. A very persistent and annoying hiccough
developed, which subsided after forty-eight hours, though he would never
submit to the - stomach tube.- Distention was relieved by pituitrin and’
lectal flushes. After four days of storm he made a slow but steady re-
covery and was discharged as apparently well on the twenty-eighth post-
operative day. During February, 1918, one year after operation, he re-.
April* lR6ri7,at18,h1918to A°nUal Meeting’ Louisiana State Medical Society, New Orleans,,
126
Original Articles.
turned, reporting that he was feeling better than he had in twenty years
and was able to eat anything.
Case 2. H. S., white male, age 37 years, resident of New Orleans;
•occupation, laborer.
This man states that for one and one-half years he has been having
indigestion, with a great deal of distention and discomfort after eating.
He has vomited frequently. His pain has always been aggravated by
food, and never relieved by it. Soda and diet have seemed to help him.
This evening he had a sudden violent pain in the epigastrium, which has
grown in intensity until now he is in agony. Morphia has not helped his
pain. His abdomen is uniformly distended, rigid and hypersensitive.
Diagnosis of a ruptured gastric ulcer was made.
Under ether a right rectus incision was made, confirming the diagnosis.
A punched-out ulcer, with a hole about the size of a five-cent-piece, and
the whole exudate about the size of a half-dollar, was found upon the
lesser curvature and about midway between the cardiac and pyloric ends.
This was closed with two rows of cat-gut. The abdominal cavity was
filled with gastric contents, so two drains were inserted in the upper in-
cision and two were placed in an incision above the pubis. From the latter
an enormous quantity of contents poured out. A gastro-enterostomy was
not performed, because of the man ’s condition and because it was believed
the perforation had practically cured the ulcer. Cauterization probably
should have been done here.
Sitting posture, proctoclysis, rectal flushes and morphia were used
during the first three days, after which the patient made a rapid recovery,
being permitted to go home on the fifteenth post-operative day.
Case 3. W. B., white male, age 22 years, resident of New Orleans;
occupation, hospital orderly.
This patient was seen in the middle of the night by a doctor in town,
who sent him in with a diagnosis of acute appendicitis. When I saw him
in the admitting room there was a great deal of rigidity and tenderness
over the entire abdomen, especially on the right side, near the appendiceal
region. The upper abdomen was comparatively flaccid, or, rather, was not
as tender and tense as was the lower abdomen. The patient denied having
had indigestion or any other discomfort. Before he had this attack, a
previous one of violent pain in the right lower abdomen, near the ap-
pendix, had subsided until one or two hours before admission, when,
following the taking of enemas, the pain recurred much more violent and
continued up to the time of his admission. On these findings a diagnosis
of an acute ruptured appendix was made and the abdomen opened.
Under ether, a right rectus incision was made and, immediately upon
opening the abdomen, free, cloudy fluid appeared, characteristic of a
ruptured gastric ulcer. The ulcer was found immediately in the pyloric
ring, the pylorus being prolapsed right over the classical point for the
appendix. As this patient is 7 feet 2 inches in height, the abdominal
cavity was correspondingly low, which probably explains the reference
of his pain to the site of the appendix, as also the absence of the upper
abdominal rigidity.
The ulcer was closed with a row of interrupted cat-gut sutures and
reinforced with continuous “lock” stitch of cat-gut. Posterior gastro-
enterostomy was done with cat-gut throughout, with a little difficulty,
because there had apparently been some previous leak into the lesser
peritoneal cavity, causing some adhesions here.
This patient’s first three days were uncomfortable, because of con-
Kostmayer — Ruptured Gastric and Intestinal Ulcers. 127
siderable nausea and some vomiting, but from then on he progressed
rapidly in his convalescence and was allowed out of bed on the ninth day
and went home on the tenth day. He has been heard from several times,
and at present writing he is still in perfectly good health.
Case 4. E. D., white male, age 58 years, resident of New Orleans.
This old man came in with a history that was confused because of
the severity of his malady, and also because he speaks very little English,
making it almost negligible. His age, the exquisite sensitiveness of his
abdomen and upper abdominal rigidity all point to a ruptured ulcer of
the stomach or duodenum.
With this diagnosis the abdomen was opened through a long right
rectus incision under ether. A plastic exudate appeared everywhere, with
evidence of diffuse peritonitis, the free border of the liver being adherent
to the surrounding structure. The abdomen filled with a very cloudy fluid
when the liver was freed up, duodenal contents pouring out of the pocket
beneath, which, when dried, exposed a perforated ulcer of the duodenum,
the center of this ulcer being as large as the head of a lead pencil.
Because of this man’s condition, and the fact that the omentum had
to a certain extent excluded its contents from the general cavity, and also
because the contents poured out too profusely to keep the opening ex-
posed, nothing was done except to drain the abdomen in four different
places — one above the pubis, the other three drains in the wound proper.
The abdomen was closed with through-and-through silkworm.
Patient was admitted to the ward, from operating room, with pulse of
poor volume. Bed was placed in Fowler’s position; mustard jacket was
applied to chest for thirty minutes; he was given morphia and hypodermo-
clysis. Patient was restless, and complained of distention throughout this
afternoon and early morning of the following day. Morphia given, and
proctoclysis was continued. Pulse grew weaker, finally imperceptible,
patient dying at 2 a. m. on the second post-operative day.
Case 5. E. C., colored male, age 32 years, resident of New Orleans;
occupation, laborer. *
This darky was brought into the hospital about 10:30 p. m., stating
that he was perfectly well up to 1 o’clock that afternoon — that is, about
nine hours before admission — when he was taken suddenly with violent
pain in his upper abdomen. After a while the pain subsided sufficiently
for him to go home from work, when he was again seized with pain and
prostrated, but did not vomit. However, on cross-questioning this patient,
he admits that he has been having “ stomach trouble” for many months,
which has sometimes been relieved by taking food, but was never aggra-
vated by it. His abdomen is moderately distended, sensitive and rigid,
especially in the region of the upper quadrant, but not nearly as well
marked as most cases of ruptured ulcer, so the diagnosis of “ruptured
duodenal ulcer” was hesitatingly made. A right rectus incision under
ether soon confirmed it, however.
His abdominal cavity was filled with stomach and duodenal contents,
which were still pouring from the punched-out duodenal ulcer near the
pylorus. The ulcer was closed with Lembert’s cat-gut sutures, and a
posterior gastro-enterostomy was now done, under great difficulty, because
of a very small, thin-walled stomach, which was closely attached to the
posterior abdominal wall. It was finally accomplished, the wound was
drained and a supra-pubic drain was also inserted.
This patient was returned to the ward in very good condition, consider-
ing what he had just gone through, and was quiet that night, after a dose
128
Original Articles.
of morphia, but was greatly distended next day, which distention was
very little relieved during the next nine days, in spite of the use of
flushes and pituitrin. He seemed to have no recuperative powers and
grew steadily worse, dying, apparently of exhaustion, on the ninth post-
operative day. No autopsy was permitted.
Case 6. I. W., colored male, age 34 years, residence not given.
This patient was brought to the hospital with a history of having been
ailing with indigestion for about one month preceding admission. He
says that taking food has never caused him any pain. Two days before
admission, however, he had a sudden violent pain in the epigastrium,
which persisted without relief. He did not vomit, and he has had no stool
since the pain first began. His pulse was perfectly normal, but the facial
expression is drawn and pinched. His abdomen is exquisitely sensitive
all over, but especially in the epigastrium, which is as rigid as a board,
despite the long duration of the disease, though it is distended rather than
contracted. Diagnosis of a ' “ ruptured duodenal ulcer 7 7 was unhesi-
tatingly made, and was immediately confirmed by operation.
Under ether, a right rectus incision was made, and the abdomen was
found filled with contents of the bowel; there was already a diffused
peritonitis. The ulcer was closed with cat-gut, and one drain was placed
over the pubis. Patient died, apparently from exhaustion, the following
morning.
It will be readily recalled that all six of these cases are males, in
which connection it might he mentioned that the writer has never
seen a ruptnred gastric or duodenal ulcer in a female. The ages
ranged from twenty-one to fifty-eight years, the majority being be-
tween thirty and fifty years. There was slight preponderance of
whites, there being four out of six cases. Exactly one-half of the
cases were gastric and one-half duodenal ulcers, and it is worthy to
note that the three gastric ulcer cases survived, whereas the three
duodenal ulcer cases died. However, the duodenal cases came to
operation after a longer period following the rupture. In all
cases, except the first, free drainage was instituted, care being taken
to insert a drain over the pubis in addition to draining the wound.
No lavage of the abdomen was done. The first case was not drained
because the patient presented himself so soon after the rupture, and
because there was very little soiling of the peritoneal cavity.
The outstanding feature in the history of these cases is the sud-
denness and violence of the onset of the symptoms. Patients are
usually in such distress that it is only with a great effort that any
history at all can be obtained. They beg piteously for relief of pain,
and the abdomen is usually exquisitely sensitive, to the extent that
even the weight of bed-clothing causes extreme distress. The sufferer
resents any attempt at examination, and the abdominal wall is more
rigid than for any other condition. Respiration is short and jerky.
Kostmayer — Ruptured Gastric and Intestinal Ulcers. 129
because of the immobilization of the diaphragm. The pulse was
very good in the cases seen early, but rapid, weak and thready in
the late cases. Vomiting occurred about as often as not, so is of no
diagnostic value. It is, therefore, 'very difficult to differentiate be-
tween gastric and duodenal ulcers, but the diagnosis of ruptured
ulcer of either of these viscera is one of the most certain of all acute
abdominal conditions with which we meet, this, of course, provided
the case is seen before the late symptoms of peritonitis and exhaus-
tion develop. In these latter stages a diagnosis of surgical abdomen
can be made from the physical findings, but it is only by painstaking
history details that the true diagnosis can be ventured. .In one or
two cases the site of the ulcer could be suspected by a relatively more
sensitive and rigid area on the abdominal wall, all of which is merely
in accord with well-known teachings on the subject.
No far-reaching conclusions can be drawn from so few cases, yet
the number suffices to determine that the condition, after all, is not
a very unusual one and that the picture is so classical that a little
experience and thought will readily lead to an early diagnosis, which
is all-important.
As to the treatment of these cases, there can be no doubt that one
indication is clear — that is, immediate laparotomy! The next un-
mistakable step is closure of the ulcer. Whether or not it should be
cauterized with a hot iron is open to question, because most ruptured
ulcers had cured themselves, so to speak, by rupturing. However,
it takes but a moment to apply the cautery to the punched-out area,
and it perhaps has its value. As to whether or not gastro-enter-
ostomy should be done undoubtedly depends on the condition of the
patient. If the general condition is good, if there are no special
technical difficulties, and if the soiling of the peritoneum has not
been of long duration, certainly drainage of the stomach by gastro*
enterostomy, with its constant relief of, irritation of the ulcerated
area, will be of great value and benefit to the patient. If, on the
other hand, the rupture has occurred sometime before the patient
presents himself, and if his general condition will not stand the
necessary prolongation of the operation, it is far wiser merely to
close the ulcer and drain the abdomen. It is highly important to
drain the lower abdomen, because the contents of the stomach and
duodenum gravitate' rapidly to the pelvis.
The two most important post-operative adjuncts are the sitting"
posture and rectal flushes. To these mayffie added the stomach tube
130
Original Articles.
when used as a syphon, it being rather dangerous to wash ont the
stomach. The patient may be sustained during the post-operative
storm by hypodermoclysis and proctoclysis, especially glucose in the
latter. Morphia may also be given, and generously.
The next case presents a very different type, but is believed ap-
propriately reported here :
P. B., colored male, age 11 years, resident of New Orleans.
This boy was in the hospital for seven days, being treated for typhoid
fever. On this day he had a sudden collapse, pain in his abdomen, with a
drop in temperature from 106° to 97°. His white count was 15,250, with
87 per cent neutrophiles. When first seen, ten hours after the original
collapse, his abdomen was rigid throughout, with tenderness more marked
over the appendix area. A diagnosis of ruptured typhoid ulcer was readily
made, and immediate laparotomy was done, through a right rectus in-
cision, under ether. The ruptured ulcer was found about four or five
inches from the ileocecal valve, and was rapidly closed with two layers
of catgut suture. The wound was drained and stab wounds were made
over the pubis and over the left and right iliac fossa, into which cigarette
drains were inserted. Peritonitis was already quite diffuse, with no ad-
hesions. Before the wound was closed some twenty-four inches of ter-
minal ileum were examined for further perforation, but none was discov-
ered, He was returned to the ward, in very fair condition, considering
the procedure.
This little boy had a post-operative pneumonia and infected wound,
which opened down to the peritoneum at one point. He got out of bed
several times early in his convalescence, and in spite of all things he
finally made a complete recovery and left the hospital on the post-
operative day.
This lad had wonderful resisting powers, as most boys of this age have,
and undoubtedly it is to this that he owes his recovery. Nevertheless,
promptness in diagnosis, rapidity in operating and the institution of free
drainage were factors in his recovery also. A sudden collapse in the
course of typhoid fever usually means hemorrhage or ruptured ulcer, and
the blood count will always promptly differentiate the two. It must be
borne in mind that ruptures of typhoid ulcers practically always occur in
the terminal eighteen inches of ileum, therefore no needless search of the
remaining small bowel should be made.
According to the records of Charity Hospital, this is the only
case of rnptnred typhoid nicer operated on that recovered in that
institution, and was, therefore, thought sufficiently interesting to
be reported.
Discussion on the Paper of Dr. Kostmayer.
Dr. C. P. Gray, Monroe: I feel very much indebted to the doctor for
having had the privilege of hearing this paper, inasmuch as it brings
home several cases which it has been my unhappy experience to deal with,
and there are one or two points I wish to discuss and, at the same time,
commend the doctor for bringing out the essential point's as best he could
in the short length of time at his disposal.
Kostmayer — Ruptured Gastric and Intestinal Ulcers. 131
In the first place, let us take a patient who is seized with a pain in
the upper abdomen anywhere, and with collapse. Oftentimes these
patients faint, and at other times they do not. But they have an excru-
ciating pain, and, to use the layman's language, they have that general
fainting feeling, with hot and cold flashes and a weakened pulse — in other
words, the same clinical picture that you would expect to find in a
ruptured bowel with typhoid fever. Whenever you see a case like that',
go over the past history of the patient. If the patient is not able to give
you this history, then talk it over with his wife, brother or sister, and
you can elicit from them the information as to whether or not the patient
had indigestion and pain in the stomach afterwards or before. In the
majority of cases you will find these patients have had dyspepsia; they
have been taking bicarbonate of soda, and so forth,, and probably have
been treated by three or four or five or six physicians for indigestion.
Almost invariably you will elicit a past history of indigestion, a feeling
of fullness, shortness of breath and pain. Bear in mind the pain. You
do not get pain when the stomach is full, but usually you get it when the
stomach is empty. So much for the past history.
In the other points which I wish to bring out I differ with the doctor
just a little. In those cases with the sudden onset of pain and with the
symptoms that I have just enumerated, what is your most probable
diagnosis? You know, and any one who has practiced surgery at all
knows, that you have some surgical lesion in the upper abdomen. What
are you going to do? My position is that if you see that patient within
the first eight or ten or twelve hours, by all means open the abdomen.
If the patient 's condition is such that it is not safe, and in your judg-
ment it is not wise to give a general anesthetic, do the operation under
local anesthesia. It can be done, and has been done any number of times
and with very satisfactory results. If a patient can stand a general
anesthetic, give it to him; if not, do the operation under local anesthesia.
In opening the abdomen, whether for a gastric or duodenal ulcer — and,
by the way, both practically produce the same symptoms — the question
is to meet the emergency, and, as Dr Charles Mayo has said, the man who
can meet the emergency is the real surgeon. When you open the ab-
domen 4nd find a perforated ulcer of the stomach or of the duodenum,
close it. In my experience and in my judgment, from a review of the
literature on the physiology and visits to the Northern and Eastern clinics,
the easiest way to do that is by a simple suture. You may cauterize it,
or you may not do so, but my plan is, if the ulcer has already perforated,
to go back about one-quarter or half an inch and put a purse-string suture
and push it in, and put in another suture to reinforce it, not with silk,
but with catgut. After you have done that, then, as the doctor men-
tioned, put in drainage, and plenty of it, in order to drain the abdominal
cavity, and place the patient in the upright position. The reason that I
suggest this is that it is my conviction there is good reason for it. It
only takes a few hours for the mucous membrane to come together. You
can take two loops of bowel in a dog or in a man and suture them to-
gether and put the patient or the dog under the influence of morphin, and
if you open the abdomen under eight hours you will find a nice serous
exudate. The sutures are all covered up, and for that reason I do not
believe in doing gastro-enterostomy, but, if necessary, cauterize it gently.
If you do not do that, put in a suture and reinforce it with another Lem-
bert, put the patient to bed and, as the doctor has suggested, give him
the Murphy drip, and my preference is sterile water, for the reason it
132
Original Articles.
is absorbed more quickly than saline or soda solution, due to the osmosis.
You get the effect from the fluid, and that is what the patient wants, and
give him or her plenty of morphin.
Dr. J. L. Adams, Monroe: This paper is filled with too many impor-
tant facts and is of too much significance to pass without our freely dis-
cussing it. It is a paper that is not only of interest to those of you who
are associated with hospitals, but it is of interest to all of us, and for
that reason it should be very freely discussed. I rise to emphasize one
point, simply because it is not only applicable to surgical conditions of
the stomach, but also to shock of all kinds. I was much pleased to hear
the doctor say that, if the patient was depleted and exhausted, you
should do all you can for him or her before you undertake to do a classical
operation. Many a patient is lost, not only in this kind of work, but from
all kinds of shock, because we are too anxious to do the operation at
once. Put in drainage, allow the man a chance to get well, give him
plenty of time, and you will have a better chance, and he Will, too.
Dr. A. C. King, New Orleans: I would like to ask Dr. Kostmayer to
go into a little more detail in closing the discussion as to the rupture of
typhoid ulcers compared with hemorrhage. There is nothing else in the
paper that I care to discuss, but I would like to know a little more
about it.
Dr. H. W, Kostmayer, New Orleans (closing) : In reference to rupture
of typhoid ulcers as compared with hemorrhage, my observations lead
me to believe that, with a ruptured typhoid ulcer, there is an immediate
increase in both the neutrophiles and the total white cells present; where-
as in hemorrhage into the bowel, as a result of the sloughing of the ulcer,
there is no increase in the neutrophilic count nor any increase in the
total number of white cells. There is subnormal temperature, and, if the
patient has pain and vomiting, the rigidity of the abdomen is classical
following a ruptured ulcer in the peritoneal cavity, whereas in ulcer of
the stomach it is not.
SOCIETY LARGELY RESPONSIBLE FOR SOME OF THE
MOST POTENT FACTORS OF NERVOUS
AND MENTAL DISEASES.*
By J. CHESTER KING, M. D., Atlanta, Ga.
Mr. President and Gentlemen of the Louisiana State Medical
Society:
I am happy on this occasion to meet the members of my profes-
sion in my native State and in the city where the foundation of
my professional career was laid. It was here, in my early manhood,
that I came in contact, as my instructors, with Drs. Chaille, Souchon,
Lewis, J ones, Miles and others. I learned to love and esteem them.
* Read at the 39th Annual Meeting, Louisiana State Medical Society, New Orleans,
April 16, 17, 18, 1918.
King — Nervous and Mental Diseases.
133
They have been an inspiration in my work and an inspiration in
my life. Tennyson has well said :
“I am a part of all that I have met. ”
Recently I have had the pleasure of attending several association
meetings, and the spectre of our war stalks in their midst ; so pardon
me if I refer briefly to some of the phases before presenting my
subject to you, which is closely allied to our national betterment.
During the Civil War physicians were non-combatants, for they
enjoyed security vouchsafed by a national code, but in the present
mad lust for imperialism nothing is sacred in the eyes of the ruth-
less Hun, for the sky, the sea and the undersea are used as instru-
ments for their death-dealing missiles. The history of the nine-
teenth century will record an era of barbarism unequaled in the
early dawn of civilization developed by the insatiable greed for
world-power, of the imperialists of Germany, the country that once
held the esteem and admiration of the world ; but to-day the school-
yard of the English shire,, with its hordes of romping children; the
hospitals, with their sick and convalescents ; the solemn church
edifice, with its Congregation of devout worshippers; the commer-
cial liner at sea, laden with non-combatants and merchandise and
peacefully-disposed passengers have become the unwarned targets
of explosives.
Statistics show that the percentage of deaths among medical
officers is greater than in any other war and that there are more
physicians to-day with the Allies than there were soldiers and
officers in the active American Army two years ago.
For this reason, your State meeting to-day overshadows any sim-
ilar gathering of the past. The subject most potent to us as a
progressive nation is, what are the means at our hands of develop-
ing a manhood and womanhood ‘who are physically, morally and
mentally fit to uphold the glories of our great country ? Hence I
present for your consideration, “Society Largely Responsible for
Some of the Most Potent Factors of Nervous and Mental Diseases.”
And before discussing this theme I wish to state that, while a part
of our brothers are serving the wounded, dead and dying, if we at
home spread and enact the propaganda that will develop a higher
and nobler race, when a glorious and permanent peace has been con-
cluded and a grateful world-democracy seeks to bestow its laurels
on those who brought it about and while honors will be freely ac-
134
Original Articles.
corded to the artilleryman, the engineer, the navigator of the sea
and the pilot of the air, a substantial and well-merited portion will
accrue to the physicians.
It has been beautifully expressed by Kant :
“ There is in every man a divinity, the ideal of a perfect man, con-
forming to the type according to which God fashioned, just as in a block
of Parian marble an image of a Hercules or of an Apollo would be found
if a divine artist had traced there, by means of the natural veins of the
marble, the contour and form of the future.”
This statue, it should be the aim of society, to free from the
rubbish that conceals it, to evolve its form, to reveal to our con-
sciousness this inherent ideal of divinity, enabling mankind to
realize it by aiding the development of all of those germs and dis-
positions placed within us by God when He made man according to
His own image and disposition, which constitutes our rational
nature.
Instead of this condition existing, we see society encouraging im-
prudent speculation, intemperance and vice, augmenting the desire
to gain wealth by speculation rather than by honest labor and
virtuous efforts, converting our youth into idle vagabonds, tilling
our prisons and penitentiaries with defaulters, forgers, bank robbers,
thieves and murderers.
Is the owner of your gilded saloon, gambling and drinking hells
of New Orleans, however high he may stand in church and State,
more holy or noble than the miserable, driveling drunkard who
staggers into the hospitals or is committed to our asylums or prisons ?
Is it not a fact that society looks upon the vitality of the race and
the health of the family in an indifferent mood? Our prisons and
asylums bear testimony to the fact that the communication of dis-
ease in marriage is a matter between husband and wife, and society
has nothing to do with it. Did the African slave trade, with its
floods of poisonous rum and the untold horrors of the middle passage
as conducted by the merchants of the New England States in the
seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, yield finally any other result
than the gigantic, bloody Civil War of 1861-1865, whereby the soil
of the United States of America was drenched in the blood of persons
and the entire land clad in the garb of sorrorw and mourning?
Can the heart of a great State, as revealed in her laws, be rotten
and her children be pure, healthy and virtuous ? What inducement j
is there to honest labor and virtuous endeavor, when the mother, a
King — Nervous and Mental Diseases.
135
leader in society, a woman of nntold influence, spends the great part
of her time, mentality and energy in what she terms innocent and
instructive amusement, in being the victor of a prize at a bridge
party that would equal in cost the heaviest losings at a $1 limit
poker game during a sitting of four hours? In other words, she
points to the gaming table and the deceitful smiles of chance as the
royal road to caste, to wealth, to position in State and church.
The laws of the State are defective, society is rotten, when, they
do not consider man and his offspring from the following stand-
points :
1. The development and perfection of the individual, physically,
intellectually and morally, for time and eternity as an individual.
2. The development and perfection of the individual physically,
intellectually and morally, with reference to his fellowman.
3. The development and perfection of the individual physically,
intellectually, socially and morally with reference to his relations to
his Creator in time and eternity.
As society should be the fountain of life and strength to the State
and nation, we cannot have a law-abiding and united people, a
vigorous and healthy national life, when the offspring is morally
and physically defective. A wholesome respect for the sanctity and
majesty of law must first be engendered in the heart of the boy and
girl in their own home and by the father and mother who bore them.
We cannot expect the development of a pure, healthy and noble race
of women and men when the blood of the mother and father has
been poisoned by the contagion of vice and the debasing effects of
syphilis. Can the vulture breed the eagle ? Can the jackal engender
the lion? Can you have a double standard of laws? Can society
condone in man what is unsparingly condemned in woman which it
acccepts as excusable in one and decrees to be unpardonable in the
other ?
With open doors and open heart the father of a family welcomes
to the sanctity of his home men of political influence and wealth,
but those whose lives are saturated with the iniquity of vice, born
and nurtured in the company of immoral women.
Again, our fair debutantes are often the prey of titled foreigners
whose lives have well been spent in riotous living. Exclusive so-
ciety bids them a hearty welcome and social leaders vie with one
another in their cordiality.
It is a well-established fact that “Whatsoever ye sow that shall
136
Original Articles.
ye also reap,” and it is np to the fathers and mothers of our land
to see that the sowers of vice in all of the different phases which •
confd be' handed down be not transmitted to their daughters; for
how often is it the case we, as physicians, see innocent wives and
children the victims of venereal diseases and the husband and father
is the bearer of his venom, which has left in its wake the wreckage
.of hope, of health, abortions and diseased children ?
Jt has been well said :
'“For social crimes and their pitiful consequences, masculine un-
chastity and the false social code which fosters and promotes it, are
largely responsible. ’ ’
If you ask me the remedy, I will say : Provide for the introduc-
tion of a bill which will require each prospective bride or bridegroom
to furnish a signed statement attesting to the fact that the signer
has not been afflicted with the specified social diseases for five years
past. If afflicted within that time, it must be shown that the official
test has been given with negative results. As an alternative, the
applicant may present a health certificate showing himself or her-
self to be free of the illness. Take another step and have an ex-
amination of all barbers and waiters in the State, whether in
restaurants or in soda fountains or elsewhere. In the larger counties
of the State let there be free clinics, and in the hospitals, where
people afflicted ‘with tlie diseases might receive treatment and in-
struction. Let State boards provide for Wassermamn tests. Keep
a record of those men drafted who stated in their questionnaires
that .they were or had been afflicted with these diseases. Let the
police of every city department round up male and female vagrants
who may be the means of spreading the disease and subject them
to an examination. Our State laws to-day impose, as a condition
of its license to marry, certain regulations relating to the age and
the degree of consanguinity of the contracting parties. Cannot the
"State go farther and demand, as a preliminary condition to grant-
ing a license, a medical certificate that both parties are free from
&ny contagious sexual disease? It can impose a civil and penal
responsibility for the transmission of venereal diseases in marriage.
<Iet public sentiment aroused, for no law is stronger than the public
'Sentiment behind it. All laws are based upon the rights of human
beings, and no human being is justified in communicating his dis-
ease to another, whether intentionally or by criminal imprudence,
King — Nervous and Mental Diseases. 137
especially in the relation of marriage, where the victims are power-
less to protect themselves.
The candidates for marriage should know the terrible consequences
to which they expose their wives and children when they marry with
an uncured venereal disease, so that the plea, “I thought I was
cured,” shall no longer be heard. Cushing has well said :
“The plea of ignorance should no longer be available to shield those
who bring disease and death in their families, who ruin the lives of those
they have sworn to cherish and protect. ”
Our knowledge of diseases that leave in their wake blasted hopes
and ruined lives avails us little if we cannot utilize it. The knowl-
edge which a man can. use is the only real knowledge which has life
and growth in it and converts itself into practical power. The rest
hangs like dust about the brain or dries like rain-drops off the stove.
Let every man’s standard of social morality be elevated. Pro-
claim to the world that the libertine cannot enter your home.
Ostracize the social circles that entertain him. Do not absolve the
male offender against immorality while condemning to social in-
famy the female offender. Health has ever been looked upon as the
first of all blessings, and as immortal beings and as members of a
profession which deals with immortal heings in their last extremities
you cannot, if you would, shut your eyes to the importance of moral
and scientific education.
We have three sources for the spreading of this education, viz:
the press, the educators and the clergy. Is it being accomplished?
Yes, scientific education is making rapid strides in the elimination
of the social evils, but social hygiene has accomplished little.
To illustrate : In the great daily press of our country you see de-
tailed on the front page in the most prominent type a disgusting
account of domestic intrigue and the social ruin of some one of the
inner circle whose life or lives have been ruined by venereal diseases.
While the downfall has been vigorously painted to pander to the
prurient and depraved taste of its readers, no mention is ever made
of venereal diseases which have wrecked their lives. While I can
appreciate the attitude of the press on this subject, yet is there not
some inconsistency when it often speaks of prostitution, adultery
and other violations of moral acts, yet it shrinks from speaking of
a common pathological consequence that affects all humanity and is
lowering the standard of our social atmosphere?
The clergy and educators stand in awe at the thought of impart-
138
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ing to our young women and young men a knowledge of the hygiene
of the reproductive functions.
Until there is a general awakening on the part of the medical
profession and no longer venereal diseases are branded by another
name; until society welcomes knowledge on this subject, which
smites the innocent wife and her offspring ; until the press wages a
campaign of education against prostitution, the purveyor of this
infection; until the ministry throws aside the false social code of
morals, which is opposed to the moral code of Christianity, which
condones in man what it condemns in woman, and until our high
schools disseminate the knowledge of sex hygiene, we live in a day
and time of science which is defective, for man is not comprehended
in all the various relations of his physical, intellectual and moral
nature. The great fields for this development of the human race
are: (1) The family; (2) the church; (3) the physician; (4) the
university.
The earliest education of all times is that of the family; it is the
fountain of life and strength of the nation. Show me where it has
been neglected and I will show you lives of physical woes, taunted
nerves and mental deficiencies. From the earliest time the church
has been the forerunner of education and the salvation of our race.
The belief in the immortality of the soul and of a future existence,
of pain or pleasure, in accordance with the good or bad acts of an
individual, has been widespread at all times, and amongst most
races, and has given form to beliefs and rights.
The scientific physician is the nations guardian of public health.
He is entrusted with the lives of his fellowmen ; his life is spent in
nearest communion with the sick and dying, in sight of the very
gates of eternity. From a socio-biological point of view he is the
most potent factor of all factors in emancipating from the social
evil. To the most modest woman, without offending her most deli-
cate sensibilities, he can speak of sexual life and its diseases; and
how often he can forestall the shadow that has fallen over many a
home and blighted lives with wrecked nerves and a tortured men-
tality. The highest type of the physician to-day is the moralist as
well as the hygienist.
The material body of man, with its complicated machinery, ap-
pears to have been constructed with exact reference to the action of
the intellectual and moral nature.
Ancient Greece gave us the heritage of an intellectual, moral and
King — Nervous and Mental Diseases .
139
political education. For the pure life, the health of body and soul,
we point to Plato, the Athenian, the pupil of Socrates, whose works
remain to this day the great models of Athenian genius, elegance
and urbanity, and whose philosophy has been the admiration of all
ages.
The thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth centuries witnessed the
rise of great universities, and to-day the strength and bloom of our
American nation are felt in the great power of its educational
centers. Natural science and learning receive their most vigorous
impulses from the scientific centers. Men of the greatest learning
and research have celebrated the power and influence of universities
upon the progress of civilization. So, to these powerful agencies,
we must look for a healthful moral life. They must say to society,
“Your code of morals must be clean.” Social prophylaxis must be
the password; licentious living, which is a companion of venereal
disease, shall not be tolerated. Yet we know that society to-day
welcomes to its ranks the libertine, who regards not the sacredness
of the home circle nor personal purity or respect for the sacredness
of the marriage vow, and scatters in his life the germs of infection.
Society owes it to God and our nation to hand down to posterity
a vigorous manhood and womanhood, and thereby wipe out the great
social evils — alcohol and syphilis — that are giving us a heritage of
moral and physical weaklings and taxing our respective States for
appropriations almost beyond endurance.
Conservatively estimated, there are to-day in the United States
three-quarters of a million of insane and mental defectives, at an
annual cost of about $110,000,000. And this does not include the
border-line cases or epilepsy. The figures would hardly be exagger-
ated if we computed in each State the number of insane and those
of weak mentality not cared for by the State, at the round figure
of one million. And yet, one-quarter of this million are allowed to
propagate their species, which, if we did not wage a moral, social,
political and physical campaign against, history would in the course
of time brand us as a nation once powerful, but now degenerated.
As students of difficult and useful sciences and practitioners of
medicine, and as citizens of a powerful and free nation, which to-
day is fulfilling a high political, religious and scientific mission
amongst the nations of the earth, the .medical profession’s watch-
word must be, “Preventive medicine”; society’s watchword must be,
“Social hygiene .” The family is the unit of society of the village,
140
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town, city, State and nation. From the union of man and wife and
from the fruits resulting therefrom the nation has its perpetual
fountain of life and strength. If the fountain is impure, the
stream will he foul. Households founded, and conducted in viola-
tion of the laws of hygiene are standing menaces to the public
health. The syphilitic father not only breeds a syphilitic child, but
places galling shackles on society.
The injurious effects of alcoholic liquors and narcotics have been
thoroughly demonstrated by our profession. A ban should be placed
upon it in society. While athletic and gymnastic sports are of great
value to our young men and women, and should be encouraged, yet
how often do we see their deadly work, by being too excessive or too
violent or too rapid, and ailments following, which often fatally
diminish or impair the nervous, muscular and vital powers. Many
a young man has been sacrificed to over-exertion in the gymnasium
and in the violent struggle for mastery in rowing, swimming and
hall-playing. This but demonstrates that the American people, as
a whole, are extremists and are prone to nervous disturbances. Edu-
cational institutions must conform their standards to the demands
of public health service, teaching the youth of our land that the
stronger race must protect the weaker, that the white race will
always he the dominant factor of civilization, and that no greater
crime could be concurred in or perpetrated in the annals of humanity
than the amalgamation and mongrelization of a superior race with
an inferior, or the political subjection of the former to the latter.
Then we shall be like the coral insect — helping to rear an edifice
which, emerging from the vexed ocean of conflicting credence, shall
be first stable and secure, and at last cover itself with verdure,
flowers and fruits, and bloom beautiful in the face of heaven.
Discussion on the Paper of Dr. King.
Dr. S. M. D. Clark, New Orleans: I did not expect to discuss this
paper. However, I have listened to it with a great deal of interest, but
the doctor has touched on so many vital points that it is difficult to know
where to begin.
One point in the paper that appealed to me as being along the right
line was the one that parents are ill-disposed to discuss sexual questions
with their children. We know that most daughters coming to woman-
hood are absolutely ignorant in every way as to what the menstrual
phenomena mean, and as to what things they should do and what things
they should not do to avoid trouble. - This is still considered in a great
many families a subject that should be forbidden, or that it is unlady-like
to speak of it. I believe that we, as medical men, along with Dr. King
De Buys — Vomiting in Infancy.
141
and others, should argue this question with mothers and do all in our
power to overcome this impression — -that our young men and young women
should grow up in ignorance as to the sexual side. I believe with him
that it is the duty of the doctor largely, especially the man in general
practice, who is seeing these boys or girls coming into manhood and
womanhood, to go to the father or mother and ask them if they have
ever discussed this phase of this subject which leads to so many ills, and
in the vast majority of cases you will find the father will say, “I do not
think I can discuss that with my son77; or if you go to the mother when
the girl is on the eve of her menstrual life and say, “Have you not dis-
cussed that with her, or does she know anything about itf77 the mother
will very likely say, “I hardly know how I can do it. 77 A young girl
or boy can live just as pure a life by having these matters properly ex-
plained to them as if they had never heard anything said about it. They
would be just as pure in their souls as if they had never heard a word
said about it.
Dr. C. S. Holbrook, Jackson: I wish to thank Dr. King, in behalf of
the Louisiana State Medical Society, for presenting such an interesting
paper. I am sure he did not make his trip all the way from Atlanta to
New Orleans in vain. No one could have listened to this paper without
being profited by it, and I, as Chairman of the Section, wish to thank
him again for presenting it.
VOMITING IN INFANCY.*
By L. R. DE BUYS, B. S., M. D., F. A. C. P., New Orleans.
Vomiting is the symptom which is most commonly met with in
children. To simply enumerate the conditions in which it occurs
would not be productive of satisfactory results. It shall be my en-
deavor to present this subject so that, when associated with other
symptoms, the proper cause of the vomiting may be ascertained.
Children vomit more readily than do adults: (1) because their
nervous system is more unstable; (2) because of the changes in
the growth and development of their digestive tract; (3) because
of their susceptibility to disease.
Vomiting may be considered from two viewpoints: (1) Mechan-
ical, and (2) Nervous.
Mechanical explanation: (1) a deep inspiration; (2) closure of
the glottis; (3) contraction of the diaphragm, and at the same
time; (4) opening of the cardiac orifice of the stomach by contrac-
tion of the longitudinal muscular fibres, followed by (5) violent
* Read at the 39th Annual Meeting, Louisiana State Medical Society, New Orleans.
April 16, 17, 18, 1918.
142
Original Articles.
expiratory contraction of the abdominal muscles, the glottis remain-
ing closed and the diaphragm contracted.
Nervous explanation: The various impulses may he best consid-
ered as starting from a vomiting center in the medulla. They are
dispatched from this center to the diaphragm by the phrenic nerves,
to the stomach and esophagus by the pneumogastric, and to the
abdominal muscles by the intercostal nerves.
This center may be excited :
(1) By direct action on the mucosa of the stomach;
(2) By reflex stimulation through the peripheral nerves;
(3) By direct stimulation of the blood;
(4) By impulses from parts of the brain higher up.
In considering the causes of vomiting, the writer submits the
accompanying classification as being both easy to remember and
practical.
The associated symptoms and history in the toxic, nervous, febrile
and mechanical causes of vomiting as classified above will very
readily allow of a prompt and accurate determination of the indi-
vidual cause of the vomiting.
As the subject is such a vast one, the allotted time will not permit
of an exhaustive consideration of it. By remembering, however, the
above classifications, we may more promptly determine the cause
of the vomiting in a given case.
The purpose of this paper is to deal more particularly with the
vomiting as related to the digestive tract, and especially of those
occurring during the first few days and weeks of life.
The inflammatory digestive causes of vomiting are easily recog-
nized from the symptoms referable to the stomach, intestines and
peritoneum, respectively. As are also the obstructive organic causes,
with the exception, at times, of stenosis and atresia. Bismuth or
barium and the X-ray are of extreme value in these cases. In the
malformation, malposition and dilatations the X-ray and bismuth
or barium are indispensable and will permit of a positive diagnosis.
The functional stomach causes are also easily recognized and can
as readily be cared for.
This would leave, then, for our consideration, stenosis, atresia and
feeding as the causes of vomiting.
In studying these cases the history must be carefully gone into.
It is essential, in breast-fed babies as well as bottle-fed babies, to
determine what the composition of the milk is, also the quantity
gestive
tract . .
)xic
ervous.
ebrile—
feehanii
De Buys — Vomiting in Infancy.
143
Feeding ....
f Functional. .
Too much
Too frequent
Improper feeding
Too fast
Too slow
J Irregular
Handling
Shaking
Tight binder
Position
_ Gas collection
Organic ....
I Eliminative
Fermentative
Indigestive
Malformations, malpositions and dilatations j g^Q^chUS
-<
"Stenosis, Atresia f Esophagus
< Pylorus
[ Intestines
Obstructive „
Within lumen f Foreign bodies
< Impacted feces
[ Worms
Intussusception, volvulus, hernia
Pressure from without
l Inflammatory. . r stomach
\ Intestines
l Peritoneum
f Drugs — Anesthetics, apomorphin, etc.
I Digestive — Ptomaine poison, constipation.
"j Metabolic — Acetonemia.
I Eliminative — Uremia, etc.
I Acute disease — Diphtheria, etc.
f
Functional . .
-<
Violent emotions
Exhaustion
Excessive cold and heat
Hysteria
Migraine
Recurrent vomiting
Organic . . .
• • • >
Tumors
Meningitis
Hydrocephalus
Concussion.
Reflex
Eye, ear, nose and throat
Teething
r Vertigo
Swinging
Disturbed equilibrium . -=
Sea-sickness
Car-sickness
Irritants in the stomach and intestine
Genito-urinary
Worms
■Chiefly toxic.
;al — Whooping-cough, habit.
144
Original Articles.
at each feeding. The feedings should be at regular intervals and
the same hours every day. The food should not he given too fast
nor too slow. The binder should not be too tight, nor should, there
be any pressure over the abdomen which will interfere with the
normal increased size of the stomach incident to feeding. Remem-
bering the condition of the baby’s stomach, he should not be handled
nor shaken after feeding, because of the ease with which the stomach
can be emptied by vomiting. It is not to be forgotten that there is
normally some gas in the baby’s stomach, but it may be in excess.
In these cases the baby may be allowed to expel the gas in the middle
of the feeding by being placed in the proper position — namely, by
holding the baby at an angle of about sixty degrees, with his left
side up and leaning the baby slightly forward. When the excessive
gas is expelled the feeding may be resumed.
If all these precautions are taken and the vomiting continues,
further observations must be made. In regard to the quantity, the
capacity of the average baby’s stomach at the different stages must
be remembered. Of course, some babies’ stomachs will normally
hold more and others less. It is essential to know the composition
of food. The fats and sugars of the three elements in milk are
the greatest causes of vomiting. The sugars may give rise to fer-
mentation and the vomiting may take place any time in regard to
the feeding and the odor of the vomiting will be sour. When the
fats are at fault, the vomiting takes place some time after the feed-
ing, one hour or more, and may be curdled or of a watery con-
sistency. In too great quantity, the vomiting is as the food taken
and is right after the feeding. From handling or shaking, or
pressure over the stomach, the vomiting takes place at the time of
handling, etc., and the character of the vomitus depends on how
long after the feeding the vomiting occurs.
The weight of the baby is the best guide as to the gravity of the
symptoms, for some babies vomit a little for a long period in their
early months and grow and gain in weight.
There is another type of vomiting which may or may not be due
to dietic error, and that is the vomiting associated with obstruction
at the pylorus. The obstruction referred to may be either (1) func-
tional, a pylorospasm, or (2) organic, an hypertrophic pyloric
stenosis. In the former, by early recognition and proper regulation
of the diet, the cases will get well and thrive. In the latter, the im-
provement of the patient will depend upon whether the hypertrophy
Bruns — On Some Minor Matters.
145
causes a partial or complete closure at the pylorus, and upon how
much food goes through it and to what use the baby puts it. Both
of these conditions give the same symptoms — namely, vomiting,
peristaltic waves and constipation. Tumor is found in hypertrophic
pyloric stenosis. The vomiting is projectile in character, the food
often being thrown two or three feet from the baby and over the
side of the crib. The quantity is frequently more than that taken
at the meal it follows, some of the food at times remaining in the
stomach from a previous feeding. The character of the vomitus is
usually the same as the food taken. To these symptoms is added
the peristaltic waves, which is the evidence of nature’s effort to
force the food through the pylorus. After the food taken over-
distends the stomach the air-ball in the stomach becomes com-
pressed, and in a pneumatic manner causes the food to go in the
direction of least resistance — namely, through the cardiac end of
the stomach, and is violently thrown through the mouth and nose
to the distance mentioned above. At no time in life does prompt-
ness in diagnosis influence the prognosis more, as one of these con-
ditions, the hypertrophic stenosis, if complete, is a surgical measure,
and the earlier recognized the better the patient’s chances. The
indications for operation will depend upon the degree of the obstruc-
tion, the amount and quality of food which goes through the pylorus
and the use to which it is put, and the loss of weight. The use of
bismuth or barium in conjunction with the X-ray, as shown in a
previous paper,1 is of special value in the differentiation between
pylorospasm and hypertrophic stenosis, and in another paper2 the
treatment of pyloric obstructions has been considered.
1. The Roentgen Ray in Pyloric Obstruction. Am. Jour. Dis. XJhild.. November, 1913
Vol. 6, pp. 344-354.
2. Pyloric Obstruction: Hypertrophy and Spasm, with Moving Pictures Illustrating Peri-
staltic Waves. Pan-Amer. Surg. and Med. Jour., November, 1916, Vol. 21, No. 11.
ON SOME MINOR MATTERS.*
By HENRY DICKSON BRUNS, M. D., New Orleans.
In these tremendous times, things that we have been accustomed
to regard as important have shrunk to such pitiful smallness, that
we cannot bring ourselves to treat them seriously. By contrast, very
* Read at the 39th Annual Meeting, Louisiana State Medical Society, New Orleans
April 16, 17, 18, 1918.
146
Original Articles.
small things have come to seem larger than they did. It is only the
every-day routine that can claim onr attention.
It is impossible, then, to write on any important question in
ophthalmology. I shall take the liberty, therefore, of commenting
to you upon some minor matters that I have had in mind for a long
time.
First, I wish to say a word in defense of an old and valued friend.
I see that it is the fashion now in many quarters to “turn the cold
shoulder” upon the ophthalmometer of Javal. When I read, “I do
not pay much attention to the ophthalmometer nowadays,” and I
remember the many weary half-hours it has saved me, and the con-
fidence in the correctness of my findings it has given, I feel stirred
to protest.
But only, be it understood, if we are speaking of the original in-
strument with the large, geometrically lined and figured disc which,
together with the mires, is observed reflected upon the patient’s
cornea through the bi-refringent telescope.
For the instrument with the self-illuminated mires, I haven’t a
word to say. It is an excellent example of a proposition I am fond
of supporting — that all progress is not improvement. Illumination
of the mires has undoubtedly made them more distinct and enabled
us to define their reflection on the cornea more exactly ; but that is
all. The valuable principle of the Placido disc, so beautifully car-
ried out in the old instrument, has been abandoned. The moment
we placed our eye to the ocular of the old instrument we were struck
by the slightest irregularity of the corneal curve, wherever situated,
by the distortion produced in the image of the disc. Minute scars —
nebulas — that might otherwise have escaped our notice, were in-
fallibly detected. In the same way it has often happened to me that
I noted a degree of nystagmus that had not caught my eye upon
mere inspection.
Furthermore, as a detector of the patient’s sense, lack of silly
nervousness, and self-control, more valuable information can be
gathered from this instrument than we are able to get, very often,
at the expense of half an hour’s talk; and nowhere is the old
apothegm : “It is just as important to know the kind of patient the
disease has as to know the kind of disease the patient has,” truer
than in our practice, and perhaps especially in refractive work.
Finally — but here I admit I am not on as firm ground — if one is
careful about placing his patient’s eye at practically the same point
Bruns — On Some Minor Matters.
147
in the face frame, so as to view every eye under substantially the
same illumination, the brightness and clearness of the reflected
image conveys a certain indication of the nutritive condition of the
cornea. We all know how bright and clear is the image seen upon
the cornea of youth; but one may think twice when he finds it re-
placed by an unexpected dulness, or discovers to his surprise a
youthful brilliancy outlasting middle age.
But my main contention is that, well used, the ophthalmometer
is an instrument of remarkable precision. Trouble in working out
the refraction of an eye comes mainly in determining the amount
and the axis of any existing astigmatism; that, theoretically, the
ophthalmometer, if adequately illuminated and adjusted, will show
by the continuity of the mire lines and by the overlapping of the
mire steps, the two principal meridians of the cornea, and the differ-
ence between them, cannot be denied ; the problem is one of physics.
It follows, therefore, that if the illumination be so carefully
arranged and regulated as to give always a sufficiently bright image,
and if the observer, having keen, correct eyesight, by patience and
practice acquires the- skill to judge the continuity of the central
lines on the mires and the accurate approximation of their edges in
the first position, and the corresponding continuity of the lines and
the overlapping of the mire-steps in the second position, he will in
-every case attain to a close approximation of the degree and of 'the
axis of the astigmatism, unless the defect be lenticular.
The practice I have always followed, of working out the defect,
with few exceptions, in all patients of and under forty, under full
atropin cycloplegia, and of late, in many between forty and forty-
five under homatropin cycloplegia, has given me, I think, an excel-
lent opportunity to judge the correctness of ophthalmometer read-
ings.
When we come to the trial lenses and the test-types, ivhich, when
all is said, is our last court of appeal, We may have to modify the
amount of the cylinder by a quarter or a half a diopter and the axis
by a certain number of degrees, but this is true of any other means
•of approximation.
I believe, then, that, when on the first sitting, after finding the
-acuity of vision and the state of the muscle balance, we make a
eareful ophthalmometer reading and proceed to determine the total
manifest cylindrical error, if any, checking our results by the use
<of the stenopaic slit in many cases, and go on to find any existing
148
Original Articles.
manifest spherical defect, we have adopted the quickest and surest
method of arriving at as fair knowledge of the patient’s defects as
is possible without the use of a cycloplegic. For a thorough knowl-
edge, cycloplegia, and I believe atropin cycloplegia, is necessary,
as I have said, in the great majority of young people. But in many
of the middle-aged, in those well above middle age, and in a certain
number of young people with high errors, without tropias , this is
all that we need know for the time being. For, in such patients,
months and perhaps years will he necessary to lead them gradually
to accept their full correction, or that large percentage of their full
corrrection compatible with the state of their muscle balance.
Nothing of this applies, however, when a myopic element is
present ; in no case of myopia, or mixed astigmatism, I believe, can
we dispense with the exact knowledge of the error only to be
obtained by measurement under thorough cycloplegia.
In the first place, we are almost sure to make the concave glasses
over-strong, and in the second, where the defect is low, either wholly
or in a single plane, we are likely to commit the serious mistake of
giving a simple or compound concave glass or of introducing a con-
cave element, where emmetropia or low hypermetropia exists.
Perhaps I may close these rather prolix remarks by citing a case
lately under observation. A man of 55, whose formula had always
Kpp-n
+0.50s3 + 0.50c ax 90°
in each eye, needing a change of glasses, was found to require a
cylinder of
-0.75 ax 15°
to bring the vision of his L. E. up to the normal 20/20. This was
incorporated with his left near glass, and for some years he got
along quite comfortably.
At the end of this time another change in the reading glasses
being needed, and a great many attempts having failed to give
satisfaction and relieve a slight but persistent headache, the patient
was persuaded to allow the adequate use of homatropin, and the
astigmatism of the L. E. was found with the retinoscope to he
+0. 75c ax 105°
the use of this cylinder on his left near eye-glass, together with a
slight increase in the spherical (presbyopic) correction of the E. E.,
gave entire relief.
A review of the record showed that the astigmatic defect of this
Bruns — On Some Minor Matters.
149
L. E. had been read with the ophthalmometer and recorded by my
colleague, Dr. Bob in, four years before, as exactly -f-0.75c at pre-
cisely 105° ; thus showing the precision of the instrument in good
hands, and that without a cycloplegic we may be deceived about a
myopic error, even in a subject well beyond the half-century mark.
Secondly, I wish to express rather more than a doubt as to the
validity of the position now held by boracic, or boric, acid in
ophthalmic therapeutics. Upon what grounds does this substance
hold its place? Not, surely, as a soothing application. Any one
who drops into his eyes a little of a saturated solution — about fifteen
grains to the ounce, and the weaker solutions are not worthy of
discussion — will at once be disabused of such an idea. The in-
stillation is followed by a rather disagreeable smarting, lasting a
few seconds, then by a brief sensation of slight discomfort. As the
secretions of the eye are alkaline and even a slight degree of acidity
is foreign to the conjunctiva, this might have been anticipated.
But this slight disagreeability might well be overlooked if the acid
were a good astringent, or, still more, if a valuable antiseptic; for
an addition to our list of antiseptics usable in the eyes in adequate
strength is greatly to be desired. Boracic acid has no pretense to
astringency, and therefore is of no value in any of the hypersemias.
That it is a competent antiseptic, even in full strength, when used
in the conjunctival sac, I cannot believe. I have never succeeded
in subduing any of the staphylococcic, streptococcic, or pneumococcic
infections of the eye — no, not even infections by the Koch-Weeks
bacillus, by its use alone. Nor have I seen any of my confreres
succeed, or even attempt to succeed, by such means. In a valuable
table, in the work of McFarland on “Pathogenic Bacteria,” to which
I was kindly referred by Dr. Geo. H. Hauser, the “inhibition
strength” of boracic acid is given as 1 in 800 for anthrax bacilli,
but as 1 in 100 for putrefactive bacteria in bouillon: the bacteri-
cidal strength of a 1 to 30, about a saturated solution, is given for
anthrax, typhoid bacilli, and cholera spirillum, as two to twenty-
four hours. That is to say, that if we add boracic acid in the pro-
portion of one to every one hundred parts of a bouillon containing
putrefactive bacteria, we prevent their multiplication; and if we
add this substance to a culture containing typhoid bacilli in the
proportion of 1 to 30 we can absolutely bring about their death
after a time varying from two to twenty-four hours. When, then,
we moisten with a boric solution the pledgets with which we wipe
150
Original Articles.
away the pus from an eye affected with ophthalmia neonatorium
or drop a little of the same preparation two or three times daily
into one showing a hyperaemia or a slight conjunctivitis, are we
doing anything? Are we doing more than when we give a bread
pill? For my own part, I much prefer a solution of borax; it is
not acid, is a good mild astringent and an excellent cleanser or
detergent — the best of all the household eye washes.
Finally : Is it not time that we should cease to see in reports of
discussions of the etiology of this or that disease of the eye, expres-
sions by serious men such as : The Wassermann reaction having
proved negatitve, we can dismiss the idea of a specific origin. The
reports of all investigators who have given especial attention to
this question agree that in all cases of syphilis there are times when
the reaction is negative. But if this were not so, have not all of us,
as clinicians, observed many instances in which, while the symptoms,
may be lesions, were unmistakable and indubitable, the report of
the Wassermann test was negative? Is it not almost axiomatic that
negative evidence is much less valuable than positive, and must not
this be especially the case in dealing with a test in which, as all
pathologists will he the first to admit, the personal equation of the
tester often plays a considerable part?
A year or so ago a patient consulted me because it had been
suggested that “eye strain” might be the cause of the serious and
incessant headache from which he was suffering. I examined him
carefully under full atropin cycloplegia and found a simple hyper-
metropia of 1 D. I expressed great doubt that so low and simple
an error was the cause of such severe symptoms. In the course
of conversation he maintained that it mushJbe, as he had always
been an extraordinarily healthy man save for an attack of syphilis
some years ago, of which he had been entirely cured. Quite lately,
he had had Wassermann tests by two different observers and both
had proven entirely negative. It ended by my prescribing the
I 1 s glasses, which he was to wear faithfully for two weeks and
then report the result. In that time he reported that his headaches
were growing steadily worse and were especially atrocious when he
went to bed. I assured him that I believed his headaches to be
syphilitic and begged him to try the use of a saturated solution of
potassium iodide rapidly pushed up to the point of toleration. In
a month he had reached 39 grains of K. I., t. i. d., and I heard
that his headaches were gone.
Bruns — On Some Minor Matters.
151
Later, this patient suffered from "lightning pains” in the legs
and these again disappeared under a thorough anti-specific course
administered at my suggestion by his family physician. Let us,
then, as serious men, put aside this easy opinion that if "a Wasser-
mann” proves negative we must give up every suspicion of a specific
etiology in any case; let us continue to improve the certainty and
delicacy of our clinical observations and stand with courage by our
conyictions ; let us not abandon wholly the power of logical thought,
and let us cease to regard the Wassermann test as anything more
than one factor — a valuable one, no doubt, if positive — in reaching
the sum of our conclusion.
Discussion on the Paper of Dr. Bruns.
Dr. C. A. Weiss, Baton Rouge: There is only one point in connection
with this paper that I would like to speak of, and that is with regard to
a negative Wassermann. Recently a patient, forty-six years of age, came
to my office with a well-developed, ill-smelling discharge from the tonsil,
deep down in the fossa. It was examined, and the spirillum and bacillus
of Vincent was found. I treated it, and the local condition cleared up
nicely. The woman told me at that time that her son at the house also
had a sore throat. He unfortunately had left town. Six weeks after
the original infection in the throat she came to me with the left eye con-
gested and the iris murky-looking. The pupil was very much contracted;
she complained of suffering intense pain at night, and in dilating the
pupil with atropin there were found three distinct points of adhesion in
the iris. I had a Wassermann made, and it was negative. I had another
Wassermann, and it was still negative. I put the woman on anti-specific
treatment and the condition cleared up. The eye condition cleared up,
with the exception of the adhesions of the iris. She is taking specific
treatment, but the eye condition cleared up completely.
An interesting feature in this case was the spirillum and bacillus of
Vincent which we found in the scrapings from the tonsils. Is this a
specific infection in the eye, is it a Vincent infection, or what is the
nature of the infection? That is the only point I want to bring out.
Dr. Oscar Dowling, Shreveport: I desire to express my personal ap-
preciation of this paper and to say that I know it will be appreciated
more away from home than at home. Dr. Bruns is the dean of the pro-
fession, not only in Louisiana, but for the South, and his opinion is re-
spected throughout the United States, and I am glad that I had the
pleasure of listening to his instructive and interesting paper.
Dr. T. J. Dimitry, New Orleans: I would like to discuss this valuable
paper presented by Dr. Bruns, and to say that I am fully in accord with
what Dr. Dowling has said. I have gone a little further and have put
Dr. Bruns down as the Nestor of ophthalmology of the South. I am com-
pelled to disagree with many of the points that he ha§ brought forward.
What he said about the use of boraeie acid I entirely agree with, I be-
lieve it is a sugar pill, and you are merely prescribing something that
you really obtain no results from, and are still doing it. Borax, I be-
lieve, is far superior. I believe the combination that Dr. Bruns has
152
Original Articles.
popularized in this section of the country is still a better mixture —
namely, borax, boracic acid, with a little camphor water. This mixture
is most soothing, most agreeable, most acceptable to the eye, but the way
boracic acid is usually prescribed by the ordinary practitioner it is not
soothing to the eye. Borax should be used by preference.
Unfortunately he did not mention anything as to argyrol. I wish he
had done so, hence I am compelled not to say anything, because I believe
argyrol is to suffer the same condemnation that we have given to boracic
acid. It is not an antiseptic. It really does little good when instilled
into the eye, and to be used as often and as freely as it is being used to-
day throughout the country, I cannot agree with him. I would say that
its substitutes are every bit as good, and at best the borax is equal to
the argyrol.
With reference to the Wassermann test, during the week a man came
to me with a keratitis. In ophthalmology we are inclined to be a little
emphatic in our opinions and to make a diagnosis quickly. I said the
man had a syphilitic keratitis, but the man said no; that two Wassermann
tests were made by distinguished men and both were found negative.
Then he said, “Now, doctor, are you convinced that I have not syphilis?”
I replied, “Not at all,” and the next day he consented to the administra-
tion of a dose of salvarsan, with magnificent results. This man may not
have had syphilis.
Next, I would like to take up the instrument of Javal, the ophthal-
mometer, an instrument that is used for measuring the curvatures
of the cornea, probably the most scientific instrument used in ophthal-
mology, an instrument of precision^ exact in detail, most valuable, and
one that we like to possess. Its value is about $125. The use of this
instrument is a very easy means of obtaining the curvature or irregulari-
ties that have any comparison, one to the other, of the cornea, but that is
all that can be claimed for it. It will measure for me the curvature of
the anterior surface of the cornea. Valuable as it is as an instrument
of precision, still we have at our disposal an instrument equal to it in
every sense of the word, that is worth about 85 cents, and that is the
retinoscope — an instrument that alone does not measure the curvature
of the anterior surface of the cornea, but it measures the posterior
surface of the cornea, and it measures the lens and any astigmatism that
may be there, and, at the same time, measures the amount of hyper-
metropia or myopia that may be present. We can do it all at one time,
and in the hands of an experienced man it is every bit as rapid as would
be the ophthalmometer of Javal. I like the ophthalmometer; it is an
excellent instrument, but the little retinoscope, in the hands of those
experienced, has relegated it, and that is the reason for the instru-
ment falling to the position it has now assumed in ophthalmology. It
is well that we do not depend too much upon this instrument in doing
our work — that is, the ophthalmometer — pimply because we know that
the retinoscope will measure exactly the degree of refraction in all — chil*
dren, babies, infants — because at times we are compelled to fit glasses
to infants, and if you are familiar with the retinoscope you can fit
glasses to an infant. You can fit glasses to the infant, to the deaf and
dumb, without having answers coming from them to you. It is the only
exact method of getting the refractive condition corrected properly. As
I have said, the ophthalmometer is a valuable instrument, but its value
is less than that of the retinoscope.
Dr. Charles L. Chassaignac, New Orleans: I feel it my duty to em-
Bruns — On Some Minor Matters.
153
phasize one point in Dr. Bruns’ paper, and that is with regard to the
value of the Wassermann test. The subject is such a vast one that it
would be impossible to go into the different phases of it, so I shall simply
bring up three points, assuring you that my criticism does not tend
towards trying to convince you that the Wassermann test is useless or
has no value; but I cannot too strongly express my hope that you will
be convinced that it is not the infallible test or sign that many take it
to be to-day, in the profession and out of it. The first point is, we know
on the best of authority, that frequently — I do not mean in a solitary
instance — blood taken from a patient, has been divided into two equal
parts, prepared in the same way, sent immediately to two different labora-
tory men, each one a man of ability and integrity, and yet the reports
have been different, even to the extent of not minor degrees, because
that is expected all the time, but even to the extent of sending an ab-
solutely negative report in one, and in the other a very clear positive
report. No comment is necessary. All the conditions are brought forward
sometimes as an explanation of why the Wassermann test is not right in
this and that particular case, and that has been done by good men on
different occasions, with the result I have mentioned. That argument is
unanswerable.
In the second place, let us take the most enthusiastic and the most
optimistic valuation that is put on the Wassermann test, and we are told
that it is between 80 and 85 per cent correct. Let us accept that. Of
course, that is a large percentage, if you take the large number of people
in the aggregate in a hospital. If you examine everything in a hospital,
you can count on an approximate result, call it 85 per cent; yet, admitting
that — and I have no reason to doubt it — when you are confronted with
a patient at the time that you have nothing else to go by except the
Wassermann, and that is the point I want to make, how can you tell
whether that patient is one of the 15 per cent where it does not show
correctly, or one of the 85 per cent that does show correctly? I defy you
to explain. The Wassermann test has its value, but it is merely an added
symptom. It reminds me of the story I heard of a man who was asked
about the danger of a certain operation, and, in order to convince the
patient as to the lack of danger, the doctor told him that it gave a
mortality of one per cent. The patient said, “That sounds all right, but
suppose that I am the one in a hundred that dies?” When you have a
man before you, how can you tell whether he is one of the 15 or one of
the 85, unless you have something else to go by? That brings me to the
third and last point. It is on account of these two facts I have just
mentioned that the laboratory men themselves, who naturally are the
ones who attach the most value to the test proper, are preaching con-
stantly and loudly for a standard to be adopted. In other words, they
want to standardize the Wassermann reaction. Why? the answer is
obvious.
Dr. Henry Dickson Bruns, New Orleans (closing) : I would like to
close the discussion by saying a few things that I did not say in my paper.
These were but small points I have had in mind for a long time suggested
by reading the reports of Ophthalmological Societies. When distinguished
ophthalmologists say that a thing is so and so, it has been taken largely
for granted that it is so. I want to encourage all my hearers not to sub-
ordinate their intelligence to anything of the kind. That was the reason
1 brought up these points in the way I did.
With regard to the Wassermann test, Dr. Chassaignac and I have long
154
Original Articles.
agreed on that subject, but I was delighted to hear Dr. Parham and other
men express the opinions that they did and come to the same conclusion
regarding the Wassermann test as evidence of one kind in making up the
sum total of your conclusions, but nothing more than that. You^are
not to throw overboard all your clinical experience because of the Was-
sermann test. I did not say anything about argyrol, yet I must disagree
with Dr. Dimitry’s prophecy.
He missed the whole point that I made about the ophthalmometer. He
took the same ground that many ophthalmologists have taken regarding
the use of this instrument, and there is an important point he did not
bring out. I know that the retinoscope is a good instrument, but it re-
quires a cycloplegic, and you have got to use atropin or use repeated
instillations of some other drug. You can use the ophthalmometer on a
patient in the first five minutes and get a knowledge of the presence or
absence of a most important defect. It is important at the first examina-
tion to determine the degree of astigmatism, and then, by adding the
correction for the manifest error, you have an important guide to the
glass you are going to give the patient ultimately. Take another class
of patients, men of forty-five or fifty years of age; they often have a
great deal more accommodation than you imagine. In many of these
cases it is ticklish business to instil atropin into the eye. You may cause
a glaucoma. I am chary about using atropin in the eye of a man who
has reached middle age or over. I admit that it is necessary to use a
cycloplegic in most cases, but the point is that you get with the ophthal-
mometer on first seeing the patient a vast amount of valuable informa-
tion without ever having to put any cycloplegic in his eye.
BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH ON THE WOUNDS OF WAR:
PHENOMENA OF PROTEOLYSIS IN THE
WOUNDS OF WAR *
By A. POLICARD, Agrege, Faculte de Medicine, Universite de Lyon.
(Translated for the New Orleans Medical and Surgical Journal by
LODILLA AMBROSE, Ph. M.)
[647] It is a matter of common knowledge that the evolution
of wounds is the resultant of two groups of factors : the phenomena
of disintegration and the phenomena of neoformation of the tissues.
The phenomena of disintegration dominate essentially all the
general pathology of the first stages of the wounds of war, the
stages of “cleansing” (nettoyage).
The notions of gangrene, of development of germs in gangrenous
tissues, of intoxication by the products of mortification and necrosis,
*Policard, A. Recherches biologiques sur les plaies de guerre: phenomenes de proteolyse
dans les plaies de guerre. Lyon chirurgical, 1916, XIII, 647-659. (Pages of original article
are inserted m brackets.)
Policard — Proteolysis in the Wounds of War. 155
etc., constitute the greatest part of the history of wounds of war in
their first stages.
Now, these anatomo-pathologic processes which intervene then
(necrosis, mortification, gangrene, disintegration, colliquation, etc.)
ought to be classed in the same category with the bio-chemical
phenomena of proteolysis — -that is, of displacement of large al-
buminoid protoplasmic molecules by the proteolytic diastases. The
object of this short and elementary review is to recall a certain
number of data of physiology concerning these phenomena and to
bring out some practical suggestions. Its aim, therefore, is to con-
tribute to the establishment of a scientific basis for the rational
therapy of the wounds of war.
[648] The Phenomenon of Proteolysis.
It is known that all the albuminoids, even the most complex, are
constituted by the union of molecules of amino-acids, which are
like the foundations of the albuminoid structures. These amino-
acids have a relatively simple chemical composition. They can be
crystallized and dialyzed, and are non-toxic. Grouping themselves
according to types infinite in variety, they produce polypeptids. In
the degree that these polypeptids become complicated, they lose
their capacity for crystallization and dialysis, they become colloids.
The proteoses, the peptones with all their varieties still but litttle
known, are the last intermediaries between the polypeptids and the
albuminoids; in contrast to the amino-acids, these bodies are often
very toxic.
In the phenomenon of proteolysis, the ferment attacks the al-
buminoid molecule, subjects it to a crushing which detaches frag-
ments from it, some at the start very small (amino-acids), the
others more voluminous (peptones, proteoses), which, in their turn,
will be crushed into elements smaller and smaller, more and more
capable of dialysis, less and less toxic.
Such is, briefly summarized, the work of the proteolytic ferments
which result ultimately in transforming a colloidal mass of pro-
teiques into a solution of amino-acids.
Proteolysis, then, is essentially a phenomenon of dissolving as
to its result and a phenomenon of digestion as to its mechanism.
It seems useless to describe here the aspects of the dissolving of
the mortified tissues of a wound. We will recall only two facts :
The first is this, that all proteolytic destruction of a tissue is
156
Original Articles.
preceded by its coagulation. The coagulation of the blood and of
the lymph is a phenomenon preliminary to their digestion, as Nolf
has demonstrated. The coagulation of milk in the stomach by lab-
ferment precedes its digestion. The first sign of the gangrene of a
muscle is the appearance of muscular rigidity, a process of coagula-
tion: Prat has recently shown the clinical value of this symptom.
Every coagulated tissue is destined for proteolytic destruction.
Coagulation is its first phase.
[649] .The second fact to be noted is this, the variable resist-
ance of the tissues to the proteolytic attack. The fibrous, and
especially the elastic, tissues are very resistant. The muscle, the
blood and lymph plasmas, the connective tissues are extremely sen-
sitive. The histologic transformations of the striated fibres in a
muscle undergoing mortification are exactly co-extensive with those
which have been described in intestinal digestion. The striation of
the fibre remains extremely clear for a long time, by reason of the
persistence of the small disk, which is very resistant to proteolysis.
The bony tissue, the parenchymas, present reactions quite special
with regard to proteolysis.
The Proteolytic Diastases.
Proteolysis is the work of diastases, the proteolytic diastases or
proteases.
1. The proteolytic diastases are not of one single type, but of a
great number of types. Some attack thoroughly the proteiques,
breaking them up almost completely into amino-acids. Other
diastases do not push the disintegration (broyage) beyond the pep-
tones. These are broken up in their turn, but by other ferments
(peptolytic ferments).
All this subject is still under investigation. For the problem
which occupies us, the important point to be kept in mind is that
of the plurality of the proteotytic diastases.
2. In order to act, the proteolytic diastases require certain well-
defined conditions.
The importance of these conditions of action of the proteolytic
diastases is a capital element which would merit a long exposition.
Among these conditions, it is necessary to note as specially im-
portant :
(a) The Temperature. — In general, the proteolytic phenomena
are correspondingly more active as the temperature approaches more
Policard — Proteolysis in the Wounds of War. 157
nearly to about 40° C. There will be a difference of evolution of
the phenomena of necrosis in a wound, according as it is located at
the level of a healthy extremity with normal temperature, or at the
level of an extremity with temperature lowered by a vascular lesion.
One will be able to nullify almost completely the proteolysis of a
wound by application of ice, as one will be able to promote
it by hot applications. Between 60° and 70° the proteolytic
diastases are destroyed; one will be able to make a phenomenon of
this order intervene in the explanation of certain effects of helio-
therapy and of hot air.
(b) The Content of Water. — Water is indispensable to the
progress of a fermental action. In a dried wound, no phenomenon
of proteolysis is produced.
(c) The Aerobic or Anaerobic Situation. — Proteolysis is pro-
duced essentially in an anaerobic situation.
(d) The Reaction of the Medium. — One knows that pepsin acts
in acid medium, trypsin in alkaline. According to the acid, neutral
or alkaline reaction of the medium, the same ferment will furnish
a different chemical effect.
(e) The Antiseptics. — They have practically no action on the
progress of the diastasic phenomena. This fact has a certain prac-
tical importance. By the addition of an antiseptic to the tissue
reduced to a pulp, one will eliminate the action of the microbes
without destroying the diastasic action ; it is a classical procedure in
physiology. We can keep in mind this fact, that the proteolysis in
a wound will not be disturbed by the use of antiseptics.
3. The proteolytic diastases which intervene in the wounds of
war are of variable origin.
(a) In the first place, the tissues themselves. A fragment of
muscle, aseptically removed and preserved in the oven, is liquefied
in consequence of its own proteolytic diastases. It is the phenomenon
of autolysis, the role of which is so great in pathology. Contrary
to the general belief, autolysis, properly so called, plays a feeble role
in the evolution of the wounds of war, especially if this role is com-
pared to that of the leukocytic or bacterial proteolysis. The most
elementary observation shows that there is a profound difference
in the mode of resorption of a fragment of mortified muscle with-
out there having been rupture of the skin and infection, and the
gangrene of the same muscle exposed to the air. Autolysis, par-
ticularly that of the muscle, which interests us specially, is, in the
wounds of war, a slow, accessory phenomenon.
158
Original Articles.
-(b) The polynuclear neutrophile is the sole great agent of pro-
teolysis in the wounds. It has been known for a long time that this
variety of cell encloses extremely active proteases; some act in
acid medium, others in neutral or alkaline medium. These pro-
[651] teolytic leukocytic diastases are very energetic and non-
specific; they push very far the breaking up (broyage) of the
molecule, whether of their own albumin (case of autolysis of
pus), or of other albumins (coagulated serum or white of egg, hT.
Piessinger). The normal leukocytes only are rich in diastases;
these are set free either by secretion of the living cell, or rather by
destruction of the cell bursting, rupture). The maximum of pro-
teasis is furnished by the rupture of normal leukocytes. These are
facts which it is necessary to keep in mind.
(c) The plasma blood or lymph, offers proteolytic qualities truly
inconsiderable, which should be referred in great part to the setting
free of ferments by leukocytes, either living or in course of destruc-
tion. The serum contains peptolytic diastases which act exclusively
on the peptones coming from the muscles of animals of the same
species ( Pincusshon) .
(d) The microbes of the wound, especially the anaerobic ones,
are the essential agents of proteolysis. The anaerobic germs which
are responsible for the phenomena of necrosis and of gangrene be-
long to a rather large number of species. It is known that the
question of plurality of anaerobic germs acting in the phenomena
of gangrene is answered to-day in the affirmative. With some ap-
pearance of reason, one has been able to classify all these germs,
which are butyric ferments, in the same group : that of the Bacillus
Welckii (Simond). Besides their common botanical characters,
they possess all the biologic qualities of the same order ; they furnish
diastases which attack the carbohydrates, the fats (saponification —
that is, the setting free of fatty acids, the proteiques substances.
Their reducing action on the proteiques is not, in general, pushed
very far; in the course of the diastasic there are formed proteases,
intermediate basic products (ptomaines), all alike very toxic; the
amino-acids undergo a reduction; by loss of C02 and of amines,
they yield acids (transformation of glutamic into butyric acid, for
example). Proteolysis has taken on the character of a putrefaction.
All these phenomena are still very inadequately known ; their im-
portance is, nevertheless, great, for they are one of the factors of
the toxicity of anaerobic microbes ; to the toxins properly, so called,
Policard — Proteolysis in the Wounds of War. 159
secreted b;y the germs, are added the toxins [652] resulting from
the attack of proteiques ; among them it is often impossible to estab-
lish a distinction.
Consequence’s of Proteolysis.
These phenomena of proteolysis, the agents and conditions of
which have just been considered, play a capital role in the evolution
of wounds.
1. In the first period of the evolution of a wound of war, pro-
teolysis fulfills a useful role, and ought to be favored within the
following limits:
All the tissues stricken with death, from the fact of direct trau-
matism or by reason of vascular troubles, ought to be eliminated.
“ Surgical” elimination represents a procedure of choice. Outside
of that, there is only the natural process of the diastasic liquefac-
tion.
Autolytic proteolysis seems to be secondary. The proteases of
the tissues play a role, but that is infinitely feeble compared to the
leukocytic and bacterial actions.
The real agent of the cleansing (nettoyage) of the wound is the
polynuclear neutrophile leukocyte. Contrary to the general belief,
it seems that the phagocytic role of the leukocyte may here be sec-
ondary; its essential function is its digestive power. As we have
seen, this power is very extended, and leads proteolysis up to simple,
non-toxic products.
Bacterial proteolysis contributes indeed to the decomposition of
the necrosed tissues. But the special characters of this proteolysis,
with production of proteoses, of toxic amines, etc., are such that it
is necessary to avoid it at any cost. It would be interesting to apply
here the fruitful method of Metchnikoff in the search for a germ,
proteolytic without toxic power, which, planted on a wound, would
succeed in dominating all the other germs and in digesting the dead
tissues without producing toxic proteoses. The question is far from
being impossible of solution.
These biologic facts permit some practical deductions.
The treatment of the wounds of war at their beginning by arti-
ficial and aseptic digestive juices (pancreatic juice, gastric juice)
is [653] theoretically justified. It is for the clinic to test this
out in actual practice. For that matter, digestive mixtures (en-
zymol) have recently been introduced by American firms with this
160
Original Articles.
therapeutic end. It seems that attempts of this order have been
made in the German army ; we are ignorant of their results.
This very great importance of the leukocyte explains the good
effect of leukogenic medications (serum of the horse, for example)
at this initial period of the wounds. It explains also this excellent
and very ancient clinical fact, that the appearance of fresh pus in
a wound threatened with gangrene indicates a favorable prognosis.
It is quite precisely the notion of the “benign pus” (pus louable).
It is known that this pus appears among healthy tissues and mor-
tified regions, and that the decomposition of these latter very quickly
follows the appearance of the pus.
A point which may appear paradoxical at first sight is this, that
it does not seem useful that the leukocyte be specially protected; it
it known (Metchnikoff) that it is in destroying itself that it frees
the most ferments. The essential thing is its arrival at the level
of the wound. Berard and Lumiere have recently supported an
analogous idea, asking “whether the leukocytic destruction is al-
ways unfavorable to the struggle of the organism, and whether even
the principle of the thesis which contends that the phagocytosis he
treated with care is not debatable.” This presents a point of view
quite new and fruitful.
Finally, the theory justifies the role of the antiseptics which pre-
vent or disturb the development of the germs, especially of the
anaerobic ones, without injuring the leukocytic afflux or the fer-
mental actions. It seems quite accessory, whether it preserves the
leukocytes. The hypochlorites (liquid of Carrel-Dakin) have a
very energetic decomposing action on the white corpuscles (N. Fles-
singer). They favor proteolysis while disturbing the development
of the germs.
Thus, at the beginning of the evolution of a wound of war, pro-
teolysis seems like a useful phenomenon, on the condition that it be
quite localized topographically, and be very complete chemically.
2. Proteolysis, useful at the beginning, is, on the contrary, ex-
tremely detrimental at the moment of the repair of the wound. It
disturbs the development of the young connective tissue, the essen-
tial organ for the filling up of the wound.
[654] In the wounds at this stage, proteolysis from the doings
of the microbes is diminished. The wounds are slightly infected
and that by aerobic germs slightly or not at all proteolytic.
On the other hand, the digestive action of the leukocytes is note-
Policard — Proteolysis in the Wounds of War. lOi
worthy; this injurious action counteracts (compense) the useful
phagocytic action. The histologic, examination of numerous heal-
ing granulations has permitted us to see very clearly that the vitality
of a granulation was inversely proportional to the quantity of leuko-
cytes which it contained. It is the polynuclears which are the agents
of the very frequent necrosis of the healing granulations. There is
a direct relation between the presence of an exudate (pus) and the
volume of the granulations (edematous granulations filled with
leukocytes and in the course of destruction). These phenomena of
necrosis are that much more intense as the leukocytes are less alive ;
it is known that the proteolytic ferment is specially freed by the
destruction of the leukocyte.
These facts of pathology entail the following consequences of
practical character, and are applicable exclusively to the repair of
the wounds :
It is necessary to exert one’s self not to destroy the polynuclears,
a destruction which would increase the production of injurious
proteolytic diastases. For this reason, among others, the antiseptics
are to be rejected and isotonic solutions to be employed if irriga-
tions are necessary.
It is useful to restrict the arrival of the leukocytes. Unfortu-
nately, the practical therapeutic means are lacking for putting this
point of view into use ; it would be interesting to study methodically
the means of realizing the arrest of the leukocytic afflux so injurious
at this stage.
The results obtained with leukogenous medications are explained ;
the serum of the horse, under the influence of a leukocytic afflux,
by digestion of the surrounding tissues, brings about the mobiliza-
tion of deeply lodged foreign bodies (Bassuet), but it also has a
deplorable effect on the evolution of the wounds (Mouchet).
The leukocytic proteases are destroyed toward 65°; it is possible
to explain in this manner the. very remarkable action of heliotherapy
and of hot air on the suppurating wounds.
3. In connection with the phenomena of proteolysis is opened
the question of intoxication in the wounds of war. It is known that
the wounds are quite frequently more intoxicated than infected.
Among the initial products [655] of the breaking-up of the
albuminoid molecule a certain number are toxic; peptones, pro-
teoses, amino-products, etc.
Absorbed by the venous or lymphatic system, these bodies inter-
162
Original Articles.
vene in the general intoxication of the organism, thus adding their
action to the toxins, properly so called, secreted by the microbes.
The works of Jobling and of Strouse have instructed us on the
toxicity of the secondary proteoses, the proto-albumoses ; we begin
to-day to know the importance of proteosic intoxication. These
phenomena of intoxication are at the maximum in gangrene, be-
cause, in addition to the bacterial toxins, incomplete proteolysis by
anaerobic germs brings into play a great quantity of toxic proteoses.
Kenneth Taylor has insisted on the role played by the autolytic
poisons in gaseous gangrene. It seems that one can go still farther
and assume a toxic factor of proteolytic origin in every wound of
war. One can recall the phenomena of toxic order chez lex vieux
suppurants. There is nothing else here than the application of a
classic law of general pathology.
These phenomena of intoxication are not only general, but also
local. Locally diffused, they prepare tissues not primarily injured
to undergo the action of the proteolytic diastases; they are the
agents of the extension of the necrotic phenomena. It may seem
that it is in part by preventing such an absorption that the
lymphatic drainage realized so well by the hypertonic solutions
(Wright’s solution, sea water, etc.) has its effect.
In relation to the toxic action exerted by the products of proteo-
lysis, it is good to recall that certain antiseptics, in particular the
hypochlorites, manifestly play a role destructive of the toxins by
their oxidizing' power (A. Lumiere). A probable explanation can
be given in no other way of certain facts which one can observe in
the method of treatment of wounds by the solution of Dakin
(Carrel) ; for example, those of the wounded without hyperthermia,
in spite of a considerable extension of the phenonena of necrosis ;
in these cases one has the very clear impression that the hypo-
chlorites do not act solely by destroying the germs, but by oxidizing
and [656] suppressing the toxins productive of hyperthermia and
born of the bacterial or leukocytic proteolysis of the tissues.
The Antagonistic Actions: Anti-Ferments.
All the proteolytic acts of the organism are counterbalanced by
the opposed action of anti-ferments, of antitrypsins in the species.
The notion of anti-ferment of recent date is of capital importance
in biology.
It seems almost demonstrated that the supports of the anti-
Policard — Proteolysis in the Wounds of War.
163
tryptic actions in the fluids are the lipoids, specially the fatty acids
of the non-satnrated series and their soaps (oleic acid). In the
blood in the normal state these fatty bodies prevent the proteolytic
ferments from acting; but if, for any reason or by any procedure
whatsoever, they are removed or destroyed functionally, the proteo-
lytic ferment is no longer masked ; it comes into play, the proteiques .
are digested and the products of their digestion (proteoses) bring
about a proteosic intoxication of the organism (Jobling, Petersen,
Eggstern). In this manner may be explained the accidents of the
anaphylactic crisis, the phenomena of the crisis in the course of the
acute maladies (pneumonias), the end symptoms of inanition, etc.
The notion of the antiproteolytic action of the fatty acids is very
important in relation to the subject which is occupying us. It is
by a mechanism of this character that must probably be explained
the resistance of the healthy tissues to proteolysis; but this is only
a hypothesis, as this point of the question still remains very obscure.
.We have seen that, in gangrene, proteolysis was qualitatively
limited, not extending itself very far beyond proteoses. It seems
logical to associate with this fact the almost constant presence in
these cases of fatty acids, free or in the form of amoniacal soaps.
It is easy to verify the fatty character of the gangrenous products.
These fatty acids, proofs of the action of saponifying diastases, in-
tervene, disturbing the processes of proteolysis and favoring the
production of peptones and of toxic proteoses.
There is perhaps a place for associating with the chapter of the
antitryptic role of the lipoids the following fact, at least under
the form of a hypothesis for study. [657] Certain wounds some-
times show themselves covered over with a thick coating, lar-
daceous, fatty, with the aspect of a false membrane. Histologic-
ally, it is a question of accumulation of leukocytes, many of which
are in a state of fatty degeneration. At the level of this layer
the phenomena of proteolysis do not seem to take place during
a certain time. Then suddenly, frequently without the possibility"
of any therapeutic intervention whatsoever, this lardaceous layer
is transformed into liquid pus;' the phenomena of proteolysis ap-
pear, this layer is digested and liquefied. All takes place as if the
phenomenon of proteolysis had been suspended, then suddenly
brought into play again. We have been struck with the lipoid
character of these lardaceous layers, and it is for this reason that
we establish — in the form of a hypothesis, we repeat — a relation
164 Original A rticles.
between this fatty constitution and the momentary absence of
proteolysis.
Finally, it might be demanded whether the excellent therapeutic
action of ether is not connected with its role in dissolving fatty
substances.
The role of the lipoid anti-ferments is certainly very great in the
course of the evolution of wounds. This question, hardly half
opened, deserves continuous biologic researches and therapeutic
trials.
r Conclusions of Practical Nature.
The facts which we have just set forth in outline demonstrate the
importance of the phenomena of proteolysis. It dominates the gen-
eral pathology of the wounds of war. All the efforts of the surgeon
should, as far as this point is concerned, be directed toward two
ends : limiting proteolysis topographically, pushing it as much as
possible chemically. By obtaining this result one will suppress
grave intoxication by the proteoses, and will avoid the development
of the germs by causing to disappear the medium of culture formed
by the products of the incomplete disintegration of the proteiques.
In order to activate this proteolysis, the most physiological means
is to favor the arrival of the polynuclear, proteolytic elements par
excellence.
[658] From these facts of the “mechanism” one should draw
practical results. The majority have already received the con-
secration of the clinic; others, which might appear at the first
view a little paradoxical, demand further study. The inadequacy
and the instability of our conditions of work — unfortunately and
whatever may be our efforts — have not permitted us to undertake
researches in this direction. We hope that others will be more
favored by circumstances.
1. During the initial period of cleansing of wounds the result
to be obtained is to limit the proteolysis topographically, but to ex-
tend it chemically as much as possible, up to molecules the most
simple, soluble and non-toxic.
Besides the eventual utilization of artificial digestive liquids, it
is in place to favor the leukocytic afflux (use of serum, for ex-
ample), the freeing of the proteolytic diastases (favoring leukocytic
decomposition) and the chemical action of these (hot wrappings).
The use of antiseptics will prevent the formation of the bacterial
toxins without injuring the leukocytic proteolysis.
News and Comment .
165
The absorption of the intermediate toxic products of the proteo-
lysis will be combatted by lymphatic drainage (hypertonic liquids),
the frequent removal of the dressings, or aspiration.
2. During the period of filling up of the wounds, the proteolytic
phenomena are to be avoided.
It would be useful to suppress the leukocytic affiux ; unfortunately
we have little control over this phenomenon. Researches in this
direction would be of great interest.
On the other hand, it is easy to diminish the freeing of the dias-
tases by avoiding the destruction of the leukocytes (no antiseptics,
use of isotonic saline solutions, dry dressings).
The proteolytic diastases can be disturbed or even destroyed by
heat (hot air, heliotherapy). <
Such are the therapeutic suggestions which result from the
physiological consideration which we have just set forth. They are
in great part still theoretical; it remains for clinicians to demon-
strate their practical value.
[659] We have believed it useful to call the attention of sur-
geons to these great facts of general biology. Their practical im-
portance is considerable, for they condition a rational treatment of
the wounds of war.
On many points our ignorance is still great. But it means
progress achieved even to put these questions. It is to be desired
that researches, laboratory and clinical simultaneously, should verify
all these mechanisms still hardly half seen, and furnish the solid
scientific foundations of a physiological therapy of wounds.
NEWS AND COMMENT
At a Special Meeting of the Executive Committee of the
Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital, held June 24, 1918, a
quorum being present, the following memorial was unanimously
adopted: ..T __
In Memoriam.
“It is with feelings of the deepest sorrow that the Board of
Trustees of the Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital learns of the
death of their beloved co-trustee and surgeon-in-chief, Dr. A. W.
De Roaldes, who died at his residence June 12, 1918.
“Dr. De Boaldes was the founder of this hospital and served in
166
News and Comment.
the capacity of surgeon-in-chief up to the time of his death. He
was zealous in his efforts to advance and promote the interests of
the hospital, which was always foremost in his thoughts, and under
his guiding hand the hospital grew from the small, unpretentious
clinic, with no equipment, to the splendid institution of to-day,
which stands as a monument to him and challenges the admiration
of all.
“The trustees recognize, in the death of Dr. De Roaldes, the loss
of an invaluable adviser, and the poor have lost a dear and sym-
pathizing friend, always ready to lend a helping hand and to relieve
their sufferings and ailments.
“The hospital was the subject of his constant thoughts and un-
tiring labor, and it is not only his advice and services which will be
missed, but, even more so, the enthusiasm which he inspired to all
connected with his work of love and charity.
“He was a man of unsullied principles, and his heart was full of
the finest affections. In his intercourse with his fellowmen he knew
but one rule of conduct, and he never was influenced by selfish
motives.
“Dr. De Roaldes was known all over the United States and in
Europe. His reputation as a surgeon was international, and he was
the recipient of many honors from European governments.
“The Board of Trustees tender to the surviving members of his
family sincere sympathy in their affliction, and direct that a copy
of this memorial be given to the press and furnished to his widow
as a feeble expression of the sentiments inspired in this momentous
death. “Tos. A. Hincks, Chairman.
“R. C. Lynch,
“E. A. Robin/'
Medical Association of the Southwest to Meet. — The thir-
teenth annual meeting of the Medical Association of the Southwest
will be held at Dallas, Texas, the middle of October. The Surgeon-
General has been requested to send a number of strong men who
have seen foreign service and who can give the news, first hand, as
to just what the profession is doing and what it is not doing. A
rousing patriotic meeting is anticipated.
Resolutions Passed by the American Medical Editors' As-
sociation.— At the last meeting of the American Medical Editors’
Association, held in Chicago, June 10 and 11, the following resolu-
tions were unanimously passed :
“Be It Resolved — First: That we pledge our renewed effort to
Surgeon General Gorgas, of the United States Army, and to Ad-
miral Braisted, Surgeon General of the United States Navy, and
to the Medical Section, Council of National Defense, in that our
pages are open to unlimiced editorial space for properly approved
News and Comment.
167
copy in which to bring before the medical profession of the United
States the needs of these most important departments.
“ Second: That an Editorial War Committee be appointed by the
chairman, composed of H. Edwin Lewis, editor of American Medi-
cine, New York ; D. E. de M. Sajous, editor of the New York Med-
ical Journal , and the president and secretary, to prepare copy and
to energetically carry on this work.
ee Third: That this Association contribute a snm of money, in
addition to the appropriation made by this Society at its session,
June 10, 1918, limited only to the resources of this Association,
the expenditure of the amount to be decided by the Executive Com-
mittee for carrying on this propaganda of education and aid.
“Fourth: That the editor of every medical journal in the United
States be invited and encouraged to participate in this very neces-
sary work.
“Fifth: That copies of this resolution be sent to W. C. Gorgas,
Surgeon General of the United States Army ; to Admiral Braisted,
Surgeon General of the United States Navy, and to the Medical
Council of National Defense.”
In view of the fact that the first and second vice-presidents are
in military service, it was decided that the officers of 1917-1918
hold over until the next annual meeting.
Military education in medical colleges and the medical press, sup-
porting the passage of the Dyer-OVen bill, educating the laity in
reference to the zone system of mailing second-class matter, were
some of the subjects discussed at the meeting and acted upon.
Henry Ford $3,000,000 Hospital. — One of the most complete
hospitals in the world, largely designed for rehabilitating American
soldiers wounded overseas, is being erected in Detroit by Henry
Ford. Because of government cooperation in the purchase of
materials, it is being erected faster than the average building is
constructed in peace-time. The hospital is being built on a twenty-
acre tract of land and will have a floor space of 50,000 square feet.
It will comprise four stories, with a diagnostic building placed in
the center, which will be six stories high. There will be 1,300 win-
dows in the buildings, forty porches, and a roof garden. The in-
stitution is to cost $3,000,000.
Little Venereal Disease Among Troops in France. — The
Army Medical Corps’ figures, made public on July 12, 1918, state
that venereal disease among the troops is being controlled both here
and in France with remarkable success. “In France, with probably
700,000 men mobilized, the rate reported on June 13 showed less
168
News and Comment .
than one new case per thousand men each week. Before the war the
lowest rate in the regular army was double this/’
Claim Cure; for Gas Gangrene. — The Chicago Tribune an-
nounced recently that a special cablegram had been received stating
that Prof. Vincent recently read a paper before the Paris Academy
of Sciences in which he described a serum which he has prepared
which has been effective even in severe cases of gas gangrene.
League of American Dentists' War Work. — The Prepared-
ness League of American Dentists, comprising more than 15,000
dentists who have pledged themselves to give at least one hour of
their time daily, including materials, to men selected for the army,
navy and marine corps, reports that 50,000 free operations have
already been performed. The league is supplementing the work of
the army in making recruits dentally fit. There are 48,664 dentists
in the United States and the league is trying to obtain a 100 per
cent membership at $1 a year.
Twenty-Five Thousand Student Nurses Wanted. — The
Council of National Defense finds that it has become necessary to
call for 25,000 student nurses for training in American hospitals.
The enrollment began July 29, and those who register will thereby
be subject to call for training in the army nursing school or in the
civilian hospitals until April 1, 1919.
A Drug Commission Asked For. — A resolution has been intro-
duced into the United States Senate by Senator Frelinghuysen for
the appointment of a commission of three to examine into the sub-
ject of narcotics and habit-forming drugs and appropriating $50,000
for the expense of the commission.
American Association of Medical Jurisprudence Dis-
solved.— The majority of the members of the American Association
of Medical J urisprudence have filed a petition in the Supreme Court
of New York City for the dissolution of the association. The mem-
bership has decreased from 200 to 23 members, and there is said to
be a general lack of interest in the organization .
Political Activity Forbidden to Eed Cross Workers. — Under
a ruling made by the War Council, the officers and workers of the
American Eed Cross will not be allowed to run for any public office
in the coming general election, or be active in the interest of any
candidate.
News and Comment.
169
To Mobilize All Doctors. — A plan is under consideration
whereby the government may assume control of the entire medical
profession of the United States, in order to obtain sufficient doctors
for the army and so to distribute those remaining that their services
may be rendered in those places in which they are most needed.
The plan will be to throw open the membership to all doctors, in-
stead of enrolling in the Voluntary Medical Service Corps only those
physicians not suitable for military service, either because of age,
physical infirmity, dependency or institutional or public need. Con-
ferences were held in Washington, July 18, and in a number of
other cities, to discuss the operation of the voluntary enrollment
plan. A plan is also being considered by the Surgeon Generals of
the Army, Navy and Public Health Service for commissioning all
teachers in the medical schools and assigning them to their present
duties, for the purpose of preventing further disruption of medical
teaching staffs and at the same time recognizing the public service
of those men.
Women Anesthetists eor Army Service. — Por the reason that
many wounded soldiers prefer the care and attendance of women,
the army is appointing women anesthetists. Fifteen have already
been appointed, receiving the pay and privileges of first lieutenants,
without, however, the actual rank. Only graduate women physicians
are elegible.
Gift and Home for Navy Hospital. — Commodore and Mrs.
Morton P. Flint, of Brandford House, Eastern Point, Conn., have
given to the Navy Department, for the duration of the war, the use
of the Watson House for a hospital for convalescing sailors and sol-
diers. A gift of $10,000, to equip the hospital, accompanies the
use of the residence.
Ambulances Named for Major Mitchell and Quentin
Roosevelt. — The last of the 112 ambulances provided for service
on the Italian front by the American Poets’ Ambulances in Italy
will be inscribed in honor of Lieut. Quentin Roosevelt and the 111th
ambulance will be named for Major John Purroy Mitchell.
Columbia University Gets Estate. — The bulk of the estate of
the late Major Eugene Wilson Caldwell, M. R. C., U. S. A., amount-
ing to about $150,000, is to go to Columbia University on the death
of his wife and mother. The sum which the university is to receive
will be known as the Eugene Wilson Caldwell Fund and is to be
170
News and Comment .
used for general educational purposes. Major Caldwell bequeathed
his laboratory and its contents to Dr. Harry M. Imboden and
Thomas Riker, his friends and collaborators, with the request that
they continue the work upon which he was engaged.
Obstetricians and Gynecologists to Meet. — The thirty-first
annual meeting of the American Association of Obstetricians and
Gynecologists will be held at the Hotel Statler, Detroit, September
16 to 18, under the presidency of Dr. Albert Goldspohn, Chicago.
Dr. James F. Davis, Detroit, is chairman of the committee of
arrangements.
Personals. — Dr. Chas. Chassaignac and family left for Balsam,
H. C., the early part of the month, for a three weeks’ vacation.
Dr. Marcus Feingold, after a month’s stay at Clifton Springs,
H. Y., is now in Denver, Colo., where he will remain for several
months. Dr. Feingold is rapidly regaining his health, and will no
doubt be able to return to his practice and college duties this fall.
Dr. Geo. H. Meeker, dean of the Graduate School of Medicine,
University of Pennsylvania, visited Hew Orleans and Tulane Col-
lege of Medicine during the month in the interest of his school.
Capt. C. Jeff. Miller, M. R. C., has obtained a leave of absence
for a much-needed vacation and will spend a few weeks in the East
during September.
Dr. Peyton Randolph, of Georgetown, Texas, a graduate of
Tulane, Class 1914, is now serving a commission “Somewhere in
France.”
Dr. S. M. Blaekshear (Hew Orleans), first lieutenant, M. R. C.,
left during August for Camp Shelby, Miss., where he will remain
until called for foreign service.
Removals. — Capt. Walter H. Moore, M. R. C., from Lisman,
Ala., to Camp Gordon, Ga.
Dr. W. B. McDaniel, from Byars, Okla., to Maysville, Okla.
First Lieutenant T. F. Batson, M. R. C., from Base Hospital,
Camp Beauregard, Alexandria, La., to Base Hospital Ho. 86, Camp
Logan, Houston, Texas.
The Modern Hospital Publishing Company, to Garland Building,
58 East Washington street, corner Wabash avenue, Chicago.
Among the doctors of Hew Orleans who have returned from their
vacations and resumed their practice are: Drs. Abraham Mattes,
602 Perrin Building; Solon G. Wilson, E. J. Richard, W. A. Gil-
laspie.
Booh Reviews and Notices.
171
The following are some of the Louisiana physicians who are serv-
ing on duty in the various camps :
At Camp Beauregard, Alexandria, La., Base Hospital : Capts.
Maurice J. Couret, William M. Leake, Hew Orleans; Lieuts. Amable
A. Comeaux, Gueydan; William T. Patton, Paul T. Talbot, Hew
Orleans. For duty, from Fort Oglethorpe, Lieut. John C. Chap-
man, Colfax.
At Camp Lee, Petersburg, Va., for duty from Camp Dix: Major
James B. Guthrie, Hew Orleans.
At Camp Sheridan, Montgomery, Ala., for duty from Fort Ogle-
thorpe : Lieut. Allen B. Wheelis, Marion.
At Fort Jay, H. J., for duty, from Fort Riley: Lieut William E.
Balsinger, Hew Orleans.
At Fort Oglethorpe, for instruction: Lieut. William L. Bendel,
Lake Charles; Edgar J. Beranger, Hew Orleans ; William E. Barker,
Plaquemine.
At Fort Sam Houston, Texas, for duty, from Camp Travis : Major
Edmund Moss, Hew Orleans.
Hied. — On August 26, 1918, Hr. W. 0. Schultzman, of Baton
Rouge, La., aged 26 years.
On August 9, 1918, Lieutenant- Colonel Clarence Leroy Cole,
M. R. C., Fort Sam H uston, Texas.
BOOK REVIEWS AND NOTICES
All ne w publications sent to the Journal will be appreciated and will invariably be
promptly acknowledged under the heading of “ Publications Received ." While
it will be the aim of the Journal to review as many of the worlds accepted as
possible, the editors will be guided by the space available and the merit of re-
spective publications. The acceptance of a book implies no obligation to review.
Blood Transfusion, Hemorrhage and the Anemias, by Bertram M. Bern-
stein, A. B., M. D., F. A. C. G. J. B. Lippincott Company, Phila-
delphia and London.
Dr. Bernstein has given in this book of 250 pages a review of the
various methods of blood transfusion and the indications for same.
He briefly, but concisely, treats of practically all phases of the subject,
such as the phenomenon of bleeding, the diagnosis and control of
hemorrhage, also the indications and the dangers, as well as the methods,
of transfusion.
The work adheres to the practical side of the subject, both as regards
discussions of indications and selections of transfusion methods. In the
appendix the author has given the various hemolytic and agglutination
tests described by Moss, Brem, Simon and Sydenstricke.
The book is certain to prove of value to the physician who is engaged
172
Boole Reviews and Notices.
in clinical work of this nature and who desires to know concretely what
is being done and how to do it. ELIZABETH BASS.
Typhoid Fever, by Frederick P. Gay. The MacMillan Company, New
York. '
The author has presented in this small volume an excellent exposition
of the problem of typhoid fever.
It treats historically the development and present status of our
knowledge concerning this important malady as viewed from the stand-
point of its mechanism.
It shows the very close relationship between the clinical aid the
laboratory side of the disease by following the life-history of the typhoid
bacillus rather than the manifestations of the disease it produces.
The book is divided into a number of chapters which cover the gen-
eral survey of the knowledge concerning typhoid fever, the disease as a
cause of death and disability, the modes of infection and the patho-
genicity of typhoid fever, the diagnosis, sequelae and carrier conditions,
general measures of protection, treatment, etc.
The chapter on the protective value of vaccination against typhoid
fever and the statistics relative to same are most interesting reading
ELIZABETH BASS.
Studies in the Anatomy and Surgery of the Nose and Ear, by Adam E.
Smith, M. D. Paul B. Hoeber, New York, 1918.
This is a very timely book, made up of original matter by the author,
and is thus a veritable contribution to our knowledge of the subjects
discussed. The illustrations are from actual dissections made at the
Columbia University Medical School, and these alone would stamp the
work as of a high order. The anatomical points are of a practical nature
and show the structures as they are, and not schematically. In regard
to treatment, the book again is eminently practical. The author dwells
particularly on the value of posture in the treatment of otitis media and
mastoiditis, in which operative intervention can sometimes be avoided.
In a number of cases of incipient mastoiditis the present writer has
brought about a recession of symptoms and complete restitutio ad in-
tegrum without a mastoid operation. Another practical point elaborated
is the treatment of antral and frontal sinus disease by suction.
Dr. Smith has placed at the disposal of the profession a valuable ad-
dition to our knowledge of the topics touched upon. McSHANE.
Interpretation of Dental and Maxillary Roentgenograms, by Robert H.
Ivy, M. D., D. D. S. C. V- Mosby Company, St. Louis.
This is a valuable addition to the scientific literature on this subject,
and should command the attention of students of radiology.
Interpretation of the Roentgenograms is by far the most important
step of the entire procedure, and the author has carefully prepared his
text not only to aid the inexperienced, but to lay down fundamental rules
for the expert. WALLACE WOOD, Jr.
Oral Sepsis in Its Relationship to Systemic Disease, by William W. Duke,
M. D., Ph. B., Kansas City, Mo. C. V. Mosby Company, St. Louis,
Mo.
This publication is a splendid contribution to the relationship of ill-
health and defective teeth, and which every dentist should carefully
Book Reviews and Notices.
173
peruse. It eontai is much information the average medical practitioner
will appreciate, and perhaps open the eyes of some few. It brings dentistry
in closer relationship as a specialty of medicine.
WALLACE WOOD, Jr.
Pharmacology and Therapeutics and Preventime Medicine (Vol.VIII of
the Practical Medicine Series). Edited by Bernard Fantus, M. S’.,
M. D., and Wm. A. Evans, M. S., M. D., LL. D., Ph. D. The Year
Book Publishers, Chicago. Series 1917.
This delightful little volume gives in concise and well-edited form
the progress in these departments of medicine during the period covered.
.The first 220 pages are devoted to pharmacology and therapeutics, and
the rest of the volume to preventive medicine. The whole text enables
the busy practitioner or teacher to cover in a few hours what it would
take him weeks to glean from the field of medical literature. A greatly
added value is the discriminating editorial comment. If there is one
feature more than another worthy of commendation, it is the attention
given to the new agents and the new uses of old agents developed as a
result of the world-war. One in service, or going into it, will find the
book of particular value. O. W. B.
Materia Medica, Pharmacology, Therapeutics, Prescription Writing, by
Walter A. Bastedo, Ph. G., M. D. Second edition. W. B. Saunders
Company, Philadelphia, 1918.
The second edition, which adjusts the text to the new Pharmacopoeia,
is no disappointment to the great number who so highly appreciated this
work when it first came from the press about three years ago. The
author shows a wonderful command of his subjects and wisely avoids
the mass of unessential details, so often given, to the confusion of the
searcher after knowledge.
The drugs are arranged in. groups according to their action, and the
text is reinforced with numerous illustrations.
While the several phases of the subject are well handled, the par-
ticular value of the work is as a pharmacology. As a readable pharma-
cology it has few peers. The section on Digitalis is worth the price of
the volume.
There are a few minor details that were not adjusted to conform to the
great authority — the Pharmacopoeia. Such are almost unavoidable in the
rush of a general revision. They are, for example, the frequent use of
c. c. instead of mils., gm. instead of Gm., dram instead of drachm, etc.
The noted author and teacher deserves the thanks of the entire medical
profession. O. W. B.
A Handbook of Practical Treatment. Vol. IV. By John H. Musser, Jr.,
B. S., M. D., and Thomas C. Kelly, A. M., M. D. W. B. Saunders
Company, Philadelphia, 1917.
This addition to the original Vol. Ill set of Practical Treatment
“has been brought out for the purpose of giving the various original
contributors opportunity of making in their articles such change or
modifications as have occurred in the therapeusis of those diseases, the
treatment of which they have already detailed. Thus, we believe it pos-
sible to supplement their contributions and to make them complete, both
as to detailed treatment and as to the newer and modern procedures. ”
Where the original contributors were unavailable, through death or other
174
Publications Received.
cause, the editors have been fortunate in securing men of the highest
international repute. Much entirely new matter has been included and
the revision of old articles has usually been so arranged as to make prac-
tically complete reading.
A glance at the list of contributors and the well-known character of
the young editors would assure even the most skeptical.
Some minor details that might well be suggested to the publishers
are the correction of some errors in the Latin termination in prescrip-
tions, the more uniform use of the standard Pharmacopoeial or chemical
titles in place of old proprietary names, and the conforming of nomen-
clature to the great authority — the United States Pharmacopoeia.
Without the previous volume, this one is highly valuable. A library
containing the earlier work could ill afford to miss this opportunity to
complete the set. O. W. B.
Essentials of Volumetric Analysis, by Henry W. Schimpf, Ph. Gf., M. D.,
Professor of Analytical Chemistry in the Brooklyn College of
Pharmacy. John Wiley & Sons, New York.
The appearance of the new United States Pharmacopoeia has neces-
sitated the revision of all textbooks touching the science of medicine,
chemistry and pharmacy. This fact, together with the exhaustion of the
second edition of Dr. Schimpf ’s helpful book, has caused the issuance of
a third edition.
The work is an excellent introduction to the broad subject of
volumetric analysis and is especially adapted to the needs of students of
pharmaceutical chemistry.
The subject-matter is systematically arranged and the processes
grouped under the headings of Alkalimetry, Acidimetry, Precipitation,
Oxidimetry, Indirect Oxidation, Iodometry, Assay Processes for Drugs,
Estimation of Alkaloids, Phenol, and Sugars.
The principles underlying these several groups are definitely indicated
and illustrated by numerous practical examples. This third edition shows
many new assay processes, prominent among which are those of the mer-
curial salts, phosphates and hypophosphites, chlorates, perborates, chloral,
acetone, resorcinol, phenylsulphonates, arsenates, and alkali cacodylate.
The nomenclature employed throughout the work is consistent with
pharmacopoeial requirements. If the aim of the author is to present the
principles of volumetric analysis in a form readily intelligible to students,
it is the belief of the reviewer that he has accomplished his purpose.
Not the least important feature of the book is an appendix devoted to
the description and application of indicators.
GEO. S. BROWN.
PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED
J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY, Philadelphia, and London, 1918.
The Essentials of Materia Medica and Therapeutics for Nurses, by
John Foote, M. D. Third edition, revised and enlarged and reset.
International Clinics. Yol. 11, twenty-eighth series, 1918.
Nursing Technic, by Mary C. Wheeler, R. N.
C. V. MOSBY COMPANY, St. Louis, 1918.
The Hodgen Wire Cradle Extension Suspension Splint, by Frank G.
Publications Received.
175
Nifong, M. D., P. A. C. S., with an introduction by Harvey G. Mudd,
M. D., F. A. C. S.
Tropical Surgery and Diseases of the Far East, by John R. McDill,
M. D., F. A. C. S.
A Treatise on Cystoscopy and Urethroscopy, by George Luys. Trans-
lated and edited, with additions, by Abr. L. Wolbarst, M. D.
Headaches and Eye Disorders of Nasal Origin, by Greenfield Sluder,
M. D.
The Wassermann Test, by Charles F. Craig, M. D.
PAUL B. HOEBER, New York, 1918.
The Seriousness of Venereal Disease, by Sprague Carlton, M. D.,
F. A. C. S.
Neurological Clinics. Edited by Joseph Collins, M. D.
Symptoms and Their Interpretation, by James Mackenzie, M. D., LL. D.
Third edition.
Clinical Disorders of the Heart-Beat, by Thomas Lewis, M. D., F. R. S.,
D. Sc., F. R. C. P.
W. B. SAUNDERS COMPANY, Philadelphia and London, 1918.
Diseases of the Male Urethra, including Impotence and Sterility, by
Irvin S. Roll, B. S., M. D., F. A. C. S.
Clinical Diagnosis, by James Campbell Todd, Ph. B., M. D. Fourth
edition, revised and reset.
LEE & FEBIGER, New York and Philadelphia, 1918.
A Manual of Otology, by Gorham Bacon, A. B., M. D., F. A. C. S.
P. BLAKISTON’S SON & CO., Philadelphia, 1918.
Naval Hygiene, by James Chambers Pryor, A. M., M. D,
F. A. DAVIS COMPANY, Philadelphia, 1918.
Principles and Practice of Infant Feeding, by Julius H. Hess, M. D.
B. W. HUEBSCH, New York, 1918.
The Small Family System. Is It Injurious or Immoral? by C. V. Drys-
dale, D. Ss. Prefatory Notes by Dr. B. Dunlop and Dr. Wm. J. Robinson.
MISCELLANEOUS:
Biennial Report of the Louisiana State Board of Health to the Gen-
eral Assembly of the State of Louisiana (1916-1917). (Hauser Printing
Company, New Orleans, La.)
Weekly Bulletin of the Department of Health of the City of New
York. June 8, 1918.
The Twenty-Seventh and Twenty-Eighth Annual Reports of the Eye,
Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital, (1916 and 1917).
REPRINTS.
Venereal Prophylaxis; A Cosmetically Perfect, Bloodless Circum-
cision; A Sane and Rational Method in the Treatment of Acute
Gonorrhea; Food for Thought Concerning Our Venereal Problem; Local-
izing Posterior Gonorrheal Urethritis, by Henry J. Millstone, M. D.
Un Nuovo Metodo di Gastrectomia Con la Ricostruzione Anatomo-
Fisiologica Dei Rapporti Fra Stomaco ed Intestino; Perforazione Dello
Stomaco e Dell’ Intesino; La Sterilizzazione Delle Piaghe; L’Esclusione
del Piloro per Mezzo di Bandelette Elastiche; Emostasi per Mezzo di
Palloncini Elastici, per il Prof. Dott. Angelo L. Soresi.
176
Mortuary Report.
MORTUARY REPORT OF NEW ORLEANS.
Compiled from the Monthly Report of the Board of Health of the City
of New Orleans, for July, 1918.
CA USE.
White.
Colored.
Total.
7
7
14
Intermittent Fever (Malarial Cachexia) -
1
2
1
8
2
10
2
4
6
14
2
16
2
2
1
4
5
38
48
86
19
10
29
1
1
2
1
1
1
* 1
Enccnhalitie? and Meningitis
1
1
2
TinpnmotnT A 1",P1 'X'l PJ,
Congestion Hemorrhage and Softening of Brain
25
10
35
Paralysis - -- -- -
3
3
6
Convulsions of Infancy
1
2
3
Other Diseases of Infancy __ _ _ _
24
13
37
Tetanus __ __ _
1
3
4
Other Nervous Diseases __ -
4
1
5
Heart Diseases
52
50
102
Bronchitis
1
1
2
Pneumonia and Broncho-Pneumonia
10
15
25
Other Respiratory Diseases __
1
1
2
TTIeer of Stomach
2
2
Other Diseases of the Stomach
4
3
7
Diarrhea, Dysentery and Enteritis
27
16
43
Hernia, Intestinal Obstruction
4
7
11
Cirrhosis of Liver.
8
4
12
Other Diseases of the Liver _
3
3
Simple Peritonitis
Appendicitis _ _
5
1
6
Bright’s Disease. _
22
24
46
Other Genito-Urinary Diseases
10
9
19
Puerperal Diseases
2
4
6
Senile Debility
Suicide _ __
4
2
6
Injuries...
19
12
31
All Other Causes
12
4
16
Total.. _ __ _ _
334
271
605
Still-born Children — White, 20; colored, 23; total, 43.
Population of City (estimated) — White, 276,000; colored, 102,000;
total, 378,000.
Death Rate per 1000 per Annum for Month — White, 14.31; colored,
31.27; total, 18.90. Non-residents excluded, 17.18.
METEOROLOGIC SUMMARY (U. S. Weather Bureau).
Mean atmospheric pressure 30.01
Mean temperature . 83
Total precipitation. . . . . . 2.03 inches
Prevailing direction of wind, Southwest.
ORLEANS MEDICAL
SURGICAL JOURNAL
E D I T O R S s
CHARLES CHASSAIGNAC, M. D. * ISADORE DYER, M. D.
COLLABORATORS:
C. C. BASS, M. D., Prest., Amer. Soc. Tropical Medicine 1 .
S. K. SIMON, M. D., Acting Secty, American Soc. of Tropical Medicine Vif1010
P. T. TALBOT, M. D., Secretary Louisiana State Medical Society Ex-Officio.
RUPERT BLUE, M. D., Surgeon General, United States Public Health Service.
H. D. BRUNS, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
C. F. ORAIG, M. D., Col., U. S. A.
S. T. DARLING, M. D., Sao Paulo, Brazil.
W. H. DEADERICK, M. D., Hot Springs, Arkansas.
E. M. DUPAQUIER, M. D. (Paris), Tulane University of Louisiana.
A. G. FRIEDRICHS, M. D., New Orleans, La.
J. T. HALSEY, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
JOS. HOLT, M. D., New Orleans, La.
F. A. LARUE, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
E. S. LEWIS, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
R. C. LYNCH, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
E. D. MARTIN, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
R. MATAS, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
AUGUSTUS McSHANE, M. D., Greenwood, Miss.
PAUL MIOHINARD, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
C. J. MILLER, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
F. W. PARHAM, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
E. A. ROBIN, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
W. H. SEEMANN, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
ALLEN J. SMITH, M. D., University of Pennsylvania.
EDMOND SOUCHON, M. D., Tulane University1 of Louisiana.
E. R. STITT, M. D., Rear Admiral, U. S. N.
J. A. STORCK, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
R. P. STRONG, M. D., Harvard University.
ROY M. VAN WlART, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
Vol. LXXI OCTOBER, 1918 No. 4
EDITORIAL
THE PHYSICIAN, THE ARMY, AND THE CIVIL
POPULATION.
There must be a great readjustment of medical practice in the
months to come. War has disarranged almost every phase of the
professional activities of physicians. Medical colleges, hospitals,
industries which employ doctors, and the civil population have felt
the pressure of deprivation of the services of normal times.
The military demands, of necessity, have drawn upon the medical
profession irrespective of any consideration of other needs, because
WS.S.
■WAR SAVINGS STAMPS
ISSUED BY THE
UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT
NEW
AND
178
Editorial.
the first and most important thing has been a proper and adequate
provision for the army and navy organizations. The wave of early
drafts on the profession has not yet spent its force, and, with the
new man-power law, a still greater proportion of doctors must
qualify for military service. What number may ultimately remain
at home cannot yet be calculated.
With an army of four million there will he needed something
like forty thousand medical officers. Of these there are enrolled
already about twenty-five thousand. Aside from the actual needs
of the troops, overseas and in process of organization, there will be
various activities related to the operation of army preparation in
which medical men will be needed. While it is true that a con-
siderable part of such service may be performed at the same time
that civil obligations are being fulfilled, with the growing ramifica-
tions of related services, there will be an increasing demand for
doctors. The effort is being made to conserve the medical schools
for teaching students, and there is every indication that the students
themselves will be directed to continue at college so as to provide
the material for making medical graduates, but the outlook is none
the less far from encouraging.
Hospitals everywhere are short of interns, and their visiting staffs
have been depleted as well. At the same time, the loss of some 20
per cent of the profession from the community generally has made
the work of those who remain much more onerous. The division
of time in hospital and civil services is more difficult than formerly.
The needs in the large cities increase all the time, and there is no
considerable supply of physicians in the cities upon which the
country districts, also sorely in need, may draw.
The Volunteer Medical Keserve Corps has opened a way for ad-
justing the regularity of distribution of service throughout the
country by arranging for a proper classification of all physicians
who are not privileged or able to do entire military service. When
the whole country has been surveyed and the doctors card-indexed
for service the need of one community may be met by the distribu-
tion of men from those communities better supplied. This will not
entirely meet the situation, although it is a temporary succedaneum.
The individual State has not appeared to concern itself much in
this question ; -perhaps it may not be amiss to connote the fact that
most States do not concern themselves at any time with matters
related to the medical profession. This whole question, however,
Editorial.
179
is not one of the medical profession, for it concerns the general
public much more than it does the class of medical men, whether
they are taken collectively or as individuals.
The State Committees of Defense have actively considered the
supplies of food and of other material things. It properly has
maintained a busy interest in industries. Many activities within
the State have come to the notice of such State committees. The
essential and entire problem of the health of the people has not
been a serious part of their work. The boards of health perform
a large function, within their province of regulating the sanitary
conditions of communities and in the prevention of disease, but
these health officials have nothing to do with the care of the sick.
In every well-organized State there exists a fundamental and
constitutional provision for State medicine. This usually includes
all hygienic provisions under the direction of health boards and
regulated by sanitary codes. It also provides for the enactment of
laws which regulate the right to practice medicine, and it, moreover,
fixes the obligation of the doctor to the State, which compels the
payment of a tax or license to engage in the pursuit of the calling
or occupation of a physician.
In return, the physician enjoys the privileges of a citizen and
the legal right to practice. Through the corporation laws of the
State, he may, with others, organize an association for the better-
ment of the profession. There is nowhere a combination of the
profession and the people for the care of the sick — except as pro-
vided in proletariat institutions.
The time is ripe for State supervision and provision for the care
of the sick outside of hospitals.
The idea is not new. The Journal has discussed the point for
the past fifteen or twenty years, but hitherto only academically; it
is time now to put the ideas into practical application.
There are communities in all States now having no physicians in
their midst; 'in some instances the physician is twenty or thirty
miles away, and then too busy with his immediate community to
be able to respond to an emergency at the minute he may be called.
There are many persons able to pay small fees who find it difficult
to get the attention they may need, because those better-to-do may
have the first bid and call for the doctor.
The provision of doctors by the State for the needful services
where they are most pressing seems a present solution.
180
Editorial.
State medical service bureau could be organized and made
effective in short order. All physicians engaged should be put on
a civil service basis and regularly examined at intervals to determine
their continued fitness. Such physicians might and should be paid
reasonable living salaries, with an increase for relative rank in
office and for time of service.
Such a State bureau of medical service would permit a prompt
response to the need of any community — for a medical officer of the
State could be sent to any community, to stay there until the needs
of the place were satisfied.
There are enough medical men debarred from military duty to
satisfy a fair-sized list of such emergencies, and when the war is
over such a plan of health service for the sick may have proven itself
Sufficiently useful to become permanent.
WAR NECESSITY.
In order to obey instructions from the War Industries Board
regarding conservation of paper, beginning this month the Journal
has had to reduce its size and change its style of make-up.
While cooperating with the Government in every patriotic move,
we hope to avoid any inconvenience to our patrons, and feel that
they will be with us in doing everything to help “win the war.”
ORIGINAL ARTICLES
(No paper published or to be published in any other medical journil will be accepted
for this department. All papers must be in the hands of the Editors on the tenth day of
the month preceding that in which they are expected to appear. Reprints may be had at
reasonable rates if a WRITTEN order for the same accompany the paper.)
SODIUM CITRATE IN THE TREATMENT OF PNEUMONIA,
WITH REPORT OF CASES.*
By W. H. WEAVER, M. D., New Orleans.
In a paper on this subject, published in the Hew Orleans.
Medical and Surgical Journal, September, 1912, we showed that
lysis could be induced in pneumonia by the administration of mas-
sive doses of sodium citrate.
IJpon closer study of the temperature curves of a larger number
of patients recovery seems to be by a mild form of crisis — that is,,
in many of the cases — without the usual high temperature and
distressing conditions preceding the descent to normal. It seems
that this form of treatment has not received the recognition we
think it deserves, and we wish to give further evidence of its value.
Regarding the action of sodium citrate, it was shown in the
original paper that it increases the fluidity of the blood, also its
alkalinity, its antitoxic power and leucocytosis. Hence, it aids the
natural physiological forces at work in the cure of the disease.
Increased fluidity is necessary for the freer circulation of the blood
through the solidified lung. Increased alkalinity increases anti-
toxic power as well as leucocytosis, while decreased alkalinity checks,
if it does not completely destroy those important functions of the
blood.
Reliable observations made by Lee, Dochez and others seem to*
show that the coagulation time in pneumonia is delayed, and!
viscosity is probably also reduced. This delay in coagulation time1
and reduced viscosity is as it should be, else there might be no-
recovery from pneumonia. We have during the hepatization of tha
affected area the deposit from the blood of a considerable portion
of its fibrin. We would naturally expect that there would be less
fibrin-forming elements left in the blood, and increased fluidity
would be the result. High viscosity and coagulability at this time*
* Read at the 39th Annual Meeting, Louisiana State Medical Society, New Orleans,.
April 16, 17, 18, 1918.
182
Original Articles .
would certainly not conduce to rapid recovery, while that condition
of the blood did, no. doubt, exist previous to and during the first
stage of the disease. Hence, the more fluid the blood, the freer will
be its circulation with the leucocytes and antitoxins through the
lung capillaries.
After a few days, antitoxins have formed in the blood to a con-
siderable extent. But if the circulation of the blood through the
almost solid lung is not in some way facilitated by a sufficiently
strong pressure, together with increased fluidity of the blood, there
will be no recovery from pneumonia.
In this connection, the treatment of boils and carbuncles by use
of sodium citrate as outlined by Sir Almroth Wright might be
mentioned in support of this antitoxic and phagocytic stimulation
in the presence of sodium citrate. Hence, from almost any point
of view, the treatment by sodium citrate accords with known
scientifically demonstrated truth.
Some potassium salts may have a similar action on the blood,
but also have a depressant action, which excludes them from con-
sideration, while sodium citrate can be tolerated in very large and
continued doses without any disagreeable effects, except occasional
catharsis, which should be controlled by an opiate without reducing
the dose.
Sodium citrate is a salt of feeble alkalinity and may be given in
sufficiently large doses to produce its effect without the least danger
of harm, or even discomfort to the patient. Its taste is not dis-
agreeable, nor does it disturb the gastric functions or appetite, and
might be given in doses of one drachm every two hours if that much
were considered necessary. It may be given with a little citric acid
or lemonade in small quantities. The dose for an adult we have
found to be forty grains every two hours. For children, the dose
should be calculated from that amount.
Active catharsis should be established at the beginning of the
treatment, as it will stimulate the protective glandular mechanisms.
However, if the cathartic action of the sodium citrate appears, it
should be checked and the dose maintained, rather than reduced.
If the fever is found to be very high and other symptoms alarm-
ing, bathing or a few doses of acetyl salicylic acid may be given
until the temperature falls. In most cases, especially in children,
the temperature, pulse and respiration will fall to normal inside of
seventy-two hours. The clea’ring-up process in the lung is com-
Weaver — Sodium Citrate in Pneumonia.
183
pleted a little later, and until it is completed the citrate must be
continued at the same dosage.
If there is no improvement in six to twelve hours, the dose may
be increased, or given every two hours instead of every three hours.
In adults, improvement often does not begin until the third day, or
later if the dose has been inadequate.
It is highly probable that some who have tried this treatment
and have been disappointed in its results have not given the citrate
in large enough doses. In an adult, forty to sixty grains every
two and a half to three hours must be continued day and night
until the lung has entirely cleared. If the citrate is discontinued
before complete resolution there will be an immediate relapse.
This relapse will again clear away under the influence of the citrate.
This will be absolute proof that the citrate is responsible for the
recovery of lysis.
The cases reported at this time include my own, those of Dr.
A. C. King and some by Dr. J. E. Pollock and Dr. E. L. King.
Ten cases were reported in the original paper, all of which re-
covered by lysis induced by the administration of sodium citrate.
All of these cases reported in this paper, twenty-seven in number,
recovered in the same manner.
It was our intention to wait until we had a much larger number
of cases; however, we have recently had some successes that have
made us more enthusiastic than ever, and have decided not to wait
for the larger number.
We have employed the treatment in a few cases that are not in-
cluded here. For example, in a case of terminal pneumonia —
patient aged 91 years — we were able to induce her to take her
medicine for about four days, when she rebelled and the treatment
was discontinued. She appeared to be showing much improvement
until the pulmonary obstruction proved too much for her weakening
heart.
There are, ho doubt, other limitations to this line of treatment.
Cases known as septic pneumonia may not be amenable to the treat-
ment, but we have had none, and we would be interested in seeing
it tried out.
The first two cases reported are of post-operative pneumonia
occcurring in the Charity Hospital wards of Drs. E. D. Martin,
A. C. King and M. II. Maguire.
Case 1 — H. S. Nephrectomy for sarcoma of left kidney by Dr. E. D.
Martin, assisted by Dr. M. H. Maguire, February 20, 1913; hemorrhage
184
Original Articles.
extensive, requiring four pints of saline infusion on the table, followed
by Murphy drip for forty-eight hours; developed pneumonia of the left
lobe on the 21st. Sodium citrate in forty-grain doses was ordered every
two hours; mustard locally and small doses of strychnia. Temperature
went to 103.8° on the 24th, 103° on the 25th, and 102.8° to normal on
the 26th; a mild crisis in about five days. The patient continued to
decline, and died on March 5. Drs. Martin and Maguire considered it.
remarkable that this patient recovered at all from the pneumonia, con-
sidering the fact that her condition was extremely critical from the day
she entered the hospital, and nephrectomy was done in the hope of giving
relief. Her death was due to exhaustion, since she vomited nearly every
kind of food given from the day of operation.
Case 2 — R. H., age 50. Posterior gastroenterostomy performed Feb-
ruary 3 by Dr. E. D. Martin, assisted by Dr. King, for carcinoma of the
pylorus. Patient did nicely until February 6, when pneumonia, involv-
ing the entire lower lobe of the left lung, developed. Patient at once
put on forty-five-grain doses of sodium citrate every two hours, and
mustard plaster over affected lung. On the 9th the temperature began
to drop by lysis, reaching normal on the 12th. Lung cleared up promptly
and patient discharged on the 25th.
Case 3 — R. S., age 4. Dr. A. C. King saw this case on the afternoon
of the second day, May 7, 1913, and found the temperature 102.°, respira-
tion 70, pulse 160 — a case of broncho-pneumonia, with mild delirium,.
Two grains of Dover’s powder were given at night for excessive restless-
ness. Sodium citrate, fifteen grains, was given every three hours until
temperature began to fall, when the dose was reduced to ten grains..
Mustard jackets three or four times a day and alcohol rubs were em-
ployed. The temperature rose to 103.4-5° the evening of the second day,,
after which it gradually subsided to normal on the evening of the fourth
day. Patient was well on the fifth day.
Case 4 — Angelina Caredi, age 7. Dr. W. H. Weaver saw this patient
May 5, 1913. Patient had whooping-cough for three weeks and fever-
for three days before calling a physician. Pneumonia of the left lower
lobe was found. Temperature 104.6°, pulse 144, respiration 40; bloody
expectoration and labored breathing. Sodium citrate in fifteen-grain
doses was given every two hours. Temperature subsided on the second
and third days, and remained normal after the fourth day of the treat-
ment.
Case 5 — Wm. Lignon, age 10. Was taken ill June 1, 1913. Pneumonia,
developed on the 4th, involving the right lower lobe. Temperature 105°,
pulse 120, respiration 34. Sodium citrate was given in fifteen-grain doses
every two hours, the temperature falling rapidly during the night of the
7th, to normal on the 8th.
Case 6 — Mary Decorti, age 4 years. Broncho-pneumonia, January 10,
1914. Patient had severe cough for about a week, when she became
rapidly worse — drowsy and breathing rapidly. When seen she had ten>-
perature 102%°, pulse 140, respiration 66. Placed immediately on sodium
citrate, ten grains every two hours. On the third day she had entirely
recovered.
Case 7 — Mary Bivona, age 3% years. Broncho-pneumonia, February
10, 1914. Temperature 103.2-5°, pulse 120, respiration 45. Ten grains of
sodium citrate given every two hours brought temperature to normal by
evening of the second day.
Case 8 — Willie Graham, age 6. Lobar pneumonia, right lower lobe,.
Weaver — Sodium Citrate in Pneumonia.
185
Trouble began February 16, 1914, with considerable pleuritic pain over
the right lower lobe. Temperature 104° pulse 132, respiration 50. Sodium
citrate, fifteen grains, every three hours. Patient recovered on the
fourth day.
.Case 9 — J. Eyan, age 65. Pleuro-pneumonia. February 20, 1914, was
taken ill with severe pain in left side. Temperature, when seen on the
21st, was 102.2-5°, pulse 108, respiration 30. Strapping was applied. On
the 22d, still complained of the pain; cough and rusty sputum; most of
lower lobe on left side was solid. Sodium citrate in thirty-grain doses
every two hours was given, with morphin for the pain. Solidified area
extended to upper lobes. Patient did badly until March 4, when he died,
without signs of improvement. This patient had been a very hard
drinker all his life, and we could hadly expect any other result.
Case 10 — Christ Harris, age — . Lobar pneumonia, March 8, 1914.
Patient seen evening of the first day by Dr. A. C. King, having a tem-
perature of 104°, pulse 132, and respiration 48. Sodium citrate was given
in twenty-five-grain doses every two and a half hours, causing a gradual
reduction of temperature to normal on the night of the fourth day.
Case 11 — Angeline Caredi, age 8, was seen on March 14, 1914, by Dr.
King. Found the temperature 102.2-5°, pulse 136, respiration 40, with
broncho-pneumonia following measles. The left lower lobe was largely
affected with patches in the right lung. Sodium citrate was given every
two and a half hours, temperature rising to 103° on the third day and
normal on the evening of the fourth day.
Case 12 — W. Zevengue, age 6, was seen by Dr. King, June 8, 1914,
on the second day of his illness, having a temperature of 104°, pulse
136, respiration 50, and partial consolidation of the left lower lobe. He
was given seven and an eighth grains of sodium citrate every two and a
half hours, which had no effect on his condition. On the night of the
fifth day of the disease the temperature was still 104°, pulse 148, respira-
tion 60. The dose was increased to fifteen grains. The temperature,
pulse and respiration came to normal on the night of the seventh day
of the disease.
Case 13 — Lobar pneumonia. Mary Domino, age 11 years, was seen
by Dr. Weaver, February 28, 1914, having a chill, with temperature of
104°, pulse 120, respiration 36. Sodium citrate was ordered in twenty-
grain doses every two and a half hours. A few doses only were given,
with a reduction of the temperature to 102°. No medicine was given on
March 2, which was the third day of the disease, temperature rising to
104°. At the morning call it was insisted that the medicine be given
regularly night and day until complete recovery. The temperature, pulse
and respiration went to normal on the fifth day of the disease, by what
appeared to be a mild crisis.
Case 14 — Broncho-pneumonia. Eobt. Williams, age 6, was seen by
Dr. J. E. Pollock, November, 1913. Cough and fever began two days
previous to calling the doctor. Now dullness over right lower lobe.
Temperature 102°, pulse 140, respiration 50. Sodium citrate was given
every two hours in ten-grain doses. Patient was discharged as cured on
the 21st, after two days of -treatment.
Case 15 — Lobar pneumonia. Helen Smith, age 18 months, was seen
by Dr. J. E. Pollock, January 30, 1914, having a temperature of 102°,
pulse 140, respiration 60. Sodium citrate was given in fifteen-grain doses
every two hours. January 23 the temperature was normal and recovery
uneventful.
186
Original Articles.
Case 16 — Helen Harvey, age 14 months, was seen by Dr. Weaver,
April 8, 1914, having a broncho-pneumonia affecting mostly the left lower
lobe. Temperature was 104°, pulse 140, respiration 66. Sodium Citrate
was given every two and a half hours. The temperature went to 105°
on the third day and night, when the dose was every two hours. On the
fourth day the temperature came to 104°, on the fifth day to 102.8°, on
the sixth day to 99°, and on the morning of the seventh day to normal.
Case 17 — J. Wall, age 18, was seen by Dr. Weaver on April 28, 1914,
having become ill the day before, with a temperature of 104%°, pulse
120, respiration 45, complaining of much pain over, the right lower lobe.
April 28, sodium citrate in thirty-five-grain doses was given every two
hours. April 30, the temperature was 103°; May 1, 102%° ; May 2, 97 %°,
with pulse of 66.
Case 18 — Lottie Kraft, age 14, was seen by Dr. Weaver, September
26, 1916, having a temperature of 104°, pulse 120, respiration 32; having
a slight cough, but examination of the lungs was negative; pneumonia
suspected. Gave wine of ipecac, five minims; sodium citrate, fifteen
grains every three hours, and calomel purge on the 27th, when the tem-
perature was 99%° in the morning; evening temperature, 101%°. Sep-
tember 29, examination showed invasion of the left lower lobe. Sodium
citrate was increased to twenty grains every two hours. Temperature
101%° evening till October 3, when it fell to 99°, and October 5 to normal.
Case 2(1 — Salome Kappler, age 26, was seen by Dr. Weaver on October
16, 1916, having temperature of 103°, pulse 108, respiration 34, with pain
in the right side. October 27, temperature 102%°. Examination showed
crepitant rales over left lower inch of left lower lobe. Sodium citrate
was given every three hours in thirty-grain doses. October 18, complete
invasion of the. lower lobe, with rusty sputum, and evening temperature
102 %°. October 19, the fourth day, the temperature was 101%°; October
20, temperature 100.1-5°; October 20, normal. Recovery was complete
on the sixth day.
Case 20 — Madeline H. Behenna, age 3 years, as seen by Dr. Weaver,
October 17, 1916, having a temperature of 102°, pulse 110, respiration
48; cough, and rales over both lungs. Sodium citrate was given in five-
grain doses every three hours. Temperature went to 103° on the 18th,
103%° on the 19th. On October 20, sodium citrate was increased to ten
grains every two hours. On the 21st the temperature, after having been
around 103%° until afternoon, went to 102° in the evening. On the
22d the temperature was 100%°; on the 23d it was normal, and re-
mained so.
Case 21 — Miss Eleury, age 16 years, a patient of Dr. King’s, January
16, 1917, developed pneumonia of the left lower lobe, having a tempera-
ture of 99%° the first evening, 101%° the second morning, 100° the
third day, 99%° the fourth, and normal the fifth, under twenty-grain
doses of sodium citrate.
Case 22 — Charlene Martin, age 5 years. September 13, 1917, broncho-
pneumonia, with temperature of 103%° the second morning, 103° the
third morning, and 103%° the fourth morning, when thirty grains of
sodium citrate were begun every two hours. Respiration 48, pulse 136.
The fifth day the temperature came to 101%°; the sixth, 100%° in the
morning, and 99° in the evening; normal on the seventh day.
Case 23 — Sidonia Irvine, age 33, weight 215 pounds, seen November
21, 1917. Had been ill, with high temperature, three days before the
treatment was instituted. Temperature 103.1-5°, pulse 132, respiration
Weaver — Sodium Citrate in Pneumonia.
187
45. Pneumonia of the right middle and lower lobes, derilium, labored
breathing, cough, with rusty sputum. Sodium citrate in thirty-grain
doses was continued night and day. Temperature fell quite rapidly
from 103.1-5° to 99° in about thirty-six hours, and to normal in another
thirty-six hours.
Case 24 — Marjorie Huber, age 15. Pneumonia of the left lower lobe,
with pleuritic effusion. This patient has had a severe case of mitral dis-
ease, with large hypertrophy and dilatation, following an acute attack
of rheumatism when about seven years of age. Her condition was so dis-
tressing that it was deemed absolutely necessary to take her to the hos-
pital in order to give her a chance for her life. Accordingly, on the
fifth day of her illness, she was sent to Hotel Dieu. About twelve ounces
of the pleuritic effusion were removed, after which her respiration was
easier, at about 30, and pulse 120. Deep-seated pneumonia had been
suspected for the two previous days, and was now fully developed.
Treatment included mustard jackets, strychnin sulphate, 1-50 grain
every six hours, and sodium citrate, twenty grains every three hours.
The temperature varied between 104° and 100° until the tenth day, when
forty grains were given every two and a half hours, after which it
averaged lower until the thirteenth day, when it came to normal, and
remained there. In addition to the above, fifteen drops of tincture of
digitalis were given at night. She remained in the hospital for nineteen
days. The first four days of her treatment she received twenty grains
of citrate every three hours, and made no improvement, until the dose
was doubled and given every two and a half hours. In four days the
temperature was normal. Our judgment in this case was that the pneu-
monia would be fatal, and no hope was had until after the citrate was
increased to forty-grain doses, when she made a rapid and uneventful
recovery.
Case 25 — Florence Leblanc, age 2 years, was ill four days when first
seen, February 1, 1918. Her temperature was 103.3-5°, pulse 140, respira-
tion 60, and extremely labored and jerking; drowsy, and apparently in a
very desperate condition. Fifteen-grain doses of sodium citrate were
ordered every two hours, night and day. On the third day the tempera-
ture had come to normal and cough not troublesome, but continued, with
evening temperature for four days longer before recovery was complete.
Case 26 — Baby Ruiz, age 19 months, a near neighbor of Case 25, was
in exactly the same condition, except that the temperature ran higher
by one degree. Fifteen grains of the drug were given every two hours,
with precisely the same effect as in Case 25, except that complete recovery
occurred sooner.
Case 27 — Reported by Dr. E. L. King. C. Dunecelli, boy, 8 years of
age. When called, found consolidation of the left lower lobe, temperature
ranging about 104°. Sodium citrate, five grains every two hours, in-
duced rapid recovery, with normal temperature, by the fourth day.
Together with the ten cases previously reported, we have thirty-
six cases of rapid recoveries from a disease which we have all
known as serious and fatal in at least 80 per cent of the cases.
In the cases of terminal pneumonia of the aged, we do not expect
recovery; however, a pronounced improvement in the condition of
the patient may be seen.
188
Original Articles.
In broncho-pneumonia the dosage must be larger than in the
lobar type, owing to the difference in the character of the disease,
the whole bronchial system being involved in the violent inflam-
matory action, as compared with the localized blocking of a portion
of one lung. While some of the cases of broncho-pneumonia will
recover quickly on a medium dose, others will require the dose to be
greatly increased, when the recovery will be quite as rapid. Re-
covery is largely a question of dosage.
A number — the usual percentage of these thirty-seven cases — by
all the rules of prognosis should have been fatal. The morbidity
in all of them was greatly reduced. This influence over the mor-
bidity of the cases treated with sodium citrate is alone sufficient
reason for its use, while the mortality rate must be demonstrated
in systematic hospital practice.
Discussion on the Paper of Dr. Weaver.
Dr. John M. Barrier, Delhi: I would like to say a few words on this
subject. I do not rise to approve or disapprove of this paper, but I just
want to say a few things.
Doubtless some of you are familiar with the Bible story of David
when he went out to meet the giant Goliath. Many of his friends sug-
gested to him that he put on an armour, a new or the latest improved
instrument of warfare, but David said, “I am going to take the instru-
ment that I am most familiar with, and that is my old sling-shot. ’ ’
(Laughter.)
The point I wish to draw from that is this: As you are all aware,
in studying the history of pneumonia from the time that the Father of
our Country fell a victim of this disease to the present time, the mor-
tality statistics have varied but little. Next year somebody will come
here and read a paper advocating other medical treatment of diseases,
and he may be able to produce as long an array of successful cases as
the gentleman has done who has just read this paper. I do not wish to
discredit his paper. I am glad that it has been read, for it gives us one
more medicine to prescribe in pneumonia. (Laughter.) And the suggestion
that I offer to you is that when you have failed in the remedies that you
have been acceustomed to, then use sodium citrate. I remember reading
about this many years ago. I said to myself, “I am going to let well
enough alone; I am going to stick to what I know and to what I am
accustomed to,” so that I have had other sling-shots that I have stuck
to, and you all know, particularly those of you who have greater reputa-
tions as internists than I have, that if there is any disease on earth that
is more fatal than pneumonia I do not know what it is, and more patients
have been killed by overmedication in pneumonia than in any other
disease. From the time of the death of the Father of our Country until
this time the treatment of pneumonia has varied from bleeding to the
use of expectorants and all nauseating medication that any human being
has ever devised, and yet, after all, gentlemen, it is purely a matter of
ventilatioA, sanitation and good common-sense, and it does not make much
difference whether you use any drugs or not.
Discussion .
189
Dr. A. C. King, New Orleans: I do not think any subject so im-
portant as pneumonia ought to go by without a free discussion. There
are three diseases that always appeal to the practitioner, one of which
is typhoid fever, the other is appendicitis, and the other is pneumonia,
and you can always create a discussion if you get the crowd started right,
I always feel, when it comes to the treatment of pneumonia, as an old
friend of mine, who told me on one occasion that he. had no trouble in
making a diagnosis, but that he did have lots of trouble to find a medi-
cine to fit the case. Most any one can make the diagnosis of pneumonia,
but the great trouble is to find a medicine to fit the disease. Serum has
not proved, so far, efficacious in diphtheria, scarlatina and some other
diseases, so we will pass that by. I have noticed Eosenow has utilized
pneumotoxin wifh pretty fair results. He has reported a few hundred
cases in a recent issue of the Journal of the American Medical Associa-
tion. That treatment is still in its infancy, but the article is entertaining.
In regard to the particular treatment Dr. Weaver has been using, I
am perfectly free to admit that in the beginning I was skeptical, because
I was in exactly the same predicament that Dr. Barrier is now — I do not
see any sense in giving medicine to cases of pneumonia, particularly in
cases of old people and alcoh’olics. We know the terrific mortality in
cases of that type. Children will get well of pneumonia by themselves
if you let them alone long enough and do not overmedicate them. Since
I have been using this sodium citrate I have been much gratified with
the result. You may say a child with pneumonia will recover anyhow.
I will admit that, but the point is this: if you are able to shorten the
time of illness in these little folks you shorten a great deal the trouble
on the part of the parents and you have benefited the children. Now, if
it is possible to bring about early resolution, as this particular medicine
will do, and I can testify to it, you have shortened the time of sickness,
and you have done that child a favor. You have doubtless noticed that
in the reports of some of these cases resolution occurred on the third,
fourth or fifth day.
The first case I saw of this type was a boy, fourteen years of age,
with lobar pneumonia, and that boy was well on the fourth day. I have
never seen that occur before. I am willing to confess that I was amazed
at the rapidity of recovery. The secret is simply in the dosage and re-
membering that all it does is to lessen the viscosity of the blood. If
anything will do that it will help, and that is the secret of the early
convalescence.
One case Dr. Weaver did not finish reporting in detail was a case of
double pneumonia with a bad heart and fluid in one pleural cavity. I
know the fluid was there, because I aspirated about a pint of it. It was
perfectly wonderful that this child recovered at all. I have never seen
a case like that before or since. The child was in a critical condition
from the first day we saw her, on account of the heart lesion. Both
lungs are clear to-day and she is well, and I cannot explain it. We gave
the child tremendous doses of sodium citrate, large doses of digitalis and
good nursing.
I do not like to be skeptical of any particular medicine, but since I
have been using sodium citrate I am satisfied that there is nothing in a
medical line that is better. I have tried serum faithfully, but my results
have not been satisfactory. I believe, however, if we could possibly
combine outdoor methods of treatment with any medicine our results
would be better. I am satisfied of that. The great trouble is that we
190
Original Articles.
have not been able to induce our people to listen to us, as far as pneu-
monia is concerned, or any acute lung condition, like we have in con-
verting them to the idea of being operated on early for appendicitis.
People have been educated to undergo early operation for appendicitis.
In the treatment of typhoid fever we are now using serum, better nurs-
ing and are using better food. You all know that in appendicitis we
operate early in the acute cases, and operate between attacks in the
chronic eases, and most of them get well. The time was when the mor-
tality from appendicitis cases and typhoid fever was terrific. It is much
better now, and I believe the time is coming when the mortality in cases
of pneumonia will be materially improved by the use of sodium citrate,
or possibly with the use of some serum that we are not as yet acquainted
with.
Dr. E. L. Jones, Eayville: This is a timely subject. Considering the
fact that during the past winter the general practitioner has had prob-
ably fewer cases of pneumonia and fewer complications than he has had
in a number of years, I am glad to hear this subject discussed.
As my friend and co-worker, Dr. Barrier, has expressed it, there are a
number of cases of pneumonia, and especially in children, that on the
sodium citrate treatment or no treatment will terminate in crisis in a
few days. But there are other cases, possibly due to a lowered condition
of vitality, to a more virulent infection or to some other cause, in which
it is purely a question of the conservation of the vital forces, and the
sodium treatment in this class of cases, in my experience, will give you
beautiful results in some instances. I have been using it for two years,
but those cases that have a more virulent infection or very lowered
vitality require something more than sodium citrate. It requires sustain-
ing the vital forces.
I was glad to hear digitalis mentioned. If there is any one drug for
which I have a most profound respect in pneumonia it is digitalis. In
those long-drawn-out pernicious cases, especially if the infection is pro-
found, alcohol in some form is beneficial. I prefer for my patients good
whiskey, and if the temperature is high I give them digitalis and whiskey
combined. I give them the open air, judicious feeding and careful nurs-
ing, together with carbonate of creosote, which will pull a patient through
a protracted, tedious pneumonia, and you will avoid, in a number of in-
stances, pus in the pleural cavity which you would otherwise have.
Dr. Charles L. Eshleman, New Orleans: I am very glad to have heard
Dr. Weaver’s paper on this subject. I have not tried the sodium citrate
treatment. It has not been my sling-shot. I have no sling-shot for pneu-
monia. I approach a pneumonia case with the firm, fixed opinion that I
am dealing with an acute, specific infectious disease, with the absence
or presence of organisms circulating in the blood, and that something is
going to happen in the next twenty-four hours or in the next three weeks
that is going to neutralize these poisons, and I am depending upon that
as to whether the patient is going to get well or die.
I am perfectly confident that I have seen cases of pneumonia get well
in twenty-four hours by the neutralization of these poisons. How they
are neutralized, I do not pretend to say. On the neutralization of these
poisons depends the cure of pneumonia or death from it within twenty-
four hours or two or three weeks. If sodium citrate in some way will
assist the body, or it is going to help to neutralize these poisons that are
causing the disease, it will give us good results.
I feel that in the next few years, through the work of Rufus I. Cole,
Holbrook — 8hell-Sliock.
191
of the Rockefeller Institute, we will be furnished with a serum or an
antitoxin which will neutralize the poisons in pneumonia. He has already
isolated four different strains of pneumococci, and in strain No. 1 he has
already been able to make a serum which so far has given the best
results in the treatment of this disease, provided, of course, we are deal-
ing with strain No. 1 in the particular case under treatment. If serum
No. 1 is given to cases in which we have strain No. 3 or No. 4 as the
infecting organism, we are not going to get results. So, I am looking
forward to a valuable sling-shot from Dr. Rufus I. Cole in the treatment
of pneumonia through serum, and I believe it is going to be the fact
that all other infectious diseases will be cured by sera, and not by
chemical or pharmaceutical products.
Dr. W. H. Weaver, New Orleans (closing): I do not know that I can
add very much to what has been said. A question has been asked as to
the mode of administration. We begin with a dosage of forty to forty-
five grains every two or three hours. That can be combined with any
vehicle you wish. If you want to give digitalis with it you can do so,
or you can give it separately. There is no particular vehicle required
for sodium citrate. Water is sufficient.
We know that the great majority of cases of children with pneumonia
recover from the disease. I will admit that, but I had never been able,
before I began the use of sodium citrate, to cure cases of pneumonia in
children with as little trouble and with as little sickness and with as
litttle worry to the parents and myself as I have been since I have been
using it. The very fact that we can reduce the morbidity in the length
of time the child is sick — or adult, either — convinces us that we are
doing good. We know that sodium citrate increases the fluidity of the
blood, makes it easier for it to be pumped through the solid portion of
the lung, and it increases the antitoxic power. That was shown by
Metchnikoff and others, and also its phagocytic power is increased. If
you increase the acidity of the blood you check the antitoxic power and
phagorytic action. This is plainly shown in the scientific investigations
that have been made. If now we do increase the fluidity of the blood,
so that normal antitoxins are developed in the blood in the course of a
few hours or a few days, if we increase the circulation of that highly
antitoxic blood through the lung, we hasten recovery. If now we inject
antitoxin into the blood, at the same time giving sodium citrate, we can
get favorable results. I believe it was that class of cases Dr. Rosenow
failed to cure, but he has reduced the mortality in about one-half the
cases he has been treating. If he adds sodium citrate to the treatment
he is using, he. will force the antitoxin into the lung and get better
results.
SHELL-SHOCK— PSYCHONEUROSIS OF WAR.*
By C. S. HOLBROOK, M. D., Jackson, La.
In the summer of 1914 the inertia and the peace of the world
were disturbed by a tremendous paroxysm, and forces were gener-
ated which will exert an influence on the human race for all times.
* Read at the 39th Annual Meeting, Louisiana State Medical Society, New Orleans,
April 16, 17, 18, lt-18.
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Treaties have been considered worthless, national boundaries have
been disregarded, wanton murder has been committed on land and
sea, and, as a result, three-fourths of the human race is engaged in
waging the most cruel and most nerve-straining war that the world
has ever known.
In wars of remote, and even of recent times, the medical adviser
and medical information have been given but scant consideration,
and as a consequence disease caused far more casualties than did
the missiles of war. The Spanish- American war is a sad but force-
ful reminder of the havoc disease has wrought in military projects.
The medical division of the army organization to-day is- larger in
personnel and equipment, and is given a more important place in
all military plans than ever before. As a result, the ratio of casual-
ties from disease and from wounds has been reversed.
The war in Europe has brought to light several new diseases, and
many old but rare maladies have appeared in such number and in
settings so new and strange that they, too, without much analysis
are often considered as quite new.
Hygiene and preventive medicine have largely controlled typhoid
and other camp scourges. Surgery has seen many advancements,
new principles and methods have been born, while antiseptic sur-
gery and other methods long ago relegated to the discard have again
become very important. In the realm of general medicine we see
such new diseases as trench fever, trench nephritis and trench
jaundice. In the province mf nervous and mental diseases there
has been as great or greater progress than in any other field. During
the last three years a mass of literature pertaining to mental and
functional nervous disturbances resulting from war-strain has ac-
cumulated, and from this information the following article has
been abstracted.
This is the first war in which neurologists and psychiatrists have
been called upon to play a major part. In the past the soldiers
suffering from mental and nervous disturbances have been treated
by the military surgeons in general or surgical hospitals; later, the
chronic cases were sent to hospitals or asylums for the chronic in-
sane. There is this notable exception: In the Russo-Japanese
war mental diseases were separately cared for by specialists from
the firing line back to the mother country. At present the neuro-
psychiatrists see patients in and shortly behind the trenches, and
cases requiring their attention are sent to special hospitals, where
Holbrook — Shell-Shock.
193
a very large percentage is cured and some even sent back to the
firing line.
“Shell-shock” is a term that has been given to a variety of mental
and functional nervous disorders and does not lend itself to scientific
analysis, but, in the jargon of the trench and hospital, it is used to
designate the functional nervous disorders resulting from the strain
of war. The term is a blanket diagnosis, and all degrees of dis-
turbance, from very mild hysteria to such psychoses as general
paralysis, are often placed in the same category.
“Shell-shock” is not a new disease, but is a psychoneurosis, which
has its counterpart in civil life in such conditions as hysteria,
neurasthenia and psychasthenia. The functional neuroses and
hysterical disorders following terrible accidents are similar to the
psychoneurosis of war, the disturbances now called “shell-shock.”
The real importance of the medico-military problem cannot well
be overestimated, since these disorders are responsible for not less
than one-seventh of all discharges for disabilities from the British
Army, or one-third of all discharges if discharges for wounds are
excluded. Ten per cent of disabled soldiers who are sent to Canada
suffer from mental and nervous disorders; the majority are “shell-
shock” cases.
A few typical histories will be of interest at this point and will
illustrate the characteristics of these disorders.
The following cases are given by Lieut.-Col. Mott :
Case No. 1. A captain, aged 20, was admitted in a state of restless
motor delirium; he moved continually in bed, sat up, passing his hand
across the forehead as if he were witnessing some horrible sight, and
muttering to himself, yet, when interrogated, he answered quite ration-
ally. This motor delirium was associated with the continuous effects on
the conscious and subconscious mind of the terrible experiences he had
gone through. His whole company had been destroyed, and while talk-
ing to a brother officer the latter had half his head blown off by a piece
of shell. The patient improved very much, but a relapse occurred after
a night disturbed by terrifying dreams. He recovered sufficiently within
a week to go out.
Case No. 2. A man was sent down from the clearing station, February
10, 1916; he had been blown up and buried; he was blind, deaf and mute.
He was sent from France to England, February 29. When first seen (by
Lieut.-Col. Mott) he was lying in bed on his side, with his legs curled
up. He took no notice of any sound, however loud; he did not speak;
and he could not see. This was the condition noted while he was in
hospital in France. Pupils reacted to light, nor did he reflexly close the
eyes when a blow was suddenly aimed at the face. The slightest touch,
however, aroused an immediate defensive movement or withdrawal of
the part (showing a general hyperesthesia). He responded to the calls
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of nature and did not wet the bed. The next day, while suffering from
the pain of an enema, he somewhat suddenly regained his sight. He
looked around in a bewildered manner, then burst into tears. The next
day he was able to write. His powers of recognition were good, but he
had a complete gap in his memory of the whole time he was in France.
Col. Wolfson relates the following ease, among others, to show
the neuro-psychopathic element :
Case No. 3. A corporal, aged 24, suffering from shell-shock, had been
in active service two months when he was blown into the air by the
detonation of a high-explosive shell. He was unconscious for ten hours,
after which time he was dazed and suffered from marked tremors of the
limbs, stuttering, frightful dreams and insomnia. His father was a
psychasthenic and drunkard; his mother was alcoholic and finally com-
mitted suicide in a fit of depression; one brother had a “mental col-
lapse ”; another had “fits. ” One sister is a psychasthenic now, and two
other sisters are nervous. One maternal cousin is an imbecile. The
patient himself drinks to excess.
Capt. Elder reports the following case:
A soldier with one and one-half years’ service felt great pain in the
back and in the right leg two days after the great storms in Gallipolli,
where he was in the trenches and up to his chest in water. The pain in
his back improved, but the knee grew worse; it was flexed, stiff, every
movement being attended by great pain. Skiagraph showed normal
joint. He was brought into deep hypnosis when, under suggestion, he
readily moved his knee in all directions. He walked the afternoon of
the same day he was first hypnotized. The next day he was so restored
that he danced. No further treatment was necessary.
H. C. Thomas gives the case of a man suffering from shell-shock
who could read and write quite well, had no defect of speech, bnt
had lost all his previous experience, and when taken to a zoo he
attempted to stroke a lion and was ingeniously surprised to find
that an elephant was larger than a cat.
Lieut.-Col. Meyers reports the following case:
A stretcher-bearer, eighteen months ’ service, was seen day after
admission to hospital. Four days before admission he was “blown up”
three times by “aero-torpedo trench mortars” while attending to the
wounded in the trenches during an enemy attack. He said one had
blown him “into the air,” that another had blown him “into a dug-
out,” and that the third had “knocked” him down, but, nevertheless,
he continued his work of carrying away the wounded. Two or three
hours later, after he had finished, he was resting in a dug-out, when
“everything seemed to go black” (probably he had a hysterical fit)
and he became shaky, and remained so ever since. He appeared an
honest and courageous lad, but was in a very nervous condition, making
Holbrook — Shell-Shock.
195
irregular, spasmodic movements of head, arms and legs. There were
well-marked coarse tremors and incoordination. The lightest touch of
cotton-wool on the limbs and head provoked very lively movements-;
obviously he dreaded the next touch. A pin-prick started a series of most
violent spasms, almost amounting to a convulsion. He also had visual
hallucinations of bursting shells. Patient recovered in two months and
returned to duty.
Mott points out that there are three effects of high explosives
upon the central nervons system :
First. Immediately fatal , either from wonnds caused by shell,
rocks, etc., or the person may be buried by the explosion in a mine.
Sometimes instant death has occurred in groups of men from the
effects of shell-fire, yet no visible injury has been found to cause it.
Second. Non-fatal wounds and injuries of the body , including
the central nervous system. (A large number of these cases do not
show “sh ell-shock.”)
Third. Injuries to the central nervous system without visible
injury. This may happen through direct serial compression or by
throwing the soldier into the air or against the side of the trench,
or by blowing a wall or a roof down on him, causing concussion.
Also, he might be buried and partly asphyxiated or suffer from de-
oxygenation of the blood through carbon monoxide poisoning. High
explosives contain great quantities of this and other poisonous
gases.
The detonation of a high-explosive shell creates an serial com-
pression equal to about ten tons to the square yard, and Lord
Sydenham concludes that the forces generated are sufficient to cause
instantaneous death by shock to the vital centers of the floor of the
fourth ventricle. Another theory of instantaneous death is that
the decompression that quickly follows the tremendous serial com-
pression accompanying the detonation of a high-explosive shell is
sufficient to cause bubbles of nitrogen and carbon dioxide to be
liberated from the blood-stream and that these bubbles act as fatal
emboli in the brain.
Considerable research has been done by Lieut. -Col. Mott to show
the relation of carbon monoxide poisoning to certain cases of shell-
shock. He says :
‘‘Many of the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to
those which I have observed in shell-shock with burial. It must not be
supposed that, in poisoning by illuminating gas or carbon monoxide
poisoning, recovery is always complete, nor that the mental symptoms
are always only of a transient nature. It often takes months for the
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effects of the poisonous action of carbon monoxide on the heart and
hervous tissue to wear off, and in certain cases the damage is per-
manent. ’ ’
Mott has examined several brains from fatal cases of shell-shock
hnd found them to correspond to the gross and micro-pathology of
carbon monoxide poisoning, the principal lesions being punctate
hemorrhages throughout the white matter of the brain. The fatal
cases are very rare, so very little work as yet has been done along
this line.
The present mode of warfare is quite different from what man
has been accustomed to. The waging of war is not the chief occupa-
tion of man, but he has found it necessary to cross swords, to come
to blows, in order to protect his rights. In the martial encounters
of the past the opposing soldiers could at least work off their pent-
up emotions in active service or in actual combat, hut now trench
warfare makes this quite the exception. Trench warfare subjects
soldiers to such nerve-straining conditions as incessant bombard-
inent, fear of death, the dread of fear, fear of being blown up or
buried by a mine, horror, anguish, hunger, thirst and forced in-
activity. Mott expresses it in this way :
1 1 It must be obvious that, through all the sensory avenues, exciting
and terrifying impressions are continuously streaming to the perceptual
Centers in the brain, arousing the primitive emotions and passions, and
their instinctive reactions. The whole nervous system, excited and
dominated by feelings of anger, disgust, and especially fear, is in a con-
dition of continuous tension; sleep, the sweet, unconscious quiet of mind,
is impossible or unrefreshing, because broken or disturbed by terrifying
dreams. Living in trenches or dug-outs, exposed to wet, cold and often
(owing to shelling of the communicating trenches) to hunger and thirst,
dazed or almost stunned by the increasing din of the guns, disgusted by
fould stenches, by the rats and insects; tortures of flies, fleas, bugs and
lice, the minor horrors of war, when combined with frequent grim and
gruesome spectacles of comrades suddenly struck down, mangled, wounded
or dead, the memories of which are constantly recurring and exciting a
dread of impending death or of being blown up by a mine and buried
alive, together constitute experiences so depressing to the vital resistance
6f the nervous system that a time must come when even the strongest
man will succumb, and a shell bursting near may produce a sudden loss
of consciousness, not by concussion or commotion, but as acting as ‘the
last straw’ in an utterly exhausted nervous system, worn out by the
stress of trench warfare and the want of sleep.”
Most investigators have come to the conclusion that such pre-
disposing factors as psychopathic and neuropathic constitutions are
Of more importance in causation of functional neurosis of war than
is the final exciting cause.
Holbrook — Shell-Shock.
197
Lieut.-Col. Mott refers to the characteristic make-up of nearly
all of these cases of shell-shock. He writes :
A large majority of shell-shock cases occur in persons with a nervous
temperament or persons who were the victims of an acquired or in-
herited neuropathy; also, a neuropotentially sound soldier in this trench
warfare may, from stress of prolonged active service, acquire a neuro-
thenic condition. If in a soldier there is an inborn timidity or neuro-
pathic disposition, or an inborn germinal or acquired neuropathic or
psychopathic taint, causing a locus minoris resistanciae, it necessarily
follows that he will be less able to withstand the terrifying effects of
shell-fire and the stress of trench warfare. ”
Capt. Wolfson, from a study of one hundred cases of war psycho-
neurosis and one hundred cases of somatic injuries produced on
the firing line, comes to these conclusions :
1 1 Cases of neurosis are very rarely associated with external or somatic
wounds. The vast majority of the psychoneurotic eases studied were
among soldiers who had a neuropathic or a psychopathic soil. In 74 per
cent of these cases a family history of neurotic or psychotic stigmata,
including insanity, epilepsy, alcoholism and nervousness, was obtained,
while a previous neuropathic constitution in the patient himself was
present in 72 per cent. 7 ’
Landenheimer says that out of fifty -two cases of psychoneurosis
there were in 90 per cent a predisposition, either by congenital con-
stitution or by disease acquired before the war. Forsyth has found
in all cases coming under his notice with symptoms which were
more than mild and transitory a history of some earlier nervous
troubles, slight or severe, was forthcoming. Capt. Eder did not
find such a high percentage of neuro-psychopathic constitutions in
the case of war-shock. In speaking of the British Army he says :
1 ‘ In most cases the neurosis has arisen under the strain of quite extra-
ordinary conditions. I would remind you that our army is not composed
of fighting men, in the technical sense. The men come from the mill,
the farm, the counting-houses, the country house; every trade is repre-
sented and every class. Thus, men brought up to a quiet avocation are
suddenly, with scant training, called upon to make a new adaptation. In
the stress and strain of their normal lives they would probably have
been equal to any emergency. But for some — among the very best — the
new conditions called out to them to strain themselves to the utmost, and
that was just a little too much.”
E. F. Buzzard has made the following division of the psycho-
neurosis of war, which is quite clear :
First. Pure exhaustive cases. These are men starting with an
average allowance of resistance power, after a more or less pro-
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longed exposure to the strain of warfare, become restless, irritable,
depressed, sleepless and lacking in attention and concentration.
Finally some crisis occurs and the patient’s resistance entirely goes.
Second. Patients who have inherited neuropathic and psycho-
pathic tendencies and in whom the process of exhaustion have ex-
cited these dormant tendencies into activity. This class constitutes
a large part of the whole.
Third. Martial misfits. These men have been compelled to join
the army by public opinion ; they have posed as normal individuals,
but they are quite aware they cannot stand the strain of warfare.
Also we must recognize the individuals who suffer from concus-
sion as the immediate result of a too close intimacy with a shell
explosion and who react in the same way as patients do to a severe
blow on the head — i. e., unconsciousness, easily tired, irritable, over-
reactive to auditory and visual stimulations, lacking in confidence
and concentration, and often depressed.
The effects of shell-shock vary so very much in severity and the
functional disorders are so numerous that in a short paper these
effects or symptoms can be little more than touched upon.
Consciousness may be affected in all degrees, from a slight tem-
porary disturbance to complete unconsciousness, with stertorous
breathing continuing until death. Some cases exhibit fugue or
rautomatic wandering of the epileptic. Numerous records are to be
found of soldiers wandering in an unconscious state many miles
'.behind the lines.
Memory is partially or completely lost in many cases. The
amnesia may include all former experiences or only certain un-
pleasant events.
Speech defects are seen in a fair proportion of cases and vary
from stammering to mutism. Aphasia is somewhat more frequent
than mutism.
Hearing is very often completely lost, at least for a time, and
deafness is frequently associated with speech abnormalities.
Many different affections of vision are seen, from slight smoky
vision to complete blindness. The visual field is restricted in some
cases.
Hyperesthesia and anesthesia are frequently met with. They are
always regional in distribution and not anatomical.
Tremors are common, and constitute a serious disability. Various
tics and rhythmic spasmodic movements are sometimes present.
Holbrook — Shell-Shock.
199
Functional paralyses are not at all uncommon ; monoplegia, hemi-
plegia and paraplegia occur in nearly equal ratio. The gait is
affected in many different ways.
Phobias and obsessions are of the most varied kind, but com-
paratively rare.
The soldier s heart, or cardiac neurosis, is a condition that worries
every medical man in the army, but is not a new disease or peculiar
to war. It is very closely related to nervous strain, if not entirely
due to this condition.
The intestinal and respiratory systems supply their quota of
functional nervous disorders. In fact, every function is subject to
derangement, and many symptoms appear in the same patient.
Dreams are very frequently seen; these are a source of emotivity
and may even lead to the establishment of a frank neurosis. They
present to the mind the horror of events connected with the war.
About the psychology of the functional neurosis, much that is
absorbingly interesting might be said, but would consume too much
space at this time; my allotted time is drawing to a close. Forsyth
described the mechanism in these words :
11 At the time of trauma, whether it is concentrated in a few moments
or spread over days and weeks, the situation to be met derives its
psychical importance from the fact that it involves the risk of death.
Against this, the instinct of self-preservation rebels, employing as its
weapon the powerful emotion of fear. And this, it is not superfluous to
recall, is a natural emotion and, therefore, ineradicable; its function,
like that of its physical counterpart, pain, is protective, dictating an
immediate flight from the danger arousing it. In the face, therefore, of
the prospect of sudden death, fear strains all its powers to enforce an
escape, and it is to be coerced only by a still more powerful effort of
the will.”
In a well and normal individual, this situation does not give rise
to anything greater than the realization of a situation which is
very dangerous, but in a soldier who is potentially neurotic, the
unconscious mind, whipped by fear, adapts stronger measures and
the patient may become blind, deaf, or develop some paralysis, thus
allowing him, with all propriety and self-respect, to withdraw from
a situation which had become intolerable.
Treatment.
At the beginning of the war the psycho-neurotic cases were all
sent from the trench to the base hospitals, and then to England.
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Recently this plan has been much altered, and these unfortunate
men are treated comparatively close to the firing line. Special
hospitals have been organized in the zone of activity and psychiatric
wards have been added to the large general hospitals. The trend
of treatment is to give rather intensified therapy near the front and
to send to England only those cases that will not recover in a few
weeks or a few months.
Adrian and Yealland say : “Indeed, the most important part of
the treatment of a functional case consist in making up one’s mind
that the case is functional.”
Psycho-analysis has a place in the treatment of shell-shock cases,
but, owing to the time required and the considerable experience
required on the part of the physician, this method of treatment can
be used only in a few cases. The results are excellent.
Hypnotism had many advocates during the first years of the war
and the results were good, but recently this practice has lost much
of its popularity.
There are three principles involved in nearly all methods : First,
suggestion; second, reeducation; third, discipline.
“The aim- of suggestion (Adrian and Yealland) is to make the
patient believe he will be cured, and to lead him on from this to
the belief that he is cured. Reeducation brings the desired function
back to the normal by directing it unitl the bad habit is lost, and
disciplinary treatment breaks down the unconscious resistance of
the patient to the idea of recovery.” The same authors state:
11 Whatever form of treatment is employed, the patient must be con-
vinced that the physician understands his case and is able to cure him.
This idea should be fostered from the moment the patient enters the
ward. The case is investigated as briefly as possible, and each physical
sign is accepted as perfectly normal in the circumstances and not in any
way interesting or obscure. The best attitude to adopt is one of mild
boredom bred of perfect familiarity with the patient’s disorder, and if
the case has to be exhibted to any one else it is shown, not as anything
unusual, but as a perfect sample of the type of case that is cured in five
minutes by appropriate treatment.”
The results of treatment have been quite variable. Percentages
of cures have ranged from 26 to 98 percent.* With appropriate
treatment, given shortly after the neurosis develops, over 90 per
cent should recover. Few of these patients should be sent to the
firing line, where they will most surely have a recurrence, but should
be discharged or assigned to home duty.
Discussion.
201
Discussion on the Paper of Dr. Holbrook.
Dr. L. Cazenavette, New Orleans: The subject discussed by Dr. Hol-
brook is one of great interest. He has told us that one-seventh of the
-discharges in the British Army of men coming from the front were due
to nervous causes, and naturally men who are at the head of the Amer-
ican Army were not long to realize the great necessity of selecting men
to send to the front. By this I mean that the men, before they are sent
to the front, have gone through various systematic examinations, neuro-
logically and mentally, to be sure that these men are fit for the immense
strain that they are to meet on the firing line. The draft men, as they
are examined, go through the local boards, and from there to the ad-
visory boards, and are sent to the various cantonments, and there they
are gone over by men particularly trained in neurological and mental
lines, and if for some reason the men are not found to be particularly
:fit for that severe strain they are not supposed to be sent to the front.
In other words, the thought to be conveyed on this subject is a serious
(One. The essayist has told us of the seriousness of the symptoms, and
our officers are doing all in their power to prevent such a catastrophe in
•our own men at the front.
Dr. Carroll W. Allen, New Orleans: I have been requested by Dr.
Holbrook to make a few remarks on his paper. The introduction of high
'explosives into modern warfare has opened up an entirely new field in
military medicine. Volumes have been written on the subject, and there
.are a great many points that are not clear, and they will not be until
■the close of the war, for a thorough analysis of medical data cannot be
made until it has been accumulated and carefully gone through, and then
*only can a satisfactory explanation be offered.
In thinking over this matter I have come to some conclusions that I
hope will not be uninteresting to you. Shells weighing from a few pounds
to a ton are filled with the highest explosives known to science. Shell
•concussion is a better name than shell-shock, and I believe ultimately
will be the name and term used in these cases, because it is concussion
that the patients are suffering from more than shock. Concussion better
•explains it. The results of the injury are anywhere from instant death
:to those immediately in the neighborhood of the explosion to various
•disturbances where you are just outside of the vital range, depending
upon the size of the explosive and the distance away. The results may
Le nothing but a jolting of the nervous system, a little upset of the
-equilibrium, which may last only a few minutes or a few hours. Again,
the result may be one of unconsciousness and may last for several days,
from which the patient has headache, vertigo, amnesia, deficiency of
speech, mutism, stammering, disturbance of vision, concentric narrowing
of vision, double vision, disturbance of hearing, from total to partial
•deafness; motor disturbances, hemiplegia, paraplegia, etc. There may
be sensory disturbances of a great variety, such as muscular tremors,
twitchings, disturbances of the reflexes, analgesia and hyperesthesia, and
paresthesia, loss of thermic sense, and along with these symptoms there
is quite a variety of psychical disturbances.
Now, I come to my theory or explanation of it, and we are all entitled
to an opinion, and if we reason along logical lines we are very likely to
• arrive at a satisfactory working hypothesis or satisfactory working ex-
planation to explain this opinion.
When we consider the array of symptoms we realize that practically
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the entire nervous system has been involved in some cases or in others.
Let us consider* what takes place in a violent explosion. If anybody has
been near one and has not been so unstrung or disturbed, he has not
been able to have a fair idea of his impression. There is at first a
tremendous rush of air, followed in a few moments by a recoil and a
rush towards the center of explosion. This tremendous displacement of
air acts as a shock. If it strikes with sufficient force, the shock may
envelop the whole body in some instances. You receive a sudden blow
on the side of the head, or there may be an instant between the time
of the blow you feel on one side, and the other not beginning for some
days. This may be explained as to whether the patient’s right side was
towards the force, or the left side, or front of the head, or the back.
The recoil that takes place is equivalent to a sudden vacuum. We have
a combination of severe concussion of the brain plus the same condition
that takes place in caisson disease, where one is in rarified atmosphere,
producing aeration of nitrogen bubbles into the blood. Comparing that
with the cases we see suffering from concussion, we find them with all
sorts of neuroses afterwards. Many of them, since these patients are
suffering from shell concussion, have absolutely no recollection of what
took place. I have had two cases in the Charity Hospital, one of them
a boy, who, in crossing a track in front of a car, threw up his hands.
The car knocked him down. He was taken to the hospital; he did not
know anything of the accident, but the car hit him. Everything was
a blank. Half an hour before that he left his place of business on an
errand and he did not know what happened. Those who saw him say
that he hallooed, trying to get off the track, but was knocked down.
If you make inquiry in cases of concussion of the brain and brain
injury you often find they do not know anything of what happened to
them. You take a man in the heat of battle, under great excitement,
probably fear, and let such a severe concussion knock him out for sev-
eral days, what is likely to be the state of the nervous system after-
wards? In that highly excited state he is in a favorable condition for
the development of all sorts of psychoses if grafted on a neurotic base.
There are many other explanations I could give you, but that puts an
idea into your heads. I believe that shock taking place from a sudden
blow on the head is an explanation of a great many of the phenomena
we have in shell-shock or in shell concussion, because, from the great
array of symptoms, the entire nervous system, spinal cord, as well as tho
higher centers, must be disturbed, and it is the only plausible explana-
tion where the parts are involved, plus the physical disturbance that
is taking place in one under great excitement and fear, and any other
emotions he may have when this thing happens are enough to upset any
man’s reason.
Dr. C. S. Holbrook, Jackson (closing): I wish to express my thanks;
to Dr. Allen for his remarks, and I wish to say that the army medical
organization is trying to prevent casualties from shell-shock or from
shell concussion or the strain of war from becoming as prevalent as has;
been the experience in northern France. Dr. Allen has explained very
clearly the prevalent idea of shell-shock, and I wish to thank him for
elucidating it so nicely.
203
Taquino — A Running Ear.
A RUNNING EAR.*
By GEORGE J. TAQUINO, M. D., New Orleans.
When one considers the seriousness of a running ear he appre-
ciates the fact that too much cannot be said on the subject.
A running ear, or acute-suppurative otitis, is usually secondary
to grippe, scarlet fever, measles, diphtheria, adenoids, whooping-
cough, etc. And such a condition should be looked upon as serious.
He cannot be sure of the severity of the condition or the possibili-
ties of the invasion.
Generally speaking, a running ear is secondary to acute catarrhal
otitis, and the exciting cause is the presence of microorganisms in
the middle ear. The extension is through the Eustachian tube, fol-
lowed by a rupture of the drumhead, with a flow of pus. This
sometimes results in a cure, but usually the case requires care and
watchful waiting.
The majority of cases are found in children, and are often in-
fluenced by changes which obtain in autumn and spring.
A feeling of heaviness, with headache; fullness and deafness in
the affected ear, slight or excruciating pain, perhaps more pro-
nounced and intense in children, indicate the onset. This is prob-
ably due to the presence of adenoids and hypertrophied tonsils.
There may be a slight chill, followed by an elevation of temperature,
which subsides as drainage is established.
The secretion may be muco-purulent or purulent. The quantity
may vary at different times and one form of secretion may follow
the other. The type which runs an irregular or intermittent course,
pain occurring irregularly, is a dangerous type, for this may mean
bone necrosis, with mastoiditis, sinus-thrombosis, brain-abscess or
meningeal complication.
A running ear is also to be feared because of the sequelag, and
for this reason should receive immediate and scientific treatment.
Some cases may terminate in a cure, but one must be chary at all
times, as many of these so-called cures leave sequelae, which may
develop in after-years into a train of symptoms both dangerous and
vital.
A running ear, whether in child or adult, should at all times be
looked upon seriously and receive the very best of care, for the
success or failure of our treatment may mean not only the health,
but the very life of the patient.
* Read at the 39th Annual Meeting, Louisiana State Medical Society, New Orleans,
April 16, 17, 18, 1918.
204
Original Articles.
Discussion on the Paper of Dr. T aquino.
Dr. J. T. Crebbin, New Orleans: The doctor is to be congratulated,
first, on the brevity of his paper, and the few remarks I have to make
will be more a reiteration than anything else.
We cannot emphasize too strongly the danger of a running ear. It
is a dangerous thing, whether it occurs in childhood or adult life. As
was brought out in one of the preceding papers, the condition was pre-
ceded by an acute catarrhal otitis. If this condition had received
proper treatment, such as tympanotomy, it might have been aborted.
By tympanotomy we mean complete tympanotomy from above downward,
making use of an eliptical incision. If this is done it will abort most of
these cases. Running ear is at all times a dangerous condition. You
cannot tell, the patient cannot tell, the one who is treating the patient
cannot tell the exact pathologic condition that exists. The patient, no
matter whether it be a child or an adult, will go around, walk around
the streets of the city, attending to their vocation, with a floating mine
in their head. No one can tell when that mine may explode or the
pathologic condition extend to the meninges or cause death itself. A
running ear should be looked upon at all times as something dangerous
and should receive the very best care. In this condition, heat in many
instances should not be used. As a matter of fact, I do not think it
should be used unless there be a condition of furunculosis. We should
not think of using heat in such cases. We should consider the use Of
the ice-bag. The ice-bag will control the condition to some extent; it
will allay suffering and allay the inflammatory condition to a great
extent.
One of the points I wish to emphasize is that where the drainage
goes on for a while and then discontinues, where there is some fever,
you cannot depend on the rise or reduction of fever. It is not an in-
fallible sign, because frequently we will find pronounced and severe in-
volvement of the mastoid process with comparatively little fever, where-
as the other may be the reverse; so do not depend too much upon fever,
whether it goes up or down, but depend on other symptoms with which
you are familiar. Where the drainage stops and where there is irregu-
larity and it will commence again, you will have a dangerous condition
to deal with. These cases, at all times, should be looked upon as demand-
ing immediate and scientific treatment.
In regard to the treatment, the essayist did not mention it, except
that we want to establish drainage as soon as possible, using irrigation
freely and carefully, so as not to drive the muco-purulent discharge back
into the middle ear more than what already exists. We have used silvol,
or silver protein. I do not mention this name for the purpose of adver-
tising it, but I have been using silver protein successfully and am getting
good results.
Dr. William T. Patton, New Orleans: I believe this subject is too
important to allow it to go by as lightly as we have done, because of
the opinion held regarding it by many general practitioners. Many of
these cases come to my office, and after examining them I have asked
the question, “Have you been treated?7 7 and the reply invariably is,
“My doctor says it is all right; let the discharge run out, don't stop it."
In other cases of running ears in children the parents are told that this
condition must be expected during teething. It is a bad idea to talk
of running ears. Some of them get well with prompt treatment. I be-
lieve 75 or 90 per cent of acute running ears can be successfully treated
Disucssion.
205
if the patients are taken in hand early enough. When I speak of acute
running ears I mean from two to three weeks or five or six weeks, and
if they are treated in the first two or three weeks I believe they can be
cured, but if left to run six months or a year very few of them can be
cured. If we take cases in the first two or three weeks, under special
treatment nearly all of them get well. By special treatment I do not
mean irrigating the ears. That is the best thing you can do first, but
keep them clean with normal salt solution, boric acid or some other
solution. Probably bicarbonate of soda is as good as any. If we have
enlarged tonsils and adenoids continually reinfecting the ear, the ear
will never get well with irrigation. You have to remove the tonsils and
adenoids, and, if you cannot do this, treat the tonsils and adenoids with
solutions introduced in the nasopharynx. In infected adenoids and en-
larged tonsils it is remarkable to see the improvement that takes place
in two or three days after their removal. You will invariably see a
dry ear in a short time.
I do not believe the paper spoke of running ears in adults. In adults
you have a deviated septum in 75 per cent of the cases associated with
the running ear. You can look at the nose and tell which ear is dis-
charging. It will be the side on which there is a deviated septum,,
causing a chronic or acute condition of the Eustachian tube, which blocks
up and prevents drainage of the ear. What is nature trying to do with
the middle ear? By the Eustachian tube it drains the fluid into the
middle ear and nasopharynx. You drain a small amount of fluid out of
the middle ear into the nasopharynx, and in that way prevent trouble in
the ear. We have a congestion of the Eustachian tube, due to adenoids,
and obstruction of the septum, due to hypertrophy of the inferior tur-
binated or middle turbinated body, or some serious condition, so that
the ear will not heal up. The little cilia back of the mucous membrane
become diseased in the Eustachian tube and the cilia are prevented from
working, the Eustachian tube becomes blocked, and a certain amount of
secretion goes to the middle ear, and the first thing you know is that
you have an acute condition and a vicious circle. The middle ear is
being infected in one way and the fluid is coming out. We should treat
the condition behind first. Local irrigation will help, but you have got
to treat the cause of the condition; treat the nose and throat primarily,
the ear secondarily, and you will get very few bad results from sup-
purating ears.
Dr. George J. Taquino, New Orleans (closing) : Dr. Crebbin men-
tioned the fact that we should do tympanotomy. You cannot do tym-
panotomy too early in these cases. The drum ruptures through the
process of necrosis, and the opening is closed by a process of scar tissue;;
whereas if we make an incision we have a good, clean cut, the drum
getting back into position and no damage is done.
Dr. Crebbin mentioned regarding pain and elevation of temperature
in conditions where the mastoid is involved. The temperature is not a
guide, in any case, to a real involvement of the mastoid. For that reason
also I believe in going back to tympanotomy. We should make the in-
cision high up to get free drainage.
I agree with Dr. Crebbin in not using a hot-water bag. I use an
ice-cap. It controls pain, and at the same time it seems to have an in-
fluence on the condition that is existing in the sinuses. He mentioned
silvol and silver protein. Silvol contains proto-nucleoid. It is a carbolic
acid coefficient and it is efficacious in these conditions.
206
Original Articles.
With Dr. Patton’s remarks I agree fully that we should begin treat-
ing or looking after the nasopharyngeal tract. I believe many of the
conditions in the ear exist as a result of the conditions that prevail in
the nose and throat. Septal deformities prevent proper ventilation and
aeration of the nose and Eustachian tube, and have a tendency to pro-
duce a low-grade inflammation in the Eustachian tube, sometimes block-
ing the exit and sometimes the secretion goes into the middle ear, pro-
ducing a running ear. The septum in all cases should be straightened.
We should look for adenoids and diseased tonsils. These factors should
be removed, for I think there lies the true etiological factor in producing
a great many cases of running ear.
THE CROSS-EYED CHILD NEGLECTED.*
By J. HUME, M. D., New Orleans.
I wish to speak of a class of cases occupying a unique position
in our medical literature — a class of cases fully and satisfactorily
treated, as regards etiology, symptomatology, prognosis and treat-
ment in our ophthalmic literature, and almost, if not entirely,
ignored in that of the other great branches of medicine. I refer
to the deviations of the eye from parallelism. Certainly it deserves
more attention from the general practitioner than the past has ac-
corded it, since proper advice during the period of its inception is
essential to its successful treatment and as neglect of early atten-
tion is apt to result in an amblyopic eye. I trust you will not infer
that I attribute it to carelessness on the part of the general prac-
titioner, but rather to the fact that not enough attention has been
given this important subject in the general literature of medicine,
and especially in our text-books of pediatrics. Holt mentions squint
as a stigma of degeneration and as a symptom of certain brain con-
ditions. Other well-known works on pediatrics mention it not at all.
In the service of Dr. Dimitry at the Charity Hospital and in my
own service at the Women’s and Children’s Dispensary I have
during the past few months recorded quite a series of cases over
ten years of age presenting themselves for treatment for the first
time. Most of these patients stated they had been advised to wait
until they were older, when an operation could be made that would
straighten the eye — certainly advice that delayed treatment during
the period when it would have been the most efficacious.
I believe authorities agree that up until the sixth month of life
the motor coordination power of the ocular muscles keep the eyes
. -l* 39th Annual Meeting1, Louisiana State Medical Society, New Orleans,
April 16, 17, 18, 1918. ’
Hume — The Cross-Eyed Child.
207
approximately straight in the absence of any disturbing influences.
At about this time the fusion centers begin to develop, and not
until the end of the sixth year is this development complete. If
during this period the visual acuity of the eyes is approximately
the same, and with extra ocular muscles properly developed and
enervated a condition of parallelism obtains, and as a consequence
we have binocular vision. Should, however, there be any marked
difference in the visual acuity or insufficiency of the ocular muscles,
the effort of the developing fusion sense is retarded or the eye
squints in order to prevent a diplopia. So it is between the sixth
month and the sixth year that we find the greatest per cent of
squint cases in their incipiency, and the proper period to begin
their treatment, as every hour after the beginning of a squint
lessens the chances of restoring a perfect visual acuity. Take the
above cases, for example, presenting themselves for treatment at
the age of ten. The visual acuity in the squinting eye is invariably
low, the fusion centers undeveloped. You operate and are liable to
get a successful cosmetic result, but a visual failure. Many of the
cases taken between the ages of two and six could, by a proper
refraction, have kept the eyes parallel and the visual acuity normal.
It is not my purpose to discuss the' causes of deviations or their
treatment, but rather to call attention to the fact that for some
reason which we should search for and correct a majority of these
cases are not given attention during the developmental period.
Certainly, squint is not of such frequent occurrence as the adenoid,
but, I venture to say if given half the publicity the latter has had,
a few years would find a greatly reduced number of cross-eyed
people. Most any mother can give you the symptoms of adenoids,
but would be shocked when told her child of ten was practically
blind in his squinting eye, and probably so as a result of neglected
early attention. If we are able in any way to educate the public
about cross eyes, as we have done about the adenoid, much could
be accomplished toward conserving the vision of these unfortunates.
The oculists present all understand that I am only referring to
a class of squint cases, a large class, however, and am not inferring
that it is a simple problem with which we are dealing in every in-
stance, and all realize, I believe, that the greatest problem is to get
them for treatment at an early age.
My recommendations are educational :
First. That pediatrics should teach more about squint, it being
in many instances a condition of early childhood.
208
Original Articles.
Second. More publicity should be given the condition. Discussing-
it before mothers’ clubs and child welfare associations, etc., would
be an available means.
Third. More frequent papers presented to the various medical
bodies by the oculists on the different phases of the subject.
Discussion on the Paper of Dr. Hume.
Dr. Arthur L. Whitmire, New Orleans: I think a great deal can be
accomplished by the physician cooperating with the specialist. In my
experience with the schools of New Orleans for two years I had occasion
to observe 75,000 children each year, and I have been recommending
them to be treated, and it was a rare exception to find a case where the
parents did not cooperate with me. If the public health officers in the
different towns and cities and parishes and inspectors of schools should
recommend cases for treatment where the eyes are crossed, I am sure
that the parents will be found ready to cooperate with them. This is
very important, because children with cross eyes are overlooked until
too late to get a desirable effect. We should cooperate with the general
practitioner, because it is he who sees these cases first. We find that
mothers do not want their babies to wear glasses, and that is another
condition we have to contend with, and the general practitioner can da
more in that respect, by referring these cases to a specialist for treat-
ment and having the condition corrected, more than any other person.
Dr. T. J. Dimitry, New Orleans: If we could only get the cross-eyed
baby early enough we could straighten the eyes in 50 per cent of the
cases at least with glasses. We can fit infants with glasses, and infants
will wear glasses, and they do not suffer as a consequence of wearing
them. They are not broken so easily as one would suppose. They do
not expose their eyes to the danger of having them injured by the wear-
ing of glasses. The glasses will straighten their eyes, and in doing so it
will prevent the eye that is turned 'in — that is not being used — from
becoming blind in a great many cases. If these cases can be seen early,
then we will not have to operate in at least 50 per cent of the cases.
The earlier we see them, the better will be the results that we can obtain.
Dr. Hume’s paper is most appropriate, for it will bring to you the
importance of seeing these cases at the earliest possible moment and of
not sending them to the specialist after damage is done.
Dr. J. Hume, New Orleans (closing): As to Dr. Whitmire’s sugges-
tions with regard to school boards, I think the findings of the school
boards are valuable, yet it is much better to get these cases at an earlier
period of life than we are getting them. It is better to get them at six
years of age than at eight. The point of reaching these patients at as
early a date as possible is a very valuable one.
In answer to the question relative to operation, I was referring at
that time to cases that applied for treatment after ten years, with squint-
ing eye in which the visual acuity was very low. Such an eye can be
straightened by operation, but probably vision will not be benefitted.
It may help it somewhat, but treatment will not be so satisfactory as
if the operation was done much earlier, because you have left the eye
squinting from the second to the sixth year. You have a period of five
years in which it is turned away from natural fixation. If the eye was
normal at the time of squinting, there would be reduction in vision
That is what I meant by a good cosmetic result, and not visual.
News and Comment.
209
NEWS AND COMMENT
The Central Governing Board of the Volunteer. Medical
Service Corps of the Council of National Defense announces
that the Louisiana State Executive Committee of the Volunteer
Medical Service Corps is comprised of the following doctors :
Oscar Dowling, M. D. Commercial St., Shreveport
Charles R. Mayer, M. D .New Orleans
Charles Chassaignac, M. D., Chairman. .211 Camp St., New Orleans
G. J. Sabatier, M. D.. . . New Iberia
R. G. McG. Carruth, M. D New Roads
J. B. Sewell, M. D . .Baldwin
R. L. Randolph, M. D Alexandria
J. C. Callan, M. D New Orleans
Ernest S. Lewis, M. D New Orleans
G. Farrar Patton, M. D., Secretary. . . . .New Orleans
The purpose of this committee is to cooperate with the Central
Governing Board in prosecuting all activities pertaining to the
mobilization of an enrollment of members of the Volunteer Medical
Service Corps throughout the State.
The Central Governing Board of the Volunteer Medical Service
Corps also authorizes the appointment of one county representative
in each county in every State of the ITnion. The parish representa-
tives for Louisiana are as follows.
PARISH. NAME. CITY.
Acadia .Dr. E. M. Ellis Crowley
Allen ....Dr. C. Lewis Gaulden Elizabeth
Ascension Dr. T. H. Hanson Donaldsonville
Assumption Dr. W. H. Kittridge Napoleon ville
Avoyelles Dr. Thos. A. Roy .Mansura
Beauregard Dr. J. C. Miller .Bon Ami
Bienville ... Dr. J. M. Moseley Arcadia
Bossier ..Dr. D. J. MeAnn Atkins
Caddo .Dr. J. C. Willis Shreveport
Calcasieu. Dr. S. G. Kreeger Lake Charles
Caldwell .Dr. I. B. May. . Columbia
Catahoula Dr. E. R. Yancey Jonesville
Claiborne Dr. C. C. Craighead Athens
Concordia Dr. W. H. Pugh Wildsville
De Soto Dr. S. D. Kearney . . Pelican
East Baton Rouge Dr. Chas. McVea Baton Rouge
East Carroll Dr. W. H. Hamlej Lake Providence
East Feliciana Dr. E. M. Toler Clinton
Evangeline Dr. H. C. Milburn Ville Platte
210
News and Comment.
PARISH. NAME. CITY.
Franklin .Dr. A. J. Reynolds Ft. Necessity
Grant ...Dr. E. B. Gray Colfax
Iberia. ... .Dr. G. J. Sabatier. . New Iberia
Iberville .Dr. G. A. Darcantel . ........ .White Castle
Jackson Dr. A. E. Simonton Jonesboro
Jefferson ....Dr. C. F. Gelbke Gretna
Jefferson Davis ....... .Dr. N. S. Craig . .Jennings
Lafayette. ..Dr. M. E. Saucier Lafayette
Lafourche Dr. C. J. Barker .Thibodaux
Lincoln Dr. A. E. Fisher Choudrant
Livingston Dr. J. M. Ehlert Springfield
Madison ...Dr, H. C. Sevier Tallulah
Morehouse. .Dr. O. M. Patterson Bastrop
Natchitoches Dr. E. W. Breazeale Campti
Orleans ,Dr. Geo. F. Cocker and others. . .New Orleans
Ouachita Dr. O. W. Cosby Monroe
Plaquemines Dr. H. L. Ballowe .Buras
Pointe Coupe Dr. R. McG. Carruth New Roads
Rapides , Dr. R. O. Simmons Alexandria
Red River Dr. C. E. Edgerton Coushatta
Richland Dr. H. C. Chambers Girard
Sabine .Dr. J. M. Middleton. Many
St. Bernard Dr. L. A. Ducros St. Bernard
St. Charles. . . Dr. R. H. Johnson Moberly
St. Helena Dr. A. J. Newman Montpelier
St. James Dr. J. E. Doussan Lutcher
St. John the Baptist. . . .Dr. S. Montegut. Laplace
St. Landry Dr. Jos. P. Saizan Opelousas
St. Martin Dr. P. H. Fleming . St. Martinville
St. Mary .Dr. Lewis B. Crawford Patterson
St. Tammany Dr. W. E. Van Zant Mandeville
Tangipahoa Dr. E. L. McGehee Hammond
Tensas . . . Dr. J. Whitaker St. Joseph
Terrebonne Dr. L. J. Menville Houma
Union .Dr. R. L. Love . . .Farmerville
Vermillion ..Dr. C. J. Edwards Abbeville
Vernon. Dr. D. O. Willis Leesville
Washington .Dr. E. E. Lafferty Bogalusa
Webster Dr. R. C. Tompkins Minden
West Baton Rouge Dr. F. H. Carruth Lobdell
West Carroll ....Dr. C. W. Smith Oak Grove
West Feliciana. ... ... .Dr. E. M. Levert Bayou Sara
General Plan. — The Volunteer Medical Service Corps is exactly
what its name indicates. It is a gentleman’s agreement on the part
of the civilian doctors in the United States who have not yet been
honored in the army and navy., and a representative board of gov-
News and Comment.
211
ernors consisting of officials of the government associated with lay
members of the profession, in which the civilian physician agrees
to offer his services to the government if required and asked to do
so by the governing board. It is a method of recording all physicians
who are not yet in service and classifying them so that their services
when required will be utilized in a manner to inflict as little hard-
ship on the individual as possible. It is a method by which every
physician not in uniform will he entitled to wear an insignia which
will indicate his willingness to serve his government. As more than
60 per cent of the physicians of the country will be utilized in caring
for the industries at home and the health of the home people, this
large percentage of necessity will be expected to maintain their
home status and continue their ordinary professional work.
Conferences on Tuberculosis. — The National Tuberculosis
Association announces that it has plans under way for five confer-
ences, covering the country in geographic sections, to consider prac-
tical measures for coping with tuberculosis as a war problem. The
questions discussed will be the means of providing adequate care
for the thousands of soldiers and sailors already discharged from
the army and navy on account of tuberculosis, and rejected in the
draft for the same reason, and also the question of educating the
civilian population more fully regarding tuberculosis during the
war. The future conferences are to be held as follows : Denver,
October 2-4; Birmingham, Ala., October 11-12; Pittsburgh, October
17-18 ; Providence, R. I., October 25-26. All health officers, dis-
pensary physicians, visiting nurses and others interested are urged
to attend.
Meeting of Military Surgeons of the United States. — The
annual meeting of the Association of Military Surgeons of the
United States will he held at Camp Greenleaf, Port Oglethorpe,
Ga., October 13, 14 and 15, under the presidency of Dr. Geo. A.
Lung, Medical Director in the United States Navy.
Officers for the American Association of Anesthetists. —
At their sixth annual meeting in Chicago in August, 1918, this
association elected Major W. B. Howell, C. A. M. C., Montreal,
Canada, president, and Dr. F. H. McMechan, Avon Lake, Ohio,
secretary-treasurer.
The College of Medicine, Tulane, opened for the session on
September 23. The matriculation in the School of Medicine and
212
Netvs and Comment.
the School of Dentistry promises to be unusually large. It is too
early to estimate that of the Graduate School of Medicine (New
Orleans Polyclinic). The School of Tropical Medicine is discon-
tinued for the duration of the war.
Havana Honors Dr. Arteaga. — One of the wards of the new
Garcia Hospital at Havana has been named in honor of Dr. Serapio
Arteaga, a leading obsterician of Havana in his day and professor
■of gynecology and obstetrics in the university. His portrait was in-
stalled with much ceremony in the new ward recently. His son is
editor of the Revista de Medicina y Cirugia.
Census Gives Cancer Increase. — The latest returns of the
United States Census on cancer and other malignant tumors show
58,000 deaths in 1916. Of these, 22,480, or nearly 39 per cent,
resulted from cancers of the stomach and liver. The death rate
from cancer has risen from 60 per 100,000 in 1900 to 81.8 in 1916.
According to the authorities, it is possible that at least a part of
this increase is due to more correct diagnosis and to greater care
on the part of physicians in making reports.
Flight Surgeons. — Plans have been elaborated to supervise the
period of rest, recreation and duty of aviators and candidates, so
as to get the best results. A corps of surgeons and physical trainers
will be assigned each aviation field and camp for this work. The
surgeon so assigned will be known as “flight surgeon.”
According to the Army and Navy Authorities, nearly 50,000
doctors will be required for war service eventually. It is proposed,
in order to prevent the disorganizing of the teaching staffs of the
medical schools, to commission all teachers and assign them to their
present duties. It is estimated of the 143,000 doctors in the United
States that between 80,000 and 95,000 are in active practice and
that 23,000 are in the army or navy.
Correspondence School for Pharmacists. — The Bureau of
Medicine and Surgery of the Navy is conducting a correspondence
school for naval pharmacists, the course being in charge of Surgeon
Henry L. Dollard, U. S. N. The benefits of the school are open
to all pharmacists and chief pharmacists, permanent, temporary
and of the reserve. The course is so conducted that every pharmacist
taking it gets the benefit of the experience of the other students.
News and Comment.
213;
Mosquitoes Banished From Hog Island. — By draining a
marsh twenty-five miles long, at a cost of $250,000, the officials of
the United States Shipping Board believe that Hog Island, now
the center of a vast shipbuilding industry, is effectively rid of mos-
quitoes. New Jersey, since witnessing this achievement, has de-
cided to spend $150,000 to drain the Newark meadows.
Convention of Sanitarians. — Under the auspices of the Amer-
ican Public Health Association, a convention of sanitarians of the'
United States and Canada will be held in Chicago, October 14-17.
Papers will be presented on laboratory, internal hygiene, vital
statistics, food and drug, sanitary engineering, sociologic and gen-
eral health administration subjects. Governors of States and mayors,
of cities have been requested to send their health officers to this;
conference. Further information will be furnished by A. W.
Hendrich, secretary of the American Public Health Association,.
1041 Boylston street, Boston.
New Physiologic Journal. — The first number of the Journal
of General Physiology made its appearance on September 20. This,
journal will appear bi-monthly and is intended to serve as an organ
for publication of papers devoted to the investigation of life processes,
from the physiochemical point of view. The editors are Dr. Jacques,
Loeb, of the Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research, and Prof.
W. J. Y. Osterhout, of Harvard University. The subscription price
is $5 a volume and subscriptions should be sent to the Journal of
General Physiology , Publication Department, the Rockefeller In-
stitute for Medical Research, Sixty-sixth street and Avenue A, New
York City.
Reconstruction. — This is the title of a periodical devoted to the
reconstruction of disabled soldiers and sailors, published monthly
at Ottawa, Canada, by the Department- of Soldiers’ Civil Reestab-
lishment. It is similar in scope to Carry On, a monthly periodical
issued from the office of the Surgeon General, Washington, D. C.
Chiropodists in the Army. — According to announcement from
the War Department, chiropodists taken into the army will be-
transferred directly to the medical department and either assigned
immediately to the various camps for duty under the camp surgeon,
or first sent to Camp Greenleaf for further training under the'
regular orthopedic instructors. On the demonstration of proper
214
News and Comment.
skill and attainments, they may be advanced to the grade of sergeant.
A canvass of the camps is now being made to determine the need
of this service.
Dr. Abraham Jacobi has accepted the office of honorary presi-
dent of the Friends of German Democracy, an organization of
Americans, mostty of German descent, who favor the destruction of
Hohenzollern rule.
The War Department will station at Tulane University a regu-
lar army officer to be in charge of the men enrolled in both sections
of the Student Army Training Corps. The officer in command will
pass judgment upon men in Tulane and will decide which students
shall be retained for training in technical subjects and which sent
to camps for private training. The subjects taught and the time to
be devoted to military drill is dictated by the War Department.
To Enlarge Marine Hospital at Jew Orleans. — Seven or
eight new buildings are to be added to the United States Marine
Hospital at Hew Orleans, making it one of the best in the country.
The additions planned will cost between $200,000 and $250,000.
The plans are already drawn and the additions will be rushed and,
when completed, will have facilities for taking care of not only the
navy’s sick, but of the sick of the merchant marine as well.
Loyola Hospital Unit Arrives in Italy. — A cablegram was
received the latter part of August from Genoa, Italy, announcing
the safe arrival of the Loyola Hospital Unit No. 102, which left the
United States for Italy about three weeks earlier.
Personals. — Major Seale Harris, editor of the Southern Medical
Journal , Birmingham, Ala., is now stationed at 12 Place Yendome,
Paris, where he is on hospital duty.
Major Isadore Dyer, New Orleans, after nearly two months’ work
in the Surgeon General’s office, where he was called for duty, has
returned.
Dr. Joseph F. Baldwin, M. C., former intern at Touro Infirmary
and a graduate of Tulane College of Medicine, 1915, was killed
while on trench duty in France attending the wounded.
Among the doctors of New Orleans who have returned from their
vacation and resumed practice are : Drs. Chas. Chassaignac, Joseph
Conn, J. P. Wahl, Chas. A. Borey, O. F. Ernst, John F. Oechsner,
Henry FT. Blum, J. Brown Larose, Isidore Cohn, Marcus Feingold,
J. W. Cirino and H. E. Nelson.
Booh Reviews and Notices.
215
Dr. A. S. J. Hyde, of Baton Rouge, La., is serving in Develop-
ment Battalion, Camp Wheeler, Macon, Ga., with the rank of first
lieutenant.
A card was recently received by the Journal announcing the
safe arrival overseas of Lieut. Theodore T. Batson, Base Hospital
86, A. E. F.
Removals. — Dr. F. P. Vines, from Hot Springs to Bauxite, Ark.
Dr. Wm. H. Block, to 710 Maison Blanche Building.
Dr. D. C. McCuller, from Fisher to Grand Cane, La.
Dr. W. P. Perkins, from Leesville, La., to Beaumont, Texas.
Dr. G. F. Roeling, of New Orleans to Camp Hancock, Ga.
Married. — On July 30, 1918, Capt. John Gano McLaurin, M. C.,
U. S. A., of Dallas, Texas, to Miss Lucy Warren Coke. Capt. Me.
Laurin is a Tulane alumnus.
BOOK REVIEWS AND NOTICES
All new publications sent to the Journal will be appreciated and will invariably be
promptly acknowledged under the heading of “ Publications Received While
it will be the aim of the Journal to review as many of the works accepted as
possible, the editors will be guided by the space available and the merit of re-
spective publications. The acceptance of a book implies no obligation to review.
Surgery and Diseases of the Mouth and Jaws, by Yilray Papin Blair,
A. M., M. D., F. A. C. S. C. Y. Mosby Company, St. Louis, Mo.,
1917.
This volume is a timely and instructive publication, rewritten and
brought up to date, containing the latest information and methods of
treatment learned on the battle front of Europe. It well merits the
distinction, enjoyed by few books, of having the official endorsement of
the Surgeon General of the United States Army.
The text is arranged in forty-six chapters, which present the in-
fections, injuries, tumors, congenital and acquired deformities and dis-
eases of the mouth, jaws and surrounding parts, with their medical and
surgical treatment.
The chapters on the treatment of fractures are particularly good, also
those on cleft palate and hare-lip. The chapters on cancer of the lip and
tongue are especially thorough and interesting, expressing the latest
opinions concerning these affections. The diseases of the teeth and gums
are presented in a well-written chapter. In the chapter on hemorrhage,
shock and allied complications, there is much of interest, but here, it did
not appear to the reviewer, that the danger of ligating the common
carotid artery was sufficiently emphasized, and the use of the Matas band
for vascular occlusion, so valuable here, has been overlooked, but in one
of the final chapters on ligation and temporary constriction of arteries
this danger is prominently presented.
Among the final chapters, those on facial spasm and tic douloureux
216
Book Reviews and Notices.
are particularly interesting, although the description of the methods for
injecting the several branches of the fifth nerve are lacking in detail,
and it does not seem that the best methods have always been adopted;
but this is more than compensated for by the operative procedures, par-
ticularly that upon the gasserian ganglion, which show a thoroughness
which is quite refreshing.
It is not unreasonable to expect a few errors in a book of this scope,
revised under the conditions which must have prevailed in bringing it
up to date, with the latest methods approved on the battle front. Of
these, the reviewer has noticed several, but two of which deserve men-
tion. On page 170 the posterior palatine nerve is named, instead of
anterior palatine. In the latter part of the book the words “perineurial”
and ‘ ‘ intraneurial ’ ’ are repeatedly used, instead of perineural and intra-
neural. These errors are unfortunate, but in no wise detract from the
merits of the volume, which should be in the hands of all interested in
this field of work. CARROLL W. ALLEN.
Syphilis and Public Health, by Lieut.-Col. Edward B. Yedder, A. M.,
M. D. Lea & Febiger, Philadelphia and New York, 1918.
A most timely and instructive publication, it is divided into four
chapters, covering: 1, The Prevalence of Syphilis; 2, The Sources of In-
fection and Methods of Transmission; 3, Personal Prophylaxis; 4, Public
Health Measures. There is also an appendix, some of the contents of
which are of doubtful utility, as the technic of the Wassermann test;
within the limited space there is nothing practical which can be taught
about it.
The whole subject is thoroughly discussed and, while the author has
no hesitation in expressing his opinion frankly, he is broad enough to
outline the other side, thus enabling the reader to reach his own con-
clusion, which in some instances need not be exactly that of Col. Yedder.
It is true, however, that the reviewer is prepared to agree with him on
most points, and unqualifiedly otherwise recommends the book to all those
interested in the question it handles — and that should be all physicians,
at least. C. C.
Treatise of Cystoscopy and Urethroscopy, by Dr. George Luys, trans-
lated by A. L. Wolbarst, M. D. C. V. Mosby Company, St. Louis,
Mo., 1918.
This is an important work of nearly four hundred pages, written by a
master of French urology, a man of large experience who knows how to
tell what he has to say and is willing to go into sufficient details. Thus
it becomes useful, not only to the student who must be gradually in-
ducted into the art of urethroscopy and cystoscopy, but as well to those
who, while already practicing the art, can be introduced to some new
ideas and new applications. It is pre-eminently the author’s purpose to
teach and illustrate the direct vision cystoscopy, which he favors and
which is not as generally accepted and practiced in this country as the
prismatic, although both are considered.
The translator, who had no small task ahead of him, has done his work
admirably and could not have failed, considering not only his ability,
but his two-fold purpose in undertaking it, “to bring to American and
other English-speaking urologists the message which Luy’s book bears”
and to “express in concrete form the love and affection” of the trans-
lator for France.
The illustrations are fine, 217 in black and white and 24 color plates,
Publications Received.
217
the latter being exceptionally well-done. Printed on heavy paper, with
large type, the book is a fine specimen of typographic art.
Author, translator, publisher — all are to be congratulated. C. C.
PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED
C. V. MOSBY COMPANY, St. Louis, 1918.
Nursing in Diseases of Children, by Chas. G. Leo-Wolf, M. D.
Surgical and War Nursing, by A. H. Barkley, M. D., F. A. C. S.
Hygiene for Nurses, by Nolie Mumey, M. D.
A Textbook of Physiology for Nurses, by Wm. Gay Christian, M. D.,
and Chas. C. Haskell, M. A., M. D.
W. B. SAUNDERS COMPANY, Philadelphia and London, 1918.
The Medical Clinics of North America. May, 1918. Index Number.
P. BLAKISTON’S SON & CO., Philadelphia, 1918.
War Surgery of the Abdomen, by Cuthbert Wallace, C. M. G.,
F. R. C. S., M. D., B. S.
LEA & FEBIGER, Philadelphia and New York, 1918.
Military Surgery of the Zone of the Advance, by Geo. de Tarnowsky,
M. D., F. A. C. S.
THE YEAR BOOK PUBLISHERS, Chicago, 1918.
The Practical Medicine Series. Volume III: The Eye, Ear, Nose and
Throat. Edited by Casey A. Wood, C. M., M. D., D. C. L.; Albert H.
Andrews, M. D., and Geo. E. Shambaugh, M. D.
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE, Washington, D. C., 1918.
Public Health Reports. Vol. 33, Nos. 32, 33 and 34.
MISCELLANEOUS:
On the Fringe of the Great Fight, by Col. Geo. G. Nasmith, C. M. G.
(Geo. H. Doran Company, New York, 1918.)
REPRINTS.
Speech-Reading for the War Deaf, by Clarence John Blake, M. D.;
The Partially Deaf Child: A School Problem, by John D. Wright; Things
Are Not Always What They Seem, by Alice N. Trask; The Serviceability
of Visible Speech, by Chas, W. Kidder; The “Conscientious Objector,’’
by Louise I. Morgenstern. (The Volta Bureau, 1601 Thirty-fifth street,
N. W., Washington, D. C.)
Algunas Notas Sobre la Filariasis, por A. Martinez Alvarez, M. D.
Mortality Among Women from Causes Incidental to Child-Bearing, by
Louis I. Dublin, Ph. D.
213
Mortuary Report.
MORTUARY REPORT OF NEW ORLEANS.
Computed from the Monthly Report of the Board of Health of the City
of New Orleans, for August, 1918.
CA USE.
§
o
.6
1
£
Typhoid Fever . _
9
8
17
Intermittent Fever (Malarial Cachexia)
2
2 ■
Whooping Cough _______ _
13
4
17
Diphtheria, and Croup. _
4
4
1
1
1
1
Tuberculosis __ _
38
48
86
Cancer
22
9
3i
Rheumatism and Gout.
4
1
5
Diabetes
4
3
7
Encephalitis and Meningitis
2
2
Locomotor Ataxia
Congestion, Hemorrhage and Softening of Brain
19
10
29
Paralysis
2
2
Convulsions of Infancy
1
1
Other Diseases of Infancy _ _
16
11
27
Tetanus _ _
1
1
Other Nervous Diseases __ _ __
1
1
2
Heart Diseases _
3°
43
73
Bronchitis
Pneumonia and Broncho-Pneumonia
12
15
27
Other Respiratory Diseases
1
1
2
Ulcer of Stomach
1
1
Or her Diseases of the Stomach
2
2
Diarrhea, Dysentery and Enteritis _
23
"is”
38
Hernia, Intestinal Obstruction
5
3
8
Cirrhosis of Liver.
7
1.
8
Other Diseases of the Liver
2
1
3
Simple Peritonitis
Appendicitis
S
2
10
Bright’s Disease. __ __
16
13
29
Other Genito-Urinary Diseases
13
17
30
Puerperal Diseases _
5
4
9
Senile Debility _
Q
o
3
J —
Suicide
3
3
Injuries _ __
28
16
44
All Other Causes
18
17
35
Total __ _ __ _
311
249
560
Still-born Children — White, 27; colored, 17; total, 44.
Population of City (estimated) — White, 276,000; colored, 102,000;
total, 378,000.
Death Rate per 1,000 per Annum for Month— White, 13.32; colored,
29.73; total, 17.50. Non-residents excluded,. 14.22.
Mean atmospheric pressure 30.04
Mean temperature 82
Total precipitation 6.19 inches.
Prevailing direction of wind, southeast.
WS.S.
TOR SAVINGS STAMPS
USUEB WV THE
UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT
NEW ORLEANS MEDICAL
AND SURGICAL JOURNAL
js D I T O R S *
CHARLES CHASSAIGNAC, M. D. * ISADORE DYER, M. D.
COLLABORATORS :
C. C. BASS, M. D., Prest., Amer. Soc. Tropical Medicine 1 ~
S. K. SIMON, M. D., Acting Secty. American Soc. of Tropical Medicine J ’ "l
P. T. TALBOT, M. D., Secretary Louisiana State Medical Society Ex-Officio
RUPERT BLUE, M. D., Surgeon General, United States Public Health Service.
H. D. BRUNS, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
C. F. CRAIG, M. D., Col., U. S. A.
S. T. DARLING, M. D., Sao Paulo, Brazil.
W. H. DEADERICK, M. D., Hot Springs, Arkansas.
E. M. DUPAQUIER, M. D. (Paris), Tulane University of Louisiana.
A. G. FRIEDRICHS, M. D., New Orleans, La.
J. T. HALSEY, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
JOS. HOLT, M. D., New Orleans, La.
F. A. LARUE, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
E. S. LEWIS, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
R. C. LYNCH, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
E. D. MARTIN, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
R. MATAS, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
AUGUSTUS McSHANE, M. D., Greenwood, Miss.
PAUL MICHINARD, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
C. J. MIDLER, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
F. W. PARHAM, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
E. A. ROBIN, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
W. H. SEEMANN, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
ALLEN J. SMITH, M. D., University of Pennsylvania.
EDMOND SOUCHON, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
E. R. STITT, M. D„ Rear Admiral, U. S. N.
J. A. STORCK, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
R. P. STRONG, M. D., Harvard University.
ROY M. VAN WART, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
Vol. LXXI
NOVEMBER, 1918
No. 5
EDITORIAL
SPANISH INFLUENZA.
The cyclic spread of influenza appears to have reached the United
States, and the pandemic is well under way. Hardly any section
has escaped it, and the army reservations and naval stations have
especially developed the disease. Like other wholesale epidemics
of the epizootic, the present one has developed rapidly and promises
further spread before it. declines.. The mortality appears higher
than the customary winter grippe, and the present outbreak more
nearly resembles that which covered the United States in 1890
and 1891.
220
Editorial.
The rapid onset, early temperature exacerbation and the pneu-
monic complications are characteristic. The avoidance of gather-
ings and of public exposure are important, hut, of course, the in-
dividual sick or just recovering is always the object of danger in
the spread of the disease. At the first suggestion of headache,
coryza, cough, sneezing and other catarrhal symptoms, the victim
should go home and to bed.
The health authorities are active in distributing information as
to how to prevent this disease and how to take care of those sick
with it. The prompt quarantine of those sick with influenza will
save others, and this is practiced by the military authorities. As
the disease usually runs its course in a few days, unless there are
other complications, the present epidemic ought to have a rapid
course and exit.
A profession already overtaxed will have the burden of the strain,
but theirs is the duty to educate the public to the way of shortening
the epidemic.
THE STUDENTS’ ARMY TRAINING CORPS.
On October 1, some five hundred universities and colleges offi-
cially inaugurated the operation of the Students Army Training
Corps, through which about 150,000 young men became privates
in the army of the United States under exceptional conditions.
While the continuance of a college education to its completion
may not be possible for many of these students, all of them will
be thoroughly trained as soldiers while they are in college. Those
whose courses may be shortened will have the gratification of going
into further training as officers, if their first trial in college is
satisfactory.
Students of medicine are particularly fortunate. A wise govern- j
ment has recognized the necessity of encouraging qualified stu-
dents in the pursuit of medical study and it has provided the wa}r
under conditions which to the student should appear as a dream
come true. The most expensive of all professional schools, the
medical course, is now offered at no cost to the student, except for
his books and instruments, and at the same time he is housed, fed
and has the pay of a private. The curriculum of the medical course
is to be maintained, with a proper provision for allowances for th0
military phase.
Editorial.
221
Not only are the material sides of the question of medical educa-
tion solved, but there is offered as a reward for the industrious a
commission in the medical corps at the end of the training.
Among the many activities which the preparation for war has
evolved none will have a more far reaching influence than the or-
ganization of the Students Army Training Corps. Universal mili-
tary training may come about through legislative act, but with the
leading colleges in every state engaged in the active training of
soldier officers, the hoy on the way to manhood will see the process
and will demand the right to anticipate as his right, what the col-
lege boy now receives by privilege, under a national legislative act.
The end results of the Students Army Training Corps will be
many, but even if the war is over before many of these young men
are in the field of action, they will have trained for that action and
the training will be as potent in the field of civil life or in other
human endeavors. Malthusian though the thought may be, the
process which has followed every great struggle has brought its
blessings in refinement of purpose, closer domestic virtues, greater
community achievement and a concomitant return to the integral
spiritual and moral life.
The American soldier or sailor in this day has his motives re-
vealed to him, where his instincts have not produced them, and his
plane of thought is ethically higher than has been the case in mili-
tary organization in this country hitherto. It is right to expect
that with a superlative training added, our college boy soldiers and
sailors will bring up the average in the final count.
SPECIAL NOTICE.
The attention of the members of the American Society of Trop-
ical Medicine is called to the indefinite postponement of the annual
meeting fixed for November 11, 1918.
This step was deemed necessary by the president in view of the
health conditions prevailing.
(Signed) Sidney K. Simon, M.D.,
Acting Secretary.
ORIGINAL ARTICLES
(No paper published or to be published in any other medical journal will be accepted
for this department. All papers must be in the hands of the Editors on the tenth day of
the month preceding that in which they are expected to appear. Reprints may be had at
reasonable rates if a WRITTEN order for the same accompany the paper.)
SOME SPANISH VIEWS ON SPANISH INFLUENZA.*
Translated for the New Orleans Medical and Surgical Journal by
LODILLA AMBROSE, Ph. M., New Orleans.
(PAGES OF ORIGINAL ARTICLES ARE GIVEN IN BRACKETS.)
£401] Carlan (25 May, 1918). — Simultaneously with the
enormous influx of strangers who have visited Madrid during these
last days — although we do not attribute its presence to this in-
flux— an epidemic afflicts Madrid which is important for the number
of cases, but need not cause pre-occupation at present, in view of
the mildness of the cases.
The disease has the characteristics peculiar to all the catarrhal
epidemics which have been observed historically by the names of
influenza, of grippe, or of trancazo [Spanish word, meaning liter-
ally a blow with a bar] . The only strange thing up to the present
time is this, that it has appeared in Madrid without etiological
antecedents connected with. other populations; however, it is known
that these diseases are usually true pandemics, just as they have
always been designated.
There is no reason for enumerating the number of opinions, some
well aimed and discreet, others capricious and fantastic, which have
circulated in these days. As far as we are concerned, we do not
believe that there is any motive for great disquiet; but neither would
it be prudent to forget that grippal epidemics are characterized by
sudden, benign and generalized onset, and that then they are ac-
centuated in gravity and in persistence as time goes on.
*25 Maj% 1918. — CarMn, Decio. Las epidtmias de las ferias del Santo. Siglo medico,
Madrid, 1918, lxv, 401.
1 June, 1918. — Evolucion de la epidemia [editorial]. Siglo medico, Madrid, 1918,
lxv, 422.
Cortezo, Carlos Marfa [president of the Real Academia Nacional de Medicina, member
of the Real Academia de la Lengua] . Influenza 6 dengue? Siglo medico, Madrid, 1918,
lxv, 422-426. [Reprinted from Siglo medico, Madrid, 15 December, 1889, 786-790.]
8 June, 1918. — Carl&n, Decio. La cuestion del dfa. Siglo medico, Madrid, 1918,
lxv, 441-442.
15 June, 1918. — Lasbennes, Luis. ContribuciOn demografica al estudio de- la actual
epidemia en Madrid. Siglo medico, Madrid, 1918, lxv, 466-468.
29 June, 1918. — [Received by the John Crerar Library, Chicago, 10 August 1918.]
Estado sanitario de Madrid. Siglo medico, Madrid, 1918, lxv, 518.
Ambrose — Spanish Views on Spanish Influenza. 223
One is reminded of the events of the month of December, 1889,
and January, 1890. If the -disease continues, we shall publish one
of the works which saw the light in El Siglo Medico at that time,
and well merits reprinting, for it seems written for to-day.
[422] Editorial (1 June, 1918). — As the days pass, apparent
confusion regarding the onset and progress of the grippal epidemic
prevalent in Madrid for two weeks is being cleared up.
The first thing which appeared strange was its exclusive localiza-
tion in this capital, inasmuch as epidemics of this class tend to ex-
tension among many peoples and to different countries, even to the
point of being considered pandemics. Be that as it may, in accord-
ance with data which we consider exact, there are already found
affected Barcelona, Sevilla, Valencia and other places.
As for foreign countries, in Paris it seems that numerous cases
have occurred and are still occurring, and some of them are grave;
in England also various populations have been invaded.
(For America, the cases at Sing Sing and at the Ford factory
are quoted from the Medical Record , March 30 and April 13.)
Evidently, then, the pandemic character is not lacking; there
remains, however, the publishing of the bacteriological confirma-
tion. An observation on this point occurs to us, which we will re-
port for what it is worth.
It is to-day considered certain that the bacillus pathogenic for
grippe is the one called Pfeiffer’s, from the name of its discoverer;
but it is not to be forgotten that this discovery was not made at the
time of a well-marked pandemic like that of the years 1889-90,
but that it was announced as proved some years after from the
bronchial secretions of cases diagnosed as grippe. An author as
well known and respected in Germany and in Spain as Striimpell
does not consider it certain that the pathogenic organism of this
disease is known, although he mentions the works of Pfeiffer.
The following may be the fact, though we do not venture to
assert it positively, that the organism considered as ultimately
pathogenic for grippe was this, solely for some of its relatively
sporadic forms, just as happens with certain intestinal infections,
which present syndromes very similar and almost equivalent, but
undoubtedly have as their infections bacilli morphologically and
biologically distinct.
On this point the bacteriologists have the floor, and it is to be
hoped that they will concern themselves with the question not only
224
Translation.
with the skill which we recognize with pleasure in many of them,
bnt also with that serenity of judgment and that impartiality which
are to be desired in all, in order that they may not darken their
counsels by prejudices and routines — which exist even in labora-
tories. P.
Cortezo (1 June, 1918). — [El Siglo Medico reprints the follow-
ing article, written by Cortezo at the time of the epidemic of in-
fluenza in 1889-90, and in a note compares the present epidemic
with that one.]
[422] The sinister genius of epidemics lets loose its malevolent
ministries and its agents of desolation and death not alone when it
attacks us, but modern life has afforded pernicious supernumeraries
who, under the name of amateurs, intelligent persons, correspond-
ents and journalists, invade the organs of publicity on the appear-
ance of every epidemic. And sometimes, in fulfillment of profes-
sional duty as viewed by journalists, and at other times because of
an itch for the exhibition of originality (as happens with impro-
vised epidemiologists), there is established a veritable boxing match
of publicity in which exactness is not always conspicuous, and by
means of which the minds of the patient public are infected with
fear and trembling.
This event — of which there was a good specimen in the com-
munications with which hygienists d’ occasion filled the newspapers
in the last cholera epidemic with their works on hygiene, mycology
and therapeutics, with their infallible remedies, their immortal
microbes and their quite new theories — commences to repeat itself
as soon as the telegraph has announced the appearance of a pan-
demic of grippe, whose beginnings we are apparently now facing.
Unintentionally two diseases are being confounded as synonyms,
which are completely distinct, as are grippe or trancazo and dengue.
Tor the manner of onset, and for the syndromes, and for the
countries invaded, it may be asserted that the epidemic which is
now attacking various peoples of Europe has nothing in common
with dengue, but is a true influenza, grippe or trancazo.
As we have just seen that in a semi-official manner there has been
talk of means which our government thinks of adopting against
dengue, fearful of blame as silent accomplices of such confusion,
we sift out from the lectures [423] recently given in the Faculty
of Medicine some concepts relative to the two diseases under con-
sideration.*
* Section on dengue omitted ; for a full account of dengue, see C. C. McCulloch
“Dengue Fever,” New Orleans Medical and Surgical Journal, March, 1918, lxx, 694-706.
Ambrose — ■ Spanish Views on Spanish Influenza.
225
[424] Summarizing, then, dengue as an epidemic disease, as a
geographical scourge (azote geografica), presents the peculiarities
of being almost exclusively of the tropical zones, of having broken
out only twice in Europe (1784 and 1864), and both times having
obtained foothold in Cadiz without having spread to the rest of
Europe; also it is propagated by human commerce.
Nothing of this is true with grippe, influenza or trancazo. This
is the prototype of pandemics — that is to say, of the ailments which
may affect all countries and all individuals, and this in a manner
almost instantaneous, without being subject to human transactions.
The word grippe, according to some authors, comes from the
French word agripper , which means to surprise or to attack with
violence; and, according to others, from the word chrypka, which
means coryza or catarrh. The Italian writers have given it the
name of influenza, wThich, with the preceding, is the one most used,
notwithstanding the fact that the disease has been called epidemic
catarrh, epidemic bronchitis, epidemic rheum, catarrhal fever, to
mention only a few of the terms used by authors. The common
speech also has enriched the synonymy of this affection, calling it,
for example, in our country, trancazo , a term which expresses the
sensation of depression felt by the patients and the fatigue charac-
teristic of the majority of the forms of this disease.
In order to attain a knowledge of it, if not exact, at least ap-
proximate, we shall attempt to study it under the following aspects :
history, etiology, symptomatology, forms, pathological anatomy,
diagnosis and prognosis, nature and treatment.
In general, the epidemic diseases lend themselves better than
others to historical study, for reasons easily understood; but,
although for grippe we may have superabundant data for giving an
extended account of dates and authors, we intend citing only those
which may in some manner be useful to us in deducing later some
conclusions directed toward the specific and concrete purpose of
these lectures. Putting to one side the doubtful epidemics which
authors describe from the eleventh to the fifteenth century, and of
which we have hardly other data than that they were catarrhal dis-
eases which invaded extended territories, causing death in persons
of advanced age (1335), attacking sometimes nine-tenths of the
population (1357), determining profound depression, lack of ap-
petite, insomnia and cough (1403), even to the point of producing
abortions and hernias (1410 and 1411) ; putting aside these
226
Translation.
epidemics, some of which may he confounded with other diseases,
and particularly with pertussis, we shall arrive at that of 1580,
described by all the authors, and particularly by onr famous Mer-
cado. To this one, the authors who describe it agree in assigning
symptoms which fit completely the description of grippe, such as
severe headache, debility, cough, both symptoms persistent in con-
valescence, and frequent favorable termination.
In the seventeenth century are recorded at least ten or twelve
other epidemics — some localized, like that of 1657, described by
Willis, in London, others which spread over more or less extended
territories, like that of 1669 in Holland and Germany, that of 1679
in France and England, etc.
As we advance toward our day [425] the literature of catarrhal
epidemics becomes more abundant; from 1709 to 1799 there are
more than thirty which we could cite. Limiting ourselves to the
principal ones, we will note that of 1709 in France; the one that
prevailed from 1720 to 1733, spreading over nearly all the earth,,
beginning in Germany, passing to England, to France, to Switzer-
land, to Italy and Spain, arriving in Mexico in 1731, passing to.
North America, and arriving again the following year in Germany,
Scotland, Holland, in France in 1733, and traversing again the
same course across Europe and America; that of 1762 was famous
for its gravity, and was specially marked in Germany, where it left
untouched hardly a tenth of the population; and in the north of
France that of 1775 was also noteworthy for being widespread, and
for having attacked horses and dogs.*
During the nineteenth century the following epidemics have been
conspicuous: (a) that of 1830, which spread over Eussia, Prussia
and Austria, appearing in 1831 in England, France and Switzer-
land, being encountered in this latter year at almost the same date
in Europe, Asia and America; (b) that of 1837, which, after
having extended itself over all of Europe, assuming at times forms
of great intensity, is to be noted for having served as the motive
for [426] the works most worthy of study which we possess on
this subject, such as those of Nonat, Landouzy, Vigla, Graves and
others.
Since these epidemics, there have occurred those of 1847, 1860
and 1870.
There is not lacking an author (Gintrac) who undertakes to
* Fuller historical details, with, quotations, are given in a long footnote.
Ambrose — Spanish Vieivs on Spanish Influenza.
227
deduce from the data collected by him the conclusion that grippe
occurs on the average every ten years. In our understanding of
the matter, this is one of the times when the average figure is lack-
ing in significance. In this and similar cases the hygienist should
by preference direct his attention to the concurrence of causes
which determine two epidemics rather than to the chronological
interval which separates them, because, when these present them-
selves simultaneously and synchronize, the epidemic event will be
effected just the same with one year of interval as with one hundred.
The facts corroborate the exactness of this assertion, since, in a
large list of epidemics which I have before me, there are some which
have between them only one year, others eight, others ten, others
fifteen, and, finally, others twenty-eight.
Let us see now what characteristics these epidemics have pre-
sented.
In the first place, all the authors recognize the fact that influenza
is one of the diseases whose epidemics are very widespread, being,
in this sense, a ubiquitous ailment and one of the most perfect types
of pandemics. In the historical review made by all the writers it
seems to be noted that, of all the epidemics, those which have taken
on the greatest extension and development, those in which it has
been proved that all climates and all geographical regions were
suited to the development of grippe, have been those of the seven-
teenth and eighteenth centuries. But we should not lose sight of
this, in the first place, that in the centuries previous to these, the
appearances of a relatively benign disease might very well pass un-
perceived, or at least attract a slight degree of attention from ex-
perts, at a time when scourges as terrible as leprosy, plague and
smallpox devastated civilized Europe. There is nothing so very
strange in the fact that we have a more complete knowledge of the
progress and extension of influenza in the last three centuries, if
we take into account that in them scientific commerce, the facility of
communication, and the impulse imparted to the expansion of
knowledge by printing, have been considerably greater than in pre-
vious epochs.
There is without doubt a fact which indicates variability in the
extension of grippe, and that is this, since the second third of our
century (the nineteenth) its epidemics continue to take on a char-
acter each time more localized, presenting themselves now at one
point, now at another, with brief intervals of time; but those great
228
Translation.
movements which scattered it in an uninterrupted manner over en-
tire continents, over island, and — in a word — over all the known
world, have already ceased to take place.
Likewise, the duration of these epidemics is quite variable. Some
have lasted hardly two weeks, having been able in some instances
to traverse the whole world in less than six months ; others, as for
example, that of Paris in 1837, could last ten months, although in
these there are always periods of remission, alternating with others
of recrudescence. In almost all the epidemics of grippe the begin-
ning is sudden, so that in just one day many cases appear in the
same city.
Another characteristic worthy of being kept in mind, of which
some mention has already been made, is the large number of in-
dividuals attacked, this reaching such a point that in this respect
there is no disease comparable with it.
Another peculiarity worthy of mention is its benign character,
for it may be said in general that, when there are no intereurrent
grave diseases and it does not develop in persons old, debilitated,
tubercular, etc., it is one of the most benign epidemic ailments
which is known. Some have discussed fixing the mortality of grippe
in the proportion of one in a thousand; hut, as is self-evident, this
is a very venturesome calculation, because special circumstances
and, above all, those just mentioned, can make the proportion much
more unfavorable, as has happened in France and England in some
epidemics of this century.
Much has been said also about the direction followed in the
propagation of the disease. Until recently there was a certain ac-
cord in considering grippe as a disease which, originating in the
northern regions, continued to propagate itself from north to south.
Many epidemics have propagated themselves from west to east,
others in the reversed direction, hut, in reality, nothing positive
can be said on this point, and even less at the present time, when
isolated epidemics appear at points a long distance apart, leaving
unaffected very extended areas.
As we see, and taking into account the data afforded us by the
telegraph and the press, the present epidemic can be designated as
influenza or trancazo , and, as such, has as its chief etiology meteor-
ological and seasonal conditions. Since these are found out of the
reach of human means, governments are thus justified in doing
nothing to attack it, since the defense against its onset consists
rather of individual means than of social or collective ones.
Ambrose — Spanish Views on Spanish Influenza. 229
[441] Carlan (8 June, 1918).— The question which by prefer-
ence occupies physicians and public attention is that of the epidemic
prevalent for three weeks past. In that which is most essential and
important, this is on the decrease — that is, in the number of the
cases or in the morbidity. But it is not diminishing in those mani-
festations, which we might call marginal, which in all times, but
very specially in modern times, constitute the accompaniment of
epidemics, producing in the public mind and in the serenity of
scientific judgment and of professional conduct confusions, vacilla-
tions and pernicious doubts, which in the interest of all ought to
be avoided.
It is self-evident that we refer to the excessive number of reports,
impressions, opinions and theories which we see published daily
in the newspapers, both political and literary, writings and works
attested by signatures more or less known, which, being interpreted
by readers devoid of the preparation necessary for judging of their
true significance and content, have the immediate result of pro-
ducing vacillation and distrust, as well in the medical as in the
general public.
This is not a new evil. Those who have read the work which El
Siglo Medico published at the time of the epidemic of 1889, giving
its judgment regarding that disease, will remember that then was
lamented this evil which is now reproduced, the evil of the ex-
hibitionary itch for improvisations and hasty opinions.
There is no hiding from us — since we have suffered and do suffer
from it — the influence begotten in all of them by the urgent desire
of journalists to give the character of actuality and novelty to their
publications. We know that it is very difficult to elude the temp-
tation of celebrating an interview, of giving an opinion, or of sup-
plying some pages of copy with a signature which lends prestige,
authority and sale to the sheets which have as their mission the
informing and entertaining of their readers. But reputable physi-
cians, laboratories, clinical centers and other scientific entities,
these, being cognizant of their own worth and expertness, do not
need to strengthen one nor the other with ostentations of exhibition
or with debilities of notoriety — these ought to consider the injury
which results as the outcome of all this establishing of a sort of
prize contest before the vulgar juryman who stumbles over it all,
interpreting right and left what he thinks he is qualified to in-
terpret.
230
Translation.
After all, in this epidemic [442] there has been less evil in the
possible result from the general effects of these boxing matches
promoted by the newspapers, which have given this appearance to
opinions which in reality do not disagree in any essential or in
transcendency. But let us not forget what happened in other more
serious epidemics, for example, in the cholera epidemic of 1885,
during which no day passed without the appearance of some writing
giving opinions the most stupendous concerning the character, form
of propagation and treatment of the disease.
In order to judge of an epidemic scientifically, it is necessary
that it should continue its development a sufficient length of time,
and still better that it should have ended. The practicing physician
fulfills his duty by applying his science and adjusting his conduct
to it from the first day and in all the moments of the development
of the disease. To the scientific societies and journals belongs the
function of occupying themselves by preference with the exchange
of opinions and with the explanation of reports as these go on
forming; it is for this that they exist, if they enjoy the confidence
and prestige due them. But there is an enormous distance between
this and launching at the general public writings, reports, prognos-
tications, which cannot be set going without risk of incurring cen-
sures often unjustified, since the haste of good desire and the ex-
igencies of the times should attenuate them.
The Real Academia Nacional de Medicina has devoted its last
two sessions to the discussion of this current theme ; the debate was
opened by Codina, who was followed by Huertas, Hernandez Briz,
Grinda, Maranon -and Pittaluga. From the brief but opportune
and substantial utterances of these gentlemen, it is clearly evident
that there is no doubt regarding the designation of the character
of the disease, and that this constitutes an epidemic of grippe, in-
fluenza or trancazo , which are three names for the same disease. In
regard to the laboratory investigations, which have a very different
significance in the present moment of the epidemic, all that may
be said is ephemeral and hasty, since neither are these the things
which are improvised, nor are the existing micro-biological data
which we possess with respect to grippe of a definitive and un-
debatable character, nor are the procedures of verification within
reach of all hands.
That which is of import for the moment is that there exists ac-
cord in the designation of the disease and in the manner in which
it is to be combatted.
Ambrose- — Spanish Views on Spanish Influenza.
231
[466] Lasbemes (15 June, 1918). — We present for the con-
sideration of our associates the following table, in which are given
the details of the mortality of Madrid in the month of May, day by
day, grouped under the most interesting diagnoses of the certificates
of death.
In view of the importance of the infecto-contagious affections,
specially in infant pathology, we have thought it convenient to
present them in separate columns, in order that the daily evolution
of each one may be studied, although not one of them, as is clearly
seen, has been influenced nor has exerted influence in the present
sanitary state.
To avoid making the table unduly large, we have omitted malaria,
which has few victims; May 21 one death occurred from this cause.
We have done the same thing with erysipelas, in spite of its im-
portant streptococcic significance, because, under this diagnosis,
only one died (May 29).
Under meningitis are included two deaths, May 8 and 16, from
cerebrospinal meningitis, without further epidemic or meningo-
coccic indication.
The intestinal infections have been few in number. Infantile
enteritis we specify not only because it is a faithful reflex of the
general state of these diseases, but also because, at the last of May,
there sets in ordinarily an increase, which is augmented in June,
reaching its greatest intensity in July. We think that, under the
present circumstances, it is expedient to retain this.
Having stated these supplementary data of the demographic table
presented, we will discuss the most salient facts which our statistics
set in relief.
The most striking fact is the sudden elevation of mortality
initiated May 27, after three days of slight increases, and reaching,
May 31, the highest figure, 115, double the normal average for this
period of the year. * Although we shall not publish the data for
June until after the end of the month, in order to be exact, we may
anticipate to the extent of saying that in its first eight days the
deaths have oscillated between 95 and 110, with a tendency to de-
crease, which was more clearly accentuated in the second week.
[467] During the summer and autumn of 1917 the mortality
was low. An advance over the corresponding averages took place
in November, December, January, February and March, with the
peculiarity that it was proportionately less in those under five years ;
232
Translation.
the mortality was notably less in April, and in the first days of May
(as may be seen in the table) there were some figures very low in
proportion to the population of Madrid, which in spring and with
& large floating mass brought to ns by well-known causes amounts
to about eight hundred thousand inhabitants.
Mortality in Madrid in May , 1918. — Totals* by days only:
1, 45; 2, 28; 3, 42; 4, 36; 5, 33; 6, 33; 7, 38;
8, 44; 9, 47; 10, 38; 11, 34; 12, 37; 13, 36; 14, 41;
15, 45; 16, 35; 17, 42; 18, 40; 19, 41; 20, 41; 21, 41;
22, 46; 23, 43; 24, 53; 25, 57; 26, 59; 27, 84; 28, 99;
29, 91; 30, 98; 31, 114.
Totals by diseases : Typhoid fever, 6 ; typhus exanthematicus, 2 ;
smallpox, 6 ; measles, 20 ; scarlatina, 1 ; pertussis, 15 ; diphtheria, 12 ;
grippe, 77; tuberculosis, 226; cancer, 56; meningitis, 96; heart and
cerebral hemorrhages, 54; organic heart diseases, 118; acute bron-
chitis, 37; pneumonia, 57; broncho-pneumonia, 164; infantile
diarrhea, 56; nephritis, 43; congenital debility, 52; old age, 35;
others, 356. Total, 1,561.
The second point, which stands out quite clearly, is that the
sudden increase in mortality was produced in the affections of the
respiratory tract and in the chronic cardiopathies in this order:
broncho-pneumonia, grippe, tuberculosis, cardiac diseases and pneu-
monias.
It is an interesting fact that acute bronchitis, 80 per cent of the
deaths, from which is always in the earliest infancy, shows a very
slight elevation.
The third observation was noted in the table of ages published
in the preceding number;* the elevation of the mortality was pro-
portionately less in those under five years and greater in those of
20 to 39 years.
In regard to the sexes, the proportion' has been the natural one,
because more males than females are born. The 1,561 deaths of
May are divided : Men, 798 ; women, 763.
These are the facts which Madrid demography presents. We be-
lieve them of great importance for epidemiological studies.
Naturally, this importance would increase and give precise orien-
tations, if similar studies verified identical phenomena in other
invaded localities.
*Only totals are given here.
*'8 June, p. 458.
Ambrose — Spanish Views on Spanish Influenza.
233
Terminating here our work of information, with its value more
or less but positive, we will interpret it before we set forth some
considerations which, to be exact, are very debatable.
First, we have to make public an ignored fact. In January, 1914,
a phenomenon similar to the present one took place. The mortality
had an exacerbation similar to this one, and also induced by the
same mortigenic causes.
As the said month is always the one of the most deaths in Madrid
from acute thoracic conditions, and as its extraordinary excess
lasted little more than twenty days, no one thought of what was
happening, each one supposing that he was the one who was
cognizant of the greater degree of the winter exacerbation. No
one that we know occupied himself with the occurrence. The cer-
tain thing is that the mortality, which in our city [468] oscillates
around 1,700 deaths, reached the extraordinary figure of 2,070.
The analogy between what happened then and that which is
taking place now; the rapid elevation of the mortality; the equal-
ity of the mortigenic causes; the brevity of the time in which the
pernicious influence was sustained, and which now, by all indica-
tions— and may God grant it so — is going to be short also, makes
us think that a cosmic, meteorological or telluric phenomenon has
been the cause of both mischiefs.
That the defensive cells and the aggressive bacteria can be in-
fluenced directly or indirectly by the medium which surrounds us,
is a thing which cannot be doubted. The sun, source of all ter-
restrial energy, is paradoxically the destroyer of many pathogenic
microorganisms. The light rays, whose vibrations are more rapid
than our retina can receive, especially the ultra-violet ones, kill
the microbes, perhaps — pardon me the apparent absurdity of the
phrase — by fulminant apoplexy. This being accepted, it could be
supposed that an accident whatsoever of the physics of the globe
could alter at a given moment the biologic equilibrium, favoring
temporarily some species over others in the perpetual struggle for
the monopoly of energy.
In the case which we are discussing, I believe that the influence
has been indirect. The modifying agency has altered the respira-
able air in some of its components, known or unknown, and that,
by insufficient excitation, has weakened the defenses of the respira-
tory tract.
From remote times has been observed empirically the depression
234
Translation.
which the human organism suffers at dawn. This is appreciated
especially in patients seriously ill. It is the revenge of the microbes.
There are some rays ultraquis which favor them at our expense.
Be that as it may, we believe that this daily phenomenon, which
is appreciated only in those who are at the extremity of their en-
ergies, perhaps by solar influence, sometimes — as at the present — is
more intense and favors the bacterial attacks with intensity pro-
portionate to the consumption of the initial energy which we possess.
In Madrid, according to my observations (although these require
fuller verification), the larger part of the invaded were night-walk-
ers and early risers — that is to say, those most exposed to the afore-
said sidereal effect fortuitously augmented.
Children, who with some exceptions retire early and rise late,
have been slightly afflicted, and instead the victims have been regis-
tered in the ages in which, for pleasure or of necessity, one lives
during the hours mentioned.
Whether these appreciations hit the mark or not, unquestionably
medicine ought to occupy itself more than it has done with meteor-
ognosy, because, united to the laboratory and to the clinic, it will
be able to give us the key to some facts hitherto hardly explained.
And abandoning the land of hypotheses with which I have im-
prudently meddled, I am going to close, permitting myself to
counsel my colleagues that, profiting by the preoccupation which
every epidemic begets among the people, they carry to an ex-
treme their advice on diet, not because it influences the actual evil,
but to prevent — given the period into which we are entering in
which the estival enterites begin to develop their mischiefs — a
change in the place of least resistance, which would cause great evils.
[518] Madrid Sanitary Report (29 June, 1918). — The con-
dition of public health keeps on improving in Madrid, although it
is too early to assert that the grippal epidemic has disappeared
completely. While it is certain that the number of acute and be-
nign cases is very small, the pulmonary and congestive forms and
the complications in the chronic ailments continue to give the
specific character of the same. The mortality is reduced to the
figures usual at this season of the year.
Landry — Inguinal Approach In Femoral Hernia.
235
THE INGUINAL APPROACH IN THE CURE OF FEMORAL
HERNIA.* f
By LUCIAN H. LANDRY, M. D., F. A. C. S., New Orleans.
The impression prevails in many minds that the cure of femoral
hernia is a simple procedure and that all that is necessary to attain
a cure is simply to obturate the saphenous opening by bringing to-
gether adjacent tissues in the vicinity of the hernial orifice, after
ligating the sac as high as possible. That an anatomical knowledge
of the field is absolutely unnecessary, and that recurrence is as rare
as in inguinal hernia, are prevalent misconceptions that should be
cleared from the surgical horizon before any attempts to describe
operative technic are seriously considered.
The radical cure of femoral hernia, just as in inguinal hernia,
depends upon four fundamental principles : First, a clear anatomical
exposition of the field ; second, high ligation of the sac ; third, snug
closure of the internal ring, followed by adequate myoplasty ; fourth,
aseptic wound-healing.
The high percentage of recurrence in femoral hernia is best
shown by the following statistics :
According to Coley,1 who has had an exceedingly large experience
in hernise of all kinds in the Buptured and Cripple Hospital of
Hew York, “up to 1890, the results of operation in femoral hernia
showed about 30 per cent of recurrences.” Bresset,2 in a study of 395
femoral hernige, found that in 232 cases that were operated with-
out closure of the femoral ring, 29 per cent recurred, and in 163
cases operated with closure of the ring, 8.6 per cent recurred. Ac-
cording to Potts,3 in 422 cases there was a recurrence in 36.7 per
cent in the cases where the ring was not closed, and 28.4 per cent
recurrence in those that were closed.
Moschowitz6 reports a case which he operated in 1904 by the
method of DeGarmo. In 1906 he did a laporotomy on the same
patient, examined the hernial site from the abdominal side, and to
his surprise could introduce his index finger to a depth of two inches,
practically to the saphenous opening. This case examined externally
would be classed as a cure, still it presented the possibility of a
strangulation.
That the cure of femoral hernia has been quite a problem in the
minds of surgeons for the past forty years or more cannot be doubted
* Read at the 39th Annual Meeting, Louisiana State Medical Society, New Orleans,
April 16, 17, 18, 1918.
•(■Contribution of the Surgical Division of Tulane University, School of Medicine.
236
Original Articles.
if we but look over the literature on the subject. While there have
been comparatively few methods advocated for the cure of inguinal
hernia, the number of procedures advocated as a radical cure for
femoral hernia is appalling. The very exhaustive and complete
work of Eobert Didier,4 in 1912, bringing the literature on the sub-
ject up to date, contains an index of 158 publications on the sub-
ject— 84 in Trench, 43 in German, 20 in English, and 11 in Italian.
In 1896 Tuffier5 counted twenty-nine methods in use or ad-
vocated for the cure of femoral hernia, while in 1907 Moschowitz6
found over seventy methods and modifications. I will not try to
enumerate the various procedures advocated, hut will rapidly men-
tion a few methods which have been more or less popular.
In 1871 Widenham-Maunsell7 advocated median laporotomy to
reduce femoral hernia when strangulated or incarcerated, and the
closure of the ring from within. This was also advocated by An-
nandale8 in 1878. Tait,9 in 1883, concluded that the radical cure of
all hernise other than umbilical should be done by abdominal sec-
tion and that this route should be used even to treat strangulated
hernia.
Socin, 10 according to Jaboulay, in 1879 claimed good results by
simple high ligation and extirpation of the sac and inverting the
skin, without attempting to close the femoral ring. Mitchell-
Banks11 and Ochsner12 do not close the ring. Billroth11 (quoted by
Camson) incised the sac without extirpation and without closing
the ring. Berger,13 after high ligation, leaves the strands long,
arms them with needles and transfixes the abdominal wall, tying
on the external oblique, just as Barker14 advises in inguinal hernia.
This is followed by a double pursestring suture, closing the femoral
ring on the inner and outer side. Ball,10 in 1887, advocated tor-
sion of the sac. Tricomi,15 Lucas Championniere,16 Boltini,10 Biche-
lot,17 Lockwood,18 Coley,1 Cushing-Marcy1 and Wood use purse-
string suture of the orifice after high ligation of the sac.
Bassini,19 with an incision parallel and slightly beneath the crural
ring, ligates the sac as high as possible. With interrupted sutures,
Poupart’s ligament is united to the pectineal fascia ; then the falci-
form fascia is joined to the pectineal fascia, the lower suture enter-
ing just above the saphenous vein. DeGarmo’s20 method is prac-
tically the same as Bassini’s, except that a smaller number of sutures
are used to accomplish the same purpose.
Fabricius and Trendelenburg21 (according to Jaboulay and Patel)
Landry — Inguinal Approach In Femoral Hernia
23?
suggested obturating the femoral opening by a bone flap turned
down from the anterior portion of the pubic bone. Theriar22 (ac-
cording to Jaboulay) used a portion of the head of a humerus which
he had just resected to obturate the femoral opening; the same
author ordinarily used decalcified bone. Chaput23 used a fragment
of costal cartilage for the same purpose, while Green24 used a piece
of the eleventh rib, two inches long, to bridge over a large femoral
opening. Schwartz placed a tampon of catgut in the crural open-
ing to induce a "cicatricial stopper.” Thompson25 used celluloid
filigree for this purpose, while Phelps26 (according to Lance) used
wire filigree. Koux27 (de Lausanne) used a staple to bring Pou-
part’s ligament to the pubic bone ; Lerat used a screw to accomplish
this result.
Mcoll and Hammesfohr21 bore holes in the pubic bone through
which they suture Poupart’s ligament to the pubic bone. Fabricius28
and Delageniere29 advise partial or complete division of Poupart’s
ligament to allow it to be attached to the pubic bone. Salzer30 used
the aponeurosis of the pectineus as a "stopper” for the femoral ring,
while Watson- Cheyne31 used the pectineus muscle, denuded of its
aponeurosis, for this purpose. De Garay10 used the sartorius. Poul-
let32 utilized the tendon of the adductor longus. Schwartz,33 the
adductor brevis, with a large pedicle. Witzel and Dawborn21 also
advocate muscular aponeurotic flaps. Chaput34 used an adipose
pediculated graft in large femoral hernia.
The inguinal approach in femoral hernia was first advocated by
Annandale,35 who in 1876 operated a patient with an inguinal and
femoral hernia on the same side. He opened the inguinal canal,
reduced both hernise, suturing Poupart’s ligament to Cooper’s liga-
ment, then closed the inguinal hernia.
Zuckerkandl,36 in 1883, after cadaveric research, advocated the
inguinal route in strangulated hernia. These contributions toward
the radical cure of femoral hernia went practically unnoticed until
1892, when Ruggi37 published a complete technic for surgical in-
tervention in femoral hernia by the inguinal route. The year fol-
lowing, Parlavecchio38 offered a modification of Ruggi’s method.
Tuffier,39 in 1896, popularized the method in France; Gordon,40 of
Dublin, in 1900 advocated the inguinal route, suturing the internal
oblique and transversalis to Cooper’s ligament. Guibe and Proust,41
in 1904, suture the internal oblique and transversalis to Cooper’s
ligament after completely dividing Gimbernat’s ligament. The in-
238
Original Articles.
guinal route of approach has also been advocated by Codivilla42 and
Magni in Italy; in Germany and Austria by Lotheissen,43 Foderl,44
Reich45 and Frank;46 in England by Fagge47 and Gordon;40 in
Roumania by Bardescu;48 in France, after Tuffier-Berard49 (twenty-
five cases by “double rideau”), Yallas and Perrin50 at Lyon (in-
guinal method without closing crural ring), Chaput,51 Dujarier52
and Demarest53 at Paris.
Dujarier reports thirty-one cases of femoral hernia operated by
inguinal route with no recurrence. He makes it a practice in all
inguinal hernia, when he opens the sac, to put a finger in and ex-
amine the femoral opening. In two cases he found small herniae
that had escaped the clinical examination. Dr. Matas first used the
inguinal method in Hew Orleans in 1893, shortly after the publica-
tion of Parlavecchio.
Moschowitz,6 in 1907, published a technic in America, giving full
detail of closing the femoral opening after high ligation of the sac
by suturing Poupart’s ligament to Cooper’s ligament. Seelig and
Tuholske,54 in 1914, published an excellent article in Surgery , Gyne-
cology and Obstetrics , giving a full, well-illustrated description of
the technic by the inguinal route, with a supplementary note on
Cooper’s ligament. In describing the technic of the inguinal oper-
ation and Cooper’s ligament, I shall draw largely from this article.
In 1915, J. D. S. Davis,55 of Birmingham, Ala., read a paper be-
fore the Southern Surgical and Gynecological Association on the
Moschowitz operation, using largely the illustrations of Seelig.
To understand the inguinal mode of approach in the cure of
femoral hernia, one must have a thorough understanding of the
anatomy of the pelvis, and especially of Cooper’s ligament, as this
structure plays a large part in the myoplasty.
Testut54 (quoted by Tuholske) describes Cooper’s ligament as
follows :
‘The superior border of the pectineal crest is covered by a sort of
fibrous cord, very thick, very dense, very resistant, intimately adherent
to the bone, and extending from the spine of the pubis to the ileopectineal
eminence. This is the pubis ligament of Cooper, or, more simply termed,
Cooper’s ligament.”
Poirier and Charpy54 (also quoted by Tuholske) furnish the fol-
lowing description of the ligament :
“The ileopectineal line of the pubis marks the point of fusion of
various fascial layers: the pectineal fascia, Gimbernat’s ligament, be-
hind this the posterior pillar of the external ring, and finally the trans-
Landry — Inguinal Approach In Femoral Hernia. 239
versalis fascia, reinforced by the ligaments of Henle and Hesselbach.
Thus the angular bony edge overladen by all these insertions is trans-
formed into a rounded cord, which is given the name of the pubic liga^-
ment of Cooper — 1 Cooper’s ligament. ’ ”
Technic. — The technic that I have employed in eight cases oper-
ated since 1915* is practically the same as that described by Seelig,
consisting of the following : An incision is made, the same as that
used to close an inguinal hernia, except the lower end approaches
the pnbis more. The incision should be from three to four inches
in length, and, if necessary, may be continued on down the thigh,
if this is found necessary by a very adherent sac. Next, the external
oblique is divided in the direction of its libers by splitting up the
external abdominal ring. By pulling up the superior flap of the
external oblique the conjoined internal oblique and transversalis are
brought into view. These are retracted upward ; the inferior border
of the external oblique is retracted downward, bringing PouparPs
ligament into view. The round ligament, or the spermatic cord in
the male, is retracted upward. Strong retraction at this stage gives
a very good exposure and brings the transversalis fascia into view — -
a thin layer of fascia lying immediately anterior to the peritoneum.
This fascia is incised in the line of the original incision and picked
up with the retractors. Retraction will here bring the neck of the
sac into view. The deep epigastric artery is generally encountered
here, at the outer margin of the incision; should it run an anom-
alous course it may be divided between ligatures.
The sac is now gently pulled (provided the case is not one of
strangulation) in an effort, to transform the entire hernial sac and
its contents into an inguinal hernia. Should you be dealing with
a strangulated hernia, or in the event that the sac is adherent iir its
bed, the sac is opened, contents returned to the abdominal cavity
(if healthy), adherent omentum separated and ligated; a curved
forceps is then introduced into the sac, down to its lowest point, the
end caught and the sac inverted. Should the sac be too adherent,
the skin incision may be here extended down the thigh. The sac is
now tied off by a transfixion ligature or suture, as high as possible,
to guarantee against leaving a dimple, protrusion or any other
variety of potential hernia.
The next step is the closure of the femoral ring. We find the
boundaries of the femoral ring to be : anteriorly, PouparPs liga*-
ment; internally, by GimbernaPs ligament (covered by a reflection
*Two cases operated under local anesthesia since the reading of this paper.
240
Original Articles.
wire filigree. Boux27 (de Lausanne) used a screw to accomplish
of the transversalis fascia) ; posteriorly, by Cooper’s ligament; and
externally, by the external iliac vein. With a small, full-covered needle
armed with chromic No. 2, a deep bite is taken through Cooper’s
ligament down to the periosteum, while the external iliac vein is
protected and drawn outward gently by the index finger of the left
hand; another bite is taken through the lower flap of the trans-
versalis fascia and the edge of Poupart’s ligament. Two like
sutures are placed internal to the first, the most internal picking
up Grimbernat’s ligament in its bite. When these sutures are tied
they bring Cooper’s ligament in contact with Poupart’s ligament,
completely closing off the hernial orifice.
The rest of the operation consists in closing the abdominal wall,
just as we would in an inguinal hernia.
This operation is probably longer than by the ordinary crural
incision, in so far as we do a femoral and an inguinal hernia com-
bined, but it lias the added advantages of (1) a clear and distinct
exposure of the anatomical field; (2) high ligation of the sac is
assured; (3) secure closure of the femoral ring is accomplished;
(4) the second or abdominal incision is not necessary (as is ad-
vocated by many authors when the crural route is employed) when
dealing with a strangulated hernia.
REFERENCES.
1. Coley. Keen’s Surgery, Vol. IV, p. 73.
2. Bresset. Theses de Paris, 1895.
3. Pott. Deutsche Ztschr. f. Chir., 1903, LXX, p. 556.
4. Didier. Theses de Paris, Juin, 1912, p. 394.
5. Tuffier. Revue de Chirurgie , 1896, No. 16.
6. Moschowitz, N. Y. State Jnl of Med., October, 1907, p. 396.
7. Widenham-Maunsell, Brit. Med. Jnl, 1871.
8. Annandale. Soc. Med. and Surg., Edin., 1878.
9. Tait. Brit. Med. Jnl, 1883.
10. Socin, .Jaboulay ; Traite de Chirurgie Clinique et Operatoire, 1899.
11. Mitchell-Banks. (Theses de Camson, 1893 ; Theses de Lyon.)
12. Ochsner, Jno. A. M. A., 1906, XLVII, 751-754.
13. Berger. Traite de Chir., t., VI, p. 759.
14. Barker. Brit. Med. Jnl, 1887, Vol. II, p. 1203.
15. Tricomi. Rev. de Chir., 1892.
16. Lucas Championniere, Cure radicale de hernies, 1887.
17. Richelot. Soc. de Chir., 1872.
18. Lockwood. Lancet, 1893.
19. Bassini. Arch, fur Klin. Chir., 1894.
‘20. Degarmo. Annals of Surgery, 1905.
-21. Jaboulay and Patel. Nouveau traite de Chirurgie, 1908.
‘22. Theriar.' 7° Cong. Fr. de Chir., 1893, pp. 318-323.
23. Chaput. Presse Medicate, 1904.
24. Green. Lancet, 1914, Vol. II, p. 155.
25. Thompson. Ibid, 1913, Vol. II, p. 1063.
26. Lance. Gazette des Hopitaux, 1912, pp. 1941-1944.
27. Roux. Cong. Fr. de Chir., 1904 .
28. Fabricius. Centrib, fur Chir., 1894, p. 616.
29. Delageniere. Arch. Prov. de Chir., 1896, p. 61.
30. Salzer. Centrb. fur Chir., 33, 1892.
31. Cheyne. Lancet, 1892, Vol. II, pp. 1039-1041.
32. Poullet. Congres Fr. de Chirurgie, 1895, p. 471.
33. Schwartz. Congress de Chir., 1893.
34. Chaput. Revue de Gynecol., 1916.
35. Annandale. Edin. Med. Jnl, 1876, XXI.
Landry — Inguinal Approach In Femoral Hernia.
241
36. Zuckerkaijdl. Archiv. fur Klin. Chir., 1S83, XXVIII, pp. 214-216.
37. Ruggi. Bull, de la Soc. Med.-Chir. di Bologna. 11 Marza, 1892.
38. Parlavecchio. Reforma Medica, February, 1893, pp. 496-507.
39. Tuffier. Rev. de Chir., 1896, t. XVI, pp. 230-248.
40. Gordon. Brit. Med. Jnl., June 2, 1900, Vol. I, p. 1338.
41. Guibe and Proust. Presse Medicale, 5 Mars, .1904, p. 105.
42. Codivilla. Centralb. fur Chir., 1898, p. 730.
43. Lotheissen. Ibid, p. 548.
44. Foderl Offic. Protokoll der k. k. Gosellschaft du aerzte Wiene, 1898.
45. Reich. Beitr. zur Klin. Chir., LXXVIII, f. I, 1911, p. 104.
46. Frank. Wiener Klin. Woch., 1909, No. 39, pp. 1052-1057.
47. F'agg-e. Proceed. Royal Society of Med., Surg. Sect., London, 1911, p. 162.
48. Bardescu. Archiv. fur Klin. Chir., 1908, LXXXV, Vol. II, pp. 453-487.
49. Berard. Communication au Congres Internat. de Chir., Bruxelles, 1908.
50. Valias and Perrin. Lyon Chir., 1909, No. 7, pp. 757-766.
51. Chaput. Presse Medicale, 2 Juillet, 1904, t. 12, No. 53, pp. 417-418.
52. Dujarier. Journal de Chir., 1912, t. VIII, No. 2, pp. 113-128.
53. Demarest. Presse Medicale, 1912, p. 984.
54. Seelig and Tuholske. Surgery, Gynecology and Obstetrics, Vol. 18, No. 1, January, 1914.
55. Davis. Transactions Southern Surgical and Gynecological Association, 1915.
Discussion on the Paper of Dr. Landry.
Dr. E. Denegre Martin, New Orleans: I am very glad Dr. Landry has
brought this subject before us for discussion. He has enunciated a simple
principle, which was not clearly understood before, due, to the fact,,
probably, that in the beginnng, when most of the operations were ^sug-
gested for the cure of femoral hernia, there was the fear of entering the
abdomen, and then the inguinal canal was looked upon as complicated,
and with the fear of a resulting inguinal hernia. My attention was first
called to the importance and necessity of operating on these hernias by
a suggestion made by Dr. Ochsner some years ago, when he claimed that if
you could close the sac entirely in a hernia the hernia would remain well;
it made no difference what kind of a closure you made afterwards, pro-
vided, of course, you approximated the wall. In a femoral hernia you
have a femoral canal half an inch in depth. It is impossible to proceed
from the outside and close that canal entirely; it makes no difference
what operation you do. We may, by suturing the fascia, which is usually
done, and resecting the thing, hold it for a long time, but in 30 per cent
of the cases recurrence takes place. I can understand that easily. What
do you dot You simply close the sac and return the contents and leave
the furunculus just as you have a funnel-shaped opening in an abdominal
wound. You have the identical condition which originated as the hernia
appeared, and you will have a recurrence of the hernia unless the liga-
ments are sutured together to hold it. If you can at once close that
entirely so that you have a perfectly smooth surface on the inside, I
do not know that it is necessary to suture the ligament fibers inside. You
can invert the sac, and in the cases I have had it has not been difficult.
In two cases operated on for other conditions in which I found an in-
carcerated hernia, I was able to catch the sac from the inside, invert it
and suture it, and there has been no recurrence in those cases. These
cases occur in women, because the canal is quite large. I have never seen
but one femoral hernia in a man, but I have seen fifteen in women. In
the first three I operated on the hernia recurrred. I did not know why
until I investigated the thing. The last case held for three or four years.
In nine of these cases I went through the abdominal route, which you
can do quite well. It is not so difficult. You can retract the abdominal
walls, and with a little manipulation invert the sac, ligate, close the
canal, and you have accomplished your whole purpose, and Ochsner
claims that the canal eventually closes entirely and there is no further
242
Original Articles.
trouble. The principle is simple, and I do not know why we did not grasp
it and appreciate it sooner.
Dr. C. P. Gray, Monroe: There are one or two questions I would like
to ask the doctor. In the first place, I want to thank him for the concise
manner in which he has presented this subject.
After you have ligated the sac, I would like to know whether you have
ever followed the plan adopted by Dr. E. Wyllys Andrews, of Chicago,
of putting in a half pursestring suture, going in through the ligament
and letting it go through the layers and coming out above?
The next question is, what has been your experience in closing the
inguinal ring? When you have closed the femoral hernia, what have
you done with the red muscle, or have you used the red muscle in lapping
over and closing the inguinal ring?
Dr. Lucian H. Landry, New Orleans (closing): I wish to thank Dr.
Martin for saying in a few words what it took me quite a long time
to say.
The thing that brought this route to my mind especially was a ticklish
occurrence. The last case I operated on by the crural route was one of
strangulated hernia. I attacked it from below and I had to cut Gimber-
nat ’s ligament to relieve the constriction. When I did so the bowel shot
back into the abdomen. I fished for it with a sponge-holder; I did not
catch the loop of intestine, that was apparently down in the canal, but
at any rate the loops I pulled down were healthy. I thought I would
try to prevent a recurrence by anchoring the sac higher up, as advocated
by Berger, using a transfixing ligature and putting it upon the abdominal
wall. This was done. The patient did well for six hours, wanted to
urinate, but could not, and the passage of a catheter showed a little
blood. I figured that my suture had gone into the bladder. It worried
me some. I waited a little while, then distention started. So I got
anxious. I called Dr. Matas to my aid. We opened the abdomen and
found just a little knuckle of bowel had been strangulated (Richtor’s
hernia) ; we resorted to resection and anastomosis, and left a suprapubic
bladder fistula. It was a good thing for the patient that I had to go
away the next day, and Dr. Matas looked after the case, the patient
finally making a good recovery.
So far as the question of Dr. Gray is concerned, in closing the in-
guinal hernia, you do it the same, whether you resort to a Bassini or a
Ferguson operation. We have been doing the so-called Ferguson- Andrews
operation by not transplanting the cord. After you have ligated the sac
high up it is identical with the inguinal hernia operation.
THYROIDECTOMY UNDER LOCAL ANESTHESIA.*
By CARROLL W. ALLEN, M. D., New Orleans.
This discussion . will deal principally with exophthalmic goiter,
as the operative technic of the simple colloid goiter under local
anesthesia presents no special difficulties, and the steps are identical
with the two types ; only when a colloid goiter is unusually large is
any variation in the technic necessary.
*Read before the Orleans Parish Medical Society, September 23, 1918. [Received for
publication, October 2, 1918.— :Eds.]
Allen — Thyroidectomy Under Local Anesthesia.
243
To satisfactorily and intelligently operate under local anesthesia
we should first become thoroughly familiar with the source and
distribution of the nerve supply of the region. This is one of the
fundamental factors of success, as I have often said before in dis-
cussing these subjects, local anesthesia makes of us nerve anatomists.
The skin of this region is supplied by the superficial^ colli nerve
formed by branches from the second and third cervical, which
emerges from behind the posterior margin of the sternomastoid
muscle and curves forward just above the point where the external
jugular vein passes over this muscle, and, passing forward beneath
the jugular and platysma muscle, divides into branches which supply
this muscle and the skin of the anterior region of the neck from
the chin to the sternum.
Beneath the area of distribution of this nerve we come to that
supplied by the loop formed by the descendens hypoglossi and the
conjoined branch from the second and third cervical nerves, which
descend from the upper part of the neck upon the carotid sheath
and supplies the sternothyroid, sternohyoid, both bellies of the
omohyoid and the anterior surface of the thyroid gland.
The third and last source of nerve supply is that to the under
surface of the thyroid gland ; this is from the deep branches of the
cervical plexus, from the nerves that supply the longus colli, rectus
lateralis and other prevertebral muscles.
These nerves are all small branches and pass forward to the under
surface of the gland.
This completes the nerve suply of the region, and we should now
be able to intelligently proceed to block off this region quickly,
methodically and with a minimum of anesthetic solution. Should
discomfort be complained of at any point we should be able to de-
termine its source by the depth at which we are working and relieve
it immediately by additional injections at the indicated point, and
not by aimlessly injecting in all directions in hopes of catching the
offending nerve.
In discussing the injection of any region, it is understood that
certain refinements of technic should be made use of, such as estab-
lishing an intradermal wheal with a fine needle at any point at
which a larger needle may be entered for deep injections, and in
very sensitive patients the skin may be frozen before making this
first wheal. Alsp, in making deep injections or advancing the long
needle through the tissues to any desired point, to progressively in-
ject the solutions as the needle is being advanced.
244
Original Articles
Knowing onr nerve supply, we can now proceed intelligently to
block off the operative field. For the skin, we have the choice of
two methods, both of which I make nse of.
We may block the superficialis colli where it curves over the
stemomastoid by passing a long needle down to the deep fascia over
this muscle, just behind the point where the external jugular passes
over this muscle, and directing the needle upward in the long axis
of the muscle, injecting this area quite freely for about one and one-
half inches, using about 5 to 10 c. c. of solution. This injection, when
properly made, will reach all branches of this nerve and give us a
superficial anesthesia down to the deep fascia and extending almost
from the chin to the sternum. The same procedure is repeated on
the opposite side.
The other method of superficial anesthesia, and the one more
commonly used, is to make a fairly free subcutaneous injection
along the proposed line of incision. This is best done by making a
skin wheal in the mid-line of the neck and, entering a long needle
at this point, injecting first to one side, then withdrawing the needle
and directing it in the oposite direction.
Having satisfactorily anesthetized the superficial parts, we now
turn our attention to the deeper parts supplied by the loop formed
by the descendens hypoglossi and second and third cervical. • It will
be seep, by considering the course and distribution of this nerve,
that it can be effectively blocked by an injection made down to the
carotid sheath, above the field, in the lower part of the superior
carotid triangle, entering the needle just above the omohyoid muscle
and making the injections just beneath the deep fascia, when it will
diffuse in all directions, reaching the nerves as they come downward
and forward. For this purpose, the long needle is entered near
the outer extremity of the subcutaneously infiltrated area, should
this method have been used, or, if the superficialis colli has been
blocked, at any point near the lower part of the superior carotid
triangle. As the needle is advanced down to the carotid sheath, the
solution should be injected continuously as the needle is being ad-
vanced. If the needle is of small caliber, with sharply beveled
point, no damage should result from contact with a vessel. It is,
however, a good precaution, when making an injection in the neigh-
borhood of large vessels, to aspirate slightly before making the in-
jection, to determine whether or not a vessel has been entered. This
injection, when properly made, is free from, danger, but the oper-
Allen — Thynoidectomy Under Local Anesthesia.
245
ation may defer this step until this skin flap has been raised, which
gives a slightly closer approach to the area of injection.
Having made the skin incision and retracted or divided the
thyroid gronp of muscles, as may seem necessary, the anterior
surface of the gland is thoroughly exposed, permitting the needle
to be passed under its lateral edge at two or more points, infiltrating
the cellular tissue behind the gland, thus reaching the deep group
of nerves to its posterior surface.
This completes the anesthesia, and the enucleation or resection
of the gland can now be proceeded with by any method preferred
by the operator. Its posterior capsule and a small piece of the
gland, about one-sixth or one-eighth of its total, should always be
left in place, for obvious reasons. For my own part, I always prefer
to divide the isthmus first when operating under local anesthesia,
and roll the gland out away from the trachea, thus avoiding the
repeated disturbance to this part from traction on other parts of the
gland, which is always quite disturbing to the conscious patient. An-
other advantage in dividing the isthmus first is that the gland can
be rolled outward and lifted from its bed with more facility, as it
is unattached at any other points except by vessels and fascia, and,
as the gland is lifted up, the vessels on its under surface can be
readily seen and ligated, and the danger to the recurrent laryngeal
nerve greatly lessened.
There are many little refinements of detail and technic, which can
hardly be brought out in a paper of this kind, which apply in a gen-
eral way to all operations under local anesthesia.
This subject is never complete with a simple discussion of the
operative technic, as there are other things to be considered. It is
not advisable to operate upon all cases, and some operations have
to be performed in stages. Very severe cases, when suffering from
edema, ascites, dilated heart, diarrhea, gastric crisis of vomiting
and other visceral disturbances, should not be operated at once, but
kept under observation, with rest, ice bags and other indicated
treatment, waiting for a lull in the symptoms. Many of these
severe cases have suffered permanent injury to the heart, kidneys
and other organs. It is consequently always desirable to operate as
early as possible in all cases which do not yield to medical treat-
ment.
It is doubtful if severe cases should ever have the complete radical
operation of double resection or lobectomy done at one time, but it
246
Original Articles.
is safer to do one side at a time, allowing one or two weeks for re-
covery, when the other side may be done.
In quite severe cases, too sick to attempt the radical resection of
a part of the gland, but yet capable of standing a limited amount
of surgery safely, we can often accomplish a decided abatement of the
symptoms by ligating one or both poles of the gland. This, when
properly done, often accomplishes much good and allows the patient
to recover sufficiently to permit the safe resection of a lobe.
To properly ligate the thyroid pole, an incision can be made
across the neck at the proper level, or I often prefer an incision on
the inner side of the sternomastoid, exposing by blunt dissection the
pole of the gland, when a silk or linen ligature on an aneurysm
needle is passed around the upper extremity of the lobe embracing
arteries, veins, nerves and a small portion of the tip of the gland,
tying the ligature quite firmly. Catgut is objected to for this pur-
pose, as it may be absorbed too early. The vessels should not be
dissected out and ligated singly, nor should the ligature be placed
above the pole of the gland, if the best results are to be accom-
plished, as the anastomosis between the vessels of the upper and
lower pole is quite free, and unless done in the proper way the
circulation is compensated quite early and our object defeated.
Much improvement often follows this ligation, and in some cases
the improvement is so marked that the patient objects to further
operative intervention ; but this is a serious mistake, and advantage
should be taken of this lull to perform the resection, which should
be done in from one to two or three weeks following the ligation.
The psychical effect of any operative procedure upon these cases
is often considerable, and they suffer acutely from fear, which in-
creases the blood pressure and heart activity, thus greatly stimu-
lating the activity of the gland and increasing all the toxic symp-
toms. It is consequently better to keep these cases in the hospital
a few days before operation, not letting them know exactly when it
will be performed. During this time they should be kept absolutely
quiet in bed, free from visitors and other disturanbces, with an ice
bag continually to the neck, avoiding meats, coffee, alcohol and all
stimulants in diet. As these patients have absolutely no control
over their emotions, and as fear is largely a psychical manifestation,
it is highly desirable to control the psychic functions by a large dose
of some opiate before going to the operating room. I do not like
morphin in these cases, as it sometimes excites them and does not
Allen — Thynoidectomy Under Local Anesthesia.
24?
exert any hypnotic influence; scopolamin is also objected to for sim-
ilar reasons. Pantopon, representing the entire active principles
of opium, makes the ideal hypodermic, nsing from one-half to two-
thirds of a grain about one honr before the time set for the oper-
ation. This dose is sufficient to render the patient dull, apathetic,
and inclined to sleep when left alone; the patient is thoroughly
conscious, hut just enough under the control of the drug to he list-
less and indifferent — an ideal state for operation, when it is highly
important to have under control all psychical disturbances. These-
are the essential points in the surgery of this condition under local
anesthesia.
Its advantages are many. When handling these cases in this
manner, the danger is greatly lessened, general anesthetics favoring
edema of the lungs, and renal suppression in bad cases, and by the
vascular congestion which they induce, greatly increase the toxic
activity of the gland. With local anesthesia, which is now used
always in conjunction with adrenalin, we have the opposite con-
dition, ischemia, which greatly lessens the activity of the gland, and
especially at the time when it is desirable to have it under con-
trol. The recovery following operation is greatly facilitated when
done under local anesthesia, as the patient can at once begin to
take water freely to flush out the emunctories and more rapidly
relieve the toxicity.
Before closing, I would like to call attention to the enlargement
of this gland, which often occurs in young girls about the age of
puberty, before the menstrual function has been regularly estab-
lished, and is often associated with mild toxic symptoms. In these
cases we should not operate too hastily, as the condition will usually
subside under proper treatment directed to the regular establish-
ment of the menstrual function.
Discussion of Dr. Allen's Paper.
Dr. L. H. Landry: Dr. Allen has undoubtedly brought out the most
difficult type of goiter to treat with local anesthesia; almost any one
with a little experience in local anesthesia can remove a colloidal or cystic
goiter without much discomfort to the patient. The utmost care must
be exercised in the exophthalmic or highly nervous type. If you take
any patient with a moderately developed exophthalmic goiter into an
operating room you will find a jump of approximately twenty beats in
the pulse rate as compared to the sate while in bed. Por this reason this
type of patient should never be wheeled into the operating room with-
out a blindfold, or allowed to see the nurses, assistants and instruments.
While operating, it is very bad practice to be calling for a knife, scissors,,
248
Original Articles.
clamps, etc.; the less conversation (except to reassure the patient) the
better. For this reason, local anesthesia is not a good amphitheater pro-
cedure, but should tee conducted in a small room, with as few assistant
and little noise as possible. While we are very partial to local anes-
thesia, and have used it a great deal in all types of goiter, I am reminded
of a very tragic experience we had some years ago with an exophthalmic
goiter. The patient had had a polar ligation performed and was kept
in the hospital some three or four weeks before the second operation was
undertaken. She was brought to the operating room with a towel over
her eyes and put on the operating table; we wanted to get the benefit of
gravity anemia, and instructed one of the interns to elevate the head
of the table; the gentleman handling the table was not familiar with
its mechanism, and allowed the table to come up suddenly; this startled
the patient, and at once her heart began to “run away.” We tried to
reassure the patient in every way that there was no harm done, but to
no avail. Hher heart stopped suddenly, and in spite of everything that
we did, including heart massage, the patient died before our eyes, before
anything surgical, even the introduction of a hypodermic needle, was
attempted. This patient absolutely died of fright.
With an experience like this, one cannot fail to be impressed with
the gravity of these cases and the care that must be exercised in using
any kind of anesthesia.
Recently we have been using Gwathmey’s ether-oil rectal anesthesia,
started in the patient’s room, and have had uniformly good results, from
an anesthetic and operative standpoint, in the severe types of ex-
ophthalmic goiter. I think that this convenient and comparatively safe
mode of anesthesia, properly administered, should be kept in mind when
dealing with the highly nervous indvidual.
Dr. H. E. Bernadas: To say we appreciate Dr. Allen’s paper is
putting it very mildly, because Dr. Allen is not only a pioneer in the
study of local anesthesia, but, to my mind, is a master. Therefore I have
no hesitancy in asking Dr. Allen if he would tell us his choice of a local
anesthetic, and if he would explain to us the comparative value of the
use of apothesine and novocain.
Dr. L. Sexton: Several years ago I reported before this Medical So-
ciety a large colloidal thyroid removed with local anesthesia. Owing to
the 'extreme age of the patient and her condition, she could not take a
general anesthetic. She had not been able to recline in bed at all for
quite a number of months, and as a result had bed-sores. The pressure
ulcers had formed, as she was constantly sitting in the upright position.
I did not desire to operate on the patient at all, and told the family that
laying her flat on the table, just as Dr. Allen has explained, might be
fatal; that we could not give her a general anesthesia, and would try
local anesthesia. I did not understand then the neural anatomy of the
part as the doctor so nicely explained to-night, but adopted the plan of
local anesthesia as in vogue at the time. One per cent solution of cocain
was injected after making a wheal in the skin line of the incision, and
then made a cut, which had to be rather large on account of the great
size of the goiter. After the upper pole of the goiter had been released I
worked from the upper part down, injecting into the deep fascia behind
the tumor 1 per cent novocain, as required. She was given one-eighth
grain of morphin one hour before operation. The case was reported in
the New Orleans Medical and Surgical Journal several years ago. The
old lady is enjoying good health.
Boebinger — Retro-Pharyngeal A bscess.
249
I wish to thank Dr. Allen for giving his technic. I am pleased to
have been here to hear his timely paper at this time.
Dr. Allen (closing discussion): The choice of a local anesthetic is,
of course, a very important one. I avoided saying much about it be-
cause, as soon as one talks about the different solutions, there is a great
deal that might be said. Novocain is unquestionably the peer of local
anesthetics. We adopt cocain as a standard, because it was the first local
anesthetic discovered, being introduced to the profession in 1884 by Karl
Koller in the Ophthalmological Congress at Heidelberg, and all of our
local anesthetics date from that time. Novocain is just about one-seventh
as toxic as cocain, and is non-irritating to the tissues. The addition of
adrenalin to the solution renders it more efficacious, but care should be
exercised as to the , amount used, not more than five drops being used
to each ounce. I recall being asked to see a patient, by a confrere, who
was said to be suffering from the effect of cocain poisoning. It was
distinctly a case of adrenalin poisoning, as he showed no effects of cocain.
The use of too strong solutions of adrenalin also frequently causes slough-
ing of the parts, due to acute vasoconstriction of the vessels, which pro-
duces ischemia of the part. This is especially apt to occur when used
in large areas. As regards the efficacy, I place novocain first on the list,
eucain second, apothesine third, and cocain last, on account of its
toxicity. (This is based on personal experience and experiments which
I have made.) The addition of sodium chlorid, in order to make an
isotonic solution, is a great advantage. Scleich, who is really the father
of local anesthesia, used this in his solutions, when he employed 2.10
per cent, which I have thought better doubled, and in all my solutions
I recommended the addition of 4.10 per cent.
RETRO-PHARYNGEAL ABSCESS.*
By M. P. BOEBINGER, M. D., New Orleans.
Vanity is an heirloom possessed by many; honesty by few. Man
has always accused the female as being the proud possessor of this
keepsake. The human family is weak when it comes to accepting
successes and is prone to push forever into oblivion their failures.
It is, therefore, with this idea in view, that the author reports the
loss of a child to this fraternity, fully realizing and understanding
that they, too, are the victims of this dreaded and incurable disease
known as “failure.” The younger man must always look forward
to his older and more experienced colleague to take the lead and
report such failures as must eventually prove the great barrier to
the onward march of the young, ambitious practitioner.
Early History. — The first mention of this affection dates back
to the second century of our era, when Galen relates a case in his
own experience. Since then, no mention seems to have been made
*Read before the Orleans Parish Medical Society, September 23, 1918. [Received for
publication, October 2, 1918. — Eds.]
250
Original Articles.
in the medical literature until the middle of the eighteenth century,
from which time nntil now very little has appeared in onr literature.
Bokai, of Budapest, has collected over five hundred cases, but there
exists not even a monograph on “Retro-Pharyngeal Lymph Adenitis”
in English.
There is a rather prevalent belief that retro-pharyngeal abscesses
are seldom encountered, except in children, and that caries of the
vertebra due to cervical Pott’s disease is the chief cause of this
condition. That such a belief should be so widely held is probably
due to the fact that the condition is often overlooked, except in the
case of tuberculosis of the cervical vertebra, when. its possibility is
always kept in mind and when its diagnosis is comparatively easy.
Irrespective of retro-pharyngeal abscesses often seen in adults, it
is essentially a disease of infancy and early childhood, and when
recognized early and treated surgically and skilfully should end in
a speedy recovery. When complicated and secondary to middle-ear
disease it should be regarded as of critical importance. — Prof.
Jacques, Haney.
Ages When Seen: Koplik reports a series of seventy-seven cases
occurring between the ages of twenty-one months and five years,
the greater majority (41 cases) occurring between the ages of six
and twelve months. Billings and Wilson report death of a man
eighteen years of age; Man reports death of a man of thirty-three
years; Meierhof speaks of death in infant; Cline reports death of
man fifty-seven years of age; Klug reports death of a young girl
due to erosion of carotid artery ; Dr. Carter reports death of infant
eight months; Dr. Charlton reports death of child eight years of
age; Meierhof claims to have seen fifty cases of retro-pharyngeal
abscesses, all patients were under three years of age; Herrold re-
ports case of young woman of twenty-two years of age, previously
healthy; Moore reports a case in a man aged forty years; Dunn,
one in a man aged sixty-two years.
Etiology . — The cause is sometimes very obscure, although occur-
ring, as it does, most frequently in the poorly-nourished and rachitic,
it is occasionally met with in patients who have previously been
perfectly healthy. Any of the acute inflammatory diseases of the
nose, mouth or pharynx may be a predisposing cause. Some authors
have reported seeing retro-pharyngeal abscesses following operative
procedures in the nasopharynx and pharynx. Retro-pharyngeal
abscess may be acute or chronic. It may be situated in the meso-
pharynx, in the hypopharynx, or in the epipharynx.
Boebinger — Reitro-Pliaryngeal Abscess.
251
There is an infection beneath the mncons membrane. The morbid
bacteria gain entrance through the lymph vessels, the atrium of
invasion being in one of the neighboring tissues which is diseased;
tonsillitis, a post-operative tonsillar wound, a tuberculous tonsil,
tuberculous cervical glands, caries of the vertebra, lues, acute coryza,
infectious diseases of infancy and childhood. Koplik has isolated
four distinct species of the streptococcus which he says are the micro-
organisms present in the pus of these abscesses.
Anatomy. — Behind the pharynx and esophagus a species of cavity
exists, bounded posteriorly by the mucous and fibro-muscular wall
of the pharynx and on the sides by the lateral aponeurosis. This
cavity is baggy and in the midst of areolar tissue. It extends from
the base of the skull to the mediastinum. Inside this cavity lie the
lymphatic glands, first described by Gillette and called Gillette’s
glands. The median fibrous raphe, the common point of meeting
of the constrictors, divides the post-pharyngeal region into two
retro-pharyngeal spaces. The larger vessels and nerves of the neck
are found laterally to this space. The greatest interest should be
attached to these “lymph nodes,” for they receive the lymphatic
vessels from the nose, post-nasal space, pharynx and deep cervical
region.
Infection may start from any of these organs and focus itself
in the retro-pharyngeal glands. The important point is that the
lymphadenitis is the essential lesion in a retro-pharyngeal abscess
of acute form. Gillette’s glands differ in no way from those which
compose the rest of the chain known as Waldeyer’s ring. This
chain drains all the cavities of the face, nares, region of the
Eustachian tubes, pharynx, and is in direct connection with the
lymphatics of the middle ear. The probable cause of so few cases
being reported in adults is perhaps due to the early quiescence or
atrophy of these glands.
Symptoms. — The vast majority of retro-pharyngeal abscesses are
found in early life, few occurring after five years of age. At this
period there is a large number of catarrhal diseases of the naso-
pharynx. Every one is acquainted with the retro-pharyngeal
lymphatic nodes, but the occurrence of septic infection of these
masses of gland tissue in association with suppuration of the ear
-seems to have escaped general attention. Yet, in infants particu-
larly, the combination is by no means uncommon, and even in adults
^unilateral swelling of the posterior pharyngeal wall, probably
252
Original Articles.
adenitis which has not come to abscess formation, is not uncommon
in suppuration of the middle-ear. Septic adenitis in this situation,
however, may plausibly he ascribed, not to infection from the
middle-ear, but to infection from the nose or nasopharynx — that is
to say, the retro-pharyngeal adenitis and the otitis may be looked
upon as independent of each other, save in the sense that they both
arise from one common cause. Nevertheless, it is, on the other
hand, highly probable that the infection of the pharyngeal gland
is sometimes transmitted to it from the middle-ear cavities, or at
least from the Eutachian tube, since, as Golgi’s researches and the
clinical course of cancerous growths in the middle-ear alike show,
there is lymphatic connection between the middle-ear and the lymph
nodes in the pharynx. But pharyngeal abscess of this kind, if due
to infection from the middle-ear, is a metastatic infection.
There are few conditions more difficult to recognize, in their early
stages, or more bewildering when seen in their full development.
In the long experience of many busy physicians, none have been
observed, others have recognized only a few, while many, perhaps,
have gone their way unrecognized.
The subject of retro-phrayngeal abscess is one of more than ordi-
nary interest to the laryngologist, for the reason that it may be, and
is, often overlooked by the busy general practitioner, on account of
the rarity of the disease and the lack of expertness in examining the
throats of infants and young children. The specialist is usually
called in at a time when the case has become serious and something
must be done, it being a disease of fatal tendency, manifesting a
variety of clinical aspects, involving, as it does, the adeno-lymph
structures of the oro and the laryngo-pharynx. As these structures
mature early in infancy and childhood, it is then when they are-
most likely to become infected and break down, forming a retro-
pharyngeal abscess.
Should the surgeon be dealing with a peri-tonsillar abscess in the
course of a suppuration of the middle-ear, particularly if the latter-
is acute, he should make a careful investigation of the case in order-
to exclude any connection with the middle-ear disease. All sur-
geons should be on the guard when dealing with a chronic suppura-
tion of the tympanic cavity, as we may at any time be dealing with
a caries of the antero-inferior wall, or else caries of the carotid canal,,
which would lead to a retro-pharyngeal abscess, and, should it go
untreated, there is risk of a deep cervical formation, finding its
BoEBmGEK, — Retro-Pharyngeal Abscess.
253
way into the thorax and cansing death from mediastinitis and gen-
eral sepsis.
In the course of an acnte suppuration, of an acute exacerbation
of a chronic suppuration of the tympanic cavity, especially if there
has been some delay in opening and draining the mastoid, the signs
and symptoms appear of cervical cellulitis in the upper region of
the posterior triangle. There v is pain, especially on moving the
head; torticollis is usually very evident. In the early stages, swell-
ing, with edema, and tenderness on deep pressure over the neck
close to the skull appear, and the whole area manifests a tough in-
duration. These inflammatory phenomena tend to spread down
the neck, and in some cases have reached as far as the clavicle be-
fore the pus close to the skull had got to the surface. Along with
the local phenomena we find the usual signs of severe toxemia ; this,
of course; would lead to surgical interference, incision being made
in the upper part of the neck and deepened until pus appears.
Should the case be complicated with mastoiditis, a mastoidectomy
is done.
The development of a retro-pharyngeal abscess occupies a period
of several days, so that, when we see the patient, the swelling has
probably gone beyond the original point of infection; sometimes the
pus may gravitate so low down that it is not seen through the fauces,
and digital exploration alone can locate it. One of the first clinical
signs is dysphagia. This varies from difficult deglutition to absolute
inability to nourish, being especially marked in infants. Another
important sign is respiratory distress, anxious expression, with
chin extended, and croupy cough, mouth containing large amount
of secretion and resembling that of peri-tonsillar abscess. Dyspnea
increases as the pus extends downwards, interfering with respira-
tion. This picture at first glance reminds one of a laryngeal
diphtheria. Digital examination will clear up this point and reveal
a large, fluctuating tumor. The temperature chart shows one of
sepsis, and great depression, almost bordering on extremis, and here
we have the unmistakable picture of retro-pharyngeal abscess.
Differential Diagnosis. — Laryngeal diphtheria, laryngitis,
aneurism, gumma, malformation or malposition of the cervical
vertebra. Digital exploration will clear up any doubt in the sur-
geon’s mind.
Prognosis. — This depends on the etiology. If, as in some cases,
the infection has extended from the middle-ear, with necrosis of the
254
Original Articles.
temporal bone and extensive cellulitis and burrowing of pus in the
neck, the results are not as favorable as when the purulent foci
are limited to the pharyngeal structures, and evacuation is accom-
plished before spontaneous rupture, with the possibility of aspira-
tion pneumonia, or asphyxia. A fair mortality rate is 5 to 7 per
cent. The author knows no special treatment that will influence
these glands. In acute retro-pharyngeal abscess formation no life
need be sacrificed. Surgical interference, when done early, usually
brings about a speedy recovery. If this aid is delayed, the condition,
especially in infants, may end fatally. Pus may burrow its way
toward the larger vessels of the neck, or travel along the esophagus
to the mediastinum, and cause death.
Surgical Treatment and Technic. — Since most. of our cases are
in infants and early childhood, we are able to dispense with a gen-
eral anesthetic. Simply envelop the patient in a sheet, lower the
head of the operating table, introduce mouth gag, which sometimes
causes the patient to become cyanosed and interferes with respira-
tion. Should this occur, it is an indication for immediate removal
of the gag, as the back part of the tongue is being crowded upon
the abscess, thereby shutting off the air supply. A broad-bladed
tongue-depressor is introduced and the operator proceeds, using
finger as a guide. The incision is usually from below upwards. A
closed scissors is next introduced into the wound and withdrawn
open, in order to insure large opening for thorough drainage, the
suction being used to control pus and blood.
The finger may be used to good advantage in order to express the
pus from the abscess cavity. The patient should be immediately
put to bed and remain in recumbent position for more than twenty-
four hours and fed liquids, and all other post-operative attention
given.
In retro-pharyngeal abscesses of older children and adults, it
may be necessary to apply cocain, ethyl chlorid or bromid, or even
a general anesthetic, in order to incise the abscess. Some authors
advise the use of an aspirating syringe, while others use trochar,
blunt director, scissors, etc.
Report of Case.
Baby girl, 21 months of age. Previous history good. Younger brother
died two weeks ago from faucial diphtheria. Mother brought patient to
clinic, saying the infant had been under treatment for fever for the past
three weeks by three different physicians, without result. When the
Boebinger — Retro-Pharyngeal Abscess.
255
writer first saw patient she was in extremis. Temperature, 103° F.;
pulse, 130. The child was very anemic; anxious expression, torticollis,
extended jaw, always crying, large quantity of mucus, and, on digital
examination, a large, fluctuating tumor was felt, which caused my patient
to become cyanosed, seized with a fit of coughing and dyspnea, which
was not encouraging. The infant was wrapped in sterile sheet, without
anesthetic; mouth-gag introduced; finger used to guide my knife, and
abscess opened from below upward, and scissors introduced, closed, and
withdrawn open, in order to assure thorough drainage; suction was used
to take care of large amount of pus; very small amount of blood seen.
After abscess was opened, heart and respiration ceased.
Operation was done in recumbent position, no cyanosis being present
at any time during operation, and the small amount of blood present
forces the author to believe the cause of death was due to sudden relief
of pressure on pneumogastric, which produced, for the moment, some
temporary paralysis or disturbance in function. Sometimes a sudden
cessation of pressure may produce some such effect on the respiratory
center.
Before closing, permit me to offer my sincere thanks to my friend,
Dr. E. S. Keitz.
Discussion of Dr. Boebinger's Paper.
Dr. E. S. Keitz: In the first place, I think Dr. Boebinger ought to
be commended for the frank statement of his non-success, which is only-
natural. I assisted Dr. Boebinger in the operation, and when he decided
to write the paper, what he intended to point out was that there was
some anatomical condition connected with the retro-pharyngeal abscess
which caused this mortality, We find in the textbooks that they say you
must prevent the aspiration of the fluid into the lungs, but they seem to
pass over the danger. But, in going through the literature, we found
that a number of cases have occurred, as in Dr. Boebinger ’s case, im-
mediately after the knife entered the abscess, the patient died suddenly.
One case I remember in a child was exactly as Dr. Boebinger ’s paper
stated. The abscess had been opened and the child died suddenly. Now,
in one of the medical science monthlies, edited by Wood, there is an-
other case, in which the author gives no reference, but says the patient
died suddenly, and said death was presumably due to reflex symptoms.
This, to my mind, means nothing; it seems to be simply a verbal camou-
flage and means nothing. The question is, is it due to the presence of
vital structures around the retro-pharyngeal abscess, which is the danger
point. We find in peri-tonsillar abscess just as much toxemia as we do
in retro-pharyngeal abscess. In this case no anesthetic was given, and
it could not be blamed. The patient was perfectly well in the morning.
The patient died after operation was over and abscess was opened and
mouth-gag removed. There was nothing we could do to bring her to life.
It was so sudden — more sudden than anything I have ever seen. I am
not a sufficient anatomist to say what has caused it, but I believe it is
due to some injury or removal of pressure on the pneumogastric nerve.
Dr. Wolf: Dr. Boebinger ’s remarks have brought a suggestion ^to my
mind. Dr. Holt opens the abscess with the finger nail, which he says he
has done in several cases. Further, he protects the end of the scalpel
with a piece of adhesive plaster, that will prevent the knife from extend-
256
Original Articles.
ing more than a quarter of an inch. He insists upon opening these
abscesses.
Dr. Homer Dupuy: I have reported before this Society four cases of
retro-pharyngeal abscess. They were infants. No deaths occurred. I
would emphasize that as there are two retro-pharyngeal spaces — one on
each side of the median line of the posterior pharyngeal wall — the infec-
tion usually occurs in the lymphatic glands of one of these spaces. There
is usually a swelling, more prominent on the side of the first infected
space. The fibrous septum separating the right and left spaces is fre-
quently broken down by the pus which invades the other space. While
swelling appears in the median line of the pharynx, it is unquestionably
more prominent on the first infected side. This greater prominence is
the point of selection for incision. There is already too much dyspnea'
to justify a general anesthetic. If the incision does not prevent a re-
accumulation, remember the pathology is broken-down lymphatic glands.
Reopening the line of incision with Mayo scissors, and then gentle
curettage is indicated. Differentiating tjhis affection from primary
laryngeal diphtheria, which it simulates, can be done through the voice,
which, as a rule in diphtheria, is hoarse, or even reduced to aphonia. In
the abscess, it is muffled, twangy, the “voix de Canard ” described by
the French. Of course, seeing and feeling the pharyngeal swelling gives
infallible evidence. Dr. Boebinger ’s handling of the case was the cor-
rect manner. The death was due to one of those unforeseeable and well-
nigh unpreventable factors which often conspire against the surgeon and
physician.
Dr. F. R. Gomila: If Drs. Boebinger and Keitz came to the conclusion
that this child died from the sudden relief of pressure on the pneumo-
gastric nerve, would they proceed in the same manner in future abscesses
of this character or would they use other methods' in getting the pus out?
The suction apparatus that I have seen them use certainly will not get
all of the pus that comes from the cavity, and could get into the lungs
after the patient cried and took a deep inspiration.
Dr. Boebinger (closing discussion) : I believe we reviewed the litera-
ture very thoroughly and carefully. The condition is essentially one of
early childhood, but many authorities claim this condition is seen in
adults and the young, as I stated in my paper. I mentioned especially
the various ages at which this condition had been seen, especially to
avoid criticism after reading the paper. In answer to my chief about
not bringing out the differential points, I believe I stated that the voice
plus exploration with the finger would clear up retro-pharyngeal abscess;
and in answer to our little friend and co-worker, who asked would I, in
my future cases, go back with the knife, I believe I would attempt to
aspirate before draining the abscess. I do not mean to say that I would
simply aspirate and stop there; I would relieve the tension by aspiration,
and then I would go along, using my knife. I do not have to guard my
knife — I have enough anatomical sense to know how to use my knife,
knowing that the base is cartilaginous, and not osseous. Therefore, I
would not have it misunderstood that I would aspirate and stop. On the
contrary, this would necessitate going back daily and having my patient
undergo the same operation.
News and Comment.
257
NEWS AND COMMENT
The Forthcoming Meeting of the American Society of Trop-
ical Medicine offers the following articles as a preliminary pro-
gram :
Observations Upon the Age, Sex and Color Upon the Preva-
lence of Malaria, by Dr. C. C. Bass, New Orleans, President.
Pellagra (exact title to be announced later), by Dr. Jos. Gold-
berger, Surgeon, U. S. P. H. Service, Washington, D. C.
Tropical Resources and Hygiene, by Dr. D, Rivas, University of
Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.
Certain Digestive Phenomena Observed in a Case of Sprue, by
Dr. Frank Smithies, Chicago.
Observation Upon the Prevalence of Infection With Filaria in
Certain Parts of the United States, by Dr. Edward Francis, U. S.
P. H. Service, Washington, D. C.
The Use of Quinin in the Prophylaxis and Treatment of In-
fection With Proteosoma, by Dr. Eugene R. Whitmore, Army
Medical School, Washington, D. C.
Experimental Typhoid Carriers, by Dr. K. F. Meyer, San Fran-
cisco.
Complement Fixation Test on Sprue, by Dr. Gonzales Martines,
San Juan, Porto Rico.
Azalea War Hospital Enlarges Its Scope. — Azalea, or the
United States Hospital Ho. 16, situated in the mountains of Uorth
Carolina, near Asheville, which was designed primarily for the care
and treatment of tuberculous soldiers and sailors, has decided to
admit gassed soldiers because the climatic conditions have proven
to be advantageous in gas cases. The hospital w'as opened on August
20, with accommodations for 1,000 patients, and orders have been
given to add twenty-two buildings, which will provide for an ad-
ditional 500 patients. The cost to date is about $1,500,000.
Regulations on the Use of Paper. — The Paper Division of
the War Industries Board recently secured data concerning news-
papers and periodicals, especially relative to the amount of paper
used, and certain definite regulations have been made by this board
governing the use of paper, such as (1) against continuing sub-
scriptions after date of expiration; (2) against the sending out of
complimentary copies; (3) against sending more than one copy to
258
News and Comment.
advertisers; (4) against sending sample copies to stimulate circula-
tion or advertising, except under special permit; (5) against ex-
changing with other journals; (6) against selling at an exception-
ally low or nominal subscription rate. Suggestions to publishers
that they economize if possible “by cutting the number of pages,
the curtailment of circulation, or in any other way publishers
choose/’ has been made. Finally, each periodical is requested to
reduce the total tonnage to what amounts to about 15 per cent.
St. Patrick's Sanitarium (Lake Charles, La.) — A thirty-five
bed addition, to cost $70,000, and nurses’ training school in connec-
tion with the institution, will be the new features of the St. Pat-
rick’s Sanitarium of Lake Charles in the very near future. The
training school for nurses has already opened, with a good attend-
ance.
Appeal eor Platinum. — An appeal has been sent out to every
one, including especially physicians and dentists, by the chief of
the Section of Medical Industry of the War Industries Board, that,
on account of the scarcity of platinum and the great need of the
metal for war purposes, each should go over his instruments and
pick out every scrap of platinum that is not absolutely essential for
his work. The scraps may be sent to government sources either
through accredited representatives of the Red Cross, who will make
a canvass for the purpose of collecting the platinum, or through
any hank under the supervision of the Federal Reserve Board. Cur-
rent prices will be paid for the metal.
Pasteur Institute Closes. — Dr. George Gibier Rambaud, head
of the Pasteur Institute in New York City for the past eight years,
has been ordered to France on active duty and has closed the insti-
tute. In closing the institute, Dr. Rambaud stated that it had
served its purpose in introducing the Pasteur treatment, which is
now available in all the larger hospitals. During the past eight
years the institute has cared for 10,020 patients, 8,292 of whom
were treated without charge.
Need eor General Practitioners in the Army. — The Journal
of the American Medical Association , in order to correct an im-
pression which has arisen in the minds of some that the specialist,
and not the general practitioner, is needed in the army, makes the
following statement: “There is need in the Medical Department
for every physician who can qualify physically, morally and pro-
News and Comment.
259
fessionally. In many departments of the service the general prac-
titioner is a better man for the work than the specialist.
Personals. — Capt. C. Jeff Miller, M. C. (New Orleans), has
been promoted to the rank of major.
Dr. Jerome E. Landry is the new house surgeon at the Charity
Hospital, New Orleans, succeeding Dr. Hiram W. Kostmayer, who
resigned to accept a position with the Illinois Central Hospital of
New Orleans.
Among the doctors of New Orleans who have returned from their
vacations and resumed practice are: Drs. Sidney K. Simon, G. F.
Cocker, Randolph Lyons, Wm. H. Harris, A. Henriques, A. G.
Friedrichs and G. Iv. Logan.
Removals. — Dr. R. S. Crichlow, from Lecompte, La,, to 7037
Lowerline street, New Orleans.
Dr. A. Nelken, from 701 Perring Building to 503 Medical Build-
ing.
Drs. Joachim and O’Kelly, from 501 to 616 Macheca Building.
Dr. W. H. Block, from 1221 to 710 Maison. Blanche Building.
Dr. H. B. Seebold, from 622 to 420 Macheca Building.
Dr. A. S. Yenni, from 913 to 726 Maison Blanche Building.
Dr. Luther Sexton, from 508 to 407 Medical Building.
Dr. O. C. Cassegrain, from 416 Medical Building to 1105 Maison
Blanche Building.
Dr. C. Y. Hnsworth, from 602 Perrin Building to 212 Medical
Building.
Dr. L. J. Dubos, from 416 Medical Building to 1202 Maison
Blanche Building.
Dr. J. W. A. Smith, from 107 Camp street to 700 Perrin Build-
ing.
Dr. R. E. Stone, from 107 Camp street to 700 Perrin Building.
Married. — On October 5, 1918, Dr. Lucien A. LeDoux, first lieu-
tenant, H. S. A., to Miss Rosina Simino, of Lafayette, La.
Died. — On September 23, 1918, Dr. John Laurans, prominent
physician of this city, aged 55 years.
260
Mortuary Report.
MORTUARY REPORT OF NEW ORLEANS.
Computed from the Monthly Report of the Board of Health of the City
of New Orleans, for September, 1918.
CA USE.
£
•e
jj
S
e
3
Typhoid Fever
3
i
4
Intermittent Fever (Malarial Cachexia)
1
i
2
Smallpox
Measles
4
4
Soar let, Fever _
Whooping Cough
5
2
7
Diphtheria and Croup _ _
Influenza
3
3
Cholera Nostras
Pyemia and Septicemia . . _
1
1
Tuberculosis
42
27
69
Cancer
24
11
35
Rheumatism and Gout
1
1
Diabetes __
3
3
Alcoholism _
1
1
Encephalitis and Meningitis __
1
1
2
Locomotor Ataxia _ .
1
Congestion, Hemorrhage and Softening of Brain
27
8
35
Paralysis
5
5
Convulsions of Infancy
Other Diseases of Infancy __
11
9
20
Tetanus
Other Nervous Diseases _
4
4
Heart Diseases
36
31
67
Bronchitis
1
2
o
Pneumonia and Broncho-Pneumonia
9
12
21
Other Respiratory Diseases
2
2
Ulcer of Stomach _
2
2
Other Diseases of the Stomach
2
2
Diarrhea, Dysentery and Enteritis
16
13
29
Hernia, Intestinal Obstruction _ ____
o
2
4
Cirrhosis of Liver
7
4
11
Other Diseases of the Liver
3
3
Simple Peritonitis
Appendicitis
5
o
7
Bright’s Disease
IS
9
27
Other Genito-Urinary Diseases
16
10
26
Puerperal Diseases _*
4
4
8
Senile Debility _ _ _
4
4
Suicide
4
4
Injuries
24
42
All Other Causes
27
23
50
Total __ _
312
197
509
Still-born Children — White, 20; colored, 26; total, 46.
Population of City (estimated) — White, 276,000; colored, 102,000;
total, 378,000.
Death rate per 1000 per annum for Month — White, 13.37 ; colored,
22.73; total, 15.91. Non-residents excluded, 13.62.
METEOROLOGIC SUMMARY (U. S. Weather Bureau).
Mean atmospheric pressure 30.00
Mean temperature 77.00
Total precipitation 4.82 inches
Prevailing direction of wind, northeast
Join the Red Cross
+AU^YOU-7Seer>*I5A*f^AMDA$ *
NEW ORLEANS MEDICAL
AND SURGICAL JOURNAL
EDITORS:
CHARLES CHASSAIGNAC, M. D. ISADORE DYER, M. D.
COLLABORATORS :
C. C. BASS, M. D., Prest., Amer. Soc. Tropical Medicine \ p,
S. K. SIMON, M. D., Acting Secty. American Soc. of Tropical Medicine....... j *
P. T. TALBOT, M. D., Secretary Louisiana State Medical Society ...Ex-Officio
RUPERT BLUE, M. D., Surgeon General, United States Public Health Service.
H. D. BRUNS, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
C. F. CRAIG, M. D., Col., U. S. A.
S. T. DARLING, M. D., Sao Paulo, Brazil.
W. H. DEADERICK, M. D., Hot Springs, Arkansas.
E. M. DUPAQUIER, M. D. (Paris), Tulane University of Louisiana.
A. G. FRIEDRICHS, M. D., New Orleans, La.
J. T. HALSEY, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
JOS. HOLT, M. D., New Orleans, La.
F. A. LARUE, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
E. S. LEWIS, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
R. C. LYNCH, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
E. D. MARTIN, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
R. MATAS, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
AUGUSTUS McSHANE, M. D., Greenwood, Miss.
PAUL MICHINARD, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
C. J. MILLER, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
F. W. PARHAM, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
E. A. ROBIN, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
•W. H. SEEMANN, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
ALLEN J. SMITH, M. D., University of Pennsylvania.
EDMOND SOUCHON, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
E. R. STITT, M. D., Rear Admiral, U. S. N.
J. A. STORCK, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
R. P. STRONG, M. D., Harvard University.
ROY M. VAN WART, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
Vol. LXXI DECEMBER, 1918 No. 6
EDITORIAL
PEACE.
The shock of the greatest cataclysm since the flood — engulfing
millions as a sacrifice in the struggle for righteousness — has passed.
The wrecks from its potency are strewn among most of peoples of
the earth, and the unrest in the reaction will disturb the human
race for a generation to come.
The nightmare of the past four years has not only touched the
money balance of the world, but it has stricken the souls of men
and women in a thrill of horror which will leave its nervous impress
until the adjustment is complete.
262
Editorial.
The contempt of most nations has been drawn npon a people
formerly respected for its domestic virtues, which have been
sacrificed upon the altar of sordid gain. Human lives have been
blown away like chaff before a sultry blast, and the trail of great
disasters still marks the scenes of the momentous struggle.
The world, in a period of luxurious ease, has been sternly brought
to the realization of the vanity of life and to the nearness of death.
War and disease have stalked the earth, and famine has already
raised its dreadful head in the wake of its two doleful sisters. The
Malthusian triad is establishing its philosophy and the best of man-
kind has been destroyed in the crucible of time.
Amid the sorrowings of multitudes of mothers there is the glory
of valorous deeds, of proud heroes who have sanctified their transit
by achievements which have not yet been wholly written.
To those who have been lookers-on, gleaning the news of those
who have carried on, there must he largd sense of pride and some
contentment that the might of right has won.
Peace and rest from the turmoil of battle are in sight, and the
soldiery of the world will soon return to civil and pastoral lives,
welcoming with time the memories of the great battle's they have
endured to establish a true brotherhood of man.
From the very beginning, the traditions of the medical profes-
sion have been maintained. The work has been well done and it
has merited the fullest praise, which has been awarded.
In the aftermath of war the work of the doctor is as great as in
the time of struggle itself — and to him comes the duty of bringing
out of the wreckage useful men and women. The psychology of the
world must be studied and its conditions trained to a sane future,
and this must he the every-day' task of the doctor — of those who
have been in the midst of action and of those who had to stay at
home.
The problems will be many, and there must he an organized pro-
fession ready to engage them. The government has anticipated
the need of care for returning soldiers who have suffered injury,
and throughout the country there will be homes and hospitals. But
there will be need beyond this for the physical well-being of those
who do not fall under such provision and for the families of those
who do not return.
For years to come the sobs of those who mourn will rise to meet
the choruses in that great company which has gone on before, and
Editorial.
263
in the requiem sounded by the rolling drums solace will come to the
sorrowful.
In the gloom of the ending year the break of dawn of a new era
is at hand, and with a hope born of mingling grief and glory we may
earnestly pray for
Peace on earth , good will to men.
END OF INFLUENZA.
The epidemic of influenza in this section is over. While we have
all felt the weight of disability and suffering it has caused/and the
heavy toll of lives it has claimed, it is too early, here or elsewhere,
to reach definite conclusions regarding many of the scientific and
practical problems connected therewith.
The disease has varied somewhat in intensity and other charac-
teristics in different countries and various parts of countries, yet it
preserved its many features and behaved more or less like the other
great pandemics which have invaded the world from time almost
immemorial.
Perhaps the main thing we have learned is that there is a great
deal we still do not know about it, whether we consider it from the
clinical, the bacteriological, or the prophylactic side.
No doubt valuable data have been gathered universally, and a
proper classification and study thereof will throw a flood of light
on the subject. For the present, however, it is not demonstrated
even which is really the causative agent and its method of propaga-
tion.
One thing is evident : when the disease has spent its force in a
community it does not seem to become recrudescent when the means
advised for its control are ignored. Witness that grandest day in
history, November 11, 1918. The bars had not been dropped here
in New Orleans - and the disease was only on the wane and, not-
withstanding the greatest aggregation and congregation of people
on Canal street and public places, influenza has continued to be on
the wane ever since. If there can be a recrudescence later on it
will be from some other cause.
This is not an implied criticism against sanitary and preventive
measures, but as evidence of the fact stated above, that we do not
“know it all,” even including the effects of prophylactic vaccine.
ORIGINAL ARTICLES
(No paper published or to be published in any other medical journal will be accepted
for this department. All papers must be in the hands of the Editors on the tenth day of
the month preceding that in which they are expected to appear. Reprints may be had at
reasonable rates if a WRITTEN order for the same accompany the paper.)
SOME STUDIES ON THE RESISTANCE OF THE OVA OF
TOXASCARIS LI M BATA.*
By MEYER WIGDOR, A. M.,
Research Laboratory, Parke, Davis & Co., Detroit, Mich.
The resistance of ascarid eggs to various chemical agents and to
varying conditions of the temperature, oxygen, and moisture has
been known. Baillet (1866), referring to the resistance of ascarids,
says that the shell of the egg “is so impermeable and resisting that
it can only be affected by very energetic chemical agents, and in
the majority of cases this shell is sufficient to protect the contents
of the egg against everything that in ordinaiy circumstances might
alter them.” Verloren kept for more than a year ova of Ascaris
marginata in which the embryos — formed from the fifteenth day —
remained alive, although they had been exposed to all the variations
of temperature during summer and winter. Braun (1906), in
regard to Ascaris canis, states :
“The eggs, in spite of the delicacy of their shells, have great powers
of resistance, and develop equally well in water and damp earth, in a
solution of chromic acid, alcohol, turpentine, solution of soda, etc. It is,
however, but seldom that the embryos hatch out.”
Foster (1916), referring to the resistance of ascarid eggs, states:
“It is a well-known fact that, in the case of several species of para-
sites, the ova of which are characterized by a relatively thick egg shell,
the eggs are affected but little, if at all, by formalin solutions. Ascarid
eggs, for example, may be kept alive for months, or even years, in
formalin.”
Morris, when examining some human feces which contained many
eggs of Ascaris lumbricoides, and which had been preserved in a 2
per cent solution of formalin for two years, found that some of the
eggs contained actively motile embryos. Four months later there
was an apparent increase in the number of eggs containing em-
bryos. In my own experience, it has been found that a formalin
Wigdor — Resistance of the Ova of Toxascaris Limbata. 265
solution is a very satisfactory medium in which to incubate ascarid
eggs, as it prevents the growth of moulds, bacteria, etc., without
interfering with the development of the embryos. Various other
substances commonly destructive to protoplasm have been found
not to interfere with the development of ascarid eggs. Leuckart
notes that the eggs of A scans mystax may reach development in
alcohol, chromic acid and turpentine; while Bataillon has had the
ova of Ascaris megalocephala showing living embryos after having
been for six months in Fleming’s solution. The latter also finds
that the embryos in the eggs remain intact and active in 50 per
cent alcohol, in a 33% per cent solution of acetic acid, and in a 20
per cent sulphuric acid solution.
While the resistance of ascarid eggs is fairly well known in a
general way, much work remains to be done in ascertaining sub-
stances which will destroy these and other helminth eggs. Since
prophylaxis against parasitic infestation is largely a matter of
proper disposal of manure or feces, a knowledge of suitable chemical
agents for the destruction of the ova present in feces or manure is
evidently desirable. It is known that, when live stock are pastured
in the same field year after year, the animals often become un-
thrifty and occasionally sicken and die, due to the animals being
continually in contact with soil polluted by parasitic ova and bac-
teria from manure. Just as there is an imminent danger of un-
thriftiness amongst animals in contact with polluted soil, similarly
human health may be affected. Parasites of the intestine, lungs,
liver, kidneys and bladder are usually spread by soil pollution.
Whether these parasites have a simple life history without an inter-
mediate host, or have an intermediate host, whether they spread
from one person to another, from one of the lower animals to an-
other, or infect one group after passage from another, the fact that
the eggs are located in the feces for a time, and that here is an
excellent opportunity to apply control measures, makes the study
of means of attack against parasitic eggs an important and reliable
investigation.
Just as various bacteria seem to show specific differences in their
behavior toward certain chemicals, so may we expect the same to
be true in regard to the ova of parasites, and hence the need for
further studies along these as yet almost untouched lines of in-
vestigation.
To prevent the evil effects of soil pollution from extending to his
26G
Original Articles.
live stock, the farmer resorts to such measures as the purchase of
additional pasture lands, pasture rotation, burning over of the
pasture, etc. Human beings, on the other hand, are taught to
frequent an appointed place to deposit excreta, which is then
variously disposed of.
Several measures have been advocated for the treatment and dis-
posal of manure and excreta, to kill parasitic ova, the commonest
of which are:
1. Heating. Stiles and Lumsden claim that heating the effluent
in a vessel at 212° F. is the only measure which can be unreservedly
recommended to date. We would naturally expect that very high
temperatures would prove lethal to parasitic ova due to the coagula-
tion of the protoplasm. The disagreeableness of this procedure,
however, is very evident, and is so considerable as to make this
method impracticable.
2. Burial. Stiles and Lumsden state, concerning the method of
disposal : “Burial will unquestionably decrease the danger of spread-
ing infection, but in the present state of knowledge this method of
disposal cannot be relied upon as safe.” One danger involved is
the probable contamination of water supplies.
3. Chemical disinfection. As has been previously stated, the
chemical disinfection of polluted soil against parasitic worm eggs
has received very little attention, although it appears to be a very
feasible method of combating parasitic infection. Chemical disin-
fectants, such as chlorinated lime and certain coal-tar derivatives,
have long been advocated to destroy parasitic bacteria in polluted
soil, and there is no apparent reason why this method should not
prove equally efficacious against eggs, if suitable substances can be
found. There are certain factors to be taken into consideration,
however, in chemical disinfection against eggs. Parasitic ova
usually possess a strong chitinous outer membrane, which is lacking
in bacteria, and which makes the egg very resistant to the penetra-
tion of most chemical agents. The usual germicidal strengths ad-
vocated to destroy bacteria prove surprisingly inadequate in de-
stroying parasitic ova.
Another important factor to be considered in this connection is
the effect of the chemical agent on the fertilizer value of feces. In
many countries, as in China, where every bit of excreta is religiously
kept and used, the effect that various chemicals would have on
human feces in modifying its value as fertilizer is of prime im-
TTigdoe — Resistance of the Ova of Toxascaris Limhata. 267
portance. Another important factor already noted is that some
parasitic ova are more resistant than others, and that the ova of
different species may behave differently under the influence of
various chemicals.
This paper is intended primarily to present a brief study of the
effect of some chemical agents on the ova of one of the dog ascarids,
Toxascaris limhata. The egg of this species was used because in-
fested fecal material was readily available and because it seems
quite resistant to chemical agents. The ova of T. limb at a possess
an outer, clear, double-contoured, chitinous shell and an inner
yellowish membrane, which is marked with interlacing striations,
giving the suggestion that this membrane is composed of interlaced
fibers. The following procedure was usually employed in testing
the various chemicals under consideration: The feces were col-
lected, thoroughly broken up in a shaker and screened, a method
advocated by Hall (1917) for examining feces. To most of the
solutions, where it was feasible, a weak solution of approximately
5 per cent potassium dichromate was added to hasten embryo de-
velopment. Hall and Wigdor (1918) have found a 10 per cent
potassium dichromate solution a very satisfactory medium for
culturing coccidia and various helminth ova, presumably by furnish-
ing oxygen and hindering bacterial growth. Since in these tests
the chemical agent was not applied to the feces direct, as under
natural conditions, the results may differ somewhat from what may
be actually found to take place if the feces were treated direct,
without going through the screening process. Eggs that have been
screened, however, should be more readily accessible to the chemical
agent tested than those intact in the feces, for the latter have a
coating of fecal matter protecting them to some extent against the
agent employed, which protection is not afforded the screened eggs.
The latter are mixed with, but not coated by, the fine particles of
fecal matter which pass through the screen with the eggs. Since
the tests were made on a parasite of the dog, the findings can only
be applied to human parasites within certain limits and with some
reservation, but that they will apply in large measure seems en-
tirely reasonable and probable.
The chemical agents tested include the following groups of chem-
icals : ( 1 ) Acids, including hydrochloric, nitric, sulphuric, oxalic
and acetic acids, and the alkalis, including caustic soda, ammonia
and lime. (2) Metallic and other salts, including corrosive sub-
268
Ch'iginal Articles.
limate, copper sulphate, iron sulphate, potassium dichromate, potas-
sium arsenite, sodium chloride and sodium fluoride. (3) Phenols,
including pure carbolic acid, and kreso,* kreso dip,* septico,*
cresylone* and neko,* preparations whose germicidal value depends
on the higher phenol. (4) Alcohol. (5) Formaldehyde. (6)
Volatile oils and other readily volatile agents, including chloro-
form, ether, oil of turpentine, oil of chenopodium, toluol' and xylol.
(7) Miscellaneous agents, including hydrogen peroxide and
germ-X.f
Additional tests were made to determine the rate of development,
if any, of screened feces in distilled water, of screened and un-
screened feces in tap-water, and of screened and unscreened feces
in tap-water to which some 5 per cent potassium dichromate was
added. Tests were also made on the effect of temperature and of
moisture on egg development.
The number of chemical disinfectants is large, and nearly every
group of chemical substances includes members that may be capable
of injuring parasitic ova. In practice, however, only a relatively
small number of chemicals come under consideration, it being neces-
sary to exclude all that act only in a high state of concentration, as
well as those which unduly corrode containers to be disinfected or
which are too expensive.
The number of chemical disinfectants that might be employed
in attempting to destroy parasitic ova has by no means been ex-
hausted in these studies, but some of the most important members
of each group have been tested and will be given seriatim ,
Acids and Alkalis.
Since the development of ova is dependent on certain chemical
reactions, varying between somewhat narrow limits, all strong acids
and alkalis adversely affect the vital processes. Certain acids, such
as hydrochloric acid, also sulphuric and nitric acids, have long been
known to kill all germs in a very short time, while the antiseptic
value of other acids, such as acetic, is only slight. Their highly
destructive action on most objects, however, stands in the way of
their employment in practice, and consequently the cheapest of the
* These phenol preparations are marketed by Parke, Davis & Co. under these trade
names, and will hereafter be referred to as Preparations A (Kreso), B (Kreso Dip), C
(Septico), D (Cresylone), and E (Neko)).
a ^yPochlorite, will be termed Preparation “X,” and is marketed by the
North Star Chemical Works, of Lawrence, Mass. Similar products on the market are
Bacilli Kill and Fecto.
Wigdor — Resistance of the Ova of Toxascaris Limbata. 269
strong acids — hydrochloric acid and sulphuric acid — are rarely used.
Regarding the resistance of parasitic ova to various acids, there
is very little available data. Wharton (1915) found that eggs of
Ascaris lumbricoides died in one-half per cent hydrochloric and 3
per cent acetic, and divided overnight in 3 per cent nitric. Bataillon
(1901), as cited by Foster (1916), found, on the other hand, that
the embryos in the eggs of Ascaris megalocephala remained intact
and active in a 33% per cent solution of acetic acid and in a 20 per
cent solution of sulphuric acid.
Hydrochloric, sulphuric, nitric, oxalic and acetic acids were the
acids used in these tests, with the following results :
At the end of three days, eggs kept in a 5 per cent hydrochloric
acid solution showed motile embryos. Those in a 10 per cent so-
lution, for the same period of time, showed embryo development,
but the embryos were apparently immotile.
Eggs kept in a 5 per cent sulphuric acid solution showed some
actively motile embryos at the end of a period of thr.ee days. Most
of the eggs, however, were still segmenting and dividing, and were
all in apparently good condition. Eggs kept in a 10 per cent sul-
phuric acid solution for three days showed embryo development in
some cases, but the embryos were apparently immotile.
Eggs kept in a 5 per cent solution of nitric acid showed some
actively motile embryos at the end of a three-day period. About
50 per cent of the eggs were, however, killed and shrunken to a
little less than one-half their normal size. The other 50 per cent
were in good condition and were undergoing development.
Eggs kept in a 20, 30, 40 and 50 per cent solution of oxalic acid
showed actively motile embryos in three days.
Eggs kept in 5, 10 and 20 per cent solutions of acetic acid for
three days showed actively motile embryos at the end of that period.
Eggs kept in a 30 per cent solution for the same period were killed,
and had not undergone any marked development.
Thus, amongst the acids, nitric acid appears to be the strongest
in its ovacidal action against the eggs of Toxascaris limbata, sul-
phuric and hydrochloric of approximately equal ovacidal strength
ranking next, acetic next, and oxalic last.
The action of alkalis is, broadly speaking, less powerful, than
that of the acids. Caustic soda is held to be the strongest of these
agents. In actual practice, the strong alkalis will only occasionally
come into consideration for use as disinfectants, since they corrode
270
Original Articles.
.most articles that require treatment. An exception is, however,
afforded in the case of slaked lime, which is extensively used in
practical disinfection. The treatment of manure with slaked lime
has been perhaps the most widely advocated measure for combating
parasitic infection.
To determine the efficacy of this treatment in destroying the ova
of T. limbata the following tests were made :
Five .grams of feces were placed in a petri dish and 0.45 gram of
slaked lime sprinkled thereon. Ten days later embryos were found
to have developed, but they were apparently immotile.
Eggs were placed in a one-fifteenth solution (1 gm. of the lime
to 15 gms. of water) of slaked lime; embryo development was noted
three days later.
Thus it appears that the treatment of the feces with the ordinary
commercial slaked lime does not hinder the development of the ova
of T. limbata. In this connection it must be taken into consider-
ation that slaked lime, to be at all effective, should be freshly slaked,
for, on being exposed to the air, it is readily converted into the
carbonate form, which is devoid of antiseptic properties. Com-
mercial preparations of slaked lime are very often not fresh-slaked
lime, but are the carbonate, and hence of no value for disinfection.
Embryo development was also obtained in three days in eggs kept
in a one-fifteenth solution of chlorinated lime.
The action of caustic soda bn the ova of T. limbata is of special
interest, however. Eggs were cultured in 1, 2, 5, 10 and 50 per cent
solutions of caustic soda, and motile embryos were obtained in each
case at the end of a three-day period. Some of the eggs in the 10
and 50 per cent solutions were, however, undergoing decomposition.
In a 25 per cent solution all the eggs were killed and showed de-
generation. The resistance of the ova to caustic soda is surprising,
in view of the latter’s well-known disintegrating action on chitin.
In 50 per cent strengths a protective coat appears to be cast about
the egg, making it impermeable to the action of the alkali.
Ammonium hydroxide appears to be devoid of any action against
the ova, since motile embryos were obtained at the end of a three-
day period in 25 and 50 per cent solutions of the alkali.
From the above we can note that the ova of T. limbata show sur-
prising resistance to the action of most of the common acids and
alkalis.
Wigdor — Resistance of the Ova of Toxascaris Limbata. 271
Metallic Salts and Other Salts.
The group of metallic salts is of considerable importance, and
comprises some of the most powerful disinfectants against bacteria
known.
Corrosive sublimate (mercury dichloride Hg Cl2) is known to
destroy the vegetative forms of bacteria in a few minutes, even when
diluted to 1 part in 10,000; and the spores of bacteria possessing
medium powers of resistance, such as anthrax spores, are killed
within two hours by a 1-1000 solution. However, like many other
disinfectants, all metallic salts are influenced by other substances
present in the solution, and also by the solvent, because their dis-
infectant power depends on their degree of electrolytic dissociation.
For this reason they act much less powerfully in an alcoholic so-
lution, and not at all in a fatty or oily medium. The dissociation
may be also modified by additions of other agents.
Tests on various salts of this group gave the following results :
Eggs kept in a 1-500 solution of corrosive sublimate showed
motile embryos at the end of a three-day period. Eggs kept in a
1-250 solution of the salt showed division at the end of three days,
a high degree of segmentation at the end of five days and actively
motile embryos at the end of fifteen days. Eggs in a 1-100 solution
showed actively motile embryos in three days.
Eggs kept in a 20 per cent copper sulphate solution showed
actively motile embryos at the end of three days.
Eggs kept in a 33 per cent solution of iron sulphate showed
actively motile embryos at the end of three days.
Eggs kept in normal saline solution showed actively motile em-
bryos at the' end of three days.
Eggs kept in 1-2 solution of sodium fluoride, a salt which has
recently been advocated as possessing valuable antiseptic properties,
showed actively motile embryos at the end of three days.
Eggs kept in a 1 per cent solution of potassium arsenite showed
actively motile embryos at the end of three days, but they were
apparently dead when examined two days later. Eggs kept in a
10 per cent solution of potassium arsenite showed some actively
motile embryos at the end of three days. Some of the embryos were
apparently immotile," and some of the eggs had apparently under-
gone very little development, for the nuclear material in the eggs
was distorted and was breaking down.
272
Original Articles.
In this connection it may be stated that a 10 per cent potassium
dichromate solution has proven a very valuable medium for de-
veloping not only the eggs of Toxascaris limbata , hut also the eggs
of Ancylostomum canium, Trichuris depressiuscula and the oocysts
of Diplospora bigemina.
The ova of T. limbata are, therefore, highly resistant to the action
of most metallic salts, which have been known to possess bactericidal
properties.
Phenols.
This generic term includes all the chemicals allied to true phenol
(carbolic acid), which form a very important group of disinfectants.
Carbolic acid is soluble to the extent of 5-6 per cent in water* and
when employed for disinfection purposes is usually replaced by its
homologues, the cresols and their compounds, which are cheaper
and less corrosive. The three cresols, meta-, para- and orthocresol,
are in themselves sparingly soluble (0.5, 1.8 and 2.5 per cent, re-
spectively) to exert any powerful disinfectant action, but their
solubility can be largely increased by the addition of strong acids
or of alkaline soaps, which raise them to the category of the strong-
est disinfectants. The greatest popularity is enjoyed by the cresols
which have been dissociated by means of soap solutions, and which
fall into two categories, one class forming clear solutions in water
and the other an emulsion in wafer. Of the latter, preparations A A
B* and E* and of the former, preparations C* and D* are repre-
sentatives which have been tested. Preparation B, with a phenol
coefficient of 5, consists of 78 per cent creosote oil and 23 per cent
resin soap, with enough water added to keep it in solution. Prepa-
ration A, with a phenol coefficient of 6 or 7, consists of 70 per
cent creosote oil enriched with extra phenols and 30 per cent soap
solution. Preparation D, with a phenol coefficient of 2, consists
of a 50 per cent solution of cresylic acid in soap and water. Prepa-
ration E, with a phenol coefficient of 16 to 20, consists of 78 per
cent high coefficient oil, which has a higher percentage (about 90
per cent) and higher quality of phenols than the ordinary coke-
oven tar phenols. Preparation C , with a phenol coefficient of 2, is
almost identical with preparation D , differing in that it contains
about 10 per cent of oils (eucalyptus, camphor and turpentine
oils) to give it a pleasant odor.
*Preparations A, B, C, D and E are Kreso, Kreso Dip, Septico, Cresylone and Neko,
respectively.
Wigdor — Resistance of the Ova of Toxascaris Limbata. 273
The following results were obtained on the resistance of the ova
of T. limbata to phenol and its derivatives. Tests on pure carbolic
acid were made as follows :
Eggs placed in pure carbolic, full strength, were killed at the end
of three days. The eggs were greatly distorted and had shrunken
to about one-half their normal size. The shells were split at several
points and the eggs were undergoing degeneration.
Eggs in 20 per cent and 5 per cent carbolic were found dead at
the end of a three-day period. The eggs were deformed.
Eggs in a 2 per cent carbolic acid solution showed no develop-
ment at the end of a three-day period, but the eggs were fairly well
preserved.
Eggs in a 1 per cent carbolic acid solution showed division and
segmentation at the end of three days, and at the end of five days
no further development was noted, the eggs being apparently killed.
Tests on preparation B were made as follows :
Eggs kept in 1-500 solution showed actively motile embryos in
three days.
Eggs kept in 1-250 solution showed motile embryos in three days,
but most of the eggs had not yet developed to form embryos, being
still in the division stage. On the twelfth day after culturing the
embryos were found dead and undergoing degeneration.
Eggs in a 1-50 and 1-100 solution, at the end of three days were,
in nearly all cases, undergoing complete degeneration, the chitinous
outer membrane and nuclear material being almost entirely de-
stroyed. Some eggs had undergone embryo development, but had
been killed and were breaking down.
The advocated disinfectant strength of preparation B is 1 part
of the preparation to 100 parts of the water, a strength which
proved entirely efficacious in destroying the ova of T. limbata.
Tests on preparation A were made as follows :
Eggs kept in a 1-250 solution showed embryo development at the
end of three days, but the embryos were apparently dead and the
nuclear material was breaking down.
Eggs kept in a 1-100 solution showed division, segmentation and
some embryo development at the end of three days. At the end of
five days the eggs were dead and the nuclear material was decom-
posing.
Eggs kept in a 1-50 solution were nearly all dead at the end of
274 Original Articles.
three days ; some of the eggs were highly segmented, but apparently
dead.
The advocated disinfectant strength of preparation A is 1-100.
Tests on preparation D were made as follows :
Eggs kept in a 1-250 solution for three days showed motile em-
bryos at the end of that period.
Eggs kept in a 1-100 solution showed slow development at the end
of a four-day period. The eggs were segmented in most cases and
the young embrj^os were just ready to appear.
Eggs kept in a 1-50 solution for four days showed no noticeable
development at the end of that period, all the eggs being apparently
dead.
The advocated disinfectant strength of preparation D is a 1 or 2
per cent solution. In these tests a 2 per cent strength seems to be
effective against the ova of T. limbata.
Tests on preparation C were made as follows :
Eggs kept in a 1-75 solution showed embryo development at the
end of a three-day period.
Eggs kept in a 1-50 solution showed little development at the end
©f a three-day period, although they were all apparently in good
condition, some showing the beginning of segmentation.
Eggs kept in a 1-25 solution were killed at the end of a three-day
period and were breaking down.
Preparation C is advocated in strengths of 1-75 for spraying
barns, stables, etc., and in a solution of 2 per cent strength for steril-
izing wounds. These tests have shown that a 1-50 solution will ap-
parently kill and a 1-25 solution will surely kill.
Tests were made on preparation E as follows :
Eggs kept in a 1-500 solution showed actively motile embryos at
the end of three days.
Eggs kept in a 1-250 solution showed a few actively motile embryos
at the end of a three-day period, but most of the eggs were ap-
parently killed. At the end of four days the embryos were ap-
parently dead.
Eggs kept in a 1-100 solution showed very little development and
were apparently dead after a period of three days.
The dilution of preparation E recommended for general use is
1-500. The tests on the ova of T. limbata proved this strength to
Wigdor — Resistance of the Ova of Toxascaris Limbata. 275
be inadequate for inhibiting embryo development. A 1-250 or, still
better, a 1-100 solution, is advisable.
The above data on the action of the phenols shows that there is
a direct relationship between the corrosiveness of the phenol used
and its ovocidal action against the ova of T. limbata. Pure phenol,
highly corrosive, kills the eggs in a 1 per cent solution ; preparations
C and D, the next most highly corrosive substances used, kill in
solutions which are equivalent to a 4 per cent solution of phenol;
preparations A and B, ranking next in their corrosive action, kill
in a solution which is equivalent to a 7 per cent solution of phenol;
and preparation JE, the least corrosive and hence least efficacious
against the ova tested, kills in solutions which are equivalent to a
10 to 20 per cent solution of phenol.
This group offers the most promising possibilities for destroying
parasitic ova. Strong solutions of such phenols as preparations
A, B. C and D should prove highly effective in killing worm ova.
Alcohol.
The alcohols are still the subject of scientific discussion, in so
far as their disinfectant properties are concerned. That they are
endowed with a by no means small power of disinfection is in-
dubitable, but the scientific experiments performed in this connec-
tion have furnished widely different results in detail. On the whole,
it has been ascertained by careful research that solutions above 20
per cent in strength kill all vegetative forms of moist and dried
bacteria, and that this action increases in power up to solutions of
80 per cent strength, beyond which limit it declines in the case
of dried bacteria, but persists through the higher strengths (85,
90) in the case of moist bacteria. In my tests, actively motile em-
bryos were present in the eggs after a three-day period in solutions
of 10, 25, 50, 60 and 70 per cent strengths of ethyl alcohol, but
w^ere killed in 75 per cent and higher strengths, thus agreeing with
the results obtained for the action of ethyl alcohol on moist bacteria.
The eggs in the latter solutions had apparently lost their inner coat
or it had been rendered homogeneous and invisible.
It is interesting to note that Bataillon, as previously mentioned
(1901), found that the embryos in the eggs of Ascaris megalo-
cepliala remained intact and active in 50 per cent alcohol.
The ova of T. limbata are, therefore, very highly resistant to the
action of alcohol.
276
Original Articles.
Formaldehyde.
The chief action of formaldehyde for bacterial disinfection is to
restrict the growth of bacteria, which are prevented from germi-
nating by solutions as weak as 1 :20,000. In its ovocidal action
against the eggs of T. limbata, formaldehyde is practically negligible.
In this series of experiments eggs were cultured in 1, 5, 10, 20, 25,
30 and 35 per cent solutions of formaldehyde, and at the end of
three days motile embryos were noted in every case. Eggs cultured
in commercial formaldehyde (an approximate 40 per cent solution)
showed immotile embryos in a good many of the cases ten days later,
while most of the eggs were still undivided and apparently in a
state of preservation. As has been previously stated, Foster (1916)
notes that ascarid eggs could he kept alive for months, even years,
in formalin, and that it is a very satisfactory medium in which to
incubate ascarid eggs. Foster (1916) cites Morris (1911), who
kept some feces containing eggs of Ascaris lumbricoides in a 2 per
cent solution of formalin for two years, at the end of which time
he found some of the eggs contained actively motile embryos.
Volatile Oils and Other Readily Volatile Agents.
This category comprises a number of substances belonging to a
variety of chemical groups, and having in common the property of
being only sparingly soluble in water and remaining solid or liquid
at ordinary temperatures, but volatilizing readily. The chief sub-
stances of this group that were tested are : chloroform, ether, oil of
chenopodium, oil of turpentine, toluol and xylol.
Chloroform: Eggs kept in this medium were found dead at the
end of three days. The eggs were well cleared, the nuclear mem-
brane was well outlined and the nuclear material within was very
much cleared. The inner membrane was invisible.
Ethyl Ether: Eggs in this medium were found dead at the end
of three days.
Oil of Chenopodium: Eggs in this medium at the end of three
days showed no development, being apparently preserved. At the
end of five days some eggs showed signs of division, but most of
the eggs were distorted and apparently dead. At the end of seven
days the eggs were very clear, and were breaking down and shrink-
ing decidedly.
Oil of Turpentine: Eggs reared in this medium showed motile
Wigdor — Resistance of the Ova of Toxascaris Limbata. 277
embryos in a great many cases at the end of five days. A great
many of the eggs, however, were deformed, being flattened on one
side and showing very little development. At the end of seven days
the embryos that had developed were dead, most of the eggs being
flattened on one side and decomposing.
Toluol : Eggs in this medium showed embryo development in one
or two cases at the end of three days, but nearly all the eggs were
cleared and were undergoing degeneration. Where embryo develop-
ment was noted, the embryos were in a poor state of preservation,
being immotile and breaking down.
Xylol: Eggs in this medium showed embryo development at the
end of three days, but the embryos were apparently dead.
The ova of T. limbata thus do not appear to be very resistant to
the action of the volatile agents used.
Miscellaneous Agents.
This group comprises hydrogen peroxide, which is known to pos-
sess very powerful bactericidal properties, due to its oxidizing effect
on organic matter (diluted to 0.105 per cent it destroys all vegeta-
tive forms in a few minutes), and preparation X* a hypochlorite
(a mixture of sodium hypochlorite, sodium chloride, calcium
chloride, calcium hypochlorite, made alkaline with lime water and
containing 3 to 4 per cent available chlorine).
Eggs kept in hydrogen peroxide (commercial 3 per cent solution)
showed some motile embryos at the end of six days, but most of the
eggs were undivided and apparently killed.
Eggs kept in a full-strength solution of germ-X which has a
phenol coefficient of 10+ and which is advocated in strengths of
one fluid ounce (two tablespoonfuls) to one or two gallons, showed
motile embryos at the end of three days.
Thus, hydrogen peroxide and a hypochlorite, both widely used in
bactericidal disinfection with much success, were both ineffective
against the ova of T. limbata in much more concentrated strengths
than those advocated for bacterial disinfection.
Effects of Moisture, Temperature, Etc., on the Rate of
Development of the Ova of Toxascaris Limbata.
To determine the effect of lack of moisture on the development
of the ova of T. limbata , some feces were screened and then spread
* Germ-X.
278
Original Articles.
over filter paper and allowed to dry at room temperature (24 to
29.5° C.) Three days after the feces were thus treated, actively
motile embryos were found. The lack of moisture thus apparently
seemed to hasten embryo development of the ova.
To determine the effects of temperature on the rate of develop-
ment of the ova, eggs were screened and cultured in water to which
5 per cent potassium dichromate had been added. One culture was
placed in the incubator and kept at a temperature of 37.8° C., an-
other in an oven at a temperature of 49 to 60° C. for twenty hours,
and the other placed in the refrigerator at a temperature of 10° C.
At the end of three days, motile embryos were found in those eggs
kept in the incubator, those kept in the oven were dead, while those
in the refrigerator showed very little development. At the end of
eight days the eggs in the refrigerator were showing division, and
at the end of fifteen days were very highly segmented. At the end
of twenty-eight days the eggs were still highly segmented, but no
embryos were found, and at the end of thirty-eight days actively
motile embryos were found.
Low temperatures thus retard the development of the ova of T.
limbata (thirty-eight days for embryo development at 10° C., while
at room temperature, 21 to 33° C., development takes place in three
days). Temperatures as high as 37.8° C. are very favorable for
their development, while temperatures of 49 to 68° C. for several
hours apparently kill. It is interesting to note that Wharton
(1915) finds that the optimum temperature for the development of
the ova of Ascaris lumbricoides is about 30° C., and that at the
temperature of 37° C. the ova are killed after some time, and above
this temperature they die rapidly. We also find that low temper-
atures retard the development of the ova of this species without
killing. He further states that pig and calf ascarid eggs must be
completely developed before exposure to a temperature of 37° C.
or would die, while horse and dog ascarid ova would develop at this
temperature.
To determine the effect of the oxygen supply and bacterial action
on the development of the ova of T. limbata , the following tests
were made: Unscreened feces containing ova were placed in tap-
water and at the end of eighteen days all the eggs were apparently
dead, the nuclear material showing signs of decomposition.
Screened ova were placed in tap-water, and at the end of thirty
days very little development was noticeable, most of the eggs under-
going degeneration.
Wigdor — Resistance of the Ova of Toxascaris Limbata. 279
. Screened ova were placed in distilled water, and at the end of
fifteen days motile embryos in good condition were found.
Screened and unscreened ova were placed in tap-water with 10
per cent potassium dichromate added, and at the end of three days
actively motile embroys were noted.
The failure to obtain development in the first two cases (screened
and unscreened feces in tap-water) is probably due to bacterial and
other growths in the culture which utilize a large amount of the
available oxygen, or even may excrete toxins detrimental to the
development of the ova. In the latter cases, where the possibility
of bacterial growth is reduced to a minimum and thus more avail-
able oxygen supplied to the ova, development is hastened. It is
interesting to note that Wharton (1915) found that the eggs of
Ascaris lumbricoides developed rapidly in tap-water and irregularly
or died in distilled water. His results are just the reverse of those
that I have obtained with the ova of T. limbata.
It is also interesting to note the results of the experiments of
Stiles and of Stiles and Gardner (1911) on the fermentation in
water of the eggs of Ascaris lumbricoides and Necator americanus.
Fecal material kept in water and examined after 68, 117, 144, 317,
232, 349, 3.57 and 358 days showed all the hookworm eggs iden-
tified were dead. The longest period of time after which they were
able to find live hookworms (Necator americanus) eggs under those
conditions was seventy days. The longest periods after which they
were able to find Ascaris lumbricoides eggs was 117 to 121 days.
Fermentation for four months in an L. E. S. privy is, therefore,
advocated for killing all the hookworm eggs, and fermentation for
three months for killing nearly all, probably all, the hookworm eggs.
It is held that, apart from the question of concentration, the
action of an ovocidal agent depends, biologically, on the resistance
of the ova and on the temperature ; and, physically, on the capacity
of the articles under examination to absorb moisture. The con-
centration of the ovocide is held to stand in direct relation to its
action, within certain limits, but if the concentration be very high
the action is only slightly increased, whereas, conversely, extreme
dilution weakens the effect but slowly — though this is not always
true,- the effect alternating rapidly, up or down, when the concen-
tration is modified. The resisting power of parasitic ova has
already been mentioned, and, so far as the temperature is con-
cerned, its influence is based on the physiologically vital processes
280
Original Articles.
of the ova. An organism which is cooled below its optimum tem-
perature gradually passes into a state in which the processes of
nutrition and development are almost entirely suspended, according
to the degree of cooling given. In this condition the ova has a
corresponding low tendency to undergo chemical changes, and the
ovocidal effect diminishes in intensity. On the other hand, the
cell is far more open to chemical attack at its optimum temper-
ature, at which all the vital processes, and therefore all the chemical
reactions, go on best, while, as the temperature is raised above this
point, the tendency of the ova to decompose increases, and they fall
an easier prey to the destructive action of poison. Hence, the
action of ovocidal agents is facilitated by a rise in temperature.
Sine the eggs in these experiments were cultured at room temper-
atures which varied between 21° C. and 33.2° C., the higher range
of temperatures persisting over night (an interval of fifteen hours),
the action of the various chemical agents were given optimum con-
ditions under which to operate.
Summary.
Parasitic ova are very resistant to various chemical disinfectants.
The usually advocated germicidal strengths are markedly effec-
tive against the ova of Toxascaris limbata for many substances.
The ova of T. limbata show surprising resistance toward acids,
alkalis (especially against caustic soda and lime) and metallic salts.
Ethyl alcohol in strengths up to 70 per cent and formaldehyde
in varying strengths up to approximately 40 per cent are remark-
able in their ovocidal action against the ova of T. limbata.
The phenol derivatives, primarily the cresols which have been
dissociated by means of soap solutions, such as preparations A , B.
C, D and E (varying in their lethal action on parasitic ova accord-
ing to their corrosiveness), offer the best possibilities as ovocides
against parasitic ova of all substances tested.
Most of the volatile disinfectants are apparently efficacious in
killing the ova of T. limbata.
The ova of T. limbata are evidently very resistant to conditions
of drought and to low temperatures, and require an ample supply
of oxygen for the best development. Eapid development is possible
at temperature as high as 37.8° C., but the ova are killed at tem-
peratures of 49 to 60° C., and development is materially retarded
at temperatures as low as 10° C.
Tyler — A Case of Popliteal Aneurysm.
281
The writer wishes to take this occasion to very gratefully acknowl-
edge the invaluable advice and assistance of Dr. M. C. Hall, through
whose instigation this work was conducted.
BIBLIOGRAPHY.
Baillet, C., 1866. Art. Helminthes. Nouv. Diet. Pract. de Med., de Chir., et d’Hyg.
Veterinaire, VIII.
Braun, M., 1908. Die tierischen Parasiten des Menschen. 4 Aufl. 8 vo. Wursburg Kabitzsch
(IX+623 p... Engl. Trans, of 3d ed., with additions by Sambon and Theobold, p. 337.
Foster, W. D., 1916. A further note on polyradiate cestodes. Science, n. s., Vol. XLIV,
No. 1333, 388-389.
Hall, M. 0., 1917. Apparatus for use in examining feces for evidences of parasitism. Jour.
Lab. and Clin Med., V, 2 (5), February, 347-353, 3 figs.
Hall, M. C., and M. Wigdor, 1918. Canine coccidiosis, with a note regarding other pro-
tozoan parasites from the dog. J. A. V. M. A., 6 (1), April, 64-76, 1 fig.
Stiles, C. W., and L. L. Lumsden, 1911. The Sanitary Privy. Farmers’ Bull., 463, U. S.
Dept. Agr., 1-32.
Stiles, C. W., and H. C. Miller, 1911. Observations on the Viability of the Eggs of Hook-
worms (Necator americanus) and of Eel-worms (Ascaris lumbricoides) in Feces Allowed
to Decompose in Water. Pub. Health Reports, XXVI, No. 41, 1565-1567.
Wharton, L., 1915. The Development of the Eggs of Ascaris lumbricoides . Phil. J. Sci.,
V. 10 (1), January, pp. 19-23.
REPORT OF A CASE OF POPLITEAL ANEURYSM— MAT AS
OPERATION — RECOVERY,
By GEO. T. TYLER, Jr., A. M., M. D., Greenville, S. C.
The patient, J. C., colored, age 32, laborer, was admitted to the
hospital complaining of painful swelling on the back of the right
leg, behind the knee, of eight months’ duration. It has gradually
increased in size until he can only slightly bend the leg. Ho history
of injury.
Examination showed a tall man of slender build. The general
physical examination was negative. There was swelling of the right
leg and knee, with a tumor in the popliteal space to the outer side.
Swelling of the leg extended to the ankle. Pulsation could not be
made out of the dorsalis pedis artery. There was fluid in the knee-
joint. The tumor occupied the entire popliteal space, extending
also to the calf of the leg. It could be seen to pulsate. On palpa-
tion it gave an expansile pulsation; a thrill was perceived; a bruit
was heard on listening over the tumor. The upper extremity of the
fibula was very loosely attached to the tibia. Knee-jerks were
absent. The patient complained of pain and paresthesias in the
foot and toes. Pressure on the tumor caused pain. There was no
marked arterio-sclerosis and, except for the aneurysm, the patient’s
282
Original Articles.
condition seemed good. A specimen of blood was taken for a Was
sermann. If it were positive, treatment was to be undertaken, and
operation done later. The patient, however, complained so much
of pain that it was determined to operate at once. The report re-
ceived after operation was : -) — | — | — \-
Operation February 18, 1918. Ether anesthesia; tourniquet around
thigh; longitudinal incision over tumor. The external popliteal nerve lay
flattened over the thinned outer portion of the gastrocnemius muscle.
This was drawn aside, the muscle fibers were separated and the sac
opened. Almost a liter of clotted blood was removed from the aneurysm.
The opening in the artery was elliptical, about three c. m. long, its longest
diameter being longitudinal to the axis of the vessel. The accompanying
diagram shows the relations of the
aneurysm, artery and opening. Since
closing the rupture in the vessel would
not encroach upon its lumen, this
course was decided upon. Over a
rubber tube coated with sterile liquid
petroleum, interrupted sutures of fine
silk were placed. This silk was satu-
rated in petroleum. The tube was
then withdrawn and the sutures tied.
Additional ones were placed wherever
it seemed likely that blood might
escape. This row was reinforced by
a second one. The wall of the sac
had several large sclerotic patches.
To close the openings of all the
anastamosing branches would have required dissection much greater than
already done; hence the wall was reefed with interrupted sutures of
Pagenstecher until a compact mass resulted. The muscle and skin were
then closed. At this stage the tourniquet was released. A pulsation
appeared, and blood oozed between the skin edges. The tourniquet was
immediately tightened. Three silkworm gut sutures were taken into the
deep tissues and tied over small- rolls of gauze. A snug bandage was
applied over the dressing, when the tourniquet was again released, but not
removed until all danger of sudden hemorrhage had passed — three days.
Kecovery from the operation was uneventful. There was a discharge
of broken-down blood from the wound several days after operation. I
explain this in the following way: the collateral openings into the
aneurysm were not sutured. When the tourniquet was released blood
rushed in through them. The bandage, and possibly the sutures, pre-
vented further bleeding. This blood broke down and escaped from the
wound. A part of the sac also came away.
The patient had very little pain after operation. The foot re-
mained warm, and the swelling of the leg and knee went down, bnt
pulsation of the dorsalis pedis was not restored. He developed a
foot-drop — caused, most probably, by an injury to the external
popliteal nerve. For two months also he could not flex the leg on
Roussel — Effect of Lemon Juice on Pellagra.
28?
the thigh. Five injections of salvarsan with mixed treatment were
given during his stay in the hospital. When discharged on April
15, 1918, he was walking with crutches; he could bend the leg
slightly, and there was some improvement in ability to extend the
foot. The leg was very little larger than the other; no fluid was
in the knee-joint, but a small sinus persisted at the lower angle of
the wound. There was no evidence of weakness of the vessel wall
at the line of suture.
I did not see the patient again until June, 1918. He was doing
day labor; could walk with slight difficulty. Of course, he had
neglected his treatment. Improvement had been made in his con-
dition, but it was slight. He was sent to the venereal clinic of the
U. S. P. H. Service, where he was given more salvarsan and mer-
cury. I saw him there in August, 1918. He could bend the leg
easily; had regained more power to extend the foot. The wound
was entirely healed; there was no swelling in the leg nor fluid in
the knee-joint. There was no pulsation of the dorsalis pedis artery.
He loses no time from his work. It is planned to secure a specimen
of his spinal fluid when he returns on October 20. He had not
returned for six weeks.
It is impossible to say whether the potency of the artery was
restored by the operation. Evidently the collateral circulation was
sufficient to supply the leg below the aneurysm. It is interesting
to note that, although the branches opening into the aneurysm were
not closed, compression effectually controlled them.
EFFECT OF LEMON JUICE IN PELLAGRA.*
By J. N. ROUSSEL, M. D., New Orleans.
There has been so much controversy anent the treatment of
pellagra that it is with fear and trepidation that I venture to offer
what I consider in a measure a new remedy for it in the form of
lemon juice. My results have been so remarkable that several of
my friends have urged that I report them.
The juice of three or four lemons daily will simply work wonders
in a pellagrin. It is quite the usual thing to see patients prac-
tically helpless — unable to walk except with assistance — whose
* Read at the 39th Annual Meeting, Louisiana State Medical Society, New Orleans,
April 16, 17, 18, 1918.
284
Original Articles.
months are ulcerated to a sorrowful degree, and with every evidence
of the ulcerations extending through the entire gastro-intestinal
tract; whose hands and feet are ulcerated and, in fact, who present
every evidence of a well-developed case of pellagra, get practically
well in the short space of two or three weeks.
The idea of using lemon juice occurred to me three years ago,
when a young man, a devout Koman Catholic, applied to the Touro
Infirmary clinic for treatment. He presented a typical case of
what I conceived to be pellagra. He explained that during the
Lenten season he had practically starved himself, and, while the
case looked like any other case of pellagra, I took the position that
it was merely a case of land scurvy, and on that ground I prescribed
lemon juice. In about two weeks he was apparently well.
I then began administering lemon juice to all cases of pellagra
presenting themselves, and lo and behold! they proceeded to get
well in about the same length of time.
How, the question arises, is not most of our pellagra really land
scurvy? As far back as 1578 pellagra was known in Italy as Alpine
scurvy, and might they not have been right in so designating it?
From the point of view of the dermatologist, pellagra is nothing
more than one of the varied types of the exudative erythemas, which,
as we know, are often caused by errors of diet, hut it is quite pos-
sible, as in the case of the erythemas, that there may be several
causes.
From my experience, I am convinced that most of our pellagra
is of the scorbutic type, brought about by the fact that our people,
especially those living in our sawmill towns, are literally living out
of tin cans and cartons — living on predigested and ready-cooked
foods — foods about which we know nothing and about which, I am
sure, the most talented chemist in the world can tell us nothing.
Who can tell us what chemical changes have taken place in a
piece of meat a year after it has been cooked, or in milk that has
been condensed and canned for a year, or, for that matter, in any-
thing of the vegetable line that has been parboiled and incased in
a tin can for an indefinite period? Ho one knows, and yet our
people are practically living off this stuff in some communities.
A prominent sawmill man told me that tin cans were one of their
great sources of annoyance — they had to employ people to gather
them and haul them away.
How, to get back to the lemon juice. I want to call attention to
Roussel — Effect of Lemon Juice on Pellagra. 285
the fact that I mean the whole juice of the lemon, and not citric
acid. There is something else in lemon juice besides citric acid,
and it is probably that “something else” that does the work. It
is a well-known fact that lemon juice will cure scurvy, but that
citric acid will not. This fact is too well established to discuss
further.
I have tried oranges, with very indifferent success. Oranges, as
we all know, belong to the citrus family and do contain a small
quantity of citric acid. But there is something else in the orange,
also, which may account for the fact that orange juice is not as
beneficial as lemon juice.
In the October number of the Journal of Cutaneous Diseases ,
Davidson, of Los Angeles, tells us that, of all our California fruits,
the orange is the most deleterious. The strawberry outranks it as
a cause of urticaria, but the orange is more prone to cause the
furred tongue, cloyed appetite and general depression — a symptom
group that in our present state of knowledge is classed as bilious-
ness. I have personally seen a number of children, especially of the
eczematous type, so to speak, who could not tolerate the smallest
quantity of orange juice, but who took and thrived on lemon juice.
Now, while I have an abiding faith in the efficacy of lemon juice
in pellagra, I am of the opinion that we should only expect satis-
factory results in patients not yet bed-ridden, for it has been my
experience, and I am sure that of others, that when a pellagrin has
once taken the bed from sheer inability to navigate, the meridian
between the cradle and the grave has been passed — a point at which
many arrive, but few return. In these cases I would not expect
lemon juice to be of much service, nor would I expect anything else
to be of much benefit.
This, I think, is not unreasonable, because we all know that in
at least a few of our diseases, such as cerebrospinal meningitis and
tetanus, unless the remedy is applied early in the disease the ma-
jority of them die. But from my experience of twenty-two years
in the medical profession, at this time lemon juice might appear as
too plebeian a remedy to attract any attention. You can’t put it in
the benzol ring. That explains it in a nutshell.
In cases of gastro-intestinal involvement, where the bowels are
moving many times a day, I am in the habit of administering about
an ounce of castor oil every other day. I believe this to be superior
to any of the astringents, such as subgallate of bismuth and the like.
286
Original Articles.
To the nervous symptoms I have paid little or no attention, as
they seemed to subside along with the others. However, a few cases
have complained of sleeplessness, and in these I have employed
chloretone to much satisfaction.
The skin lesions need little or no attention. I believe any pro-
tective dressing will do. My preference is for a wet dressing, where
it can be applied convenient!}', formal salt solution, I think, does
as well as anything, and is clean and comfortable.
Discussion on the Paper of Dr. Roussel.
Dr. A. A. Herold, Shreveport: Dr. Roussel’s paper is very interest-
ing, and lemon juice in pellagra is well worth trying. I dare say that
none of us except the doctor have tried the remedy in this disease, for
which we have so many would-be specifics. My principal cause for rising
is not to discuss lemon juice in the treatment of pellagra, which I shall
try out in the next case, but simply to ask the doctors present not to
despair of their bed-ridden cases. I have seen quite a number of them,
some almost moribund, to use a common expression, get well, provided
they were tided over from the severe condition.
Last year I read a paper at Alexandria on the subject of the use of
normal horse s$rum in pellagra. I do not advocate it in every case, and
I do not advocate it in those cases in which Dr. Roussel recommends
lemon juice. I advocate it in those cases that are bed-ridden and you
have to tide them over with something when they cannot eat or retain
their food. These patients may be conscious or unconscious; they may
or may not be able to control their bowels; they may have anywhere
from five to twenty or fifty bowel movements involuntarily. These are
the cases in which I have used normal horse serum. If they should de-
velop anaphylaxis it will not kill them, and you have everything to gain
and nothing to lose, and this serum works wonderfully in these cases.
Dr. J. N. Roussel, New Orleans (closing) : I did not mean to infer
that all of the bed-ridden cases die, but the rule is that they do die.
Where there is sheer inability to walk, I give them the juice of three or
four lemons a day in the form of lemonade. I have seen twenty-five
cases get entirely well in practically no time from this method of treat-
ment. In only one instance have we had any resulting trouble. In one
very bad case the woman was in very bad shape; she was relieved of all
her skin symptoms and all ulcerations of the mouth and vagina and
rectum, everything apparently having healed, but she was left with a
colitis. I sent her to Dr. Simon, and he was of the opinion that her
colitis was due to her weakened condition and nothing else. She was
entirely well of the pellagra. She has since recovered from the colitis,
and she was perfectly well up to two or three weeks ago. She had had
no recurrence.
The main thing is that these people live on tin or canned goods. The
women in these communities where pellagra prevails have to do most of
the work, and such women, in order to avoid hard work, buy canned
goods, which is fed to the people. We do not see pellagra in large cities;
it is almost unheard of in New Orleans. Nearly all cases of pellagra are
found in towns. There were nearly one hundred cases in Opelousas at
one time. It is because of the way the people live that they have pellagra.
McIlhenny — Surgical Treatment of Pott’s Disease. 287
THE SURGICAL TREATMENT OF POTT’S DISEASE *
By PAUL A. McILHE'NNY, M. D., New Orleans.
Surgical interference in tuberculosis of the vertebral column is
now generally advocated by all orthopedic surgeons of America.
This is a broad statement and may be thought by some to mean
that operative measures are to be taken in all such cases. Such an
understanding is certainly erroneous and must be corrected, for
already too many cases of Pott’s disease have been subjected to oper-
ation when conservative treatment would probably have produced
more satisfactory results. We must, therefore, divide these cases
into classes, as to age as well as to pathological conditions, and
decide which should be treated with conservatism and which by
operation. First, one should consider diseased articulations of the
vertebral column very similar to other diseased joints, in so far as
the pathological process is concerned, and deal with them accord-
ingly, our- first thought and aim being to so treat the disease that
cure with non-painful motion, even to a slight degree, may result,
and only when we are very sure that motion is impossible should
we resort to a method of treatment which results in ankylosis.
When operations upon the spine for the cure of spinal caries were
popularized by Hibbs and Albee an enthusiastic wave swept over
the whole country, and cures were sought by operation in all cases,
in all ages and at any stage of the disease. Now that the wave has
subsided and cool judgment has stepped forward, operation is re-
sorted to only in cases where cure with motion is impossible. As
this disease is found in all ages, and as children bear shock badly,
-one should hesitate when contemplating an operation upon the very
young, also upon the aged; therefore it may be assumed that cases
■selected for operation would fall between early adolescence and
middle-age, the very young and aged being treated by conservative
treatment, which time has proved to produce most satisfactory
results.
We know that ankylosis results in all cases of joint tuberculosis
when nature unassisted attempts a cure, but we also know that it
is possible to preserve a certain amount of motion in many such
cases, provided treatment is begun early enough, or, in other words,
before the articular surfaces have been destroyed, namely, in the
* Read at the 39th Annual Meeting, Louisiana State Medical Society, New Orleans,
April 16, 17, 18, 1918.
288
Original Articles.
first stage, and even in some cases where the joint has been eroded,
cure with limited motion is possible. In operating we merely assist
nature in stiffening or ankylosing the diseased area of the spine,
and we therefore eliminate any possibility of future motion in that
section. When the disease has progressed to the point of abscess
formation, marked deformity or paralysis, then, and then only, may
we claim that cure with motion is impossible, and operations cal-
culated to hasten ankylosis should be resorted to. Therefore, one
should rather discourage operation in young children, the aged,
and in those in poor physical condition, never to be resorted to
when the disease is in the first stage, and rarely in the early second
stage, but rather to be advised in cases from adolescence ta middle
life who present symptoms of the second and third stages of the
disease. Operative interference, therefore, though of great value in
certain selected cases, should not be resorted to in the majority of
cases of Pott’s disease, but rather should be held as supplementary
to conservative treatment. Though these operations are not tedious
and do not consume much time, they are followed by considerable
shock, so that cases subjected to them should be carefully selected.
I think the principal points to be considered before operating are :
First, to be sure that the vertebral column is actually diseased ; and,
second, that the disease has advanced to such a point where cure
with motion is impossible. Such operations certainly shorten the
duration of treatment, but, as a stiff back results, does it com-
pensate when the conservative methods, though of longer duration,
may preserve a certain amount of motion ? I think not, and there-
fore use the conservative treatment in all early cases, especially in
children, and only resort to operation in selected cases, when it is
very palpable that motion can never be restored.
In the Hibbs operation the spinous processes immediately above,
throughout and immediately at* the diseased area are fractured at
the base, and the tip of each mortised into the base of the one next
below it ; in this way fusion is produced between the posterior por-
tions of the vertebras, and eventually forms a posterior support
throughout the diseased area.
The Albee operation is one of bone-grafting, in which an auto-
genous bone-graft is taken from the tibia and placed in the split
processes, extending from the second above to the second below the
diseased area. I have used this operation in all my cases with satis-
factory results, and feel that it should be heartily indorsed. It
McIlhenny — Surgical Treatment of Pott’s Disease. 289
should be borne in mind, however, that, no matter how perfect are
the results following operation, they do not compare to results with
the reestablishment of non-painful motion.
When an operation is contemplated the patient should be placed
upon a Bradford frame, which is periodically corrected until the
“buckle” has been obliterated, or, if paralysis was present, until
voluntary motion has returned. In the Albee operation a graft
long enough to extend from the second vertebra above to the second
vertebra below the diseased area is taken from the tibia and shaped
to the curve of the affected section. A long curved incision is made
to one side of the spine, so as to expose the spinous processes above
and below the area involved; the processes are split with a wide
chisel or an electrical saw down to the lamina and the halves forced
apart. The graft is then placed in position and held down with
heavy chromic gut sutures; the superficial structures are sutured
over the graft and the wound closed without drainage. Dressings
are so applied as to prevent pressure upon the wound and the
patient placed immediately upon the Bradford frame, where he
should be kept for a month or six weeks. A plaster corset may then
be applied in a position of lordosis, and at the end of the eighth
week he should be allowed up with crutches. Support with plaster
corsets should be kept up for six or eight months, by which time
ankylosis should be complete.
Case 1. C. T., white girl, age eleven years. First seen in June, 1913,
presenting a decided buckle in dorso-lumbar region. X-ray showed
eleventh and twelfth dorsal and first lumbar to be involved. Planter
corset applied in position of lordosis. On July 1, placed on Bradford
frame. By August 1 buckle had been corrected and an Albee operation
was performed; patient put back on frame. August 14, plaster corset
applied, and patient sent home on September 1. Patient returned for
casts on December 11 and on February 14, 1914, when X-ray showed
graft in place and a formative process. This case died of pneumonia in
April, 1914.
Case 2. L. W., white male, age ten years, was under conservative
treatment for three months before admission on February 21, 1917. Pre-
sented a decided buckle in the lumbar region. X-ray showed tuberculosis
of second, third and fourth lumbar vertebras, with destruction. Placed
on frame till March 30, when buckle had been corrected. Operation per-
formed and patient put immediately upon frame. May 20, corset applied
in lordosis. A second corset was applied on August 27. Corset removed
November 13, 1917. X-ray showed graft in place. Discharged.
Case 3. B. M., white male, age thirty-seven, weight 170 pounds,
hight 5 feet 5 inches. Was first seen by Dr. G-raffagnino in June, 1916.
He had had pains in the back and legs for some weeks before seeking
advice. A small buckle was found in the lower dorsal region, and a
290
Original Articles.
diagnosis of tubercular spondylitis made. He was advised to have X-ray
pictures taken and undergo conservative treatment, both of which he
disregarded. He was not seen again till February, 1917. The disease
had progressed to marked deformity in the dorsal region, with only
partial control of sphincters and muscles of legs, and he was unable to
walk, even with crutches. He was sent to the Hotel Dieu, and I first
saw him in consultation with Dr. Graffagnino on April 19, 1917. He
then presented a marked dorsal kyphosis, with paralysis of both legs
from hips down; patellar reflex absent; some ankle clonus; control of
sphincters lost; both ankles were swollen and there was a trophic ulcer
on the outside of the right heel. An X-ray showed a decided tuberculosis
of the ninth, tenth and eleventh dorsal vertebrae. He was placed upon
a Bradford frame, which was bent from time to time until the kyphosis
had been reduced. By the middle of May he had regained control of
his muscles, and I advised an Albee operation. On May 21, assisted by
Dr. Graffagnino, I placed a tibial graft ’ in the split spinous processes
from the seventh dorsal to the first lumbar, suturing it into place with
a No. 3 chromic gut. After the dressings were applied he was im-
mediately placed on the frame. He was considerably shocked, but by
evening was doing well. He was kept upon the frame till July 12, when
a plaster corset was applid in a position of general lordosis. He was
allowed to go home on July 21, and on August 15 allowed to walk a little.
About November 15 he resumed his occupation of driving a vegetable
wagon, and on February 22, about eight months after the operation, the
cast was removed. He now has complete control of his muscles, and so
far has had no return of his trouble. The graft can be felt throughout
the operative field.
Case 4. P. L. C., male, age thirty-seven years, was admitted July 20,
1917. Presented a kyphosis in the lumbar region. Pains in back and
down both legs. X-ray showed tuberculosis of first and second lumbar
vertebrae, with destruction. Was placed on a Bradford frame in a position
of general lordosis. By October the buckle had been reduced, and on
the 24th an Albee operation was performed, the graft extending from
the eleventh dorsal to the fourth lumbar vertebra. Placed immediately
on the .frame again. There was considerable shock following the oper-
ation, but by evening he had reacted. On December 1 a corset was
applied in a position of lordosis, and he was allowed up on December 10.
He was allowed to go home on January 23, still wearing the plaster corset,
and was to report for a new cast during March, but has not been heard
from since he left the hospital.
Discussion on the Paper of Dr. McIlhenny.
Dr. John F. Oechsner, New Orleans: In connection with what Dr.
McIlhenny has said, I desire to call attention to two facts, one of which
relates to medicine in general, and that is, unfortunately, the pendulum
swings too far in regard to operations, and everybody who offers himself
as a subject is operated on. I think to-day there are entirely too many
Albee operations done, certainly as regards spinal fixation, and the
pendulum seems to be swinging again to its natural position.
There are two things to be borne in mind, one of which is, what is
the object of the fixation operation? You do in a more physiological
way and a surer way what you attempt with a plaster of Paris jacket.
You resort to fixation of the spine to do what? To prevent the further
McIlhenny — Surgical Treatment of Pott’s Disease. 291
increase of pressure. It is an unfortunate thing that with our tubercu-
lous joint infections we are never in a position to prognosticate in every
individual case. We must plead guilty to the fact that the majority of
our cases of tuberculous arthritis, whether of the hip or spine, go on to
bony ankylosis. It is not our fault, but nevertheless we have not im-
proved this condition as yet. I do not know that we shall be able to
meet it by any mechanical surgical methods. I hope that serum therapy
may offer some solution of the problem.
The point I want to make is in Dr. Mellhenny’s case the result is
ideal, and he has accomplished by the treatment undertaken in this case
what we accomplish by plaster jackets, only the latter are uncertain. I
would like to make a plea, therefore, that in all of our work and in all
our operations we see to it that the pendulum does not swTing too far in
one direction, and it seems to have reached a stationary point with refer-
ence to the Albee opration. In Pott’s disease we should strive to be
conservative and judge every case on its individual merits, and not pro-
ceed recklessly in the fixation of the spine in every case of Pott ’s disease
that comes to us.
Dr. E. Denegre Martin, New Orleans: I think I can answer some of
the questions that have been raised by the essayist, and it resolves itself
into the same old trouble of practitioners getting hold of cases that are
not diagnosed early. The profession may be blamed in some instances,
but, as a matter of fact, the individuals themselves, many of them chil-
dren, come to us when the joints have already passed the stage where it
is possible to do anything at all. We know that tuberculosis is cured
by rest. It is in many cases cured spontaneously, and it is a question
of fixation. Look at the thousands of cases of hip-joint disease that are
cured by rest. We can cure these cases by rest, but the trouble is there
are so many beginners in the profession to-day who are anxious to be-
come surgeons, and who are becoming surgeons at the expense of the
poor man wTho is willing to be operated on, and who have not had ex-
perience enough to treat these cases properly, or to know that they can
be treated by different methods without going directly into an operation.
The report made by Dr. Clark was one of the best Illustrations of that
fact, namely, that men are operating in acute cases of pyosalpinx when
they ought not to, in that way getting a high mortality. The results
from operation are not what they should be, and that is an important
answer to this problem of being more conservative, rather than radical,
in the treatment of such cases as the essayist has reported.
Dr. P. A. Mcllhenny, New Orleans (closing): I want to thank Dr.
Oechsner and Dr. Martin for backing’ me up. I cannot conceive of any
more gratifying results than to see a child cured of a tuberculous joint
lesion with motion, and I take that gratification in having been allowed
the privilege of operating on this poor individual. If I could have gotten
him in the early stage, before there was destruction of bone, I would
have taken greater satisfaction in securing for him more motion, and
not putting him in a cast, where he is incapacitated for the rest of his
life. That is the reason I make a plea for conservatism in these cases.
There is still some doubt that ankylosis is not the result, but there may
be possibly a considerable amount of motion left.
'292
Miscellany.
MISCELLANY
NOTES ON TROPICAL DISEASES.*
By LODILLA AMBROSE, Ph. M., New Orleans.
Dysentery.
Tribondean1 and Fichet (Toulon) reported on the results of the
bacteriological analysis of the feces in 217 cases of dysentery coming
from the corps expeditionnaire d’ Orient. In 169 cases the results
of the examination were negative as far as species supposedly dysen-
terigenic, an excessive figure explained perhaps by the fact that
many of the patients of the group were already on the road to re-
covery when they reached Toulon. The forty-eight positive cases
gave: ten times the dysenteric ameba, twenty-three times the
bacillus of Shiga, only twice the Y bacillus of Hiss, thirteen times
the bacilli of the Morgan group. This conclusion is that the last
named group has a place in the list of dysenteric bacilli.
2. Orticoni2 and Ameuille reported on amebic dysentery as
observed during five months in the contagious hospital of a sector
corresponding in the number of its population to a large city. Be-
fore the outbreak of the war amebic dysentery had remained a
tropical disease seen by French physicians almost exclusively in the
colonies of Africa and Asia, or in France in former colonials.
References are given to earlier reports of amebic dysentery in
France. In these five months they had found twenty-eight cases
of dysentery, seventeen bacillar and eleven amebic. Three of the
eleven amebic cases were colonials with history of intestinal affec-
tions, eight had never left France; These patients were from
different regiments; some had been incorporated in colonial regi-
ments, and some had occupied trenches previously held by African
troops. Bedside examination of fresh feces is insisted on as a
means of establishing the parasitic nature of cases of dysentery.
They considered that many cases of ambeic dysentery never reached
the hospital, and that the disease is becoming endemic in France.
d’Herelle3 had examined feces from forty cases of dysenteric
affections, seventeen being civilians and twenty-three soldiers, all
having contracted the dysentery in France. He found in two cases
B. fecalis alcaligems; in twenty-one cases, germ belonging to type
*F'rom the Bulletin de 1’Academ.ie de Medicine, Paris, for 1916.
Ambrose. — Notes on Tropical Fever.
293
described by Gay and Duval ( Shiga ' type. Hiss type, and a new
bacillus previously reported by d’Herelle were found, but Flexner
type was not found) ; in seventeen cases, group of Morgan. In-
crease in bacillar dysentery was attributed to war conditions.
Capitan,4 to whose service belonged twenty-one of the patients
reported on by (FHerelle, supplemented his report. Regarding the
new bacillus of (FHerelle (five cases,) he said:
1 1 The dysenteric forms due to this new bacillus have manifested them-
selves especially by very abundant choleriform feces, not always bloody
and glairy, and often accompanied by very grave general choleriform
accidents. We have lost one of these patients in a few days, and an-
other was moribund for several days. He recovered very slowly, and
thanks to a very active treatment. In two other cases the seriously
affected patients recuperated very slowly. In fact, it seems that the
bacillus determines in man a specially grave clinical form, which is analo-
gous to that which its inoculation produces in animals. These forms of
dysentery seem to be particularly contagious. ’ ’
Capitan himself and a nurse contracted it from patients, in spite
of minute precautions.
Relapsing Fever.
Petzetakis1 2 3 4 saw his cases in Greece in 1916. He said the differ-
ential diagnosis was to be made between relapsing fever and malaria,
yellow fever, typhoid fever and meningitis. Out of fifteen cases,
he found four times the most complete meningeal syndrome, and
three other times simply rigidity of the neck. On puncture, the
liquid sometimes issued in a jet. His conclusions were :
“In the course of relapsing fever, a meningeal syndrome may appear
very frequently, this being due to the increase in pressure of the cephalo-
rachidian fluid. The liquid is clear and does not contain spirilla nor
cellular elements. There is no albuminosis. The sugar remains normal.
Exceptionally one may have- an aseptic puriform reaction. In this case
lumbar puncture should be done, and it constitutes a sure method of
combating the very intense cephalalgia. Treatment with neosalvarsan is
the therapy of choice. Mercury and electrargol may be tried.”
1. Tribondeau and Fichet. Resultats de l’analyse bacteriologique des selles dans 217
cas de dysenterie provenant du corps expgditionnaire d’Orient (C. E. O.). 3 s., lxxv,.
317-318.
2. Orticoni, A., and Ameuille, D. Sur la dysenterie amibienne autochtone. 3 s.,
Ixxv, 390-392.
3. Herelle, F. d’. Contribution a l’etude de la dysenterie: nouveaux bacilles
dysenteriques, pathogenes pour les animaux d’experience. 3 s., lxxvi, 425-428.
4. Capitan. Sur de nouveaux bacilles dysenteriques. 3 s., lxxvi, 440-441.
1. Petzetakis. Le syndrome meningg au cours de la fievre recurrente, ses rapports
avec l’augmentation de la pression du liquide c§phalorachidien ; reaction meningee puriforme
aseptique ; efficacite du traitement par le 606 ; essai sur le traitement par l’electrargol et.
le mercure. 3 s., lxxvi, 253-255.
294
News and Comment.
NEWS AND COMMENT
Coeducational Medical Colleges. — Sixty-five of the ninety
medical colleges in the United States are coeducational institutions.
The war has increased the tendency on the part of medical colleges
to throw open their doors to women students, and women are taking
advantage of the opportunities offered.
Sanitary Trains of the United States Army. — The medical
department of the United States Army has in less than six months
established sixteen model sanitary trains, which are now running
on the French railroads and are destined for the American Army.
These trains have 630 beds each and more than 640 can be taken
care of on one train. Each coach is provided with a bathroom. The
train is lighted by electricity and has telephone connection between
all the coaches.
Abandonment of Unsanitary Practice. — A letter has been
addressed to Hon. Wm. G. McAdoo, director general of the United
States Railroad Administration, by the Committee of Pollution and
Sewerage of the Merchants’ Association of Hew York, asking for
the abandonment of the unsanitary practice of discharging the con-
tents of toilets from trains upon the roadbeds of the railways of this
country.
The Mississippi Valley Conference on Tuberculosis, which
met in St. Louis, October 2-4, elected the following members for the
ensuing year: President, Sherman C. Kingsley, Cleveland; vice-
president, Dr. J. W. Pettit, Chicago; secretary -treasurer, Paul L.
Benjamin, Minneapolis. Des Moines was chosen as the next meet-
ing-place.
Boston University School of Medicine. — Announcement has
been received that the medical department of Boston University
has been thoroughly reorganized and henceforth will be non-sec-
tarian in scope and character. Eminent physicians of the regular
school will conduct courses in pharmacology and therapeutics, and
clinical teaching will be given in the Boston City Hospital and the
Robert Bent Brigham Hospital. Homeopathic materia medica will
be taught as heretofore, with clinical teaching in the Massachusetts
Homeopathic Hospital and allied institutions.
News and Comment.
295
The Winyah Sanatobium. — The' Yon Ruck Memorial Sana-
torium, Inc., has taken over the Winy ah Sanatorium of Asheville,
H. C., and a new institution under' that name is to- be built and
equipped as soon as the present war conditions permit. The sana-
torium will be conducted with the same high-class accommodations
as heretofore. Pending the erection and completion of the new
sanatorium, a free clinic has been established and is now in oper-
ation. The laboratories will continue their studies and investiga-
tions under the supervision of Dr. Karl Yon Ruck. The Winy ah
Sanatorium is designed to accommodate curable cases of pulmonar}^
and other tubercular affections.
Anesthetic Technician. — A letter addressed to the editors has
been received from the Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research
urging that the term “anesthetic technician” be applied to the nurse
who administers an anesthetic. The claim is made that large in-
stitutions are employing the nurse anesthetist on the ground of
economy, expediency, and even sentimentality. The letter states
that, in order to understand the language of anesthesia, one must
have intimate acquaintance with anatomy, medicine, surgery, diag-
nosis, psychology and special branches, and that nurses and lay
persons without a medical degree have no more right to the term
“anesthetist” than those who take X-ray pictures and who make
urinary, blood or sputum examinations have the right to the terms
“roentgenologist” and “pathologist.”
Medical Association oe the Southwest. — The thirteenth an-
nual meeting of the Medical Association of the Southwest met in
Dallas, Texas, October 15, 16 and 17. In spite of war conditions
and the influenza epidemic, an unusually interesting program was
presented, and though the attendance was small, great enthusiasm
was displayed in the activities of the association. The following
officers were elected to serve during the coming year: President,
Dr. M. M. Smith, Dallas ; vice-presidents, Dr. L. von Treba,
Chetopa, Ivans.; Dr. 0. B. Hall, Warrensburg, Mo.; Dr. F. W.
Jelks, Hot Springs, Ark., and Dr. F. Iv. Camp, Oklahoma City,
Okla. ; secretary-treasurer, Dr. F. H. Clark, El Reno, Okla. ; chair-
man committee on arrangements, Dr. Everett S. Lain, Oklahoma
City, Okla. Oklahoma City was chosen as the convention city
for" 1918.
Few Drug Addicts Among Drafted Men. — The War Depart-
296
News and Comment.
ment has recently published the actual figures of the number of
drafted men rejected for drug addiction, owing to the greatly ex-
aggerated reports concerning them. Of 990,592 men examined in
the draft up to January 1, 1918, only 403 were rejected for drug
addiction and only 76 discharged for this reason. The ratio of
rejections in the draft for drug addiction is only one man in each
2,500.
The Value of the Volunteer Medical Service Corps. — The
value of the organization of the Volunteer Medical Service Corps
was demonstrated during the recent epidemic of influenza which
swept the country. The call for doctors was so promptly met that
it has called forth an expression of appreciation from the officers
of the United States Public Health Service. Officials of the Volun-
teer Medical Service Corps are gratified that the organization w'as
able to meet the emergency in this way, fulfilling the purpose for
wdiich it was created, namely, to place on record and classify in-
formation as to civilian physicians, so that a request for aid voiced
by a government department could readily be supplied.
The Platinum Section and the Section of Medical Industry,
War Industries Board, desire to express appreciation of the hearty
response made by physicians and dentists when the call for scrap
platinum was made. As the governmental demand for platinum
has been tremendously decreased by the curtailed war program, it
is requested that no further platinum be tendered to the government.
Hew York Polyclinic Hospital Taken by Government.—
An agreement has been reached whereby the Federal Government
will assume control of the Hew York Polyclinic Hospital and Med-
ical School.
San Salvador Quarantines Against Yellow Fever. — The
frontier between Guatemala and Salvador has been ordered closed
by the Salvadorian Government because of the prevalence of yellow
fever in Guatemala.
The Medical Review of Reviews Announces that it has just
purchased the third oldest medical journal in America, the Buffalo
Medical Journal , founded seventy-four years ago by Dr. Austin
Flint, and published regularly ever since. This is the third publi-
cation which the Review has purchased during the past few years.
It will be greatly increased in size, beginning with the January,
1919, issue, but the subscription price is not to be increased.
News and Comment.
297
Alvarenga Prize. — The College of Physicians of Philadelphia
announces that the next award of the Alvarenga Prize, amounting
to about $250, will be made on July 4, 1919. Essays intended for
competition may be upon any subject, but cannot have been pub-
lished. They must be typewritten, accompanied by an English
translation if written in another language, and must be received by
the secretary of the college on or before May 1, 1919. For further
information address Francis R. Packard, secretary, 19 South Twen-
ty-second street, Philadelphia, Pa.
Personals. — First Lieutenant Wm. M. Johnson, M. C., has been
transferred to Base Hospital, Camp Bowie, Fort Worth, Texas.
Dr. E. L. Leckert recently received his commission as captain,
M. C., IT. S. A., and left November 10 for Camp Greenleaf, Fort
Oglethorpe, Ga.
Dr. Hilliard Miller received his commission during the month
as first lieutenant, M. C., TJ. S. A., and was ordered to Camp Green-
leaf, Fort Oglethorpe, Ga.
Dr. Wm. F. Wilson, formerly with Parke, Davis & Co., New Or-
leans, has accepted an appointment with the Louisiana Hospital for
the Insane, Jackson, La.
Removals. — Dr. Nathan Barlow, from 3864 Lafayette street to
9300 South Broadway, St. Louis, Mo.
Prof. R. Blanchard, from 226 Boulevard St. Germain to 4 Avenue
du President Wilson, Paris, France.
Dr. W. L. Wharton, from Naples to Jeffris, La.
Dr. C. L. Eshleman, from Maison Blanche Building to 1138 Third
street.
Married. — On October 26, 1918, Dr. William Edward Barker,
Jr., lieutenant, M. C., U. S. A., to Miss Benedette Gordon Texada,
both of this city. Dr. Barker is a Tulane graduate.
Died. — On October 15, 1915, Dr. M. J. DeMahy, a prominent
neurologist of this city.
On October 14, 1918, Dr. Waldemar T. Richards, a Tulane
graduate and one of New Orleans’ prominent young physicians.
On October 14, 1918, Dr. Guy Leary Odom, of Harvey, La., aged
38 years.
On October 14, 1918, Dr. Arthur Nolte, one of the best-known
physicians of New Orleans, aged 58 years.
On November 2, 1918* Dr. Francis A. Meyer, aged 26 years, son
of Dr. Albert J. Meyer, of Thibodaux, died at Shreveport, La.
298
Bool : Reviews and Notices.
BOOK REVIEWS AND NOTICES
All ne w publications sent to the Journal will be appreciated and will invariably be
promptly acknowledged under the heading of “ Publications Received." While
it will be the aim of the Journal to review as many of the worlds accepted as
possible, the editors will be guided by the space available and the merit of re-
spective publications. The acceptance of q boo\ implies no obligation to review.
Case Histories in Obstetrics. Second Edition. By Robert L. DeNorman-
die, A.B., M.D., F.A.C.S. W. M. Leonard, Publishers, Boston.
This is a book of 500 pages in which the author presents groups of
cases illustrating the fundamental problems which arise in obstetrics. It
is one of the Case History Series, a group of books written by Boston
authorities covering Medicine, Pediatrics, Surgery and allied branches,
intended especially for classroom and clinical conferences.
The case reports have been carefully selected and cover practically
every phase of physiologic and pathologic obstetrics, to which the author
has added in detail the treatment followed in each case.
When the first edition appeared it was believed that the book would
promptly find a place in obstetric teaching, and the early appearance
of a second edition confirms the prediction. MILLER.
The Medical Record Visiting List, Wm. Wood & Co., New York, 1919.
Taking time by the forelock, this excellent visiting list is already
being offered for next year.
It lias been revised, improved, and modernized. The convenient tables
have been added to and brought up to date, the table of dosage con-
forming to the latest revision of the Pharmacopeia.
The little volume is a handy visiting list, physician’s diary and ref-
erence book.
PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED
LEA & FEBIGER, Philadelphia and New York, 1918.
The Surgery of Oral Diseases and Malformations, by George Van
Ingen Brown, D. D. S., M. D., C. M., E. A. C. S. Third edition.
Anatomy of the Human Body, by Henry Gray, P. R. S. Twentieth
edition, thoroughly revised and re-edited, by Warren H. Lewis, B. S., M. D.
Diseases of Infancy and Childhood, by Henry Koplin, M. D. Fourth
edition, revised and enlarged.
C. V. MOSBY COMPANY, St. Louis, 1918.
Genito-Urinary Diseases and Syphilis, by Henry H. Morton, M. D.,
E. A. C. S. Fourth edition, revised and enlarged.
New and Standard Medical, Surgical, Nursing, Dental Publications.
Abstracts of War Surgery. Prepared by the Division of Surgery,
Surgeon General’s Office.
Principles of Bacteriology, by Arthur A. Eisenberg, A. B., M. D.
Roentgen Diagnosis of Diseases of the Head, by Dr. Arthur Schuller.
Authorized translation by Fred F. Stocking, M. D., M. R. C. With a fore-
word by Ernest Sachs, M. D.
THE YEAR-BOOK PUBLISHERS, Chicago, 1918.
The Practical Medicine Series. Yol. IV: Pediatrics, edited by Isaac
A. Abt, M. D., with the collaboration of A. Levinson, M. D.; Orthopedic
Surgery, edited by Edwin W. Ryerson, M. D. Series 1918.
Publications Received.
299
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE, Washington, D. C.
Public Health Reports. Vol. 33, Nos. 35, 36, 37 and 38.
Epidemic Influenza (Spanish Influenza). U. S'. P. H. S. Bulletin.
Mortality Statistics. 1916 and 1918. Seventeenth annual report. (De-
partment of Commerce, Bureau of Census.)
Public Health Reports. Vol. 33, Nos. 36, 39, 40, 41 and 42.
Report of the Health Department of the Panama Canal. For April,
May and June, 1918.
P. BLAKISTON’S SON & CO., .Philadelphia, Pa.
Medical Vocabulary, by Marie.
WM. WOOD & CO., New York, 1918.
A Manual of Physiology, by G. N. Stewart, M. A., D. Sc., M. D.,
D. P. H. Eighth edition.
Dispensaries. Their Management and Development, by Michael M.
Davis, Jr., Ph. D., and Andrew R. Warner, M. D.
MISCELLANEOUS:
Transactions of the Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.
Proceedings of the Medical Association of the Isthmian Canal Zone.
January, 1917, to June, 1917. (Panama Canal Press, Mount Hope, C. Z.)
Reports and Collected Studies from the Institute of Tropical Medicine
and Hygiene of Porto Rico. Vol. 1, 1913-1917.
REPRINTS.
Radiumtherapy in Hyperthyroidism, With Observations on the Endo-
crinous System, by W. H. B. Aikins, Toronto.
The Great Condition, by David Kinley.
The Disabled Soldier in Industry, by Ernest D. Little.
Hay Fever Resorts of the United States and Canada; The Treatment
of Hay Fever by Pollen Extracts and Bacterial Vaccines, by Wm. S'chep-
pegrell, M. D.
Mortality Among Women from Causes Incidental to Child-Bearing; A
Study of Pellagra in the Mortality Experience of the Metropolitan Life
Insurance Company, 1911-1916, by Louis I. Dublin, Ph. D.
Secretin. II. Its Influence on the Number of White Corpuscles in
the Circulating Blood. III. Its Mode of Action in Producing an Increase
in the Number of Corpuscles in the Circulating Blood, by Ardrey W.
Downs and Nathan B. Eddy.
The Treatment of Amoebic Dysentery With ChapUrro Amargosa (Cas-
tela Nicholsoni of the Family Simarubacese), by Andrew Watson Sellards
and Monroe Anderson Mclver.
Two Suggestions of Apparatus for the Teaching of Laboratory, by
Ardrey W. Downs, M. D., and George Hays, M. D.
Biological Investigations of Tropical Sunlight, by Andrew Watson
Sellards, Wm. T. Bovie and Sumner Cushing Brooks.
The Clinical Significance of the Irregular Distribution of Various Cells
and Parasites in the Blood Stream and the Production of Abortive
Leuksemic Changes and of Splenomegaly in the Macacus Rhesus, by
Andrew Watson Sellards and Walter Albert Baetjer.
On the Differentiation of Auricular Fibrillation and Its Treatment, by
Thomas E. Satterthwaite, M. D.
Blood Transfusion Simplified by the Use of Citrate Ointment, by
Henry W. Abelmann, M. D.
300
Mortuary Report.
Owing to the Influenza, the monthly Bulletin of the City
Board of Health is delayed and we are unable to publish our Mor-
tuary Report this month. Same will be printed next month, in
order to avoid a break.
join theRedCross
+ALUYOU-NeeDiS-A-f-AND-A$ *
NEW ORLEANS MEDICAL
AND SURGICAL JOURNAL
EDITORS:
CHARLES CHASSAIGNAC, M. D. ISADORE DYER, M. D.
COLLABORATORS:
C. C. BASS, M. D., Prest., Amer. Soc. Tropical Medicine . 1
S. K. SIMON, M. D., Acting Secty. American Soc. of Tropical Medicine. ...... j tjX'uniC10
P. T. TALBOT, M. D., Secretary Louisiana State Medical Society .Ex-Officio
RUPERT BLUE, M. D., Surgeon General, United States Public Health Service.
H. D. BRUNS, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
C. F. CRAIG, M. D., Col., U. S. A.
S. T. DARLING, M. D., Sao Paulo, Brazil.
W. H. DEADERICK, M. D., Hot Springs, Arkansas.
. E. M. DUPAQUIER, M. D. (Paris), Tulane University of Louisiana.
A. G. FRIEDRICHS, M. D., New Orleans, La.
J. T. HALSEY, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
JOS. HOLT, M. D., New Orleans, La.
F. A. LARUE, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana. '
E. S. LEWIS, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
R. C. LYNCH, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
E. D. MARTIN, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
R. MATAS, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
AUGUSTUS McSHANE, M. D., Greenwood, Miss.
PAUL MICHINARD, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
C. J. MILLER, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
F. W. PARHAM, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
E. A. ROBIN, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
W. H. SEEMANN, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
ALLEN J. SMITH, M. D., University of Pennsylvania.
EDMOND SOUCHON, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
E. R. STITT, M. D„ Rear Admiral, U. S. N.
J. A. STORCK, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
R. P. STRONG, M. D., Harvard University.
ROY M. YAN WART, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
Vol. LXXI JANUARY, 1919 No. 7
EDITORIAL
THE STABILIZATION OF AMERICAN MEDICINE.
Efficiency is the measure of success in every enterprise. The
profession of this country may well be proud of the record for
the past eighteen months, with nearly forty thousand of its
membership in the field of duty at home and abroad. Of these,
more than thirty thousand were volunteers, who, with a few months
at most, and many with but a few weeks of training, assumed duty
entirely new in many of its requirements. Just as the soldier in
the rank and file has satisfied every one in his splendid achieve-
ments, so, also, has the American physician made good.
When the survey of medical men in the United States was made.
302
Editorial.
something like 140,000 names appeared on the list, made up of
all sorts and conditions of men. The age limit of fifty-five elimi-
nated some from service, and the conditions of fitness on account
of irregularity of practice removed others from the available list.
Conservative calculations pnt the possible number of physically and
mentally acceptable men at abont 60,000 to 70,000, of whom prob-
ably one-third were absolutely needed at home. The enrollment of
medical officers has fully satisfied all demands, and their experience
in service will have justified their patriotic response to the call.
The President of the United States and the War Department
have decided upon the rapid retirement of all men who are not
actually needed, and the mustering out of thousands of doctors is
now in progress. Their communities will welcome the return of all
these citizens, and they will surely bring to their homes much of
the spirit of new enterprise which the army-life and experience
have taught them.
In the meantime every community has suffered in some degree.
The normal needs of the people have in part been satisfied. In the
recent, and even now present, influenza epidemic, there have not
been physicians enough, and the large death toll among the profes-
sion itself indubitably proves that the profession was much over-
worked in meeting the demands of the public need. The normal
ratio of physicians to the population in the United States for
many years has been as 1 to 500 or 600 (140,000 doctors to
110,000,000 people) ; with a reduction by 40,000, the ratio dropped
to 1 to 1,000 or 1,100. The experience in such a universal pan-
demic has shown that there are not too many physicians normally,
and that such a reduction as war has brought materially affects the
health and healthfulness of the people in this country. The organ-
ized medical profession must deliberate this problem hereafter,
especially as it relates to the supply of and demand for doctors.
Medical education, and the institutions which furnish it, have
been the subjects of adjustment for the past ten years and the
models have been derived from European standards. With the
reconstruction of our politics, morals and general habits of life, it
would seem to be the time to think about medical education in its
relation to the public needs.
We have gone very far in making high standards, which have
reduced the student classes by fully fifty per cent, and thereby the
output of doctors has decreased proportionately. Scientific training
Editorial.
has largely shelved the mere practical, old-fashioned clinical
methods which an intern year may in some degree compensate.
These things have been active in throwing obstructions in the
way of the student of ordinary means and of ordinary minds, and
have already pointed to the profession of medicine as one to be enJ
gaged in by men of special qualification and special training. The
youth of meager resources in the way of money finds the cost of a
medical education burdensome, and the schools themselves, which
are not privately endowed or sufficiently supported by the State,
find the cost of operation a constantly increasing problem of finance
and adjustment.
It only needed the tragic experiment of the S. A. T. C. in the
medical schools to add a knockout blow to the enthusiasm of teach-
ers in medical schools. From the beginning managed by military
authorities without proper regard to curriculum or college stand-
ards, abusing the schedule and study periods by forced military
regulations which, though afterwards amended, finally broke
down the morale of almost every medical student enrolled in a
military army unit, its whole scheme has demonstrated the fre-
quently observed better hindsight than foresight which has been
characteristic of some of the plans and schemes evolved in our war
experience. No matter how well it may have been intended, the
S. A. T. C. for medical colleges almost everywhere successfully
destroyed all attempt at sustained standards, regular teaching or
real morale in the student body. At our institutions, as soon as
the most welcome demobilization order became effective, the authori-
ties of the schools, in sympathy with the student bodies, put the
months of September, October, November- and December in the
discard and adjourned school to the first of January, in order that
the student body and the faculties might be stabilized and ready
for efficient work in the new year, even if it should take all of next
summer to complete the regular courses.
The future of the medical profession in the United States needs
stability to go forward. The public should now and hereafter ap-
preciate the need of cooperation for a better concept of State medi-
cine as it applies to the practice of medicine.
With the standardization of hospitals and their administration
for the advancement of medical education as well as for the pro-
letarian purposes usually fulfilled, some lines of advance will be
opened up. The spirit of victory in the achievement of our recent
304
Editorial.
war experiences should spur all medical men to get the tread “which
leads to enterprise.”
There must be a systematic effort to encourage the youth of to-
day to realize the wonderful opportunities in the study of medi-
cine, and such vocational selection should be stimulated in the boys
and girls who are yet in the high schools and who are coming on
The intelligent preparation for commencing the study of medicine
means much in the year of the actual medical course. The whole
plan of successful medical practice, from the point of State medi-
cine, demands that these problems he worked out and their results
demonstrated.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
There is every reason to believe that 1919 should prove a better
year ’for practically everybody than the last few — if for no other
reason than that the war is over.
First and foremost, the thought that the slaughter, the atrocities,
the suffering, the privations “over there” have stopped, must lift
an awful load from the souls of all who really think and feel.
Here we have a right to expect that the absence or scarcity of
many things and the exorbitant prices will gradually diminish, no
matter how slowly. Normal conditions, little by little, will be re-
established and, as far as we are concerned, we shall not have to
account to. Uncle Sam for every sheet of paper we use.
According to the law of chances, we are not likely to have any
outbreak comparable in morbidity or mortality like that of influenza
we suffered last year.
Finally, the boys are coming home, the young boys and the
older boys, the doctor boys as well as the others; and those whose
boys do not come know they have not been called in vain and will
await in peace the time when they can join them for eternity.
ORIGINAL ARTICLES
(No paper published or to be published in any other medical jounu.1 will be accepted
for this department. All papers must be in the hands of the Editors on the tenth day of
the month preceding that in which they are expected to appear. Reprints may be had at
reasonable rates if a WRITTEN* order for the same accompany the paper.)
LOCAL ANESTHESIA FOR OPERATIONS FOR GOITER *
By A. A. KELLER, M. D.
Adjunct Professor of Surgery, Loyola Post-Graduate School of Medicine ; Visiting Surgeon,
Charity Hospital, New Orleans.
The growing fear and dread of the general anesthetic and its
many contra-indications, especially in goiter of the exophthalmic
type of long standing, a previous attack of apoplexy, general tuber-
culosis, intra-thoracic goiters and those complicated with cardio-
renal disease, and the ease with which these cases may be operated
on under local, together with the growing demand of the rapidly
learning layman that local rather than general anesthesia may be
used, prompts me to read about it to-day.
The question of the patient’s mental attitude must be given
very careful consideration. Oftentimes it amounts simply to the
fear of being hurt. This is not difficult to get around, particularly
if the patient knows of other cases that have been successfully oper-
ated on under local anesthesia. Many times, however, there is an
unconquerable dread of being conscious and knowing what is going
on, which has nothing to do with the fear of pain. When this exists,,
nothing but a general anesthetic will suffice.
The development of various forms of anesthesia has not kept
pace wnth the advancement of surgical technic. Generally speak-
ing, there is about as much hazard to the patient from the adminis-
tration of a general anesthetic as there is from the performance of
a major operation itself in competent hands. This statement applies
both to the immediate and remote effects of the anesthetic. Medical
men have been so engrossed with matters of surgical technic that
only too often the question of the anesthetic has been given scant
consideration.
The secret of success in the use of local anesthesia is the avoid-
ance of giving pain to the patient. This requires a careful and
* Read at the 39th Annual Meeting, Louisiana State Medical Society, New Orlean*,
April -16, 17, 18, 1918.
306
Original Articles.
painstaking technic, and demands time and patience on the part of
the operator and extreme gentleness in the handling of tissues, and
for this reason will never become popular with some surgeons. The
mere injecting of an anesthetic solution into the skin along the line
of incision will not do; nothing but the complete blocking of all
the sensory nerves supplying the region will suffice. See that your
patient is made perfectly comfortable on the table, as it is most
essential that she be not restless. Have an unsterile nurse, or
“moral anesthetist,” to sit at the head of the table, screened from
the operation, to talk to the patient and fan her if necessary. As-
sure the patient that the procedure will be painless, aiding, if neces-
sary, with a preliminary dose of morphia. Do not fail to tell the
patient when the first puncture is about to be made, as this restores
confidence and makes for a satisfactory mental attitude. As small
a thing as this at the beginning may mean success or complete
failure in carrying out a satisfactory procedure. A fact to be well
borne in mind is that the effect of the solution is not immediate,
oftentimes requiring twenty to thirty minutes to permeate all
structures, and a little time and gentle pressure over the area are
necessary before the tissues are insensible to pain; so the incision
should not be made immediately after injecting the skin, lest an
unanesthetized area be entered and gives pain, thus causing through-
out the operation that fear of pain which tends to make the patient
restless and distracts the operator and questions the dependability
of the particular analgesic in use.
Anesthesia Classification. — Infiltration anesthesia is the
production of freedom from painful manipulation by saturating
the tissues with the solution in the region to be operated upon — that
is, anesthetizing terminal nerve filaments.
Conduction anesthesia means the interruption of sensation by
injecting the nerve or nerve trunks that supply the area to be oper-
ated by injecting the solution into the nerve substance, its sheath,
or immediately surrounding it. These two forms of injecting anes-
thesia are quite different, theoretically, but practically are similar,
and both are used in my work; especially so is the infiltration
method.
Very essential for surgery under local anesthesia is a thorough,
definite knowledge of the regional anatomy and nerve supply and a
knowledge of which structures require better infiltration. The skin
needs much care, the sub-Cuticular and fat little, muscle a medium
Keller — Local Anesthesia for Operations for Goiter, 307
amount. This knowledge is hardly less important than gentleness
and respect for tissues.
Going back to your anatomy, you will recall that all the nerves
supplying the front and side of the lower part of the neck arise
from the cervical plexus and emerge from the posterior border of
the sternomastoid muscle at its midpoint, and for an inch and a half
downward, the transverse cervical and the inner, middle and outer
supra-clavicular nerves.
Braun blocks the posterior border of the muscle by deep, mas-
sive injections, then with a long, fine needle subcutaneous injections
are made, blocking out a rhomboid figure, completely surrounding
the area occupied by the goiter.
The assistant should see that the tray is well supplied with
syringes that will work, a number of large and fine needles that are
not worn from rust or dulled from overuse, knives that are sharp.
These are absolutely essential, for, if tension or pressure is made
in the use of improper instruments, pain is produced, and there is
nothing so disturbing to the surgeon and patient as to be handi-
cappped by the use of faulty instruments.
Anesthetic. — Novocain, which is easily sterilized, is the ideal,
effectual non-toxic drug used in my local anesthesia operations.
Some surgeons have used as much as fifteen grains at a time, with
no untoward results, though it is rarely necessary to use more than
three or four ounces of a one-fourth or one-half per cent solution.
It does not inhibit healing, nor does it make the area more sus-
ceptible to infection.
A more recent local anesthetic, apothesine, introduced experi-
mentally in 1916, used in same strength as novocain, made popular
by the scarcity of novocain brought about by the war, very much
inferior to novocain, is being used by a great many surgeons to-
day. I have used it successfully doing other major operations* and
expect to use it in goiter surgery.
It is not a wise plan to combine adrenalin with your local in
doing thyroidectomies, for the field of operation is so greatly sup-
plied with arterioles and capillaries that danger of post-operative
hematoma is very great — a very unpleasant and distressing and
unwelcome interference to the comfort of the patient and cosmetic
effect of the operation — and a careful surgeon will never “close up”
a thyroid field until he is absolutely certain every little bleeder has
been clamped and tied.
308
Original Articles.
Wolfer is credited with the earliest ligation of vessels for the
relief of thyrotoxicosis, and those on whom the earliest symptoms
are noticed, possibly before the eye symptoms are present, the
ligation of vessels will undoubtedly arrest the disease. For bipolar,
and vessel ligation particularly, is local anesthesia indicated,
especially so in the large group of severe cases of hyperthyroidism
with the secondary symptoms of dilated heart, fatty liver, soft
spleen, diseased kidneys, ligation is of practical value, and local
should be the anesthesia, for in these cases general anesthesia is
exceedingly dangerous, the operation is one of very short duration
and the shock following general anesthesia very much worse than
the shock following the operation itself. This is a very simple
undertaking under local, the thorough anesthesia of skin at a point
over upper pole, anesthesia of fat and platysma, waiting with gentle
pressure over anesthetized area for a few moments, a small incision
down to muscle, massive infiltration of gland, exposure of upper
pole, with isolation of superior thyroid artery, and ligation.
Technic.— Partial Lobectomy and Thyroidectomy : The Kocher
or transverse collar incision is the one of choice, for its many ad-
vantages, especially in women, where the glandular disturbance is
so frequent, it permitting free exposure of the gland, drainage at
the lowest possible point, and is easily hidden by a low collar or
string of beads or LaValliere, and leaves no deformity to annoy
her later on. We thoroughly anesthetize the skin along the line
of incision, followed by the sub-cuticular and fat, then muscle in-
filtration anesthesia. The skin flap, down to muscle, is dissected
upwards to a point level to the upper pole; all superficial bleeding
vessels are clamped and tied. The sterno-mastoid muscles on each
side are infiltrated with several massive injections of anesthesia to
block the nerve supply, the 2-3-4 of the cervical plexus emerging
from the posterior border. The sterno-mastoid on either side is
dissected from the underlying tissues and retracted. During this
stage the sterno-mastoid branches of the superior thyroid arteries,
which are often of considerable size, will be ligated and divided.
The anterior jugular veins are now seen, as they lie in the space of
Burns, which, in a normal patient, are so small that they can hardly
be discovered, are larger in these cases than the external jugular
in a normal patient, are dissected free and divided between liga-
tures, and in this way we ^undoubtedly dispose of one of the sources
of trouble in these cases, because it seems likely that the venous
Keller — Local Anesthesia for Operations for Goiter. 309
stasis which is accomplished in the presence of these larger veins
has something to do with the hyperthyroidism. The pretracheal
muscles, sterno-hyoid, sterno-thyroid, omo-hyoid, often covered
by layer of platysma, are well infiltrated and divided in median
line as they cross the isthmus of the thyroid, and are carefully dis-
sected laterally. It is at this stage that the dissection must be care-
fully carried out, for the muscles lie adjacent to the thin-walled
superficial veins of the gland, which are very easily punctured and
bleed profusely.
As a rule, it is necessary to divide the anterior muscle in only
10 per cent of thyroidectomies. It is when these muscles are un-
usually tense and the gland unusually large and cannot be deliv-
ered through the retracted edges, that we resort to section. When
necessary, apply two large clamps 2 c. m. apart and cut between
them. In this way the edges can be more easily sutured together
after the gland is removed. The gland, now well exposed, is well
infiltrated. Enucleation of gland, by elevating with index finger,
left hand, and application of large curved clamps into capsule at
base of gland, follows, care being exercised to grasp the superior
and inferior thyroid arteries in your clamps, never cutting, unless
it be between two clamps. The thyroid, very often adherent to
trachea, is cut away from the trachea, having a number of clamps
to stop bleeding points. After tying off all bleeding points and
clamped vessels with plain catgut, carefully inspect the field, suture
the severed anterior muscles with plain catgut, a drain of about
ten twisted strands of silkworm-gut put in at lowest point of
medium line, fascia and fat of skin flap sutured with five or six
tension catgut, interrupted sutures, and skin closed with fine plain
No. 0 catgut sub-cuticular. The patient should be removed to his
room with very little, if any, shock. None of the alarming, dis-
tressing after-effects of a general anesthetic ; non-stimulating liquids
freely. Drain removed in twenty-four hours; sitting up on third
day, and usually leaves the hospital on the fifth day.
Summary. — 1. Eemember that you are operating on a live
patient.
2. The patient’s life is not endangered by dosage sufficient to
induce local anesthesia.
3. You should have a definite knowledge of the regional anatomy
and nerve supply, and a knowdedge of which structures require in-
filtration.
310
Original Articles.
4. The general comfort of the patient after operation is much
improved, because of lessened trauma to tissues.
5. It is absolutely essential that you have needles and syringes
that will work, together with sharp instruments, for a dull knife
or scissors tends to chew the tissues.
6. Keep your promise to your patient, for, if your first incision
is painful, the effect on the patient is so demoralizing he is forever
in fear of pain.
7. Convalescence is not complicated by the anesthetic, and is
thereby shortened.
Case Reports.
Reviewing the statistics of goiter surgery of the New Orleans
Charity Hospital for the past five years, during which period of
time it has been my good fortune to be on the staff of our chairman
on section surgery, and to whose kindness I am indebted for the
use of the material, there was a total of 149 operations for goiter.
Of this number, 104 were performed under general ’ and 45 under
local anesthesia. Of these 45 operations under local anesthesia, 11
were vessel ligations, 2 bipolar ligations, 4 lobectomies, 4 complete
thyroidectomies for exophthalmus, and 24 complete thyroidectomies
for the simple cystic colloid goiter. A few vessel ligations were
done under Schleich solution, two complete thyroidectomies for
cystic goiter performed with apothesine, and the remaining number
operated on with novocain.
Discussion on the Paper of Dr. Keller.
Dr. Isidore Cohn, New Orleans: I have listened with a great deal- of
pleasure to Dr. Keller’s paper, and there are two or three points in it
that appeal to me. The secret of success, I believe, depended largely on
preventing pain. Personally, I believe it depends largely on the con-
fidence that the patient has in the operating surgeon primarily, or he
would not let him operate without a general anesthetic. Having estab-
lished the confidence of the patient in you, it makes the operation easier;
but if you inspire the patient with the idea that you are going to hurt
him a little, you will inject more of the local anesthetic. A point which
is very often lost sight of in using the hypodermic syringe for local
anesthesia is that we forget the key to success is intradermal injections,
and not hypodermal. The sensory terminal filaments of the nerves are
in the layers of the skin, and not under it. If you make injections in the
skin, you can make your preliminary incision without trouble.
The essayist spoke of using apothesine, and said it is inferior to
novocain. I used to hold to the use of novocain until the Germans beat
us out of it and we can get no more, but I am grateful that I have been
Keller — Local Anesthesia for Operations for Goiter. 311
using apothesine in the out-patient department of the Touro Infirmary
for a year and a half. Over there we are doing almost every kind of
operation with apothesine. In the ward service we have done hernias,
removed fibroids, operated on carbuncles, removed lipomas, and almost
anything else which comes within the field of local anesthesia, with one-
half of 1 per cent apothesine, with no more discomfort to the patient
than we have had from cocain, stovain, novocain or any of the balance of
them. It possesses the distinct advantage that it can be sterilized easily
by boiling and can be used. I have not yet found out how much it takes
to poison a patient. It does not have the effect that stovain has, of pro-
ducing a certain amount of sloughing of tissue. For our work, apothesine
has been a great thing.
As to the question of bad cases in which the essayist thought that
local anesthesia was particularly indicated, I will say that it . was my
good fortune three years ago to go through the wards of the Lakeside
Hospital, Cleveland, with Dr. Crile on his morning rounds, and see him
do ligation in these cases, so-called stealing, and he uses nitrous oxid
gas combined with local anesthesia to overcome the psychic side. In
these patients the slightest amount of excitement may increase the toxic
effect.
Another point is the method of carrying out the process of local anes-
thesia in the thyroid. Instead of massive infiltration, in the few eases
we have had, we have made a low intradermal injection and blocked out
the nerves from the tip of the mastoid process in a backward direction
along the posterior border of the trapezius down to the level of the
acromio-clavicular articulation. In that way we have not been bothered
with boggy tissues, with infiltration in front, and we have had no trouble
with our results.
The last point I wish to make is in regard to the particular vessel to
be ligated. I would like to call your attention to the point of how to
get at the inferior * thyroid without danger of injuring the recurrent
laryngeal nerve. We all know that if we go between the sterno-hyoid
muscle and thyroid to get at the inferior thyroid, the recurrent laryngeal
nerve lies in that particular fascial plane. If we go between the sterno*
hyoid and sterno-thyroid, we have the fascial plane separated from the
recurrrent laryngeal nerve, and there is less danger of injurting that par-
ticular nerve.
Dr. E. Denegre Martin, New Orleans: I want to corroborate what
Dr. Oohn has said with reference to novocain and apothesine for local
anesthesia. We have been using apothesine very freely for over a year,
so much so that we are using it for everything, and I have been unable
to see any difference between it and novocain. Apothesine is non-toxic,
regardless of the amount you use. If anything, it probably takes a little
longer to produce the anesthetic effect. So far. as I am concerned, I don ’t
care whether I get any novocain again as long as I can have apothesine.
The doctor called attention to the importance of blocking the nerves;
as soon as we do that, local anesthesia will beeome more popular.
Dr. J. M. Batchelor, New Orleans: I have had a partial weakuess for
novocain, but from the little experience I have had with apothesine, if
we delay operation somewhat, we will get good anesthesia.
I am very much pleased with Dr. Keller’s paper on local anesthesia
as applied to operations for goiter, because we know the chief dauger of
operating on cases of goiter, particularly in advanced cases, is shock and
thyrotoxicosis immediately following operation. It is to be presumed
312
Original Articles.
that blocking of the afferent impulse will prevent shock. That has been
my experience in surgery of the thyroid under local anesthesia. For two
years I have done no operation on the thyroid under a general anesthetic.
T find local anesthesia, even without gas, to answer every purpose, and
^to be preferable.
Dr. A. Keller, New Orleans (closing) : In some cases you may be
called back to open up your wound on account of a hematoma, and this
;is annoying to the patient. It makes the effects of the operation un-
pleasant, and in such cases I find adrenalin is an admirable agent to use
in connection with local anesthesia in very many operations, although I
-would not advise it in thyroid work.
EPIDEMIC MENINGITIS— WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO
TYPES OF MENINGOCOCCI AND THE TRANS-
MISSION OF THE DISEASE.*
By CHARLES W. DUVAL, M. D., New Orleans.
The epidemic form of cerebrospinal meningitis is universally
recognized as due to the microorganism known as the meningo-
coccus of Weichelbaum. Moreover, extensive observations upon the
disease have demonstrated that in whatever country it occurs the
lesion is uniformly associated with the same exciting agent. While
we have a variety of microbic excitants of meningitis, none but the
meningococcus gives rise to the epidemic form.
We owe the discovery of the etiology to the Italian investigator,
Celli, who in 1884 first observed the coccus in the meningeal ex-
udate-from fatal cases of the disease. However, not until 1887 was
the coccus positively identified by W eichelbaum as the sole causal
agent of this horrible malady to mankind.
Epidemic meningitis, or spotted fever, as the disease is sometimes
called, has prevailed in our country sporadically and in epidemics
since 1905. Furthermore, it may be said the disease is pandemic
over the world, having in the past three years appeared in prac-
tically every European country. Undoubtedly the war is in a large
part responsible for its spread and present-day universal distribu-
tion.
The disease is an old foe of the armed camp, having ravaged the
armies from the earliest times we have any record of, and exacting
a frightful toll. It soon made its appearance in the present Euro-
pean armies, and has already attacked our own in the various can-
tonments throughout the country.
* Read at the 39th Annual Meeting, Louisiana State Medical Society, New Orleans,
April 16, 17, 18, 1918.
Duval — Epidemic M eningitis.
313
As the disease is prone to spread from the armed camp to the
civilian population, and particularly to our cities, I have thought
it appropriate at this time to present the essential facts of our
present knowledge of epidemic meningitis to the attention of the
Louisiana State Medical Society, who, after all, are responsible for
the health of our community. An intimate knowledge of the specific
organism^ its mode of transmission, detection, prevention and cure
should be an essential part of the cerebral armamentarium of every
physician if we are to control this parasitic menace to human life.
The meningococcus is unknown in nature outside the human host.
It is spread directly and solely by one individual to another, and
such persons have come to be known as carriers. These carriers,
while harboring the meningococcus in their nasopharynx, are un-
aware of any danger they may be to themselves or to others with
whom they come in contact. Thus, through the medium of the
healthy human carrier, the meningococcus is disseminated, kept
alive and propagated. The persistence in a locality of epidemic
meningitis is due, not to active cases of the disease, but to the pres-
ence of the healthy human carriers who reside in the community,
intermingling and moving about freely from place to place.
The meningococcus is harbored and propagated by some carriers
for weeks, others for months, and still others for }rears, which fully
explains the vicious circle that is established, since each carrier and
each case of meningitis becomes potentially able to disseminate the
meningococcus. To break up the circle, the carrier, above all, must
be detected and isolated. Prior to the announcement of the English
investigators, that the human carrier was the sole means of spread
of the disease, we were at a loss to understand the sudden appear-
ance of sporadic cases in a community heretofore free, or new cases
in the same community, but having no connection with one another.
Our recently-acquired knowledge of the mode of transmission makes
this now quite clear.
The meningococcus always enters and leaves the host by way of
the secretions from the nasopharynx. It is now established that
the coccus, after a sojourn for a longer or shorter period upon the
mucous membrane, passes directly back to the meninges via the
lymphatics, or indirectly through the blood. Formerly it was
thought the infective agent did not travel to the meninges by way
of the circulation and that the septicemia and other extra-meningeal
lesions seen in cases of epidemic meningitis were the expression of
314’
Original Articles.
metastasis. Eecent work shows that it is not at all unusual to have
a. primary blood infection, and in some instances to have menin-
gococcal infection without involvement. This knowledge is of great
importance to us from the standpoint of serum treatment. For
this reason it is advised, and should be made a routine practice, to
administer the antitoxin intravenously as well as intra-spinally in
all cases. Whether the meningococcus invades primarily the
meninges or the circulation, there is every reason to believe that it
sojourns for considerable time in the nasopharyngeal secretion
prior to entering the body. On the mucous membrane it would
seem to lead a truly saprophytic existence, since here it multiplies
freely without exciting any response on the part of the host. At
least, there is no evidence of a local inflammatory reaction at the
multiplying site, or the development of antibodies detectable in the
host serum. Further proof of a saprophytic existence for the menin-
gococcus lies in the fact that carriers remain unaffected by specific
serum and vaccin-therapy, the coccus being, as it were, on the out-
side and independent of the perspective host. The length of time
the coccus remains and multiplies upon the nasal mucous membrane
may be brief or long, which is tantamount to saying that every
meningococcal infection is preceded by the “carrier” state. Since
every case of meningitis develops out of a carrier, and we believe
that few carriers ever contract the disease, how are the two state-
ments reconciled?
The case that is to develop the infection undoubtedly has had a
pre-meningitic stage of short duration in which the organism mul-
tiplies upon the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx, and during
this brief period the case is in reality a “transient” carrier. On
the other hand, if infection is not established early in the case of
this type of carrier, the individual becomes what is termed a true
or “chronic” carrier, and one who rarely becomes infected. Why
the chronic carrier is refractory cannot be explained on the basis
of there having been acquired an immunity during the carrier stage,
for, in the absence of serological proof, it is demonstrated to the
contrary. We can onty assume that the human species is, after all,
not highly susceptible to meningococcal invasion. In support of
this, we have the fact that true, healthy carriers rarerly contract the
disease, and that they outnumber thirty to one the cases of meningitis
developing in any area. It must be borne in mind, however, that
the carrier is a danger to a wide and indefinite number' of sus-
Duval — Epidemic Meningitis.
315
eeptible persons ; and furthermore, because of his healthy state, he
is always an unsuspected menace in the community.
Whether it is a true or transient carrier of the meningococcus,
the mechanism of dissemination is the same, and consist in the
ejection of the nasal secretion' into the outside world. Coughing,
sneezing, hawking and spitting are the means through which the
infectious material is transferred to others who, if near, inhale the
finely suspended germ-laden particles of secretion.
The cycle of events which leads to meningococcal infection is
now perfectly clear. The carrier, mingling with persons, creates the
infection in a number of those susceptible, and increases the number
of carriers in those more resistant. Expressed otherwise, the car-
rier introduced into a group of persons causes a variable number of
these to become infected through inhaling his nasal pharyngeal
secretion, and a larger number to be converted into transient and
chronic carriers of the meningococcus. Hence, the number of car-
riers produced always exceeds the cases of infection which develop.
It would seem that when the cerebrospinal fever breaks out in a
community previously free from the disease the bacteriologist, by
following up the clue afforded by the type of coccus present in
those first ill, can, by examining the “contacts,” and also those who
are carriers of this type, identify a large proportion of the carriers
of the particular coccus operating. On the other hand, in com-
munities where epidemic meningitis has been prevalent for some
time and the carrier rate is relatively high, it would be well to
ascertain the community carrier rate as well as the type rate of the
local population. In this way the physician will be in a position
to form an opinion of the prospect of checking the spread of the
disease by isolating the carriers of the type or types locally active.
With regard to types or varieties of the meningococcus, it is now
definitely established there are at least four, and possibly others
which have not as yet been recognized. Most interesting in this
•connection is that all types thus far identified are capable of giving
rise to epidemic meningitis of equal intensity and degree of severity
•of the lesion. Of more interest still is the knowledge we now pos-
sess that these meningococcal types are serologically not related.
The English workers have given us abundant proof that these here-
tofore regarded “variants” of one species are not the case, but that
they represent separate and distinct species. Therefore it is mis-
leading to speak of types or variants, for in reality they are different
316
Original Articles.
microorganisms, from the standpoint of serum-therapy, this knowl-
edge is of the greatest importance, since specific curative measures
depend in no small degree upon the recognition of the type-species
of infection.
Prior to our knowledge of distinct serological differences for the
meningococcus we were at a loss to explain the failure with serum
in the treatment of cases in one locality and the good results
obtained with the same serum in cases of another locality. These
inexplicable discrepancies with antitoxin are now quite readily
understood and explained in the light of our recent discovery of
distinct species for the meningococcus. The antitoxin produced
by any one of the so-called types is only of value in the treatment
of the infection caused by that particular meningococcus.
What was formerly thought to be a polyvalent serum, because
produced with a number of meningococcal cultures that had been
isolated from widely different sources, has in most instances turned
out to be nothing more than monovalent serum, because all the
cultures used were discovered later to be the same type. While
much of the serum on the open market is in this category, I believe
that every effort is being made by all producers of commercial anti-
toxin to correct the unintentional mistake.
From what has been said of meningococci, you will agree with me
that it is essential, in the treatment of cerebrospinal fever, to first
determine in each case the type of infecting organism. This is
readily accomplished, and in a remarkably short period of time, by
any one skilled in bacteriological methods. Having determined
the type, give preferably the monovalent or homologous serum, both
intraspinally and intravenously. Far better results are obtained
where the serum is administered into the two systems simul-
taneously.
In conclusion, let me say just a word relative to the mode of
transmission of the disease. The healthy carrier is the chief, if not
the sole, vehicle of cerebrospinal fever. Therefore, the carrier must
be detected and isolated until free from the coccus, which he harbors
and propagates in the nasal and pharyngeal secretions. At present,
regretable as it is true, there is no suitable method of rapidly free-
ing such a carrier of his meningococcus, and until such is discov-
ered we cannot adequately limit the spread of the disease.
Discussion' on the Paper of Dr. Duval.
Dr. George S. Bel, New Orleans: In listening to Dr. DnvaFs paper,
Duval — Epidemic Meningitis.
317
which is probably one of the most scientific we have had presented be-
fore the Association, it brought out some very important facts and new
facts about meningitis, and he shows that we need not worry about the
transmission of the disease except from the human being or the human
host. The danger from meningitis, as Prof. Duval brought out just now,
is not so much from an individual who is suffering from an acute attack
himself, because he is isolated — he is already suspected, and therefore all
necessary precautions are taken — as it is when such an individual be-
comes convalescent and moves around; then he is somewhat of a menace
to others. Of course, we realize that an individual who is suffering from
an acute meningitis will be somewhat of a menace to the attending
physician or nurse or nurses. It is the chronic carrier, because of his
peripatetic movements, constantly moving from place to place — the in-
dividual who has meningitis organisms in his nasopharyngeal spaces,
coming from an unsuspected locality, of a cantonment, for instance,
where there are congregated young, strong individuals, who are sus-
ceptible at that age to the disease, more so than at any other time, who
becomes an entire menace to others. No one suspects that this particular
individual is carrying the meningococcus, of whatever species he may be,
or whichever term Dr. Duval sees fit to use. It is such individuals that
give us all our trouble. Unquestionably we find cases of meningitis
breaking out here and there, and, where there have not been any cases
in the community, there it is we have this etiological factor in the pro-
duction of this most deplorable disease, namely, cerebrospinal meningitis.
It has occurred to me, and I presume it has to others, that the govern-
ment authorities and other authorities should advocate vaccination
against cerebrospinal meningitis in cantonments and other places, just as
they do against typhoid fever. I would like to ask Dr. Duval if that
would be reasonable, and what his idea is about prevention in the form
of vaccination?
We all know, and Dr. Duval made that plain to me to-night, that we
have, in the large majority of cases of cerebrospinal meningitis, bac-
teriemia, and I believe the proportion is about 70 per cent. If the
organisms are in the free circulation as well as spinal fluid and naso-
pharynx, the idea of administering antitoxin directly or simultaneously
into the veins while we are administering it in the spinal canal, seems
scientific to me, and I believe Dr. Duval hit the nail on the head when
he advised that method of administration. If bacteriology is a science,
and we all know to-day it is one of the most important sciences in
medicine, and it touches the individual who is suffering from a bac-
teriemia or a septicemia, and the organisms are in the free circulation,
why not meet it in that way directly as well as by the former method,
through intraspinal injections only? While it is also best to administer
a specific serum for a specific organism, if you can isolate the specific
microorganism, and we have an antitoxin for it, monovalent is unques-
tionably the only type of administration. But if we are in a position
where we cannot have a scientific bacteriological examination made by
an individual who is competent in that line, or we have not the ap-
paratus and so on, I would advocate the administration of a polyvalent
serum now made from the organisms that have been described to-night.
I think Dr. Flexner has a serum made of those various microorganisms
which Prof. Duval spoke of, and, if that is the case, why not administer
a hyperserum when we cannot determine for want of proper knowledge
the particular organism or cannot secure the services of a bacteriologist?
318
Original Articles.
What I am driving at is this: if we are practicing in some remote place
where it is impossible to have the help of a bacteriologist, why not ad-
minister a polyvalent serum made from the Flexner type? The un-
fortunate condition has been, so far as my experience goes in the treat-
ment of cerebrospinal meningitis, that we do not know the various or-
ganisms concerned as etiological factors in the production of the disease,
and we have all too frequently administered an antitoxin in a given
case, not knowing how it was going to act. It is a well-known fact that
the antitoxins we have been using have been woefully deficient in anti-
toxin; therefore, antitoxin for cerebrospinal meningitis cases has not
been effective in very many instances. Heretofore we have been giving
serum that was lacking in antitoxin. I would like to ask Dr. Duval if
that has not been his experience or the experience of the government,
with which he is connected, and the Rockefeller Institute, and tell us
what they are doing with that method of treatment?
I would also like to ask Dr. Duval how soon can we recognize the
various strains of organisms?
I should judge, from my knowledge of the subject, that we would do
as we do in pneumonia — test out the organism — and I would like Dr.
Duval to kindly tell me how soon it can be done. A great deal will de-
pend upon that.
Finally, I wish to say that this has been one of the most instructive
papers I have heard at this session of the Society. I have been highly
edified by it. The paper is eminently scientific and will be of great
benefit to us all, both individually and collectively, and I want to thank
Dr. Duval personally for presenting it.
Dr. Frank R. Gomila, New Orleans: The question of carriers in the
City of New Orleans has certainly been one in which we have been vitally
interested, as we have had in the cantonments and surrounding* sections
sixteen cases, and in several places in the city where there were cases;
all contacts were examined, and in one home there were eight carriers
that we found, besides a case that was afflicted with the disease. Strange
to say, no other case developed in this particular family, considering the
particular surroundings that were there. They were the most abominable
conditions for meningitis to develop.
The State Board of Health has, in conjunction with the government,
done some work in Algiers at the Naval Station. There was one case
that developed there, and, out of 800 men who were quartered there,
there were several found to be carriers; they were isolated, and there were
no further cases that developed. There was another family in which a
case of meningitis existed; there were three other people in the house
that were carriers, and none of the carriers developed the disease. We
were unable to trace any of the cases to any particular source. The
method used was to endeavor to get every possible person who has come
in contact with a person suffering with the disease, and we have been
unable to attribute any case directly to any one particular individual.
We have had several cases that were sent home from the draft from the
Great Lakes, Illinois, training camp, and the men have reported to the
office, and I find it is quite strange that the government should have
sent these men away from the cantonment into our midst, to be a bugbear
among the population. I addressed a communication to the Surgeon
General and asked him why we were not notified of the existing con-
ditions, and I have since found out that they have been sending cases
home that proved avirulent — that is, the meningococcus they carried was
Duval — Epidemic M e ningitis.
319
supposed to be avirulent, but that is not a definitely settled point. It
is possible' the meningococcus may be avirulent right now and several
days afterwards it may become very virulent; and I want to say that
the situation in New Orleans has been handled very nicely along those
particular lines.
Dr. S. M. D. Clark, New Orleans: May I ask Dr. Duval would there
be any good reason for the attendant or the doctor or nurse to wear these
little gauze masks that are being advocated in our cantonment hospitals
in pneumonia? They seem to believe that they have minimized infection
from that standpoint. It would be interesting to know7, from a bac-
teriological standpoint, whether these masks can be used effectively
against the meningococcus or not. If they have any virtue from a prac-
tical standpoint, I think we should know it.
A second question I would like to ask him is to tell us the method he
has used in destroying the meningococcus in the carriers.
Dr. C. W. Duval, New Orleans (closing): In answer to Dr. Bel, I will
say that vaccination in the prevention of meningococcus infection is
something that the English have already undertaken, and I daresay be-
fore long this country will, in connection with its army men or draft
men, try it in the various cantonments. There is every reason to believe
that immunity can be had in an individual, whether he is susceptible or
not, and a very high degree of immunity, and the English believe this
immunity can be raised to the point where it will last for a good many
months, so that we can really hope for some results from vaccine-therapy
as a preventive of the disease the same as we get now in typhoid vac-
cination against typhoid. You will all recall that when typhoid vaccine
first came out we could get immunity to last for six or eight weeks; then
it was increased to several months. Now we can establish an immunity
in the individual that will last for several years. The same, I daresay,
will be had for meningitis. A vaccine — and this answers Dr. Clark Jg
question — has been used a great deal to eliminate the coccus from the
carrier, but without any success. It has been an absolute failure, and
we explain that on this ground. As I stated in the paper, the menin-
gococcus in the carrier is not actually within the host; it is in the secre-
tions of the nasopharynx; it is living there as a saprophyte. There is
every reason to believe, or rather there is good proof to believe, that
is so, because we fail to get any antibody reaction on part of the serum
of that individual, and there is no inflammatory reaction at the site
where the meningococci are propagated or multiplied, so that the or-
ganism is not in the carrier. It is on the outside, and anything you may
put into the circulation or into the system that is an anti- substance is
going to have no effect. It is very much like’ trying to wTash the dirt
off outside of a window by rubbing it on the inside. That explains why
vaccine or serum therapy has been of no value in ridding the carrier of
the coccus. But certainly vaccine-therapy, to prevent the occurrence of
the disease, is going to come into use, and, to repeat what I have already
said, I think we will find that will be done extensively in this country
when the fall comes around. We do not expect much meningitis during
the summer months, but in the fall and winter and early spring we can
look for it again, and I believe lots of it.
As to the potency of antitoxin, it is quite true that a great deal of
the commercial antitoxin that is being used is of very low potency.
Even if it is made up now with these different species that I described,
the four species of the English or three species of the American, it is
low in potency. It is not very strong in neutralizing the autolytic sub-
320
Original Articles.
stance, and we have no way of standardization, such as we have for
antitoxins in diphtheria and tetanus. We determine the potency of the
anti-meningococcic serum by the agglutination reaction. Dr. Flexner
states that a potent serum should agglutinate the homologous coccus in
a dilution of 1 to 2,000. I had occasion to test some of the commercial
antitoxin a month or two back at Beauregard for the government, and
found it would agglutinate the homologous coccus in a dilution of more
than 1 to 50 or 1 to 60. On that basis, it is a poor serum in potency.
We must bear in mind that a serum or antitoxin may be poor in agglutin-
ability or power to agglutinate the organism and still be quite a good
antitoxin. It may be a potent antitoxin. When the substance is injected
into an animal for the purpose of raising the immunity in that animal,
various antibodies are developed, neutralizing the antibodies or destroy-
ing the antibodies, agglutinins and precipitans, and so forth. They are
not developed equally or to the same degree. You may have the agglu-
tinations develop very rapidly, you get a high curve, and your antitoxin
or lysins develop very slowly and give you a low curve. The agglutin-
ation then is no index to the potency of any antitoxin, so it is a mighty
poor way we have at present of standardizing anti-meningococcic serum
on this agglutination test.
Dr. Bel also asked how soon can we recognize the type. We can recog-
nize the type extremely early in the disease by doing an agglutination
reaction, or the same reaction as we do for typhoid. The agglutinations
appear quite early in meningitis cases. In two or three days the agglu-
tinations are quite strong and you can detect them by the agglutination
test or agglutination reaction. The way most of them are doing now is
to take the blood from a case and test it with the various strains, or four
or five species. If there is no cross-reaction, the reaction which we get
with a culture tells us right off that that particular culture is the one
infecting the individual case. There is no relation between these strains
that we have and the pneumococcus strain or between the dysentery
strain. There we have true types, with one species, but with meningitis
they are in no way related serologically. So, by taking blood and testing
it against a stock culture of meningococcus, we can determine the par-
ticular type that is infecting. Let me mention another way. We can
isolate the organism very quickly from either the blood or the cere-
brospinal fluid or from the nasopharynx. In quite a number of cases
we must bear in mind that the cerebrospinal fluid at first is clear, and
no organisms are demonstrable microscopically, and often cultures fail,
but the organism is in the nasopharynx, and the same organism in the
nasopharynx is in the cerebrospinal fluid.
It is interesting to note that we have never run across a case of
meningitis that has two or more of these meningococcic types. It is
always one strain. There is no mixed infection, in other words, of the
meningococcus. By using a culture that is sure to be in the naso-
pharynx— and it is there in enormous numbers in all cases of menin-
gitis— you can quickly isolate and agglutinate with known sera and de-
' termine the type.
In answer to Dr. Gomila, I would like to speak of something that was
very interesting to me — a survey or determination of carriers in the
community. Dr. Flexner was down here not long ago and suggested to
me that it would be an excellent thing to make a survey of this com-
munity of the City of New Orleans to determine in a community where
we might say we have not meningitis. We have the ordinary sporadic
case; we have not the epidemic type, and have not had, but we thought
Duval — Epidemic Meningitis.
321
we would like to determine the percentage of carriers we have in our
midst — that is, the doubtful type. It requires a lot of workers and re-
quires money, both of which are scarce at this particular time. A doctor,
who is a very good friend of mine, when he went back from here,
stopped off at Washington at the Surgeon General’s office and took the
matter up with Col. Russell, and I have since had letters from the gov-
ernment to begin as soon as possible a survey of this community. The
government is seeking to have a survey made of various communities
all over the country this summer, especially in the big cities near can-
tonments. It is an excellent thing, and it should be done. It is the only
way we can do anything with meningitis infection. I am hoping that in
our graduating class this year we may have a few that will volunteer
to help out with this work, with this survey of this city for meningitis
carriers. Perhaps Dr. Gomila and others in his department will lend us
a hand. I am sure he will.
Dr. Clark spoke about wearing masks. I think that is an excellent
idea. Last August I was called in consultation in a case in a neighbor-
ing State and it was a very virulent case. I told the doctors there in
attendance to use masks. I used a mask myself. I think it is well to
use a mask or plug the nose with cotton, and then use something over
the mouth, either saturated in some antiseptic like bichloride or other
agent, but not strong enough to hurt the nasal mucous membrane or the
lips, and you will certainly prevent yourself from becoming a carrier.
If you are within ten feet of any one who is a carrier or a case with
the disease, you are going to inhale the finely divided particles of secre-
tion from that carrier or from that case. The room in which there is
one sick with meningitis is saturated with meningococci. There is no
question about it, and it is well for every attendant, the nurse or
physician in a case of meningitis to protect the face, nose and the mouth
against the orgnism, not only for their own protection, but for the people,
especially for physicians. The physician becomes a carrier and does not
know it. He is unprotected and unsuspected, and many people who are
in any way susceptible when they once get this secretion will contract
meningitis.
In answer to Dr. Clark ’s last question, and also in answer to Dr. Bel ’s
question as to how the organism is destroyed, I spoke of it in the last
paragraph of my paper. There is no adequate way of getting rid of the
coccus in the carrier. The saprophyte lives on the outside, so that noth-
ing in the way of specific treatment, serum or vaccine, does any good.
There are those who claim that sprays of dichloramin-T and Dobell ’s
solution are more or less effective, but, while they do good, they do not
entirely rid the individual of his meningococcus. It is explained on this
ground, that so few of these antiseptic sprays reach all parts of the
ethmoidal sinuses. In other words, there are anatomical difficulties in
the way of antiseptics getting to the meningococcus, which tucks itself
away in these remote crevices so that it cannot be reached. I dare say
in the near future we will have something that will rid the carrier of
the meningococcus, and it is a serious thing, because, as the English
have pointed out to us, an individual may be a carrier for over a year.
They have had a case they have followed from day to day, and there
have been carriers for more than a year and a half. What are you going
to do with such individuals, who are as bad as Typhoid Mary of New
York City? There should be some means to isolate carriers and keep
such individuals under restraint or confine them in some way in order
to get rid of the carriers.
322
American Society of Tropical Medicine.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY
OF TROPICAL MEDICINE
DIAGNOSTIC METHOD, TREATMENT AND PROPHYLAXIS
OF MALARIA AS CONDUCTED IN THE SANITATION
OF BRIONI, ISTRIE (AUSTRIA), IN
1 899 TO 1 902.
By D. RIVAS, Ph. D., M. D„
Assistant Professor of Parasitology and Assistant Director of the Laboratory of' Comparative
Pathology and Tropical Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.
Sometime Assistant to the Koch Institute in Berlin.
Introduction.
The beautiful Island of Brioni is the most important of the group
of twulve islands in the Adriatic Sea, off the west coast of Istria,
from which it is separated by the Canal I)i Fasana. The island be-
longs to Austria and is approximately in latitude 44.53' N". ; longi-
tude 13° 52' E., southeast of Venice, south of Trieste, and a few
miles northwest of Pola, almost opposite to Fort Barbariga.
Brioni seems to have been a very important province of the Roman
Empire and Venice; the ruins still to be seen show vestiges of the
Roman civilization, and the island probably served as a landing
place for the Roman legions and as an important commercial center
between Rome and the East. There are found in the island exten-
sive quarries, which have been worked for centureis and have sup-
plied material not only for the palaces and bridges of Venice and
the whole Adriatic coast, but in later times also for Vienna anc^
Berlin.
Little is known of Brioni during the period of the Middle Ages,
but it has been suggested that the decline of the Greek and sub-
sequently of the Roman civilizations was due to an epidemic of
malaria and other parasitic and tropical diseases imported by the
legions upon their return from the Orient, and it is not improbable
that the same fate befell the island. Proof of this is not lacking,
as it is known that Brioni was for many centuries uninhabitable
and was a “no man’s land” because of the prevalence of malaria.
During the early part of 1800, though Brioni belonged to a noble
family of Italy, according to traditions, it became a dependency
of Portugal, when a noble Portuguese inherited it by marriage to
*Read before the American Society of Tropical Medicine, New York, June 5‘, 1917. [Re-
ceived for publication,. December 5, i918. — Eds.]
Rivas — Malaria.
323
the daughter of the Italian gentleman. It is said that the hew
owner made unsuccessful attempts to cultivate the land and to
populate the island, and that, after years of disappointment, finally
gave up all hope and decided to sell the island, but found no pur-
chaser. Malaria became so prevalent in Brioni, and the disease so
grave at the time, that the island was commonly known under the
name “Isola de la Morte” (Island of the Dead).
With the advent of the Austro-Italian War, Brioni became a
province of Austria in 1866, which marked the beginning of the
new developments on the island. Several years after, Brioni was
purchased by a Swiss gentleman for the small sum, it is said, of
about 20,000 gulden ($10,000), and the new owner succeeded, after
several years of work, in making improvements in the place to the
extent of cultivating grapes and settling a small colony ; but in time,
like his predecessor, because of the prevalence of malaria, he became
discouraged in the enterprise. It is stated that of twelve' men who
attempted to work the land, all but one died of malaria. At the
time I was in Brioni this survivor was employed as a mail-carrier
in the place.
About 1880, Herr General Director Paul Kuperweisser, a gentle-
man of means and of indefatigable energy and enterprise, purchased
Brioni for a sum between 40,000 and 80,000 gulden ($20,000 to
$40,000). With a keen foresight into the prospective future of the
island, Herr Kuperweisser, realizing the sanitation of the place as
the first and most essential thing, without loss of time began an
energetic campaign against malaria in Brioni. This consisted
chiefly in the application of the means known at the time, namely,
the treatment of infected persons with quinin and attention to
drainage. Through these means he succeeded in a few years in
building up a colony of about five hundred inhabitants, erecting a
small hotel, several other buildings, and beginning the cultivation
of grapes, as well as starting other agricultural enterprises. But
the sanitation of Brioni at this stag*e may be said merely to have
been begun.
The discoveries of Ross, Grassi, and the observations of Koch in
Africa, all paved the way for the better sanitation of Brioni, and
Herr Kuperweisser applied for a commission from the Gesund-
heitsamt of Vienna to conduct a campaign against malaria in
Brioni. The Gesundheitsamt of Vienna reported the petition to
the Konigliche Institut fiir Infections Krankheiten, now the Koch
324 American Society of Tropical Medicine.
Institute of Berlin, and in 1899 Koch took charge of the sanitation
of Brioni.
The first expedition was composed of Prof. Koch, Prof. Paul
Frosch and Prof. Eisner. The work of the summer consisted chiefly
in the routine of blood examination of all persons in Brioni for the
presence of malaria parasites, the energetic treatment with quinin
and quinin prophylaxis of all infected cases. The result was satis-
factory, and it was found possible to reduce the new cases of malaria
in Brioni by about 50 per cent in the first year’s work.
In 1901 the writer, desiring to undertake special studies on
malaria and tropical diseases, went to Berlin in March and applied
as a volunteer worker to the Koch Institute. The abundance of
material which Koch had recently brought from Africa, and the
courteous reception and personal interest shown him by Professors
Koch and Frosch, chief of the scientific department of the institute,
soon enabled the writer to familiarize himself with the subject.
In the beginning of May, knowing that a second expedition to
Brioni was being organized, I applied for the opportunity to accom-
pany it. The expedition was composed of Prof. Frosch, Prof. Eisner
and myself. The work of the summer was the same as the previous
year, and, in addition, the routine blood examination of all the
inhabitants, and the treatment with quinin of all infected persons
and all malarial carriers — that is, all chronic cases of malaria in
whose blood the gametes of the parastie was found were quaran-
tined or eliminated from the island; also, as mosquitoes were very
abundant in the island, a routine examination of a great number of
adult anopheles was conducted, among which some were found to
be infected.
The result of the second summer’s work was very satisfactory.
Malaria was greatly reduced, but still some new cases developed
during the season. We returned to Berlin in October, where the
routine blood examination was continued through the winter.
A third expedition in 1902 was placed in charge of the writer, who
arrived in Brioni at the beginning of April and remained on the
island until the beginning of October. During this summer, in
addition to the regulations introduced during the previous summer,
attention was paid to the destruction of mosquitoes in the adult and
larval stages, as well as to the protection of the inhabitants against
the bites of mosquitoes, by appropriate screening of windows and
doors. Other measures, as outlined below, were systematically fol-
Eiyas — Malaria.
325
lowed, with the result that not a single new case of malaria occurred
during the summer, and Brioni was officially declared to be free
from malaria, and has remained so since 1902.
The economic importance of the sanitation of Brioni offers the
most impressive example of what can be accomplished in other
tropical countries by the proper and systematic application of
modern measures in the prophylaxis of tropical and parasitic dis-
eases. Brioni at the present time is the most beautiful garden of
the Adriatic Sea. The value of the island, with the eradication of
malaria, increased, not by the hundred, but by the thousand per
cent. From $40,000, which Herr Kupperweisser paid for Brioni
in 1901, I was told the value increased to more than $250,000, and
$1,000,000 in 1902, when it was declared malaria-free. Since the
year 1902 the agricultural development and embellishment of Brioni
have been so marvelous that, at present, luxurious private resi-
dences, villas and castles of the royal and aristocratic families of
Austria ornament the island. Brioni at present, it may be said, has
no rival ; not even Ostend equals it as a summer resort, and competes
in supremacy only with its Adriatic neighbor, romantic Venice.
How this classic work of the sanitation of a tropical country was
accomplished will be described below, with special references to the
details concerning the diagnosis, treatment and prophylaxis of
malaria.
Diagnosis of Malaria.
The characteristic manifestation of a typical malarial infection,
which appears with a sudden attack, consisting of a chill, fever and
sweating, followed by a quiescent or afebrile stage, and the re-
appearance at intervals of the same type of attacks with a remark-
able periodicity, made a basis for the recognition of this disease by
Hippocrates. Furthermore, the fact that while in some cases these
attacks occurred every forty-eight hours, in others every seventy-
two hours, while in still others, though these attacks were repeated
every forty-eight hours, their course was protracted or irregular,
led Hippocrates to differentiate the three types of malarial fever,
namely, tertian, quartan and subtertian. (Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 4.)
This classification being chiefly based upon acute cases, during
the first weeks of the infection, when the periodical attacks are apt
to be more regular, naturally failed to include a certain group of
atpvical chronic cases of malaria which commonly may not present
appreciable subjective or objective symptoms.
326
American Society of Tropical Medicine.
FIG. 1— TERTIAN MALARIA FEVER, SHOWING THE DIFFERENT DEVELOPMENTAL
FORMS OF THE MALARIAL PARASITE' IN CORRESPONDENCE WITH
THE VARIOUS PERIODS OF THE ATTACK.
FIG. 2— TEMPERATURE CHART OF' DOUBLE' TERTIAN MALARIA.
F'lG. 3— TEMPERATURE CHART OF QUARTAN MALARIA.
FIG. 4— TEMPERATURE CHART OF SUBTERTIAN MALARIA.
Rivas — M a la ria.
327
Of great importance in the recognition of these ayptical cases,
and the diagnosis of malaria in general, was the importation of
quinin into Europe in the sixteenth century, because this drug,
being a specific against the malarial parasite, served as a valuable
means in the differentiation of malaria from allied diseases. But
there again arose another difficulty, when it was found that quinin
failed to act against certain forms of the disease. It is now known
that, while quinin is effective against the asexual forms of the
malaria parasite (trophozoite) common to the early stage of the
disease, it has no action against the sexual forms (gametes) charac-
teristic of chronic malaria.
The last link in the diagnostic chain in malaria was the discovery
of the parasite in the circulating blood by Laveran in 1880, and
this important discovery has not only greatly simplified the diagnosis
of the disease, but it has been of great importance in the prophy-
laxis of malaria, for it is the only means of detecting some chronic
cases in which the blood shows the sexual forms of the parasite
(gametes), which infect the mosquitoes. The technic is as follows :
(1) Prepare a thin, dry blood preparation on a slide or cover
glass; dry and fix in equal parts of alcohol and ether for one to
two minutes.
(2) Stain with diluted borax-methylene-blue for two or three
minutes.
(3) Wash freely in running water for a few seconds. Dry and
examine under the oil immersion lens of the microscope.
The malarial parasite appears stained light blue and the erythro-
cytes pale green. Romanowsky, Wright, Giemsa or any other poW-
chrome stain may be used and, though they give beautifully con-
trasting preparations, the use of this staining may be said to be of
no practical advantage.
As in chronic cases of malaria the parasite is often present in the
blood in such small numbers that it may not be found in the small
amount of blood usually examined, it is recommended that larger
quantities of blood be used by concentration. Two methods, the
one recently recommended by Bass and the other used by the author,
may be employed for such purposes with good results.
The Author s Method: Collect about 0.1 c. c. of patient’s blood
drawn from the. finger in a narrow test-tube containing about 1
c. c. to 2 c. c. of a 1 per cent acetic acid solution and gently shake
the mixture for from one to three minutes, until complete hemolysis
3*28
American Society of Tropical Medicine.
occurs; (2) centrifugalize from ten to fifteen minutes and, by care-
fully tilting the tube, pour out the liquid. The sediment remains
at the bottom of the tube; (3) collect the sediment with a pipette,
make slides of coverglass preparations, dry and fix in equal parts
of alcohol and ether for one to two minutes; (4) pour out the
alcohol and ether, dry with filter paper, stain with diluted borax-
methylene-blue for from two to three minutes, wash freely in run-
ning water, dry and examine under the oil immersion of the micro-
scope. The malaria parasite appears light blue among the greenish
stained detritus of erythrocytes. The leucocytes are stained deep
blue.
This method is especially useful for detecting the gamete forms,
and the author has used it with advantage in the diagnosis of
malarial carriers. With sufficient experience and careful technic,
it is not difficult to detect any of the forms of the malarial parasite
which may be found in the blood. (Fig. 5.)
FIG. 5— SEMILUNAR BODIES OR GAMETES OF MALARIA PARASITES (SUBTERTIAN).
BLOOD PREPARATION MADE BY AUTHOR’S ACETIC ACID
CONCENTRATION METHOD.
Bass Method : (1) Collect 0.5-1 c. c. or more of the patient’s
blood, drawn from the finger into a narrow test-tube containing an
equal amount of an isotonic solution; mix both liquids and cen-
trifugalize for ten to twenty minutes. The parasitized red blood
cells and the free malarial parasite (gametes of sub tertian, etc.)
being lighter than the rest of the erythrocytes, will' rise to the upper
layer of cells; (2) carefully remove the supernatant liquid and
collect in a pipette the upper layer commonly known as the “cream
Rivas — Malaria.
329
of the blood”; (3) make dry spreads on slides or coverglass prepa-
rations with the material, stain it by Wright’s method and examine
under microscope.
A more concentrated preparation may be obtained by a further
eentrifugalization of the material in capillary tubes.
Treatment of Malaria.
The common knowledge that quinin is a specific against malaria
has led the medical profession in general and the laity in particular
not only to the indiscriminate use of this drug, but also to regard
it as the last and only measure in the treatment of the disease.
Koch held the opinion that quinin was the only means necessary
for the treatment, prophylaxis and the eradication of malaria from
a community, and advocated, in 1899, the use of this drug, to the
exclusion of all other prophylactic measures, for the sanitation of
Brioni. It was found, after the work of the first year, thanks to
the recent discovery of Schaudinn, Ross and Grassi, that, in ad-
dition to quinin, prophylactic regulations must be taken into con-
sideration to accomplish that end.
That quinin is a specific against malaria admits of no doubt, but
like, with other specifics, it is the proper use, and not the abuse,
of the drug which cures the disease. In the proper and rational
administration of quinin the following points should be taken into
consideration: (1) The preparation of quinin used; (2) mode of
administration; (3) dosage; (4) time of administration; (5)
duration of treatment.
( 1 ) Kind of Quinin : Generally it may be said that the sulphate
of quinin should be preferred for administration by mouth, and
quinin bimuriaticum for hypodermic injections.
(2) Mode of Administration: As a routine procedure, quinin
should be given by mouth, the drug being previously dissolved in
diluted hydrochloric acid. The administration of quinin in the
forms of pills, capsules or cachets, etc., is contraindicated, as they
not uncommonly pass through the digestive tract undissolved, and
besides, since this alkaloid is chiefly absorbed in the stomach, a
capsule ©r pill may readily pass to the small intestine undissolved.
For the same reason, in the treatment of the acute stage of malaria
and in the subsequent treatment or as a prophylaxis of the disease,
as outlined below, it is preferable to give the quinin on an empty
stomach if possible, about four or five hours after a meal, in the
330 American Society of Tropical Medicine.
evening before retiring, or in the morning before breakfast, because,
under such conditions, quinin is more rapidly absorbed in this
organ.
Hypodermic injections, when indicated, are to be preferred to
intravenous injections, the latter being used only in emergency, in
very severe and grave cases. The hypodermic injection is especiailly
useful in those cases in which the administration by the mouth
gives rise to nausea and vomiting, or to diarrhea, or when these
complications accompany the disease, as in “bilious remittent
fever,” etc.
() The Proper Dose of Quinin : For an adult, no less than
fifteen grains (one gram) should be given for a single dose.
Twenty, or even thirty, grains may also be given in severe or grave
cases of subtertian, when this dose is well borne by the patient.
For a child from one to ten or fifteen years old, one to ten or fifteen
grains, respectively, are given — that is, one grain for each year.
The use of small doses, such as two grains repeated at intervals,
commonly prescribed for adults, is contraindicated, for the reason
given below.
(4) Time of Administration of Quinin: One of the most im-
portant points to be considered in the successful treatment of
malaria is the time at which quinin should be given. Based on our
knowledge concerning the asexual cycle of the malaria parasite in
the body, and knowing that the sporulation stage corresponds to
the chill, the entrance of the merozoites in the erythrocytes to the
febrile stage, which, because of the fact that not all the parasites
sporulate at the same time, the period may last for about four to
eight hours in tertian and quartan and a longer time in subtertian ;
that the fall in temperature or crisis corresponds to the early growth
of the trophozoite stage ; that the febrile period, which lasts forty to
forty -four hours in tertian, sixty-four to sixty-eight hours in
quartan and twelve hours or less to twenty-four hours longer in
subtertian, during which time the trophozoites grow to a schizont,
when sporulation again occurs and the cycle is repeated. This
clearly shows that the clinical manifestations of a malarial attack
is controlled or corresponds to the different phases of the asexual
cycle of the malaria parasite in our body, and for practical purposes
this may be divided into four stages, namely : ( 1 ) Chill-sporulation ;
(2) fever — entrance of merozoites into the erythrocytes; (3)
crisis — beginning growth of the trophozoite; (4) afebrile period —
further growth of trophozoite up to the schizont stage.
Kivas — Malaria.
331
With this point in, it is reasonable to assume that the most favor-
able time for the administration of quinin is during the third stage ,
or the crisis , just when the temperature begins to fall. Among
other reasons for the administration at this stage two, which are
the most important, may be given (1) The parasite at this stage
is very young, and consequently is easily destroyed by the drug;
( 2 ) at this stage, when the parasite begins its growth, and its
metabolic activity is at its highest, it is only natural to assume that
during this period of rapid growth it is more apt to take a larger
amount of quinin than when it grows older and becomes quiescent.
This biologic fact is manifested in all forms of life and explains,
for instance why a child proportionately consumes ten times more
food than an adult, and likewise is more susceptible to the action of
drugs, or which narcotics may be given as an example.
As the parasite grows older, therefore, the less susceptible it be-
comes to the action of quinin, until it reaches the schizont stage,
when, like the gametes, it may be said to be refractory to the drug.
As for the sporulation stage, this, likewise, may be said to be
refractory to the drug, because the merozoites, as readily under-
stood, merely represent a quiescent stage between the schizont and
young trophozoite (plasmodium) stages. During this period the
merozoite enters the erythrocytes and remains dormant for some
time before it becomes adapted to the new environment and begins
to grow.
The reason why the malarial parasite remains dormant in the
merozoite or ring stage for some time (six to twenty-four hours or
longer) after it enters the erythrocyte during the chill, is explicable,
perhaps, by a peculiarity in the life-history of the parasite, but it
should not be overlooked that the high temperature of the body at
this stage (103° to 104° F., 39° to 40° C. or over) is unfavorable
for its metabolic activity and growth. If this view is correct, as the
writer believes it to be at least a contributing factor, basing his
conclusions upon a single observation, it seems that the artificial
lowering of the temperature of the body shortly after the chill, by a
cold bath or medication, would cause an earlier growth of the
shizonti and the administration of quinin at this point would
shorten the attack. This point, I believe, is worth while consider-
ing, especially in the management of those pernicious types of sub-
tertian malaria in which the fever is prolonged.
The above facts regarding the life-cycle of malaria parasites
332
American Society of Tropical Medicine.
clearly show that the essential point in the successful treatment of
malaria is not the indiscriminate use of quinin, but the rational
use of it — that is, the administration of the drug at the proper time,
when the parasite is beginning to grow, which accomplishes the best
result. Of course, it is difficult, especially in field work or in
atypical cases of malaria, to exactly follow this indication, but under
such unfavorable circumstances a single microscopical examination
of the blood will suffice in most cases to determine the kind and
approximate age of the parasite and predict with sufficient accuracy
the time of the following attack, and accordingly instruct the
patient as to the time when quinin should be taken.
It is advisable, too, when possible, especially in hospital work, to
control the clinical manifestation of an attack of malaria by the
microscopical examination of the blood at intervals.
The above line of treatment has been followed by the author in
all his cases of malaria in Brioni and elsewhere in the tropics with
most successful results, and he has often seen a single dose of quinin,
when given at the proper time, completely stop subsequent attacks.
FIG. 6— CHART OF TERTIAN FEVER SHOWING EFFECT OF A SINGLE DOSE OF
QUININ, ONE GRAM, GIVEN AT PROPER TIME IN PREVENTING
RECURRENCE OF THE ATTACK.
(5) Duration of Treatment : The successful treatment of ma-
laria depends upon continuing the administration of quinin for a
certain length of time. A single dose of quinin may suffice to free
the patient from a subsequent attack, but only temporarily, as
usually the fever reappears afler weeks or months. To avoid these
return attacks the following rule should be followed : Give fifteen
grains of quinin when the fever begins to fall and repeat the same
dose for three subsequent days at the same hour. hTo quinin is
given during the following four days, after which the same treat-
ment is repeated — that is, fifteen grains for the following three suc-
cessive days, after which no quinin is given for the following four
Eivas — Malaria.
333
da}’S, etc. The treatment, therefore, consists in giving fifteen grains
of quinin for three successive days every week, and this should be
continued for no less than two, and preferably three months, after
which the prophylactic treatment of ten grains of quinin once every
week should be taken for the remainder of the season.
The treatment of chronic malaria, those cases which show gametes
in their blood or those of long standing in which the parasite may
not be found, and which clinically present organic lesions and con-
stitutional and other disturbances, such as enlarged spleen and liver,
gastro-intestinal derangements, marked degrees of anemia, etc., are
very unsatisfactory.
Tonics: Iron and arsenic are recommended. Of chief im-
portance in such cases is the avoidance of subsequent attacks of re-
infection, which aggravate the condition by the prophylactic treat-
ment of quinin, and, when possible, the reinfections should be pre-
vented by the removal of the patient to a non-malarial district,
preferably to a high altitude or to a northern climate.
Prophylaxis of Malaria.
With our present knowledge concerning malarial fevers and the
life-history of the parasite, namely : that while quinin is a valuable
specific against the asexual forms of the parasite it has no effect
against the sexual forms or gametes ; that these sexual forms, when
taken by the mosquitoes, during biting undergo evolution in the
body of this insect, and that the parasite is transmitted to man by
the bite of an infected mosquito, the prophylaxis measures against
malaria may be summarized as follows: (1) Koutine blood exami-
nation; (2) quinin treatment; (3) proper care of malarial carrier;
(4) destruction of mosquitoes; (5) quinin prophylaxis.
(1) Routine Blood Examination : As a routine procedure, the
first attention of the parasitologist and hygienist should be directed
to the examination of the blood of all persons, if possible, in the
community. The importance of this preliminary, precaution can
be readily understood, as it is the only means of obtaining the first
and most important insight concerning the kind and degree of in-
fection upon which are formulated the future plans for the sanita-
tion of the place.
(2) Quinin Treatment: All persons in whose blood malarial
parasites are found, whether they present any symptoms of the dis-
ease or not, should be treated with quinin in the manner outlined
above.
334
American Society of Tropical Medicine.
(3) The Care of Malaria Carriers: In order to prevent the
spread of the infection, all malarial carriers, those which show the
presence of the gamete forms of the parasite in their blood, should
be isolated or removed to non-infected places, free from mosquitoes,
if possible. Not uncommonly this important precaution is difficult
or impossible to carry out, but under such circumstances it will be
found easy to accomplish the same purpose by instructing the
patients to sleep under mosquito nets in order to prevent the bite
of mosquitoes.
(4) Destruction of Mosquitoes : The mosquitoes are easily and
best destroyed in the larval stage by the application of about 1 c. c.
of petroleum per square meter surface of water. The oil should be
applied to all ponds, slow-flowing creeks, stagnant water, etc., regu-
larly at least every week.
(5) Quinin Prophylaxis: This simple and efficient means in
the prevention of malaria, as advocated by Koch, consists in taking-
ten to fifteen grains of quinin, previously dissolved in water, acidu-
lated with hydrochloric acid, once or twice every week during the
summer months.
Conclusions.
This brief and simple outline concerning the diagnosis, treat-
ment and prophylaxis of malaria is the one which the author fol-
lowed in the sanitation of Brioni during the years 1901 and 1902,
with the result that, after a work of three summers, the island was
declared completely free from the disease. The importance of this
work .and the result is manifold:
First , it is the best evidence of the marvelous progress which
tropical medicine and parasitology, thanks to the geneal discoveries
of Laveran, Manson, Boss, Grassi, Koch, Scliaudinn and many
others, workers in the field, have made in recent years.
Second , the sanitation of Brioni stands preeminently as an ex-
ample in which, through careful and systematic appliance of modern
prophylactic regulations, malaria was successfully eradicated for the
first time from a community.
Third , the application of this prophylactic regulation rendered
possible the sanitation of the Canal Zone in Panama, and has greatly
improved the sanitary condition of other tropical countries here in
America and abroad.
It is hoped that the American Governments and philanthropists,
moved by the highest of humanitarian principles — the health and
News and Comment.
335
happiness of mankind— in the near future will direct their efforts
to give a helping hand to those unfortunate countries of tropical
America which still remain oppressed and dormant under the
burden of this disease of the tropics, which for centuries has pre-
vented the development of the wealth of natural resources of those
regions, to say nothing of the physical and mental qualities of their
inhabitants.
Modern medicine, stimulated by the discoveries of Pasteur, has
accomplished much in the control and practical eradication of a
number of bacterial diseases — diphtheria, typhoid fever, tetanus and
others — and this fact gives hope that the day is not far distant when
the doctrine established by the French genius, “C’est duns U' pouvoir
de Vhomme de faire disparaitre toutes les maladies infectieuses de la
terre ” will be an accomplished fact; and, in addition, may follow
the eradication of tropical and parasitic diseases from the tropical
countries.
NEWS AND COMMENT
Orleans Parish Medical Society Adopts Resolutions. — The
following resolutions were adopted at a meeting of the Orleans
Parish Medical Society on November 25, 1918:
Whereas, as the terms of the armistice are being complied with,
it becomes evident that the enemies of democracy cannot resume
the war; and
Whereas, the needs of medical men in the army and navy in times
of peace are measurably less than in times of war; and
Whereas, the visitation of epidemic disease accentuated the short-
age of doctors for the civil population and entailed considerable
suffering to the people. Since there has been a recrudescence of
influenza in Spain and in England, there is such a possibility of a
recrudescence in the United States, winter months generally being
more favorable to the spread of that disease; and
Whereas, it has been the polic}^ of the government to inflict as
few hardships on the civil population in the winning of the war,
the return of many of these men to their respective homes would
in a large measure mitigate the suffering of the people if they were
again confronted with a great outbreak of that or any other disease ;
therefore be it
Resolved, That the Orleans Parish Medical Society, in the in-
terest of the civil population, petition the Secretaries of the Army
and Navy to consider these various points, with the object of de-
336
News and Comment.
mobilizing, as expeditiously as consistent with the efficiency of the |
service, as many of the doctors in the camps and abroad as possible, j
Be it further j
Resolved, That a copy of this preamble and resolutions be for-
warded to the Secretaries of War and Navy, to the New Orleans
Medical and Surgical Journal, and to the Journal of the Amer-
ican Medical Association, with a request to publish same.
A Carelessly Guarded Gate. — The Scientific American, in an
editorial entitled “A Carelessly Guarded Gate/’ in its issue of i
November 2, places the blame of the spread of the Spanish in-
fluenza on the laxity of the port authorities along the Atlantic sea-
board. The editorial severely arraigns both the officers of the
Public Health Service on duty at the country’s ports and the med-
ical profession.
New Home of the H. K. Muleord Company. — The H. K. Mul-
ford Company, having outgrown their present pharmaceutical
laboratories, will soon occupy the modern building located at Broad,
Wallace and Fifteenth streets, Philadelphia. The building is of
modern construction, being of steel, concrete and stone, nine stories
in height, and has a total floor space of nearly ten acres. The equip-
ment has modern labor-saving devices and comforts for employer
and employees. This will be the largest building in the world de-
voted exclusively to the production of medicinal products.
Jerusalem Is Freed oe Mosquitoes. — Through the. efforts of
Louis Cantor, of Rochester, N. Y., a member of the American
Zionist Medical Unit, Jerusalem has been freed of the mosquito
pest. During Mr. Cantor’s campaign 350 cisterns were petrolized
and put in sanitary condition. Mr. Cantor was formerly connected
with the Goethals Commission at the Panama Canal.
Naval Bill to Retain Medical Staff. — The Bureau of Medi-
cine and Surgery of the Navy is formulating a bill under which all
temporary medical officers of the navy shall be offered an oppor-
tunity to qualify for an appointment in the permanent establish-
ment in the rank now held.
Expansion of Orthopedic Journal. — The official publication
of the American Orthopedic Association, the American Journal of
Orthopedic Surgery, which has been the only journal in the English
language devoted to orthopedic surgery, will become also the organ
of the newly -formed British Orthopedic Association, under the
News and Comment.
337
name of the Journal of Orthopedic Surgery. The publication will
be issued from the present offices in Boston, under the management
of Ernest Gregory. The committees appointed by the British' Or-
thopedic Association are : R. C. Elmslie, M. S., F. R. C. S., editor,
London ; T. R. Armour, F. R. C. S. ; W. H. Trethowan, F. R. C. S;,
and H. Platt, M. S., F. R. C. S.; while Drs. Charles F. Painter and
Robert W. Lovett, of Boston, comprise the committee appointed by
the American Orthopedic Association.
New Negro Training. School for Nurses. — The opening of
the free clinic of the Providence Hospital and Training School for
Negro Nurses in New Orleans took place December 9, at the home
of the hospital, 2517 Delachaise street. This school in New Or-
leans should prove of great benefit as well as answer a long-felt
need.
Elks' War Hospital Dedicated. — On November 16, 1918, the
Elks’ Reconstruction Hospital in Boston, for the treatment of
wounded and disfigured soldiers, was dedicated and turned over to
the government with impressive ceremonies.
Gen. Gorgas Honored. — Surgeon General William C. Gorgas,
U. S. Army, shortly before the armistice was declared, was made a
grand officer of the Order of the Crown of Italy, in recognition of
his services in military sanitation.
Touro Infirmary Celebrates Fiftieth Anniversary. — The
Touro Infirmary of New Orleans, founded by Judah Touro, cele-
brated its fiftieth anniversary on December 5, in the Touro Nurses’
Home. The occasion was marked by delightful ceremonies, and
hundreds of people from all over the city came to participate in the
event. The main program, consisting of speeches and music, was
followed by a reception to the guests and a demonstration in one
of the rooms of the nurses’ home of two hospital wards showing
methods used in the old days and those used at the present time.
During the ceremonies a loving cup was presented to Mr. E. Y.
Benjamin, president of the board of directors, in appreciation of
his services to the hospital during the past eight years.
The National Board of Medical Examiners held examina-
tions in Chicago and New York, from December 2-18, of candidates
for licentiateship by this board.
338
News and Comment .
Meeting of the American Public Health Association.-—
The Annual Meeting of the American Public Health Association
was held in Chicago, December 9-12, with headquarters at Hotel
Morrison. All the available information regarding the manage-
ment of the Spanish influenza epidemic was brought out through
the papers read at the meeting and formed the principal subject
under discussion. Reference committees were appointed who will
report on the various phases of epidemic influenza during the year
1919.
The Kiblinger Sanitarium, of Marksville, La., operated by
the Drs. Kiblinger, reports a total of 223 cases during the sixteen
months it has been in existence; medical cases were 37, and surgical
186, with only five deaths.
The Southern Practitioner Incorporated. — Dr. Jeering J.
Roberts announces that, owing to impaired health and advanced
age, which may any day compel him to desist from editorial work,
he has transferred his title and interest in the Southern Practitioner
to Frederick H. Robinson, managing editor of the Medical Review
of Reviews , with which journal it will be incorporated and consoli-
dated beginning with the January, 1919, number. For renewal of
advertising contracts, subscriptions, etc., apply to Dr. Frederick J.
Robinson, 296 Broadway, New York, N. Y.
Personals. — Dr. Oscar Dowling, president of the State Board
of Health, was recently elected adjunct professor to take charge of
the course of hygiene in the School of Medicine of Tulane Univer-
sity.
Dr. C. Jeff Miller attended the meeting of the Southern Surgical
Society, which met in Baltimore, December 17.
Dr. Isadore Dyer, member of the National Board of Medical Ex-
aminers, was in New York during the week of the meeting of that
board in December.
Dr. R. C. Scott, director of the Laboratory of Hygiene and Trop-
ical Medicine, Tulane University, visited the Boston School of
Hygiene during the month in the interest of education along these
lines.
Removal. — Dr. W. P. Hickman, from Lecompte to Harvey, La.
Died. — On December 9, 1918, at Laplace, La., Dr. Sidney Mon-
tegut, aged 49 years.
Booh Reviews and Notices.
339
On December 2, 1918, Dr. William E. Brickell, the oldest and at
one time one of the most prominent physicians of New Orleans,
aged 91 years.
On October 24, 1918, at New Smyrna, Fla., Dr. R. R. Niblack, a
graduate of Tulane University, class 1914, aged 27 years.
On November 26, 1918, Dr. Frank E. Burns, of New Orleans.
On November 26, 1918, at Shreveport, La., Dr. R. A. Gray, sur-
geon and veteran of the Civil War, aged 88 years.
On December 10, 1918, at her home on St. Charles avenue,
Adrienne Goslee Matas, wife of Prof. Matas, of Tulane, and mother
of Dr. Lueien Landry. Mrs. Matas was an ardent student and her
husband’s untiring co-worker, and will be much missed by many
|3rofessional friends, who enjoyed her hospitality and kindly in-
terest while they were students and assistants. The Journal ex-
tends its sincere condolence to the bereaved family.
BOOK REVIEWS AND NOTICES
All new publications sent to the Journal will be appreciated and will invariably be
promptly acknowledged under the heading of " Publications Received .” While
it will be the aim of the Journal to review as many of the worlds accepted as
possible, the editors will be guided by the space available and the merit of re-
spective publications. The acceptance of a bool, f implies no obligation to review.
Principles of Bacteriology, by Arthur E. Eiseiiberg, A. M., M. D., Cleve-
land, Ohio. C. Y. Mosby & Co., St. Louis, Mo.
The book is devoted to general and special bacteriology, and each
group of organisms is classified and tabulated in such manner that prac-
tically any necessary information regarding the organism or group of
organisms is readily reviewed.
One section of the book is devoted to diseases of unknown causation,
while another is given over to discussion of bacteria of soil, air, water
and milk. An excellent feature of the book is the complete questionnaire
provided in the end to facilitate the review of the subject.
Dr. Eisenberg has incorporated in the book many of the recent con-
tributions to bacteriology,, such as Schick’s test, Plotz’s work on the
etiology of typhus, the work of Cole and his co-workers on pneumonia,
and Bull on the serum therapy of the gas bacillus.
The book is particularly suited to the needs of medical students who
desire facts without having to search pages of text. It is a splendid book
for nurses, either in training or for reference after their graduation.
ELIZABETH BASS.
Animal Parasites and Human Disease, by Asa C. Chandler, M. S., Pli. C.
Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York.
Most of the text-books on tropical diseases, and also modern works on
medicine, give some attention to the parasites which may be involved in
340
Book Reviews and Notices.
the discussion of diseases. The work before us, however, presents an
exhaustive catalogue of animal parasites as related to human disease, and
in a manner which not only gives a comprehensive idea of the parasite,
but at the same time furnishes an exact understanding of the relation of
the parasite to the disease in which it is found.
The classification of the parasites in their own groups, and the con-
sideration of the diseases under each, irrespective of the disease, speaks
for a coordination altogether desirable in the plan of arranging diseases
and their parasite factors.
Every chapter is interesting and illuminating. Especial note should
be given to the statement of the author that the mites of the “itch7’
are sensitive to cold and do not spread during the winter. As this is
quite contrary to the clinical observation of dermatologists, who see many
cases of scabies in winter and few or none in summer, there must be some
explanation other than the one the author gives. The dermatologists
explain it by the freer perspiration and more bathing in summer and by
the coverings on the beds in winter.
The text affords not only the best of authoritative reference for the
parasites which are so numerously presented, but in the paragraphs deal-
ing with symptomatology and treatment of the diseases an unusual care
has been exercised in assembling the modern opinion and practice. Al-
together the work is a valuable contribution to current medical litera-
ture. DYER.
Tropical Disease. A Manual of the Diseases of Warm Climates, by Sir
Patrick Manson, G. C., M. G., M. D., LL. D. (Aberdeen). Sixth
edition. Revised throughout and enlarged. Wm. Wood & Co., New
York.
The work of Manson on tropical diseases has been standard for many
years and will continue to have its place among references on this sub-
ject. With each new edition, however, the revision has been limited to
the contents of those which have preceded, and without adequate con-
sideration of the many new conditions described in the current literature.
This does not discount the value of the material in the book, but it does
argue that the author in another edition should make many additions,
even if it means changing the format, which really might be modified to
the advantage of the text. Manson and tropical diseases are almost
synonymous, so that it is hardly necessary to commend a book which is
already almost a vade mecum to all physicians interested in the subject.
DYER.
The Practical Medicine Series. Yol. IX. Skin and Venereal Diseases.
Edited by Oliver S. Ormsby, M. D., and James Herbert Mitchell,
M. D. Series 1917. The Year Book Publishers, Chicago.
In small compass, this excellent review of recent literature on the
topics named affords a splendid ready source of information for the busy
doctor. DYER.
Naval Hygiene, by James Chambers Pryor, A. M., M. D., Medical In-
spector, U. S. Navy. P. Blakiston’s Son & Co., Philadelphia.
While considerably a text for those who go to sea in the service of
the navy, the book has material of so varied a sort as to make it a valu-
Booh Reviews and Notices.
341
able contribution to the subject of hygiene. The whole subject, as or-
dinarily covered in texts of hygiene, is presented, and far more — for there
are particularization of the practical appreciation of the principles of
hygiene and sanitation. Becruiting, swimming, resuscitation of those ex-
posed to drowning, malingering, seasickness, gas, submarines, are some
of the subjects not usually found in such texts.
The student of hygiene — even though not concerned with the applica-
tion to life on a ship — would find ample new material for thought in this
work. The excellent illustrations (153 in number) add largely to the
value of the text. DYEB.
The Seriousness of Venereal Disease, by Sprague Carleton, M. D.,
F. A. C. S. Paul B. Hoeber, New York, 1918.
A booklet comprising twenty-six plates of actual cases selected for the
purpose of impressing upon the lay observer the sometimes terrible effects
of venereal infection, especially when neglected, and originally intended
as a gift for the use of Base Hospital No. 48. C. C.
Diseases of the Male Urethra, by Irvin S. Roll, B. S., M. D., F. A. C. S.
W. B. Saunders Company, Philadelphia and London, 1918.
A short, but rather comprehensive monograph, it is divided into four-
teen chapters, two of which (on impotence and sterility) are upon only
allied subjects which require greater attention. The best are those treat-
ing upon gonorrhea, both acute and chronic. The pre-eminent feature of
the work is the collection of beautiful illustrations, including numerous
colored plates.
The views expressed are conservative rather than 11 reactionary, ’ ’ as
the author calls some of them, and are heartily approved in the main.
C. C.
Genito-Urinary Diseases and Syphilis, by Henry H. Morton, M. D.,
F. A. C. S'.
This is a very complete, though not exhaustive, treatise on the subjects
included in the title. It is composed of fifty-two chapters, is illustrated
by 330 cuts, thirty-six of which are full-page colored plates and many
are original and drawn from cases of the author.
The preliminary chapters, covering especially methods of examination
and diagnosis, are particularly good. Those on syphilis are also excellent
and brought up to date; however, while we usually try to avoid direct
criticism regarding opinions, we must call attention to what we deem an
erroneous statement, as it might lead to error on the part of the in-
experienced where error and doubt already too often creep in: the author,
in describing chancre, states that induration is “ constantly present and
cartilaginous. ’ ’ Pity ’tis not, as the diagnosis would be much simplified.
Dr. Morton has given an excellent reference book for the student and
practitioner, and that it is issued as a fourth edition is only one sign of
its merit. . C. C.
The Physician’s Visiting List. P. Blakiston’s Son & Co., Philadelphia, 1919.
This old friend turns up for the sixty-eighth year, much in its usual
acceptable form. The dose table is arranged in a better manner. It is
presented in three editions — the regular, the perpetual, and the monthly.
342
Publications Received.
PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED
P. BLAKISTON’S SON & CO., Philadelphia, 1918.
Practical Physiological Chemistry, by Philip B. Hawk, M. S., Ph. 1).
Sixth edition, revised and enlarged.
Physician’s Visiting List, 1919.
LEE & FEBIGER, Philadelphia and New York, 1918.
Surgical Applied Anatomy, by Sir Frederick Treves, G, C. V. O., C. B.,
LL. D., F. R. C. S. Seventh edition. Revised by Arthur Keith, M. D.,
LL. D., F. R. C. S'., F. R. S., and W. Colin Mackenzie, F. R. C. S.,
F. R. S. E.
W. B. SAUNDERS COMPANY, Philadelphia and London, 1918.
The Surgical Clinics of Chicago. October, 1918. Vol. 2, No. 5.
THE MACMILLAN COMPANY, New York, 1918.
The Newer Knowledge of Nutrition, by E. Y. McCollum.
F. A. DAVIS COMPANY, Philadelphia and London, 1918.
Clinical Medicine for Nurses, by Paul H. Ringer, A. B., M. D.
THE YEAR BOOK PUBLISHERS, Chicago, 1918.
The Practical Medicine Series. Under the general editorial charge of
Chas. L. Mix, A. M., M. D. Volume Y: Gynecology, edite.d by Emilius
C. Dudley, A. M., M. D., LL. D.; Obstetrics, edited by Joseph B. DeLee,
A. M., M. D.
THE GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE, Washington, D. C.
Birth Statistics. For the registration area of the United States, 1916.
Second annual report.
United States Naval Medical Bulletin. October, 1918.
Public Health Reports. Yol. 33, Nos. 43, 44, 45, 46 and 47.
MISCELLANEOUS:
Forty-Ninth Annual Report of the Secretary of State on the Registra-
tion of Births and Deaths, Marriages and Divorces in Michigan. For the
year 1915. (Wynkoop-Hallenbeek-Crawford Company, Lansing, Mich.,
1918.)
Legislative Assembly of Porto Rico. Senate of Porto Rico. Address
of Dr. Isaac Gonzales Martinez in the Academy of Medicine on the Sani-
tary Problem of Porto Rico.
343
Mortuary Report,
MORTUARY REPORT OF NEW ORLEANS.
Computed from the Monthly Report of the Board of Health of the City
of New Orleans, for October, 1918.
CA USE.
White.
Colored.
1
Total.
5
2
7
2
2
4
1
1
2
2
4
866
359
1225
1
1
63
45
108
17
6
23
1
1
Xiiltj lllilallr 111 dllu VJ CUl. — — — —— — — - • '
6
6
TTn ppnhalitis andMeninsritis
5
1
6
PnnfrDctiAn TTpmnrrhfloft and Soften ins? of Brain _ _ _
16
7
23
\jOIl^CcUUil j XlcIllUHiiwgv (Uiu Vi
PqTqI VG1Q -
2
2
f!nnvnkihns of Tnfanov
1
1
2
VjULl V UlolUllO vl —
nfVi£»T* niaaaefiQ nf Tnfa.nCV
19
14
33
Utll“I l/iOCitCCO 'll ......
PW-Vior* "NTavirnna TliseasPS - ~ -
5
TTpart Diseases
62
43
105
4
4
8
X) y\ aii rv» /^■nio nii/l P pA 1 1 pll A-"Pll Pll 1X1014 1 R — — — —
341
228
569
JL IlClllllOll 1<A ctllAl J3 1 Is 111/11 vP J- livuiiiuiiia
Afliflv Poanirafnrv Tlispa.SPS
2
1
3
UUICI XiCo fJ 1 1 <X tU I j l/iouaiJvc —
TTleer of Stomach
o
2
Oflipr Oispa qpq of flip Stomach .
o
1
3
V/LI1“I AyloCitoVyJS UJ inc t t' 'iiiav.ii
T)i arrhpa DvcpntPT*v and Enteritis - -
23
23
46
1/ Ldl 1 J l\u<x , 1/ V CCll Ivl y Ct/AxvA. —
TTprnia Tntpstinal Obstruction --
5
2
7
Cirrhosis of Liver -
7
6
13
av» T1 1 n on ooci a 4 f V» A 1 l^’PT _
3
3
CJlVYl V\1 A D AVlf A A 1 f 1 O
6
6
23
21
44
Of Vjpu Opnito-TTrin arv T)iseascs - --
14
li
25
Pnprnpra 1 Diseases
3
3
6
ffpnilp OpI^ 1 1 1 f v _
4
1
5
ftn iai rl o
3
3
25
20
45
20
20
40' .
1559
827
|2386
Still-born Children — White, 48; colored, 27; total, 75.
Population of City (estimated) — White,. 276,000; colored, 102,000;
total, 378,000. _ 01 . ,
Death Rate fer 1,000 per Annum for Month— White, 67.81; colored,
95.42; total, 74.56. Non-residents excluded, 67.31.
METEOROLOGIC SUMMARY (U.
Mean atmospheric pressure.
Weather Bureau).
29.97
Mean temperature . '
Total precipitation 11.05 inches
Prevailing direction of -wind, southeast.
344
Mortuary Report.
MORTUARY REPORT OF NEW ORLEANS,
Computed from the Monthly Report of the Board of Health of the City
of New Orleans, for November, 1918.
CA USE.
TS
»
o
6
3
£
Typhoid Fever . . . _
3
3
Intermittent Fever (Malarial Cachexia)
1
1
Smallpox _
Measles.
Scarlet Fever _
Whooping Cough _____
l
2
3
Diphtheria and Croup
1
1
Influenza
160
66
226
Cholera Nostras _
Pyemia and Septicemia _ _
)
1
Tuberculosis _ _
38
35
73
Cancer.
25
6
31
Rheumatism and Gout
2
2
Diabetes _ __
3
3
Alcoholism _ __
Encephalitis and Meningitis _
2
2
Locomotor Ataxia
1
1
Congestion, Hemorrhage and Softening of Brain
25
7
32
Paralysis _
5
I
6
Convulsions of Infancy
1
1
2
Other Diseases of Infancy __
36
8
24
Tetanus
1
1
Other Nervous Diseases _
5
2
7
Heart Diseases
68
39
107
Bronchitis
5
1
6
Pneumonia and Broncho-Pneumonia
85
61
346
Other Respiratory Diseases
2
2
Ulcer of Stomach
1
1
2
0» her Diseases of the Stomach
Diarrhea, Dysentery and Enteritis
19
IS
37
Hernia, Intestinal Obstruction _ _
1
1
Cirrhosis of Liver
5
5
Other Diseases of the Liver _
1
o
3
Simple Peritonitis
Appendicitis
2
2
4
Bright’s Disease
24
33
37
Other Genito-Urinary Diseases
10
5
15
Puerperal Diseases _"
3
1
4
Senile Debility _
5
5
Suicide
2
______
2
Injuries
20
36
All Other Causes
25
15
40
Totai
565
306
871
Still-born Children — White, 25; colored, 21; total, 46.
Population of City (estimated) — White, 276,000; colored, 102,000;
total, 378,000. ' '
_ Death Rate per 1,000 per Annum for month — White, 24.21; colored,
35.51; total, 27.50. Non-residents excluded, 21.88.
METEOROLOGIC SUMMARY (U. S. Weather Bureau).
Mean atmospheric pressure 30.08
Mean temperature. . 62
Total precipitation 4.46 inches
Prevailing direction of wind, northeast.
W.SS
WA* SAVINGS SUAffS
UIUIPKr THE
UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT
NEW ORLEANS MEDICAL
AND SURGICAL JOURNAL
CHARLES CHASSAIGNAC, M. D. ISADORE DYER, M. D.
COLLABORATORS :
C. C. BASS, M. D., Prest., Amer. Soc. Tropical Medicine ) „ n- .
S. K. SIMON, M. D., Acting Secty. American Soc. of Tropical Medicine J ^x-Ufjicxo
P. T. TALBOT, M. D., Secretary Louisiana State Medical Society . .. Ex-Officio
RUPERT BLUE, M. D., Surgeon General, United States Public Health Service.
H. D. BRUNS, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
C. F. CRAIG, M. D., Col., U. S. A.
S. T. DARLING, M. D., Sao Paulo, Brazil.
W. H. DEADERICK, M. D., Hot Springs, Arkansas.
E. M. DUPAQUIER, M. D. (Paris), Tulane University of Louisiana.
A. G. FRIEDRICHS, M. D., New Orleans, La.
J. T. HALSEY, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
JOS. HOLT, M. D., New Orleans, La.
F. A. LARUE, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
E. S. LEWIS, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
R. C. LYNCH, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
E. D. MARTIN, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
R. MATAS, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
AUGUSTUS McSHANE, M. D., Greenwood, Miss.
PAUL MICHINARD, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
C. J. MILLER, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
F. W. PARHAM, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
E. A. ROBIN, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
W. H. SEEMANN, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
ALLEN J. SMITH, M. D., University of Pennsylvania.
EDMOND SOUCHON, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
E. R. STITT, M. D„ Rear Admiral, U. S. N.
J. A. STORCK, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
R. P. STRONG, M. D., Harvard University.
ROY M. VAN WART, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
Vol. LXXI FEBRUARY, 1919 No. 8
EDITORIAL
POSTGRADUATE STUDY OF MEDICINE.
The Teutonic fetich has been broken; the glamor of medical
study at Vienna or Berlin has passed with the reflexes of the war.
The opportunities may be yet afforded, but there will be no haste
among American physicians to seek the fields in which they were
so successfully exploited for many years before the war. More than
this, the experiences of so many of the younger profession in the
field, with every faculty alert and in constant training, will have
provided study enough for many and for some time to come.
Time will be afforded, then, to reconstruct the idea of post-
346
Editorial.
graduate study both at home and abroad. The intensive courses
provided for the Medical Reserve Corps officers in the larger cities
and under the auspices of medical colleges of the first rank demon-
strated ‘conclusively what could be done, and many of us have won-
dered that such courses had not been arranged before.
The practical results were exceedingly valuable for efficient
service in the Medical Corps of the army, and the number of men
specially trained in laboratory, orthopedic or other special surgery,
heart and lung diagnosis, sanitary and hygienic practice, etc., has
been multiplied many times. The return of these men to their
own communites will encourage further study among others, and
the educational institutions in our large centers must be ready to
afford such training.
Both in England and France the movement is already started to
interest American physicians in the medical opportunity afforded.
Paris, Bordeaux, Fancy and Lyons have for many years offered
excellent material and in so generous a manner that Americans
have overlooked the great opportunities. The Latin- American
countries have long looked on Paris as the center of scientific
medicine, and the French-speaking medicos of Few Orleans and
of Louisiana have in years gone by considered Paris as the place
to complete a medical training.
There has been too much commercialization of postgraduate
medicine in the Teutonic countries to make for the best, and the
reflex of this has shown in places in the United States where the
schools for postgraduate study have been mere melting-pots, with
no academic aims.
The Mayo Foundation has at least offered a clear example of
what graduate medical instruction should be, upon a plane which
requires academic preparation before and during the period of
study in the regular medical course. Such institution are neces-
sary and, with such endowment as Minnesota (with which the Mayo
Foundation operates), Harvard, Cornell and Hopkins now possess,
there should be afforded ample opportunity for advanced medical
education for our own graduates and for those who come from
abroad. Hereafter the teachers and exponents of scientific medicine
must come from such schools of training. The exigencies of liveli-
hood, however, demand practical postgraduate courses for the men
who have to meet the sick and the maimed in every-day life, and
Editorial.
347
while they may be scientific as well, they must have ready, practical
knowledge and of the most advanced form.
The schools of postgraduate instruction must organize to that
end. The medical colleges of this country have an excellent co-
operative organization, with a systematic agreement upon the
methods and regulation of medical study and with accepted stand-
ards. Is it not timely that the institutions aiming at graduate and
“postgraduate” instruction should get together and consider some
more tangible organization than at present exists?
Just at present, the partial training received by medical prac-
titioners at the various camps seems to have whetted their appetite
for learning, and a great many are journeying from the tent to the
school, if we are to judge by our experience here at the Polyclinic.
Even though some of the men have already put aside their
uniforms, glad to resume their easy-fitting civilian togs, those in
khaki are as numerous as the men in their plain clothes at the
clinics and in the laboratories of the Graduate School of Medicine
of Tulane at present. They have come, and are coming, from all
over the country, and they seem to realize better than before what
they need in the way of instruction and opportunities for work.
As ever, the more a man knows the more he realizes how much
he has to learn — an encouraging thought for those engaged in
graduate teaching and a further argument in favor of their better
organization.
ORIGINAL ARTICLES
(No paper published or to be published in any other medical journil will be accepted
for this department. All papers must be in the hands of the Editors on the tenth day of
the month preceding that in which they are expected to appear. Reprints may be had at
reasonable rates if a WRITTEN order for the same accompany the paper.)
GALL-STONE DISEASE COMPLICATING PREGNANCY.
By AIME PAUL HEINECK, M. D., Chicago.
During gestation, women are subject to many surgical con-
ditions. The safety of the product of conception, the safety of the
mother, demand that our knowledge of these surgical ailments be
increased. Definite and accurate conclusions should be formulated
as to the most opportune, most appropriate and, therefore, the most
scientific treatment of any and all surgical states complicating
pregnancy. In previous contributions we stated that every case of
ectopic pregnancy, irrespective of type or stage of development,
calls for the immediate ablation of the ectopic ovum. Immediate
operative removal of the ectopic ovum terminates the gestation and
protects the mother from the morbidity and fatality incident to
extra-uterine pregnancy.
In other contributions, also published in these columns, we urged
that every case of appendicitis complicating pregnancy be subjected
to operation during gestation. Appendicitis is a surgical disease;
when it complicates pregnancy it calls for the immediate operative
removal of the inflamed appendix, irrespective of the type of in-
flammation, irrespective of the age of the pregnancy. In women,
previous to and during the child-bearing period, the non-operative
treatment of appendicitis invites disaster, immediate, remote, or
both. The timely removal of the inflamed appendix to a great ex-
tent protects the mother from the complications and sequelae, from
the morbidity and mortality incident to appendicitis. Operative
removal of a diseased appendix does not interrupt gestation, does
not exert any unfavorable influence on delivery.
The frequency of cholelithiasis makes this condition one of great
practical interest. In the collective statistics of nineteen European
and American authors, 80,802 necropsies, the frequency averaged
5.94 per cent (Hesse). As the manifestations of gall-stone disease
are often unrecognized, misinterpreted or misdiagnosed, its in-
Heineck — Gall-Stone Disease Complicating Pregnancy. 349
cidence is greater than is supposed, -is far greater than the number
of reported cases would lead us to believe. It occurs in both sexes
and at all ages, in the fat, in the lean, in the weak, and in the
strong. The older the patient, the more liable is he or she to have
gall-stones. “Gall-bladder disease is preeminently a disease of the
middle-aged female, but is by no means confined to that age or sex’7’
(Deaver.)
Gall-stone disease is of common occurrence during pregnancy,,
during the puerperium, during lactation. In fact, its greatest in-
cidence is in the child-bearing period. Statistics have established
beyond dispute that gall-stone disease, latent or manifest, is more
common in women than in men. Out of 655 patients laparotomized
for gall-stones, 536 were women, 119 men (Kehr). Of 1, 244-
women operated upon for uterine myomata at the Mayo Clinic, 92,.
or 7.1 per cent, had gall-stones.
Age. . .
STATISTICS OF
10-21
940 CASES OF CHOLELITHIASIS
21-30 31-40 41-50
(K. Grube).
51-60 61-70
71-80
Male. . .
2
6
44
55
38
6
5
Female.
8
114
213
215
148
52
14
Married,
dren.
with chil-
1
82
177
176
124
44
9
Married,
dren.
without chil-
1
8
9
12
5
6
3
Unmarrie'd women ... 6
24
27
27
19
2
2
Unquestionably, child-bearing has something to do with the
frequency of gall-stones in that state. Cholelithiasis may compli-
cate a pregnancy otherwise normal; it has been found associated
with ectopic gestation (Brothers). It occurs in primiparse
(Heineck), deutoparse (Barillon), multiparge, YUI-para (Roith),.
IX-para (Graham). Manifestations of cholelithiasis may precede,-
coincide with, or follow an abortion or a premature labor. In seven
of the analyzed cases there was a history of one or more abortions
accidental or induced — Watson, one; Villard, two; Peterson, six;
Brothers, ten. Gall-stone disease may become manifest and neces-
sitate operative relief at any period of gestation— second month
(Bosse), third month (Roith), fifth month (Mack), sixth month
(Moulden), seventh month (Davis). In a large number of cases
the initial symptoms first occur during the child-bearing period
(Rudeaux). Our cases can be classified according to patient’s age
at time of operation, as follows: The youngest was 21 years old
(Villard), the oldest 42 years (Amann). From 25 to 29 years, in-
clusive, nineteen patients; 30 to 35 years, inclusive, eleven patients;
36 to 40 years, inclusive, 5 patients. Ploger reports cases in which
350
Original Articles.
there was a definite aggravation of symptoms during pregnancy;
Naxera reports eight cases in which the first attacks of biliary colic
occurred during gestation. “Seventy-five per cent of gall-stories
are found in women, and in 80 per cent of these patients the symp-
toms developed during pregnancy” (Torrance). Gall-stones are
more commonly found in women who have borne children than in
those who have remained sterile. Osier, quoting Naunyn, states
that 90 per cent of women with gall-stones have borne children.
“Eighty-four per cent of 135 women with gall-stones had borne
children” (Peterson).
Literature of the subject contains case reports like the follow-
ing: In an empyematous gall-bladder, associated with perichole-
cystitis, perforation from stones occurred during labor. Two days
later the patient was operated, and thorough drainage was in-
stituted; sepsis developed. Death occurred on the third post-oper-
ative day (Eose). Eupture of a calculous gall-bladder can occur
previous to, during or after labor. Pinard successfuly operated a
ease of calculous cholecystitis on the eleventh day of the puerperium.
Vineburg incised the gall-bladder in two cases of acute cholecystitis,
in one case on the tenth day, in the other on the twelfth day after
delivery, and removed numerous small stones therefrom. Both
cases recovered. In the same report he discusses a case of acute
diffuse peritonitis consecutive to a ruptured gall-bladder, superven-
ing a few hours after normal delivery. The condition was too grave
to warrant surgical intervention; death resulted twenty-four hours
later. This patient had had, during her pregnancy, several attacks
of biliary colic; her distended gall-bladder had been mapped out.
Potocki’s patient, a deutopara in the eight and one-half month of a
normal pregnancy, had a sudden attack of right hypochondriac
pain, nausea, vomiting, etc. Labor having started, the patient was
delivered of a living, normal child. Eleven hours after the termina-
tion of labor a cholecystotomy was performed; the gall-bladder
contained pus and numerous calculi. Drainage; recovery. In the
discussion provoked by Graham’s case there was reported a case of
death from general peritonitis due to rupture of the gall-bladder
during labor. The post-mortem revealed the rupture and 250
stones scattered about in the abdomen. Medical attendants should
keep in mind that fever during the puerperium can be due to causes
other than puerperal fever — appendicitis, gall-bladder disease, etc.
Greater familiarity with the symptomatology, clinical course and
Heikece: — Gall-Stone Disease Complicating Pregnancy . 351
treatment of cholelithiasis complicating pregnancy will lessen the
frequency of occurrences such as the preceding, and will also qualify
us to combat successfully the various manifestations of gall-stone
•disease. I have analyzed and studied all the cases of undoubted
gall-stone disease complicating pregnancy reported with sufficient
data, thirty cases in all, in the French, English and German medical
literature during the years 1900-1918, inclusive.* Many more
eases were studied, but owing to the fact that they are not reported
with sufficient detail they have influenced our conclusions only in
a general way. In each case the diagnosis was verified either at the
time of operation or at the autopsy.
Etiology.
The cause of gall-stone disease is not definitely known. Numer-
ous theories have been advanced; not one has as yet been found
worthy of general acceptance. The following three factors, owing
to their frequency previous to or during the existence of gall-stone
disease, impress one forcibly as being important predisposing causes.
In the individual case, one, two or all of these three favoring in-
fluences may be operative :
(a) Conditions associated with, favoring or causing biliary
stasis.
(b) Inflammatory states of the biliary tract, primary or sec-
ondary to local disease or to some general febrile state.
(c) Regimens or diatheses favoring or causing hypercholes-
terinemia.
Cholesterin, the principal component of gall-stones, is derived
Irom the bile. Simple bile-stasis can, through the precipitation of
cholesterin, lead to cholesterin-stone formation. Precipitation is
prone to occur in inspissated bile, and the elements thrown down
may lead to stone formation. In the later months of pregnancy
the abdominal muscles and the diaphragm contract feebly, and the
bile, being inefficiently expelled, stagnates in the gall-bladder.
Stasis, in addition to separating out the essential constituents of
gall-stones from the bile, favors the growth of bacteria in the
residual fluid. According to Sherrington, bacteria cannot enter the
bile-ducts as long as the bile is expelled at regular intervals. Bile
is not an antiseptic ; it does not prevent the development of bacteria ;
*A11 the periodicals to be found at the John Crerar Library,. Chicago, 111.
352
Original Articles.
left exposed to bacterial contamination, it undergoes putrefaction.
Obstruction to the bile outflow may be due to foreign bodies present
in the gall-bladder or, in the larger bile-ducts, may be determined
by inflammatory or other degenerative changes involving the gall-
bladder or the bile-ducts, or may result from such pathological
states of contagious organs as lead to impingement of one or more
of the latter upon the bile-ducts. Obesity, sedentary life, constipa-
tion, tight clothing, such as ill-fitting and improper corsets, etc.,
are held by some to be predisposing factors. Miyake believes that
the non- wearing of corsets by Japanese women is one of the prin-
cipal reasons why gall-stones are so infrequent among them.
Bacterial organisms are said to be the most essential cause in the
majority of cases of gall-stones. In this connection, one should not
ignore the relation of mouth and teeth infections to appendicitis
and cholecystitis. In some cases, supplementing the noxious in-
fluence of bile stasis, in others acting independently, in many act-
ing conjointly, there is present a bacterial inflammation of the
mucous membrane of the gall-bladder, of the bile-ducts, or of both.
If the stone be of aseptic origin, the abnormal element lies in the
composition of the bile ; if the stone be of inflammatory origin, the
pathological condition is the cholecystitis or catarrh of the gall-
bladder.
A history of acute cholecystitis first observed within a few weeks
or months of parturition is given by many of the patients operated
upon for gall-stone disease. Both pregnancy and the puerperium
are not infrequently complicated by acute exacerbations or recur-
rences of cholecystitis (Bettmann). The gastro-intestinal disturb-
ances and constipation that attend the pregnant state no doubt
favor the migration of the bacillus coli to the gall-bladder.
Although infection and retarded bile outflow predispose to gall-
stone formation, they are not all-sufficient. Occlusion of the cystic
or of the common duct may co-exist with an infected gall-bladder,
and yet no gall-stones form. In order to produce calculi, infections
of the gall-bladder must be of low type: colon bacillus, bacillus
typhosus, staphylococcus, etc. Typhoid fever is considered an im-
portant etiological factor ; it occurs in all lands and among all races,
still gall-stones are very uncommon in the tropics; typhoid fever is
less prevalent than formerly, but there seems to be no decrease in
the number of patients having gall-stones.
Diathetic conditions can so alter the composition of the bile as
Heineck — Gall-Stone Disease Complicating Pregnancy. 353
to favor — suitable local conditions existing — the production of cal-
culi. The supposition is that gall-stones are deposited as a result
of error in metabolism (over-concentration of cholesterin in blood
and bile). Aschoffs theory of gall-stone formation can be stated
briefly as follows : Cholesterin is a normal constituent of the bile
and of the blood, its amount therein depending upon the amount
of cholesterin in the food. A diet rich in fats and albuminous foods
raises the cholesterin content of the bile. There is a distinct choles-
terin diathesis. Persons with this diathesis, even upon an ordinary
diet, retain their lipoids, an increased cholesterin content of the
blood and of the bile results, and sooner or later a sudden precipi-
tation of the bile cholesterin in the form of gall-stones may occur.
Stones are often present in patients with no excess of cholesterin
in their blood, the cholesterin shower having occurred at some pre-
vious time.
While in the pregnant woman the presence of hypercholesteri-
nemia associated with a clinical history of gall-stones is strongly
suggestive of cholelithiasis, a low cholesterin figure does not prove
the absence of gall-stones. The cholesterol increase becomes mani-
fest during the later half of gestation (Slemons and Curtis).
The sedentary life of the pregnant woman and the encroachment
of the enlarging pregnant' uterus upon the liver and its biliar)
passages favor bile stasis. The normal obstetric patient eliminates
less, during the entire period of gestation, than the normal non-
pregnant woman. There is no well-recognized line of demarcation
between normal and pathologic pregnancy. During pregnancy the
fetal metabolism throws extra work upon the maternal liver; this
may determine a temporary impairment of function, an hepatic
insufficiency, evidenced by urobilinuria, alimentary glycosuria, *
moderate icterus, etc. This added stress also predisposes the liver
to local changes, evidenced by “the liver of pregnancy,” icterus
gravidarum, acute yellow atrophy of the liver, etc. The factors
enumerated above, taken in connection with the fact that the bile
and blood of pregnant women contain more cholesterin than the bile
and blood of men or non-pregnant women, explains in part the
greater frequency of gall-stones in child-bearing women, explain in
part the undeniable etiological influence of pregnancy in gall-stones
formation.
Pathology.
One, two, three or more biliary calculi may be present in the
354
Original Articles.
same patient. From a pregnant patient Moulden removed 17
biliary calculi; Bosse, 26; Graham, 80 odd; Roith, 84; Finkel-
stone, 86; Brothers, 250. In reporting his case, Davis says the
calculi were “too numerous to count.”
Gall-stones vary in volume, in shape, in location. Bishops says
that in his case the calculi were “like fig seeds”; Mack that
they were “pea-shaped”; Barillon, “mulberry-shaped”; Peterson,
“facetted.” In RissmaniTs case the calculus was large, long and
elliptical; in Roith’s, pigeon-egg sized. In many of the cases,
where numerous, the calculi were pea-sized.
Gall-stones usually develop in the gall-bladder, rarely in any
other portion of the biliary tract. In their wandering they may
lodge in the hepatic duct, in the cystic duct. “Seventeen stones
were scooped out of the dilated cystic duct” (Moulden) (Later
Moulden reoperated his patient, opened the duodenum and removed
five small stones from the ampulla of Vater). In the common duct
(Ploger) ; in the duodenal end of the common duct, including the
ampulla of Vater (Rissmann). “Autopsy showed stones in hepatic
duct and in common duct” (Peterson). From a Vl-para, two
months pregnant, Bosse removed one gall-stone from the common
duct and twenty-five from the gall-bladder.
Stones may precede the presence of inflammatory changes in the
gall-bladder, may be associated with and be the cause or effect of
inflammation, slight, moderate or severe. The inflammation may
be limited to the gall-bladder (cholecystitis), to the larger ducts
(cholangitis), it may spread to the finer radicles of the biliary
tract (diffuse cholangitis), or may be diffuse, involving the gall-
bladder and the biliary passages. Cholelithiasis may result from
a cholecystitis, and, once established, it becomes a factor in the
maintenanec of the cholecystitis, in the causation of recurrent at-
tacks of cholecystitis. Inflammation of the gall-bladder and bile-
ducts is acute or chronic, ulcerative, perforative or adhesive,
catarrhal, phlegmonous, suppurative or gangrenous. It may be
limited to the mucous membrane, or involve part (Davis), or the
entire thickness of the gall-bladder wall. In the latter case, ad-
hesions are very liable to form between the gall-bladder and one or
more contiguous organs. The exudate accompanying these inflam-
mations is mucous, serous, sero-fibrinous or purulent (Graham) in
nature. “Gall-bladder, in addition to calculi, contained 200 cubic
c. m. of pus” (Moulden). If perforation or rupture of a gall-
Heineck — Gall-Stone Disease Complicating Pregnancy. 355
bladder occur, the stones therein present may escape, either into
the peritoneal cavity or into a mass of adhesions, or into the liver
substance.
Graham, operating for a ruptured gall-bladder, a IY-para six
months pregnant, removed three stones from the peritoneal cavity,
one from the gall-bladder and two from the cystic duct. Should
the inflamed gall-bladder become adherent to a neighboring viscus,
the resulting adhesions may cause functional impairment or an
internal fistula, through which the gall-stones may escape; if the
gall-bladder become adherent to the abdominal wall, the inflamma-
tion may involve the latter and lead to the formation of an inflam-
matory mass, from which, ultimately, an external biliary fistula
may result.
Amann’s patient, a multipara, in the fifth month of pregnancy.,
noticed a painful mass, supposedly a fibroma, developing in the
hepatic region. She went through a normal labor, and three months
later this painful tumor-mass was successfully removed. It had
resulted from a pericholecystic inflammatory process extending to
and involving the contiguous abdominal wall and the appendix
vermiformis, and it consisted of a ruptured gall-bladder and an
extruded gall-stone, an appendix and an inflammatory tissue mass.
Impaction of a stone in the cystic duct may lead to :
1. Dilatation of the gall-bladder and a resulting (a) simple
hydrops (the wall of the gall-bladder may be greatly thickened, may
be paper-thin, may be almost transparent) ; (b) empyema.
2. Acute or chronic cholecystitis; catarrhal, serous, sero-fibrinous
suppurative, gangrenous, phlegmonous, ulcerative, perforative, ad-
hesive.
3. Sclerosis of the gall-bladder ; atrophic, hypertrophic.
4. Calcification of the gall-bladder.
If the calculus becomes impacted in the common duct there may
result any of the forementioned complications or a distention of
the common duct (Bosse), with or without a cholangitis.
Inflammation in the common duct involving contiguous tissues
may produce a thrombo-phlebitis, and thus interfere with the circu-
lation through the liver, may extend to the head of the pancreas,
changing it to a firm tumor (Finkelstone). In his case, Max Neu
found the gall-bladder shrunken, the common duct widened and
bound down by broad inflammatory adhesions to the duodenum.
356 Original Articles.
Symptoms.
Moynihan, Mayo and many other careful clinical observers are of
the opinion that gall-stones do not exist without producing symp-
toms. They state that the vague term “indigestion” is used
variously by patients to indicate all the several forms of distress
which are the forerunnners of a- crisis of acute biliary colic. Parks
claims that the statement, “may not cause symptoms,” is an admis-
sion of inability to recognize incipient symptoms.
Gall-stones produce symptoms by irritation, by migration, by
obstruction. Pain and tenderness are most constant and most im-
portant symptoms of cholelithiasis, being described by the patients
binder a variety of terms: (a) discomfort (Roith), (b) deep sore-
ness (Villard), (c) biliousness, (d) dyspepsia, (e) gastric distress
(Barillon) ; (f) neuralgia. The pain, usually limited to the region
of the gall-bladder, radiates quite often to the epigastrium, sub-
•scapular region, neck, shoulders, arms, etc. “Pain in hepatic re-
gion” (Bosse). “Pain in right hypochondrium, extending to right
shoulder” (Davis). “Repeated attacks of pain under the right
scapula, extending around to the epigastrium” (Bishop). “Lancin-
ating pain in epigastrium, radiating to back under the shoulder-
blade” (Moulden). “Sudden attack of pain in region of navel”
(Roith). “Pain in right hypochondrium, radiating to shoulder and
to back” (Villard).
What causes this pain? Various factors, chief among which are:
(a) The calculi themselves; (b) the inflammation present in the
gall-bladder and in the biliary tracts; (c) adhesions of inflamma-
tory origin binding the gall-bladder, cystic or common duct to ad-
jacent organs. These adhesions can also determine severe func-
tional disturbances of stomach and intestines.
“The most characteristic and constant sign of gall-bladder hyper-
sensitiveness is the inability of the patient to take a full inspira-
tion when the physician’s fingers are hooked up deep beneath the
right costal arch below the hepatic margin. The diaphragm forces
the liver down until the sensitive gall-bladder reaches the examin-
ing fingers, when the inspiration suddenly ceases as though it had
been shut off. I have never found this sign absent in a case of cal-
culus or in infectious cases of gall-bladder disease.” (Murphy.)
The localized tenderpess and the rigidity of the abdominal wall
may be so marked that satisfactory palpation is difficult, impos-
sible. Other factors — thick abdominal wall, meteorism, deep-seated
Heineck — Gall-Stone Disease Complicating Pregnancy. 35T
location of the gall-bladder — may prevent the detection of the latter.
In a few cases, however, a gall-bladder distended by calculi (Peter-
son, Eoith), or by fluid, mucous, purulent, etc., in nature, or by
both calculi and fluid (Villard), can easily be mapped out. A galR
bladder contracted by inflammation does not give rise to palpable
tumor.
Jaundice.
In the diagnosis of gall-stone disease too much significance has
been attached to the symptom of jaundice. It is an important sign,
but is not to be considered essential to diagnosis; like hemorrhage
in duodenal ulcer; it ought not to be waited for. Jaundice may not
occur at all (Heineck, Finkelstone), it may be inconspicuous, it
may be late, it may be inconstant. In some cases each attack of
gall-stone colic is followed by transient jaundice (Bishop). The
presence of jaundice was definitely recorded in twenty of our thirty
cases. The jaundice was accompanied by its usual concomitant
manifestations, digestive disturbances (Villard) beer-brown urine
(Bosse, Davis, etc.), clay-colored stools (Ploger, Rissmann, etc.)
In diseases of the biliary passages, icterus is of two forms : it is
of inflammatory or of lithogenous origin. The cause of the first is
an inflammatory swelling of the mucous membrane of the biliary
passages* (Korte, Barillon). In gall-bladder infections the swell-
ing of the mucous membrane may extend to and involve the common
and hepatic ducts and thereby obstruct the bile-flow. The mechan-
ical occlusions, partial or complete, of the common duct by a cal-
culus, causes lithogenous jaundice. Icterus is frequently due to
both inflammatory and. calculus obstruction.
As long as a calculus remains in the gall-bladder, or in the cystic
duct, jaundice is not likely to appear. In eleven of the cases in
which jaundice was observed, there was present, with or without
calculi, a common duct stone (Bosse, three cases ; Heineck, Mack,
two cases; Ploger, Rissmann, MclSTee, Roith, two cases). In a
lesser number of cases the provocative cause was the compression
of the common duct or of the extra-hepatic part of the hepatic duct
by a large stone in the cystic duct, by swollen lymph-glands, by
inflammatory exudates, by adhesions compressing or kinking the
ducts, etc.
Colic.
As stated before, gall-stones cause pain through the irritation.
;358
Original Articles.
infection and inflammation that result from their impaction in the
neck of the gall-bladder or in any part of the bile-ducts. They also
cause a characteristic lancinating pain, agonizing in nature, by
meandering through the bile-ducts for a shorter or longer distance
and setting up a spasm of the muscular wall behind the stone.
This latter pain is intense, is designated as biliary colic, and is
usually accompanied by chills, frequent vomiting, white, lard-like
stools, and bile-stained urine.
Gall-stone colic can be caused by: (1) An adherent, inflamed
gall-bladder containing calculi (Finkelstone) or having contained
calculi; (2) an inflamed gall-bladder distended by fluid or stones,
its cystic duct being occluded by inflammation or by a, calculus
(Barillon) or calculi; (3) the entrance into or attempted passage
through some part of the ducts of a calculus, altered bile, mucus
or other irritating foreign body; (4) the transit of a stone through
the bile passages; (5) impaction of a stone in a dilated inflamed
common duet or in any of its tributaries (Bosse, two cases; Ploger,
Rissmann). All the cases with stone in the common duct gave a
history of biliary colic.
Diagnosis.
If the symptoms are typical, the diagnosis of gall-stone disease
is easy. In addition to recognizing the condition of cholelithiasis,
the surgeon should, if possible, determine the exact location of the
calculi and note what pathological conditions or changes may be
present. Digestive disturbances are undoubtedly the cause of most
failures to recognize early gall-bladder symptoms. Cholecystitis
and cholelithiasis, owing to their reflex symptoms, are often mis-
taken for diseases of the stomach.
By keeping in mind that much of the dyspepsia of pregnancy is
from unrecognized gall-stone disease and -that gastric disturbances
in pregnancy should receive careful consideration and not be re-
garded simply as concomitant features of the pregnant state, many
diagnostic errors will be avoided. The discovery of calculi in the
feces is evidence of their previous existence. It is not proof that
any remain. X-ray pictures taken and interpreted by expert Roent-
genologists are of paramount importance in the diagnosis of biliary,
renal or ureteral calculi. The absence of any Roentgenographic
shadow does not prove the absence of gall-stones. “X-ray revealed
outline of gall-bladder filled with stones” (Peterson).
Heineck — Gall-Stone Disease Complicating Pregnancy. 359
Things of importance to arrive at a diagnosis are :
1. An exact history, including the record of previous attacks of
hepatic colic. “Previous attacks of biliary colic” (Rissmann,
Ploger). “Gave a history of having had similar attacks during her
previous pregnancies” (Davis). “Previous attacks of biliary colic.
Three years ago first attack of pain in hepatic region. Since then,
recurrent attacks” (Bosse).
2. The location of the tenderness and pain and the nature and
radiating character of the latter.
3. A thorough examination, including a careful inspection and
palpation of the abdomen, especially of the hypochondriac region.
4. The exclusion of such pathological conditions as simulate
gall-stone disease — lead colic, renal colic, duodenal ulcer, nephro-
lithiasis, chronic appendicitis, movable kidney, infection of the
genital tract. Cholecystitis is frequently diagnosed appendicitis,,
and vice versa. Gall-stone disease and appendicitis are frequently
present in the same patient. Cholelithiasis may co-exist with other-
pathological states.
Treatment.
In cholelithiasis two urgent indications are present : ( 1 ) The re-
moval of the calculus or calculi present in the gall-bladder or ducts;,
(2) the cure of the inflamed condition of the bile tracts. It is
agreed that gall-stones should be removed. Ho one nowadays treats
a vesical calculus by other procedures than operation. The spon-
taneous passage of a calculus through the intestine may bring about
a cure, but other calculi usually remain in the gall-bladder, and any
one of them may set up an inflammatory attack. In gall-stone dis-
ease, medical treatment is purely prophylactic, merely palliative;
it is not curative. Moynihan says: I hold that, once a diagnosis
has been made, operation is always indicated unless there are grave
reasons forbidding resort to surgery. Reasons should not be asked
to support a plea for operation, but to justify any other course than
this.”
The earlier the patients are operated, the more prompt the relief,
the more numerous the complete recoveries. With advancing preg-
nancy, the technical difficulties incident to operations on the gall-
bladder and bile-ducts increase. In these cases we never use chloro-
form as a general anesthetic ; we are afraid of its action on the liver
cells. We have been well pleased with the use of hard, round
360
Original Articles.
cushion placed transversely beneath the dorso-lumbar region. One
of three operations, choledochotomy, cholecystostomy or cholecystec-
tomy, is usually performed, the type of operation selected depending,
in the individual case, upon the location of the calculi and upon
the nature of the associated complications. In the extraction of
calculi from the bile-ducts, injury of the duct and wall should he
avoided. Rather than risk this, the incision in the duct should be
prolonged.
If the calculus or calculi are in the hepatic or common bile-duct,
their removal is effected by incising the common duct; drainage is
instituted through this incision (hepatic drainage).
Recovery followed in the three cases (Bosse two, Ploger one) in
which this was done. Rissmann successfully removed a calculus
from the duodenal end of the common duct by incising the anterior
and posterior duodenal wall. In the cases in which stones were
present in the gall-bladder and in the common duct the perform-
ance of a cholecystotomy and a choledochotomy at one sitting, plus
the institution of hepatic drainage, gave satisfactory results.
(Bosse, Mack, Heu, etc.) Roith, in a case in which stones were
present in the common duct, removed the gall-bladder, then incised
the common duct and drained through the latter. Recovery. Davis,
in a patient seven months pregnant, performed a cholecystectomy.
Forty-five days later the uterus was dilated manually and a pre-
mature fetus was extracted. In all of the other cases a chole-
cystostomy was performed. Finkelstone, in his case, did a chole-
cystostomy; one year later he performed a cholecystectomy. In
some cases, owing to the co-existence of othe^ pathological states,
additional operative work was done. There were two deaths
(Graham, Peterson) in the series of cases under consideration. In
Graham’s case the patient, at time of operation, had a general peri-
tonitis from her ruptured gall-bladder. In Peterson’s case there
was considerable blood oozing (the coagulation time of the blood
was seven minutes), and there developed acute post-operative sup-
pression of urine. In those cases of gall-stone disease in which
other pathological states were present, appropriate additional oper-
ations were performed. Erdmann, in his case did a cholecystostomy
and an appendectomy. Brothers, in one case, removed 205 gall-
stones, exsected one inch of the left tube to induce sterility, and did
a right salpingo-oophorectomy for an existing right tubal gestation.
There is a wide difference of opinion as to which operation, chole-
Heineck — Gall-Stone Disease Complicating Pregnancy. 361
cystostomy or cholecystectomy, is indicated in gall-stone disease.
Some operators almost invariably perform a cholecystostomy ; others
equally competent believe that cholecystectomy is the most univer-
sally applicable operation for the cure of cholelithiasis. Others do
as Kummel, who says, “We remove the gall-bladder when we must;
we save it when we can.” It is well to select the operation which
can be performed in the shortest possible time consistent with the
existing conditions of the biliary passages. After cholecystectomy,
redrainage of the biliary passages may prove extremely difficult and
dangerous. The advocates of cholecystectomy claim that the re-
moval of the organ takes away the possibility of stones being left
behind, being reformed, that it removes an inflamed organ.
It is agreed that cholecystectomy is attended with more technical
difficulties than cholecystostomy. It requires greater care to avoid
injury to the bowels, vessels and main bile-ducts. It is wiser to
choose the safer operation until the technic of the more complicated
one has been mastered.
Cholecystostomy is the operation of election :
1. Whenever the patient’s condition is so bad that the difficulties
attending a cholecystectomy render its performance unsafe.
2. When the gall-bladder is not seriously damaged and when the
cystic duct is not ulcerated or narrowed by stricture. It is believed
that the gall-bladder has some other function than that of a mere
receptacle of bile.
3. When the common duct is strictured.
4. If jaundice and pancreatitis complicate the gall-stone dis-
ease.
Cholecystectomy is indicated:
1. For very thick, acutely inflamed or gangrenous gall-bladders
in which a stone is impacted in the cystic duct.
2. For chronically thickened gall-bladders. A thick- walled gall-
bladder which has become functionless should always be removed.
When the gall-bladder becomes thickened and hardened from long-
continued inflammation it is manifestly impossible that it should
dilate, no matter what obstruction there may be in the common duct.
3. For large gall-bladders distended with clear fluid and result-
ing from the impaction of a stone in the cystic duct.
4. For the “strawberry” gall-bladder (chronic thickening with
ulceration) .
5. For a calculous gall-badder adherent to the stomach, in-
testine or omentum.
362
Original Articles.
6. When the walls of the gall-bladder are so modified by disease
that neither the storage nor the expulsion of bile is possible.
Summary.
1. Gall-stone disease occurs with far greater frequency in women
than in men ; with far greater frequency in women that have borne
children than in women that have remained sterile. Its period of
greatest incidence is the child-bearing period.
2. Gall-stone disease, alone or associated with one or more other
related or non-related pathological states, not uncommonly com-
plicates a pregnancy otherwise normal or abnormal.
3. The first manifestations of cholelithiasis may date from the
existing gestation or from a previous pregnancy; may precede, co-
incide with or follow an abortion or premature labor, accidental or
induced.
4. All conditions that are associated with, that favor or cause
(a) bile stasis, (b) inflammatory or degenerative changes involving
the gall-bladder or bile tracts, (c) pathological alterations in the
composition of the bile, such as hyper cholester in emia, etc., predis-
pose to gall-stone disease.
5. Pregnancy is an important etiological factor in the causation
of cholelithiasis.
6. The - pathology of gall-stone disease complicating pregnancy
is the pathology of gall-stone disease occurring in the non-pregnant.
There may be present : (a) An inflammation of the gall-bladder or
bile-ducts in which one, two or many calculi are lodged or im-
pacted ; (b) a distention of the gall-bladder or bile-ducts by mucus,
pus or calculi; (c) a pericholecystic inflammation, calculous in
origin, leading to adhesion formation, to fistula formation, etc., and
corresponding disturbances of function; (d) changes in the liver;
(e) changes in the pancreas.
7. Some of the symptoms of gall-stone disease are due to the
irritation inherent to the presence of gall-stones, to their migration
through’ or impaction in the bile-ducts or neck of the gall-bladder.
Other symptoms are due to the concomitant inflammation of the
gall-bladder, bile-ducts and neighboring organs, causative of or re-
sulting from the presence of calculi.
8. Rupture of a gall-bladder distended by calculi, by fluid, mucus
or purulent in nature, can occur during gestation or during or
immediately after labor.
Heineck — Gall-Stone Disease Complicating Pregnancy. 363
9. In tlie differential diagnosis of this condition, one should
hear in mind: (a) That not infrequently gall-stone disease origi-
nates during or may complicate pregnancy; (b) that cholelithiasis
and cholecystitis, owing to their reflex symptoms, are often mis-
taken for gastric disease; (c) that appendicitis and gall-stone dis-
ease frequently co-exist; (d) that digestive disturbances associated
with acute pain and tenderness in the right hypochondriac region,
with or without jaundice, with or without symptoms of biliary colic,
are in themselves ample justification for operative exploration of
the gall-bladder and ducts.
10. Cholelithiasis is a surgical disease; it calls for operative
relief. Medical measures in this disease are merely palliative;
appropriate surgical measures are curative.
11. Gall-stone disease in itself is never an indication for the
artificial termination of pregnancy.
12. Whenever, for some cause or other, the abdomen is opened in
women of the child-bearing age or past the child-bearing period,
the gall-bladder and larger bile-ducts should be examined if it can
be done (a) without or with only slight traumatizing of the tissues ;
(b) without exposing the patient to too much additional risk; (c)
without contaminating clean peritoneum. Should the patient give
a history of chronic digestive disturbances, the indication is ab-
solute.
13. Women exposed to pregnancy, suffering from calculous
cholecystitis or any other form of gall-stone disease, should be oper-
ated, the calculi removed and the gall-bladder drained.
14. Pregnancy does not contraindicate operations upon the gall-
bladder or bile tracts. Peterson reported only three miscarriages
in twenty -three reported operated cases. In only one (Roith) of
the cases which we considered, did abortion follow the operation.
15. It has been repeatedly demonstrated that the operative relief
and cure of cholelithiasis does not unfavorably influence gestation,
does not unfavorably influence parturition. Icterus, whether acute
■or chronic, is a constant menace to the fetus.
16. Early operation is now, in proper hands, a safe procedure.
It is an effectual cure of the symptoms produced by gall-stones; it
has a low mortality and guarantees against serious complications in
the future.
17. Cholecystostomy, cholecystectomy and choledochotomy have
been successfully performed upon pregnant women for the relief
364
Original Articles.
of gall-stones. After these operations, drainage is to be employed
until the bile ceases to flow spontaneously through the wound, until
complete subsidence of whatever degree of cholangitis existed.
18. The prognosis of operative intervention is not unfavorably
influenced by the existence of pregnancy.
19. In persistent . gall-bladder disease, trouble-changes in the
urine manifested by the presence of casts and albumen are not un-
common and are not necessarily a bar to operative interference.
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366
Original Articles.
SPINAL ANALGESIA, WITH A NEW LOCAL ANESTHETIC.
By P. JORDA KAHLE, M. D.,
Assistant in Surgery of Genito-Urinary Organs and Rectum, Graduate School of
Medicine, Tulane, New Orleans, La.
In operations for various genito-nrinary and rectal affections it
has been the writer’s custom for many years to employ spinal anal-
gesia as the one of choice. Not only is this method of analgesia all
that can be desired, but the patient is free from the danger of the
immediate and after-effects of ether narcosis. Until the last two
months I have given tropococain the preference in spinal analgesia,
but due to the fact that this chemical was difficult to obtain, and the
small quantity which was supplied me seemed to be inferior in
quality, I determined to give a comparatively new agent for this
purpose — apothesine — a trial.
Being assured that apothesine was low in toxicity and knowing
that dentists had used it successfully in conduction anesthesia, I
could see no reason why it would not fulfill other requirements for
spinal analgesia. Accordingly, on August 22, 1918, the following
operation was performed, using apothesine, at the Charity Hospital
Clinic :
Patient, Ernest Turner, colored, male, age 47. Carcinoma of the penis,
sixteen months’ duration. Patient was injected intraspinally between
the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae with one and one-quarter grains
apothesine dissolved in 2 c. c. of sterile normal salt solution. Injection
was made at 9:25. At this time pulse was 90, respiration 19. Eegional
analgesia was complete at 9:30 and the operation was begun. Operation
consisted in amputation of the penis and removal of the inguinal glands.
Time of the operation, one hour and thirty minutes. Analgesia through-
out was perfect and the patient left the table with pulse 85, feeling fine.
There were no after-effects, such as headache, etc.
Since that time I have performed the following operations, using
apothesine as an analgesic : Two herniotomies, two vesico-vaginal
fistulse, four hemorrhoids, two internal urethrotomies, two pros-
tatectomies, one cystotomy, three inguinal adenonectomies, three
rectal fistulae, one hydrocele, one nymph ectomy, two internal proc-
tectomies.
Analgesia has been perfect in all operations, lasting to the com-
pletion of each operation, the longest of which was one hour and
fifteen minutes. Analgesia began within ten minutes, except in
the inguinal adenonectomies and herniotomies, in which the anal-
gesia was delayed for four or five minutes, due to the length of
Friedrichs — Presentation of an Obturator.
367
time necessary for the diffusion of the analgesic to the iliohypo-
gastric and ilioinguinal nerve roots.
The highest point of injection was between the eleventh and
twelfth dorsal and the lowest between the fourth and fifth lumbar
vertebrae.. There were no after-results attributable to the analgesic
in any case.
The use of apothesine in the above number of operations, twenty-
four in all, has led me to believe that apothesine is a superior anal-
gesic for this purpose and has the further advantage that it may
be boiled for a short length of time without impairing its value.
PRESENTATION OF AN OBTURATOR.*
By A. G. FRIEDRICHS, M. D.
Dr. Friedrichs presented a case of congenital cleft-palate which
was corrected by an obturator. The opening in the palate and
velum was closed by an artificial apparatus, carrying the missing
feeth and closing the aperture in the palate.
The case presented is a child of seven. Dr. Friedrichs stated that
operative procedure is always recommended and, when the de-
formity cannot be remedied by operation, an obturator is the method
by which these defects of development can be corrected. In all cases
of congenital cleft, phonation, mastication and deglutition are inter-
fered with. With the application of this apparatus all these defects
are corrected. This obturator, which is here presented, returns the
parts to their normal relation, affording the patient ability to masti-
cate her food, an opportunity to correct her phonation and swallow
her food without difficulty. This matter of speech is a matter of
education and, should this child be properly taught, all evidence of
difficulty and defect of speech can be cured. This obturator carries
four front teeth, which hold out the Tips and thereby restore the
symmetry of the face. In these cases, taken early, as in this case, all
the defects I have above referred to will be removed, and as she
develops, and when she grows up, she will look and speak like any
■other normal child.
*Read before the Orleans Parish Medical Society, November 25, 1918. [Received for
publication December 24, 1918. — Eds.1
368 Original Articles.
Discussion on the Paper oe Dr. Friedrichs.
Dr. T. J. Wolfe: How long would this particular apparatus last with-
out renewal?
Dr. Friedrichs: This, in its present condition, would probably last a
year and would have to be renewed from time to time as the exigencies
of the condition would require.
Thinking the inclemency of the weather would prevent the appear-
ance of my patient, I brought down a number of plates showing a frac-
ture of the inferior maxillary and its treatment. [These were produced.]
THE WOUNDS OF WAR FROM THE BIOLOGIST’S POINT
OF OBSERVATION *
By ERNESTO BERTARELLI, Professor of Hygiene, University of Parma.
Translated for the New Orleans Medical and Surgical Journal
by LODILLA AMBROSE, Ph. M., New Orleans.
[993] The literature of medicine has not been miserly of
writings concerning the wounds of which the war with incredible
generosity has made a gift to man. All the other paragraphs of
the observations made in this vast theater of pains and of death are
still in the initial stage of compilation: the epidemiologist, for
example, who is the student of the then , is a little of a posthumous
observer; the surgeon — if he has spoken quickly just as he has oper-
ated quickly — has been able to recount little enough that was new,
and abides his time for the macabre numerical summary of the
extremities amputated, of the vertebrae damaged, of the cavities
penetrated.
The bacteriologist, the biologist, on the contrary, has had a good
hand at war’s gaming table. From the first roar of the artillery,
a material new and in part unexpected, has presented itself for
study. The study evidently concerned the physician and the
biologist: the eye of the former rested on the returns — apparently
beyond the power of thought to conceive — from the gaseous edemata
to the vast necroses, to the wounds long ago collected in the spiritual
museums of remembrance. The latter had material for searching
out the cause of the foul wounds, the mechanism of the vast crepi-
tant destructions.
While we scarcely get a glimpse of other pictures of the war as
*Bertarelli, Ernesto. Le ferite di guerra dal punto di osservazione del biologo. Gazz.
d. Osp ., Milano, 1916, xxxvii, 993-994. [The pag^s of the original article are given in
square brackets.]
Bertarelli — The Wounds of War.
369
viewed with the eye of the physician, while we scarcely draw up the
firsi summaries as the basis for eulogy or suspicion regarding
vaccination against typhoid and cholera, it is evident that the para-
graph of the wounds of war presents itself to the understanding. It
is not merely the physician and the biologist who are interested in
these wounds, but behind him who coldly reasons as to the causes
of the evil, as to the intimate mechanism of the damage, stands the
hosts of the new trembling ones who ask whether the defense will
be possible, whether the advent of the useful will quickly accompany
the knowledge of the facts.
And the biologist, even before he pronounces on the nature of
the evil, may postulate a beautiful corollary which the last months
of war have made clear ; and that is, that one of the sad phenomena
of war is already conquered by the work of man. And while war
tetanus grows less and less every day, thanks to the prompt inter-
vention with serum in the wounded, we are present at this magnifi-
cent spectacle of thousands of wounded. men without the appearance
of a single case of tetanus.
The phrase, “wounds of war,” verily says little enough to the
biologist and to the bacteriologist, since a wound of war is, per se,
every lesion caused by gunshot and by cutting on the field of battle.
However, to wounds of war we may give, even if only abstractly,
a more restricted signification, and in accordance with the thought
assign it to soiled wounds, to continuous lesions determined by the
splinters of shrapnel.
Hence, wound of war in this more restricted and, if you like,
inappropriate sense, will mean a wound contaminated, infected.
The germs of the infection are varied in the different cases ; some-
times it may be a question — and these will be exceptional cases — of
the bacillus of tetanus; more frequently it will be the Bacillus
perfringens* to which belongs the function of determining gaseous
gangrene (or phlegmon) ; again another time it will be the bacillus
of malignant edema. And to this list should be added germs of
different species, from cocci to anaerobes; very recently these have
been described as truly less terrible for the wounds than those
already mentioned, but still they are always a menace to the benign
healing wound.
But actually the suppurations from pyogenic cocci, which are
disseminated in all the external world, and thus may at any in-
Continental synonym for B. aerogenes capsulatus. — Dorland.
370
Original Articles.
stant come in contact with the skin, and hence with the wounds
(indeed the part which belongs to the cocci including the pyogenic
ones in the flora which surrounds the wounds is considerable) are
much lesfe important and threatening than a botanical logic would
permit us to believe. Frequently, even in soiled wounds, sup-
purations are absent; and in any event the therapy practiced to-
day offers a very vast guarantee of holding back the process of sup-
puration.
JVfore important quite for the course of the wounds and for their
prognosis are the other germs mentioned.
There is no longer occasion for talking about the bacillus of
tetanus: its history, its relative frequency in the external world,
its activity when it arrives in the tissues, the conditions which main-
tain and accelerate its activity, are so well known and studied that
it is not worth our while to return to it. At the most, there re-
mains some uncertainty as to the diffusion in nature of the spores
of tetanus and as to the varying frequency with which these are
encountered and come in contact with possible wounds. But the
documents which we possess do not now permit the drawing of any
conclusion on the subject, even if there seems to be foundation for
the suspicion that in any given locality there may be a very special
frequency of the tetanigenic spores and consequently of wounds
followed by tetanus.
Another established fact is the part that belongs to the Bacillus
perfringens in gaseous gangrene. The strains of perfringens, as
described up to the present time, represent some unities identical
among themselves, with slight differences of form and of cultural
aspect, and this apparently may approve the concept that it by
itself does not in reality constitute the cultural strain.
Is the perfringens exclusively sufficient for determining gaseous
gangrene, or are other germs necessary? The abundant but frag-
mentary literature of the bacteriology of war does [994] not
render the response easy. The greatest part of the French authors
(the largest contribution to the study of perfringens emanates from
France) permit an affirmative belief; likewise, in the animals, the
most extensive anatomical lesions which suggest well the morbid
picture in man are obtained by employing solely the strain of per-
fringens.
And sometimes, on the other hand, the only finding observed in
the tissues of the gaseous phlegmon is consi ituted by the perfringens.
Bertarelli— The Wounds of War.
371
That in actual practice there are frequently observed niicrobic
associations in the wounds of war which proceed badly to recovery
is true, but one may not on this account exclude this fact, that the
perfringens by itself is capable of producing vast necroses.
With all this, we do not come to the point of saying that the
Bacillus perfringens is a definite pathogenic agent capable of pro-
ducing a typical lesion, as we say, for example, of the cocci of sup-
puration, although we know that suppurations are not always pro-
duced by the pyogenic cocci. It may happen most frequently that
the perfringens does not figure in the treatises as a pathogenic
germ, at least, not with the same right and the same measure in
which the Bacillus coli figures ; but, in fact, it may well be doubted
whether this arises from an erroneous estimate or from an almost
general forgetfulness, which the present findings of war will be
valuable in causing to disappear forever.
Again, it is difficult to succeed in the exact evaluation of the part
which the bacillus of malignant edema takes in gaseous gangrene.
First of all, it is doubtful, and a subject of controversy, whether
there exists a single species or a single strain of the bacillus of
malignant edema, or whether, on the contrary, there are several
varieties or strains. Two recent communications to the Societe de
Biologie (and also an unpleasant controversy over a question of
priority) would lead to the thought of the existence of various
strains, or at least of some subspecies of the bacillus of malignant
edema.
In the second place, it becomes truly difficult to evaluate in all
its scope the part which such a germ (whether this is traced back
to a single strain or whether divers subspecies should be grouped
around it) must take in the various forms of gaseous gangrene. In
some reports frequent symbioses are mentioned: on the contrary,
the experimental data of Sapeegnee lead us to think that by itself
the germ under discussion can produce extended gaseous necroses
with crepitant edemata. Certain it is that this whole chapter is
under revision to the degree that it has been possible to attain in
this enormous and cruel experiment that we call war.
The biologist arrives at the conclusion that the scholastic pictures
shown until yesterday as negatives of the infections do not suffice
to explain such wounds of war as attract our attention to-day at
every step; not only have some germs (by all I believe the per-
fringens) been taken into scanty consideration while they deserved
372
News and Comment.
so much of it, but also new pictures and extensions of old concep-
tions must be made in order to render fairly comprehensible the
pictures of the infections of war.
The documents are numerous from French and German sources :
as for us, we lack the time and the practical possibility for emu-
lating the others in this rivalry of knowledge, and, while bespeaking
good Italian contributions, it is not easy to think that these will
come forth abundantly. Certainly, to-morrow, on the basis of the
facts ascertained in these days, a paragraph of the infection of
wounds will necessarily be entirely rewritten.
NEWS AND COMMENT
Orleans Parish Medical Society Names Officers. — The
following have been nominated and endorsed for officers of the Or-
leans Parish Medical Society, who were voted upon on December
14, 1918: President, Dr. H. E. Bernadas; vice-presidents, Drs.
W. J. Durel, A. Eustis and T. J. Dimitry; secretary, Dr. Lucian
Landry; treasurer, Dr. F. M. Johns; librarian, Dr. H. E. Nelson;
additional members Board of Directors, Drs. P. J. Gelpi, F. R.
Gomila and W. H. Ivnolle.
Ouachita Parish Medical Society Meeting. — On December
27, 1918, the Ouachita Parish Medical Society held its annual
meeting in Monroe, La., and elected the following officers for the
ensuing year: President, Dr. J. Q. Graves; vice-president, Dr.
T. W. Wright; secretary-treasurer, Dr. F. C. Bennett; Dr. R. W.
Faulk, delegate to the next meeting of the State Medical Society
(Dr. R. W. O’Donnell, alternate). A banquet was served at Leon’s
after the close of the meeting.
Southern Surgeons Elect. — At the thirty-first annual meeting
of the Southern Surgical Association, held in Baltimore, December
18 to 20, the following officers were elected: President, Dr. J. E.
Thompson, Galveston, Texas ; vice-presidents, Dr. Charles R.
Robins, Richmond, Va., and George A. Hendon, Louisville, Ky. ;
secretary, Dr. Hubert A. Royster, Raleigh, N. C. (re-elected), and
treasurer, Dr. Guy L. Hunner, Baltimore (re-elected). New Or-
leans was selected as the next meeting-place.
7
News and Comment. 373
List of Physicians Engaged in Industrial Medicine. — Dr.
Francis G. Patterson, Chief, Division of Industrial Hygiene and
Engineering, Department of Labor and Industry, Harrisonburg,
Pa., is desirous of obtaining a complete list of all physicians en-
gaged in the practice of industrial medicine, in order that they may
attend the 1919 conferences of Industrial Physicians and Surgeons,
which conferences have been held semi-annually for several years.
The attendance is usually good at these conferences and a great
deal of valuable matter is presented in the discussions.
A Drug Epidemic in London. — According to a special cable
dispatch from London to the Hew York Sun some weeks ago, a
drug epidemic of the worst nature broke out in London, and the
existence of an organization disseminating this vice was unearthed.
Men as well as women, and many soldiers, were victims of the drug
craze.
Committee to Study Influenza. — After a long discussion, in
which opinion was about equally divided as to the value of certain
practical measures for the prevention of the spread of influenza,
the American Public Health Association, at its closing session in
Chicago, December 13, appointed a committee of five to consider
the question.
American Officers of Superior Intelligence. — The division
of psychology of the Medical Department of the Army reports that,
according to its tests, 83 per cent of the officers in the American
Army had the “superior intelligence” required for a commissioned
officer. Of the National Draft Army, less than 21/4z per cent were
found to be so deficient in intelligence that they were recommended
for discharge. To obtain these averages, tests of numbers of men
were made at every camp in the United States. Only half of one
per cent of 1,500,000, who were given the mental tests, were found
to be so deficient in intelligence that they were recommended for
discharge.
Spanish Edition of the Journal of the A. M. A. — The Amer-
ican Medical Association began in January the publication of a
Spanish edition of its journal. The problems of a closer relation-
ship between South American Republics and the United States
makes the establishment of this publication an important step
towards its solution. It is not expected that such an edition will
be self-supporting for several years.
374
News and Comment.
A Directory of Health Authorities. — The United States
Public Health Service has published a directory of State and in-
sular health authorities, giving the names and addresses of the
principal officials and the sums which are annually appropriated for
the expenditure of each particular board or organization. Copies
may be obtained by applying to the superintendent of public docu-
ments, Washington, D. C.
United States Hospitals to Be Continued. — Recent advices
from Washington indicate that the big United States Army hos-
pitals at Camp Greene, Asheville, Azalea and Waynesville, N. C.,
will each be continued for the care of overseas returning patients
for some time to come.
Venereal Subjects' Travel Restricted. — The Surgeon-Gen-
eral of the United States Public Health Service announces, under
an amendment to the interstate quarantine regulations, that persons
having venereal disease must obtain a permit in writing from the
local health officer before they will be permitted to engage in inter-
state travel. This permit must state that such travel is not dan-
gerous to the public health.
Medical Research. — The directors of the Fenger Memorial
Fund have set aside $500 for medical investigation. It is desired
that the work shall be of direct clinical bearing which may be car-
ried out in an established institution which will furnish the neces-
sary facilities and ordinary supplies free of cost. For full particu-
lars, write to Ludvig Hektoen, 637 South Wood street, Chicago.
Besides the Fenger Fund, Harvard University Medical School,
the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University,
and Johns Hopkins University have been benefited by the will of
James Raphael Lamar, who bequeaths his residuary estate, estimated
at $10,000,000, to the above medical institutions for medical re-
search into the cause of diseases and into the principles of correct
living, for the study and teaching of dietetics and of the effects of
different foods and diets on the human system, the results of which
study shall be disseminated among the people of the United States.
Meeting of National Science Society.— Representatives of
twenty associations of scientific experts from virtually every State
attended the meeting of the American Association for the Advance-
ment of Science at Johns Hopkins University on December 26,
News and Comment.
375
1918. The annual address was delivered by Dr. Theodore W. Rich-
ards, of Harvard University, the retiring president.
Influenza a World Plague. — According to a writer in the
London Times , 6,000,000 persons throughout the world perished
from influenza and pneumonia during the last several months. It
is estimated that the .war caused the death of 20,000,000 persons in
four and a half years, showing that influenza has been, proportion-
ately, almost four times deadlier than the war.
Anonymous Gift to Touro Infirmary. — The Touro Infirmary,
of Hew Orleans, recently received the gift of $25,000. The name
of the donor was withheld.
Presbyterian Hospital Graduates Nurses. — The graduating
exercises of the class of 1919 of the New Orleans Presbyterian Hos-
pital Training School for Nurses took place on January 14 in the
Corinne Casanas Building. A short program followed the presenta-
tion of diplomas, after which a reception was held for the nurses.
Removals. — Dr. W. H. Pope, Jr., from Trinity to 480 Lile street,
Beaumont, Texas.
Dr. J. E. Evans, from Eulton to 901-2 Yan Antwerp Building,
Mobile, Ala.
Dr. M. R. Cushman, from Baton Rouge to Prairieville, La.
Dr. H. R. Shands, from Jackson, Miss., to Colorado Springs, Col.
Dr. Willis W alley, to 212% West Capitol Street, Jackson, Miss.
Married. — On December 26, 1918, Dr. Frank Theo. Beatrous,
of New Orleans, to Miss Grace Phyllis Hayne, of Boyce, La.
On January 9, 1919, Dr. Charles J. Bloom, of New Orleans, to
Miss Gladys Marie Reiss, also of this city.
376
Booh Reviews and Notices .
BOOK REVIEWS AND NOTICES
All new publications sent to the JOURNAL will be appreciated and will invariably be
promptly acknowledged under the heading of “ Publications Received." IVhile
it will be the aim of the Journal to review as many of the worlds accepted as
possible, the editors will be guided by the space available and the merit of re-
spective publications. The acceptance of a boo\ p implies no obligation to review.
The Principles of Hygiene, by D. H. Bergey, A. M., Dr. P. H. Sixth
edition, thoroughly revised. W. B. Saunders Company, Philadel-
phia and London.
The continued demand for this work is an excellent argument for its
merit. With the new edition brought up to date by careful revision, its
popularity should continue. The large experience of the author as a
teacher has given added value to the work as a textbook. The chapters
on military hygiene are only too brief. Its importance should invite more
space to this field. DYER.
A Treatise on Clinical Medicine, by William Hanna Thomson, M. D.,
LL. D. Second edition, revised. W. B. Saunders Company, Phila-
delphia and London.
It is certain that the very practical character of this book will find
welcome among the practitioners of medicine, while the discursive method
discounts the usefulness as a textbook. The author, with large ex-
perience, has incorporated much of this. Unfortunately, where he lacks
experience, there is too much tendency to be dogmatic, and some times
to show real ignorance. For example: 11 There is no treatment for
leprosy, though injections of Calmette ’s antivenomous serum have been re-
ported as actually curing the disease.’ ’ One who may be familiar with a
disease will scan the pages of a new text for a more modern viewpoint,
and it is astonishing to have such a statement as the conclusion to the
article on leprosy. The reviewer, as the author of the use of Calmette’s
antivenomous serum in leprosy, obtained amelioration in these cases, but
discontinued the treatment as of less service than other remedies which
did cure. It is worth remarking that the successful use of chaulmoogra
oil at the Louisiana Leper Home and in the Philippines is too well known
to have been wholly ignored by any modern textbook.
This particular lapse . on the part of the. author mars an otherwise
serviceable book, but perhaps even this should not be taken too seriously,
when the same fault is common among writers in this country, where the
utilitarian features of contributions to medical literature often sacrifice
the need for exact or complete statement. DYER.
Clinical Diagnosis. A Manual of Laboratory Methods, by James Campbell
Todd, M. D., Professor of Pathology, University of Colorado.
W. B. Saunders Company, Philadelphia and London, 1918.
The author presents in this, the fourth edition of Clinical Diagnosis,
revised and reset, one of the very useful laboratory guides, both for
students and practitioners. The various laboratory methods are stated
clearly and concisely. Many of the newer tests are included, among them
Booh Reviews and Notices.
377
the use of colorimeters and of the pocket spectroscope and methods of
matching blood for transfusion, the fractional method of gastric analysis,
vital staining of blood corpuscles, the mastic reaction in the spinal fluid,
and many others. One chapter is devoted to serology.
The illustrations are descriptive, and there are four color plates new
in this edition.
The book is an excellent addition to any medical man’s library and
is certain to prove a most satisfactory guide for medical students.
ELIZABETH BASS.
Johnson’s Standard First Aid Manual, edited by Fred. B. Kilmer. John-
son & Johnson, New Brunswick, N. J.
This is the eighth revision of a simple, yet comprehensive, first aid
manual intended to convey in a serviceable shape the information needed
by those who wish to be posted in emergency or first aid treatment. The
editor has had the suggestions and assistance of many who labor in the
field of first aid. It is brought up to date, liberally illustrated and be-
comes a standard authority on first aid. C. C.
Diseases of the Heart and Blood Vessels, by Thomas E. Satterthwaite,
M. D. Lemcke & Buechner, New York City.
The first chapter emphasizes the importance of general methods of
diagnosis, including careful history-taking. The author seems to think
that works on diagnosis have not accorded sufficient notice to Sahli’s
band. He admits, however, that “its significance has not yet been estab-
lished. ’ ’ As to the Carrigan pulse, we are of the same opinion as the
author — i. e., that it has been overestimated ..as one of the most charac-
teristic signs of aortic insufficiency. ’ ’
Thayer is cited as finding, on 1 ‘ autopsical examination of twenty-eight
persons with aortic insufficiency uncomplicated by mitral stenosis in the
Johns Hopkins Hospital, that in fourteen there had been no Carrigan
pulse. ’ ’
The author is discouraged by the fact that the polygraph and the
electrocardiograph, along with the sphygmograph, are not of any great
help in the differential diagnosis of valvular diseases. As to the phono-
cardigraph, he remarks that it may eventually be an aid, but thus far
the tracings it has furnished have been disappointing.
In the paragraph on “Inorganic Murmurs,” a great variety of con-
ditions as to their causes are briefly summarized.
The importance of the venous pulse in furnishing information concern-
ing the character of cardiovascular movements is commented upon. The
terms “auricular flutter,” “auricular fibrillation,” and “ventricular
fibrillation ’ ’ are defined and explained.
Chapter II is on the “Venous Pulse.” Chapter IV treats of “Ar-
terial Blood Pressures. ’ ’ In regard to the sphygmomanometer, the
author remarks: “The difference between the readings of the best modern
instruments are usually so small that they are negligible, for the most
part, clinically.”
The most extensive chapter in the book is on the “Endocardio-
pathies, ” and the subject is well covered.
Chapter VI treats of 1 ‘ Cardiac Arythmias. ” “ Cardiac Syphilis ’ ’
forms the subject-matter of Chapter VIII.
Our own observation agrees with the author’s statement that acute
378
Publications Received.
aortitis is occasionally caused by tuberculosis, but much more often by
syphilis, both diseases having a special affinity for the arteries.
Under “Graves’ Disease,” several forms of treatment are cited, each
having its champion. Our own experience is that some cases respond
to one of the different plans of treatment, while again many cases are
not benefited in the least, but require surgical intervention.
Chapter XIV, “Circulatory Disorders and Epilepsy,” deserves care-
ful reading.
The author, in Chapter XV, has presented in brief but proper form
the best of our present-day views on the subject of “Internal Secretions.”
Chapters XVI, XVII, XVIII and XIX deal with “Congenital Affec-
tions, ” “Cardiac Neoplasms,” “Cardiac Parasites,” “Hygienic and
Dietetic Treatment,” respectively.
Chapter XX, “On Drug Therapy,” shows careful consideration and
proves that the author is not a therapeutic nihilist. We are pleased to
add our approval to the quotation from the writing of H. A. Hare, that
in “a certain number of cases of valvular disease the patient does not
require digitalis or any other cardiac stimulant for the relief of his
cardiac symptoms, but, on the other hand, in addition to rest, will often
be greatly benefited by the administration of aconite, which has the same
steadying effect upon the heart, through its influence on the heart
muscles in cases of excessive compensation, and it diminishes the over-
action of hypertrophy, which is sometimes confused with the tumultuous
overaction of ruptured compensation.”
The final chapter of the book deals with prognosis. It is generally
conceded that the prognosis in cardiovascular disease should be given
with caution, as there are many factors which must be considered. Be
humane, but also have reserve. We like this book. STORCK.
PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED
C.V. MOSBY COMPANY, St. Louis, 1918.
Physiology and Biochemistry in Modern Medicine, by J. J. R. Mac-
Leod, M. B., assisted by Roy G. Pearce, B. A., M. D.
Mental Diseases, by Walter Vose Gulick, M. D.
Information for the Tuberculous, by F. W. Wittich, A. M., M. D.
J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY, Philadelphia and London, 1918.
Equilibrium and Vertigo, by Isaac H. Jones, M. A., M. D., with an
analysis of pathologic cases, by Lewis Fisher, M. D.
P. BLAKISTON’S SON & CO., Philadelphia, 1918.
A Compend of Pharmacy, by F. E. Stewart, M. D., Ph. G., Phar. D.
Paper Work of the Medical Department of the United States Army,
by Ralph W. Webster,* M. D., Ph. D.
Massage and the Original Swedish Movements, by Kurre W. Ostrom.
Eighth edition, revised and enlarged.
A Compend of Genitc-Urinary Diseases and Syphilis, by Charles S.
Hirsch, M. D. Third edition, revised.
Publications Received .
379
YEAR BOOK PUBLISHERS, Chicago, 1918.
The Practical Medicine Series. Under the general editorial charge of
Charles L. Mix, A. M., M. D. Yolnme YI: Pharmacology and Thera-
peutics, edited by Bernard Fantus, M. S., M. D.; Preventive Medicine,
edited by Wm. A. Evans, M. S'., M. D., LL. D., D. P. H.
PAUL B. HOEBER, New York, 1918.
Compendium of Histo-Pathological Technic, by Emma T. Adler.
W. B. SAUNDERS COMPANY, Philadelphia and London, 1918.
Surgical Treatment. Yolumes 1, 2 and 3. By James Peter War-
basse, M. D.
WASHINGTON GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE, Washington, D. C.
Annual Report of the Surgeon-General of the Public Health Service
of the United States. For the fiscal year 1918.
Public Health Reports. Yolume 33, Nos. 48, 49, 50 and 51.
Susceptibility to Hay Fever and Its Relation to Heredity, Age and
Seasons, by Wm. Scheppegrell, M. D.
MISCELLANEOUS:
Transactions of the American Otological Society. Fifty-first annual
meeting. Yolume XIY. Part III.
Johnson’s First Aid Manual. Edited by Fred B. Kilmer. Eighth
edition, revised. (Published by Johnson & Johnson, New Brunswick, N. J.)
Fourth Annual Report of the Rockefeller Foundation. (International
Health Board, 61 Broadway, New York, 1918.)
REPRINTS.
Recent Developments in Infant Feeding, by Emile Berliner.
The Presence of Food Accessories in Urine, Bile and Saliva, by A. M.
Muckenfuss.
380
Mortuary Report.
MORTUARY REPORT OF NEW ORLEANS.
Computed from the Monthly Report of the Board of Health of the City
of New Orleans, for December, 1918.
CA USE.
£
*3
JJ
O
O
e
£
Typhoid Fever . __
1
1
Intermittent Fever (Malarial Cachexia)
Smallpox ___ _ . __ ..
Measles
Scarlet Fever _
Whooping Cough.
2
2
Diphtheria and Croup _
1
1
Influenza _ _
Cholera Nostras
132
35
167
Pyemia and Septicemia
Tuberculosis __ _
54
57
111
Cancer _ _ _
30
5
35
Rheumatism and (Gout
2
2
4
Diabetes __
4
4
Alcoholism
1
/ L
Encephalitis andMeningitis _____
1
1
2
Locomotor Ataxia _
1
1
Congestion, Hemorrhage and Softening of Brain
22
12
34
Paralysis _ _
1
6
7
Convulsions of Infancy _ _ ___
3
3
Other Diseases of In fancy
12
6
18
Teranus
Other Nervous Diseases _ __ __ _ _
4
1
5
Heart Diseases _
61
3rt
97
Bronchitis _
17
3
20
Pneumonia and Broncho- Pneumonia __ __
58
41
,99
Other Respiratory Diseases __
1
1
Ulcer of Stomach
1
Other Diseases of the Stomach
o
2
Diarrhea, Dysentery and Enteritis __
id
10
20
Hernia. Intestinal Obstruction _ _ _ _ __
Cirrhosis of Liver. _ . __
5
6
2
1
n
#
7
Other Diseases of the Liver
1
1
Simple Peritonitis
Appendicitis _ _ __
Bright’s Disease
3
30
1
13
4
43
Other Genito-Urinary Diseases _ _
10
12
22
Puerperal Diseases _ _
7
3
10
Senile Debi lity ... _ _
6
3
9
Suicide __
4
1
5
Injuries- __ __ _
29
11
40
All Other Causes _
24
18
42
Total __ __ _ _
545
281
826
Still-born Children — White, 25; colored, 20; total,
45.
Population of City (estimated) — White, 276,000; colored, 102,000;
total, 378,000.
Death Rate per 1000 per Annum for Month — White, 23.36; colored,
32.43; total, 25.81. Non-residents excluded, 22.72.
METEOROLOGIC SUMMARY (U. S. Weather Bureau).
Mean atmospheric pressure 30.12
Mean temperature 58
Total precipitation 8.46 inches
Prevailing direction of wind, northwest.
fw&51
wrote* snuara
mpnm tkh
UNITED STATE*
COVEKKMEWT
NEW ORLEANS MEDICAL
AND SURGICAL JOURNAL
EDITORS:
CHARLES CHASSAIGNAC, M. D. ISADORE DYER, M. D.
COLLABORATORS:
C. C. BASS, M. D., Prest., Amer. Soc. Tropical Medicine 1 „
S. K. SIMON, M. D., Acting Secty. American Soc. of Tropical Medicine J nx-Ufficie
P. T. TALBOT, M. D., Secretary Louisiana State Medical Society .Ex-Oflicio
RUPERT BLUE, M. D., Surgeon General, United States Public Health Service.
H. D. BRUNS, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
C. F. CRAIG, M. D., Col., U. S. A.
S. T. DARLING, M. D., Sao Paulo, Brazil.
W. H. DEADERICK, M. D., Hot Springs, Arkansas.
E. M. DUPAQUIER, M. D. (Paris), Tulane University of Louisiana.
A. G. FRIEDRICHS, M. D., New Orleans, La.
J. T. HALSEY, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
JOS. HOLT, M. D., New Orleans, La.
F. A. LARUE, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
E. S. LEWIS, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
R. C. LYNCH, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
E. D. MARTIN, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
R. MATAS, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
AUGUSTUS McSHANE, M. D,, Greenwood, Miss.
PAUL MICHINARD, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
C. J. MILLER, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
F. W. PARHAM, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
E. A. ROBIN, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
W. H. SEEMANN, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
ALLEN J. SMITH, M. D., University of Pennsylvania.
EDMOND SOUCHON, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
E. R. STITT, M. D„ Rear Admiral, U. S. N.
J. A. STORCK, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
R. P. STRONG, M. D. .Harvard University.
ROY M. VAN WART, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
Vol. LXXI MARCH, 1919 No. 9
EDITORIAL
THE CONTROL OF VENEREAL DISEASES.
The Surgeon General of the United States Public Health Service
has circularized the medical profession with an appeal for cooper-
ation on the fight against venereal diseases, and emphasis is laid
upon the expected increase incident to the discharge of the men in
military service.
The circular, among other things, declares that “Physicians have
a large share in the responsibility of protecting the nation in this
emergency by giving their best scientific attention to individual
venereal disease cases. * * * Each member of the medical pro-
fession should understand the seriousness of statements frequently
382
Editorial.
made that a majority of physicians refuse to treat venereal diseases,
and that many of those who do treat them are careless in their
methods of treatment.”
While this statement carries some accusation, it may be admitted
as worthy of attention and deserving of action accordingly.
It is all very well to summon the medical profession to meet
venereal diseases, and in doing so to arraign them for their short-
comings ; but is this the right way to overcome the difficulty ?
We are not forgetful of the rather general legislation within
the past year, which proposes to penalize the physician who does
not report venereal cases, and incident to the process there is pro-
vided a measurably difficult system, which entails rather exact care
on the part of the physician. To the conscientious man, engaged in
general practice and without equipment for the proper care of
venereal cases, the honest thing is for him to decline to^ treat such
cases; otherwise he would properly qualify among those who “are
careless in their methods of treatment.”
All medical men should he willing to help in eliminating venereal
diseases, but it cannot be the best way to invite all of them to treat
such cases. We are sure it will be acknowledged that the evils which
have accumulated upon the human race in consequence of venereal
diseases have been due more to inefficient treatment than to any-
thing else. How many men who are not specialists in venereal dis-
eases know how to treat syphilis ?
The trouble lies deeper. Hot only have, venereal diseases been
neglected, but the usual source of their origin has put the burden
of shame and secrecy so utterly upon such diseases that they are
often borne without treatment, through the humiliation entailed.
The neglect of such diseases among the lower classes, and among
negroes in particular, has provided a continual supply of new con-
tagium.
Within the past two years the free discussion of venereal diseases
in the daily press has occasioned reflection among many, to whom
such questions were closed. Eeforms have followed, stimulated
largely by the activities of the military authorities. With the re-
strictions and regulations relating to venereal diseases, the army
and navy have been able to treat all such cases, and with effectual
results.
In the meantime, the civic population has undergone a transition
from recognized and more or less restricted, even if not regulated.
Editorial.
383
to clandestine prostitution, with the attending evils certain. For
such, as jet, no provisions have been made, save the rather cum-
bersome regulations laid on physicians to report such cases of
venereal disease as may come in their practice.
The United States Public Health Service has very properly under-
taken this problem, and it is for them to find and establish a so-
lution, but we believe that a practicable plan should operate, and
we believe that the appeal to and arraignment of the profession is
not the practicable way. While it may be wise to engage the promise
of physicians to either treat or refer to qualified specialists or to
clinics such cases, it remains that there is not yet adequate pro-
vision at hospital clinics to care for such cases. Even where clinics
for venereal diseases are organized, they are chiefly for males and
are conducted in a rather mixed fashion. Females are often handled
in gynecological clinics, and usually inadequately.
Since the United States Public Health Service has taken an
initiative, it should go all the way, in promptly establishing proper
clinics, adequately equipped and efficiently conducted, for both males
and females. The United States Public Health Service might ar-
range for space in some of the existing hospitals, but, so long as it
is left to the existing hospital administration, in almost every
private hospital, large or small, there is more effort made to keep
venereal diseases out than to let them in.
Without in any way reflecting on the profession in general, it is
safe to say that, with the government operating hospitals and
clinics, and with free treatment, it will not be long before results
are evident. Meantime, it is the duty of the profession to promise
to do what it may be able, under the circumstances.
The question of prophylaxis should not be relegated entirely to
the background. The happy results from prophylactic treatment
obtained in the army and the navy suggest forcibly that the civic
population should be educated and encouraged to resort to it. This
is particularly so, as it interferes neither with propaganda in favor
of continence, the control of vice, nor with the arguments favoring
proper and adequate treatment.
As a legal gentleman, urging this viewpoint, said in illustration :
“It is like the honest, but adventurous man, and the gang of thugs.
The authorities should try to get rid of the thugs; the man should
be urged not to go where they congregate ; but, if he either must or
will go among them, for goodness’ sake urge him to take his gun
with him.”
ORIGINAL ARTICLES
(No paper published or to be published in any other medical journil will be accepted
for this department. All papers must be in the hands of the Editors on the tenth day of
the month preceding that in which they are expected to appear. Reprints may be had at
reasonable rates if a WRITTEN' order for the same accompany the paper.)
THE HISTOLOGICAL AND BACTERIOLOGICAL INVESTIGA-
TION OF A JUXTA-ARTICULAR NODULE
IN A LEPER.
By DONALD H. CURRIE,
Former Director, U. S. Leprosy Investigation Station,
AND
HARRY T. HOLLMAN,
Acting Director, U. S. Leprosy Investigation Station.
Literature.
A disease occurring in certain parts of the tropics, notably in
New Guinea, Java, Siam, Algiers, Senegambia, Madagascar, New
Caledonia and French Guinea, has been described by several authors
under the title of “Juxta- Articular Nodules.” The accounts of
these cases state that the lesions are subcutaneous, hard, painless,
round or irregularly-shaped nodules, usually located near one of
the joints, especially the ankles or knees.
MacGregor first described this condition in 1901 in New Guinea.
In 1904, Steiner reported the occurrence of similar cases among
the natives of Java.
In 1906, Jeanselme reported similar tumors among the natives
of Siam. This author stated that the microscopic examination of
these tumors showed that they were formed of three layers : a cen-
tral zone, composed of degenerated tissue ; an outer zone of inflam-
matory reaction, and an intermediate or transitional zone.
Gros, in 1907, reported on this, or a similar, condition among the
Algerian natives, after having observed some ten cases among 12,000
patients examined. He further reported that, histologically, these
lesions were of a structure similar to those reported by Jeanselme.
Neveux, in 1907, reported cases from Senegambia, and Fontoynont
and Carougeau, in 1908, from Madagascar. They drew attention to
the symmetrical occurrence of the nodules and stated that they usually
occurred on the extensor surfaces of the extremities and in the
neighborhood of joints, especially the superficially located joints,
Currie and Hollman — Juxta- Articular Nodule in a Leper. 385
such as the elbow. Fontoynont and Carougeau found that the tumors
were either fibrous or fibro-cartilaginous, with soft caseous centers,
and showing here and there small white granules consisting of
microscopical filaments and mycelium of a fungus. The latter they
named “Diseomyces carougeani ” They found that this fungus was
not pathogenic for monkeys, rabbits or guinea-pigs.
Leboeuf, in 1911, reported four cases of this disease in New
Caledonia.
Joyeau, in 1913, stated that similar tumors were observed among
the natives of French Guiana, although the microscopical picture
differed in some essential points from that given by previous re-
ports. In the experience of this author, these tumors consisted of
a ground substance of fibro-connective tissue containing inflamma-
tory foci, the latter being around the blood vessels. This observa-
tion is interesting, as the histology of the tumor which we shall
later describe corresponds to Joyeau’s rather than Jeanselme’s or
Carougeau’s description.
In 1913, Ouzillean described this condition.
In 1915, Breiul and Davis each made independent reports on
cases of this disease.
In 1916, McCoy and Hollmann described a case observed in
Hawaii.
Description of Case.
Patient, M. K. (1) : Hawaiian, male, age 46; married. Born
and spent most of his life in one of the small towns on the Island
of Molokai, outside of the leper settlement. During his early adult
life he wTas a fisherman in the part of Molokai referred to, but for
the last twelve years he has been employed as a road laborer in
Honolulu. His first symptoms of leprosy developed three years
ago, beginning with paralysis of the eyelid and right arm ; later
the fingers of the right hand became contracted. While his clinical
symptoms are such as to leave little doubt that lie is suffering from
the nerve type of leprosy, the bacillus of Hansen has not yet been
demonstrated.
As to the nodules — the condition which interests us here — both
are located on the left lower extremity (See Fig. 1*) : one just over
the outer maleolus and the other on the anterior aspect of the ankle
at a level with the first. The lesion located over the maleolus began
six years ago and is approximately one by one centimeter in area
*Not the case previously described by McCoy and Hollmann.
386
Original Articles.
and about one centimeter in elevation above the surrounding normal
skin. The second lesion began thirty-six years ago. At the end
of five years it had reached
the size of a pea, while
ten years from the time it
was first noticed it had at-
tained its present dimen-
sions (it being slightly
larger than the first
lesion) ; since then it has
remained stationary in
size. The tumor has never
been painful, and until
recent years it has not
, . . , Fig. 1 — Photo of Juxta- Articular Nodule in Leper.
caused the patient any
inconvenience, since, in the early part of his life, he went bare-
footed.
One of the two tumors was removed, under aseptic precautions,
and placed in a sterile Petri dish. Numerous scrapings were taken
from the surface of this tumor and carried to nutrient glycerin
agar slants in order to ascertain whether our technic in removing
the growth had prevented contamination of its surface. All of these
eontrol-agar tubes remained sterile. Under the most rigid asepsis
the tumor was cut into several bits, and two of these pieces were
placed on glycerin agar slants, with their cut surfaces in contact
with the surfaces of the media.
Although, as previously stated, the technic in handling this ma-
terial was, we believed, above question, and although the scrapings
from the surface of the material which were carried on agar pro-
duced no growth, the cut surface of the specimen produced a mold-
like growth, which be 8; an on the tissue itself and spread with diffi-
culty to the surrounding media, leaving no doubt in our minds
that it grew from within the tissue and was present in it at the
time it was removed from the patient. This mold, belonging to the
genus Aspergillus , at first occurred as a white, slowly-extending
carpet over the surface of the medium; later it assumed a dark
green hue, and finally turned violet in color. After one or two
generations it grew readily on all the ordinary laboratory agar media,
including the more ordinary sugar agars. It grew rapidly at in-
cubator temperature only, and did not grow at all below 56° Centi-
Currie and Hollman — Juxta- Articular Nodule in a Leper. 387
grade. The changes in appearance and color of the mold were
identical with that of Aspergillus fumigatus, as was its behavior in
regard to temperature, with the exception that, instead of changing
from a dark green to a snuff color at the time of maturity, it turned
to a dark violet, as mentioned above. We are unable to classify this
mold, except as to its genera. It differs from Aspergillus fumi-
gatus in apparently not being pathogenic to guinea-pigs, although
the inoculated animals are still under observation. In this respect
it resembles the fungus mentioned by Fontoynont and Carougeau,
but, as we have not at hand their description of the cultural
peculiarities of this microorganism, we are unable to say whether
it is identical or not.
Some of the tissue was placed in Orth’s fixing fluid, fixed, de-
hydrated, cleared in the usual manner, and embedded in paraffin.
These specimens were sectioned and stained by a number of methods
and the histology of the tumor was examined. We found that a
great mass of the tumor was composed of dense, fibro-connective
tissue. The structure was not, as some have described in their
cases*, arranged concentrically, nor was there observed either a cen-
tral or an outer zone of different make-up. There was no suspicion
of caseation in any part of the specimen, but scattered here and
there, in the most irregular manner, were numerous small arteries
and veins, with their walls greatly thickened, and surrounding each
of these small vessels there were irregularly-shaped areas, which
showed round-cell infiltration, as well as the presence of large
lymphoid cells and spindle cells in places where organization of
the connective tissue had begun to take place. A few other large
cells, suggestive of giant cells, were observed occurring in nests
containing several of these large cells surrounded by fibrils of con-
nective tissue. Neither acid-fast nor other bacteria were observed
in the specimen, with the possible exception that in the inflamma-
tory areas there were a few slender, branching fibers, which sug-
gested some of the higher fungi ; but on this point we could not be
certain. No mold spores were seen in the tissue.
Conclusions.
In examining the literature on this subject there appears to be
a condition met with in certain parts of the tropics in which fibro-
mata-like nodules occur; these nodules have the gross appearance
of molluscum fibrosum , but differ, clinically, in being confined to the
388
Original Articles.
neighborhood of joints, in being few in number and sessile. The
question is whether the descriptions refer to one or two entities —
whether the histology, as described by one author, of three zones,
including a central one showing caseation, and the histology de-
scribed by another author of a fibroma-like mass with inflammatory
foci around the blood vessels, is one and the same condition. If
there are two such entities, it wquld appear that the case described
by us is to be classed with the one described by Joyeau rather than
Jeanselme’ s type. On the other hand, we, like Fontoynont and
Carougeau, have grown a fungus from our specimen under con-
ditions that would seem to exclude the probability of its being an
accidental contamination. It might be pointed out, as having some
bearing on the subject, that, if our nodules are to be classed with
those of certain authors, it will destroy the theory of Davie (who
appears to believe that this condition is the “tertiary stage of
yaws”), because of the fact that yaws does not exist in the Hawaiian
Islands.
REFERENCES.
MacGregor (1897-1898). Annual Report of Papua, Sanitary, p. 34.
Steiner (1904). Ueber multiple subkutane harte fibrose Geschwulste bei den Malayen.
( Archiv . /. Schiffs und Tropenhygiene, VIII, p. 156.)
Jeanselme (1906). Des Nodosites juxta-articulaires observees sur les indigenes de la
presqu ’ile Indo-Chinoise. ( Archiv . f. Schiffs und Tropenhygiene, X, p. 5.)
Gros (1907). Nodosites juxta-articulaire de Jeanselme chez les indigenes musulmans
d’Algerie. ( Archiv . f. Schiffs und Tropenhygiene, XI, p. 552.)
Neuveux (1907). Le Narinde, fibromatose sous-cutanee des Toucouleurs du Boundou (Sen-
egal). ( Revue Med. et Hyg. Trop., IV, p. 183.)
Lebceuf (1907). Note sur Fexistence des nodosites juxta-articulaires. (Bull. Soc. Path.
Exct., VI, p. 711.)
Ouzillean (1913). Journal of London School of Tropical Medicine.
Breiul (1915). Annals of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Vol. IX, No. 2, p. 294.
Davie (1915). Annals of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Vol. IX, No. 3, p. 421.
McCoy and Hollmann (1916). The American Journal of Tropical Disease and Preventive
Medicine, February, 1916, Vol. Ill, No. 8, p. 458.
ANTITYPHOID SEROTHERAPY: PREPARATION OF
THE SERUM*
By A. RODET, Professeur de Microbiologie, University de Montpellier.
Translated for the New Orleans Medical and Surgical Journal
by Lodilla Ambrose, Ph. M., New Orleans.
[83] Having taken up, jointly with Chantemesse, the problem
of the serotherapy of typhoid fever, I have arrived, after much
groping, at results which to-day seem to me worthy of occupying
the attention of the Academy.
*Rodet, A. S6rothyrapie antityphoidique ; preparation du s6rum. Bull. Acad, de med-,
Paris, 1916, 3. s., Ixxvi, 83-85. [The pages of the original article are given in square
brackets.]
Rodet — Antityphoid S erotherapy — 8 erum.
389
The preparation of a serum which can be used as a remedy for
typhoid fever is a delicate thing. An experimental study of long
duration, pursued first by Lagriffoud, has convinced me that the
serum of an immunized animal may be endowed with a high degree
of specific properties with reference to the bacillus of Eberth, and
still be without therapeutic value, or even injurious. And I have
been led by degrees to group together a series of conditions — all
indispensable to the result sought — for the preparation and main-
tenance of the horses furnishing the serum. These are not simply
[84] the choice of the immunizing substance and the avenue of
introduction, which have a primary importance, but also various
details constituting, so to speak, the dosage of immunization.
The avenue of introduction adopted exclusively is that of intra-
venous injection.
As the immunizing substance, I reject the dead bacilli, and even
living bacilli cultivated on a solid media. I use cultures in bouillon,
made under conditions suited to insure a strong yield of dissolved
toxin. These cultures can be injected complete (living bacilli in-
cluded) ; by preference now, by a special procedure of filtration, I
take from them the greatest part of the bacilli. That which is im-
portant is the typhoid toxin present at the same time on (sur) the
bacilli and diffused in the surrounding liquid. The bacilli are useful
only as vectors of toxin — for me, identical with the dissolved toxin ;
as a complex compound they are useless and harmful; badly toler-
ated, they impede the immunization. My cultures, almost entirely
reduced to soluble principles, are sufficiently toxic to kill the guinea-
pig, on intravenous injection, in less than twenty-four hours with
a dose of about 2 c. c. (for a subject of 400 grams).
In a first phase of the preparation the horse receives in the veins
doses increasing progressively. After a certain optimum, realized
in four or five months with a relatively small quantity of immuniz-
ing substance, there is a disadvantage in prolonging the impregna-
tion of the subjects by ever-increasing quantities, or even by sus-
tained strong doses. Many times, under these conditions, I have
seen the tolerance of the animals give way, sometimes in a definitive
manner, and always the maintained progression of the doses of
bacilli has brought about, at a given moment, even in the absence of
intolerance, a reduction in the value of the serum. There is the
principal danger in the preparation of the antityphoid serum. I
avoid this danger by the following technic : After each bleeding the
390
Original Articles.
treatment is resumed with a reduced dose; the injections following
are in increasing doses, in such manner that the last of the series
of four to six injections may be at least equal to that of the pre-
ceding series. It is by this method, and by this alone, that I have
succeeded in causing the production in a horse, in a prolonged
fashion, of a serum of constant value, even with complete cultures ;
the cultures almost entirely reduced to soluble products obtain this
result more readily. The intervals between the injections ought to
be (except for the first phase) relatively long (fourteen to sixteen
days). The bleeding is done sixteen to seventeen days after the
last injection.
For the experimental control of the serum I forego the classic
test by injection of the bacillus of Eberth into the peritoneal cavity
of the guinea-pig as having no significance for the therapeutic value
of the serum. [85] I have recourse to a test much more severe.
The cultures (in bouillon, complete and living) are injected into
the veins of the guinea-pig ; the animal dies in less than twenty-four
hours by pure intoxication, without bacillar multiplication, and
with lesions which are the same, whether with the bacilli alone, the
complete liquid cultures or the filtered cultures. The serum, in-
jected preventively under the skin in the dose of 0 c. c. 2 or 0 c. e. 3,
ought to protect against a dose notably superior to the minimal
lethal dose injected into the veins. I proceed also by mixture ; mixed
in the culture in the proportions of ]4o> Ike serum protects the
animals against a more than lethal dose.
This test betrays an antitoxic (in the large sense of the word)
quality, which, considered in several samples of serum, is by no
means proportional to the agglutinative quality, nor even to the
anti-infectious quality. The value of the criterium which I have
adopted is plainly a result of the near relation between the results
furnished by this experimental test and the therapeutic effects on
man.
I have applied the same method to the preparation of an anti-
paratyphoid serum. This new serum behaves the same in the ex-
perimental test : it protects the guinea-pig against the toxic action
of the paratyphoid bacilli A and B injected into the veins — a toxic
action, moreover, identical with that of the typhoid bacillus.
Rodet — Antityphoid Serotherapy — Serum.
391
ANTITYPHOID SEROTHERAPY: APPLICATION.*
By A. RODET, Professeur de Microbiologie, Universite de Montpellier.
Translated for the New Orleans Medical and Surgical Journal
by Lodilla Ambrose, Ph. M., New Orleans.
[114] The serum which I prepare has been applied up to this
time to the treatment of 400 patients in a series of hospital services.
Among those who make the most use of it I will cite Redmond and
Ltienne, who have announced their results to the Academy and to
the Societe medicale des Hopitaux.
The influence of the serotherapy may he summarized in the fol-
lowing formula:
When the serum is administered soon enough (in the absence of
established complications), in sufficient doses and at suitable inter-
vals, in the great majority of cases it prevents the progress of the
intoxication, attenuates the toxic disturbances already existing,
initiates defervescence, and, finally, shortens the duration of the
disease.
In order to have its full effect, the serum ought to be given be-
fore the eleventh day of the febrile period. Later the useful effects
are far from being always nil, but they are inconstant and generally
less pronounced.
The treatment ought to begin by a relatively strong dose — 15 to
to 20 c. c. This dose may be repeated, but very often one may con-
tent himself with decreasing doses (10, 5). As a rule, three injec-
tions suffice, sometimes two; a fourth may be necessary. The in-
terval between the injections which seems the most suitable is forty-
eight hours.
The influence of the serum on the thermic curve sometimes be-
comes evident, beginning with the day following the first injection,
oftener [115] after thirty-six or forty-eigh’t hours; sometimes it is
delayed until the second injection, more rarely until the third. It
is the initial stage of the defervescence, which is then continued
according to the. different types.
In quite a large proportion of cases, when the serum intervenes
soon enough, the lowering of the temperature is rapid and regularly
progressive in such manner as to attain apyrexia in six to eight
days ; this “aborted” type, to use the expression of Ltienne, may be
observed even after a very severe onset. In other cases the de-
*Rodet, A. Serotherapie antityphoidique ; application. Bull Acad, de med., Paris,
1916, 3. s., lxxvi, 114-116. [The pages of the original article are given in square brackets.J
392
Original Articles.
fervescence lingers at an average thermic level inferior to that of
the onset, and generally then with amplified diurnal oscillations.
More rarerly, after a more or less marked lowering, the temperature
curve rises, then continues at that level. This type (the type “a
encoche” of Etienne) is seen specially in the cases of late treatment;
in its way it bears witness in favor of the serum, putting in evidence
a temporary specific action.
Paralleling the modifications of the thermic curve, the other
symptoms improve, more particularly those which betray the toxic
impregnation of the nervous system, the violent headache, the pros-
tration, the cardiac asthenia. Very frequently this improvement
precedes defervescence; sometimes the first effect of the serum is a
relative well-being, beginning with the first hours after the first
injection, and the following days one often observes a veritable
euphoria (even though the temperature lags in lowering), and the
disease progresses with a minimum of toxic disturbances.
The recrudescence and the relapses (rechutes) are not rare. Far
from constituting an argument against the serum, they plead rather
in favor of a specific action, either incomplete or insufficiently pro-
longed. The one and the other could without doubt he avoided or
combatted, either by a better regulation of the dosage according to
the case or by a repetition of the treatment.
The happy influence of the serum is evidenced definitively by an
abbreviation of the disease, at least when the treatment is under-
taken early enough. The difference in results, according to the
moment of application of the serum, gives clear evidence of its
efficacy. For a continuous series of 241 patients who recovered, I
have calculated on the one hand the average duration for the cases
treated early (before the eleventh day), with late treatment. One
hundred and sixty-seven patients treated early and 28 treated late
have had a regular evolution and have given, as an average of
duration in days, 23.7 for the first, 33 for the second, or a difference
of 9.3 days. On including the cases with relapses or recrudescence, '
the respective figures of the two categories are 26 and 33.85. On
adding, finally, some cases prolonged by various incidents, the aver-
ages become 27.7 and 34.3. There is then always a very noteworthy
difference of average duration in favor of the patients treated early.
[116] In order that the serum may have its complete effect it is
necessary that the typhoid infection should be free -from every sec-
ondary infection. The p^eexistence of advanced tubercular lesions,
Theard — The Proposed League of Nations.
393
a simultaneous or secondary infection (streptococcus, staphylo-
coccus, diphtheria bacillus, etc.) restricts its efficacy. I have reached
the conviction that, in the cases where the serum seems to have no
effect, mixed infections are to be suspected.
The efficacy of the serum is emphasized by the specific character
of its therapeutic action. It constitutes in a certain measure a
touchstone of diagnosis. The specificity goes to the point of dis-
tinguishing between the typhoid fevers properly called Eberthian
and the paratyphoid infections. In these last, the serum is accord-
ing to the cases of restricted or no efficacy. This is the reason why
I have recently prepared an antiparatyphoid serum.
THE PROPOSED LEAGUE OF NATIONS.*
By DE'LVAILLE H. THEARD, Esq., New Orleans.
In accepting your very kind invitation to address you on this
occasion I considered that it would be proper to present, as much
as lay within my power, some leading views on a subject which is
not only in the highest degree timely, but truly international in
concern and importance.
Certainly, the greatest question which is presented to the civilized
world to-day relates to the proposed League of Nations for the de*-
termination of international differences and the enforcement of
peace between nations. In my judgment, such a league will be
formed, and its organization and working basis will be definitely
decided and settled upon at the Peace Conference about to be held
at Versailles.
I do not propose in this short paper to discuss the different views
regarding the details of establishment and maintenance of such a
league or of such a tribunal, but merely to emphasize the necessity
and desirability of the plan and the soundness of it in principle.
Practically all nations of any importance have participated in
the recent struggle, and so, of necessity, all nations must take a
part in and be permanently affected by the result. Similarly, the
conflict has shaken the world to its very depths, and the only
adequate conclusion of this upheaval must be a result which will
permanently reestablish and guarantee that lasting peace which was
the common object of all the Allies.
*Annual Oration, read before the Orleans Parish Medical Society, January 13, 1919.
[Received for publication February 7, 1919. — Eds.]
39 4
Original ■ Articles.
My friends, unless we are willing to adopt the proposed league,,
and through the instrumentality of such a compact are willing to
create a trbiunal of some sort to prevent wars by the final and con-
clusive settlement and adjudication of international claims and
disputes, how can we secure any real benefit from the termination
of the recent struggle?
We need something more permanent, something more lasting,
something more concrete, than the indefinite promises and pledges
which hitherto have bound nations together in international law.
The only binding force which furnished a basis for mutual under-
standing and agreement between nations in the past was a moral
force, the binding sanction of the given word, the good faith of the
parties. In international law there has been until very recently no
theory of compulsion to force nations to abide by their covenants
and to observe their mutual promises. Further, nations have en-
tered into alliances which were dictated by their selfish purposes,
their desire for joint power — their desired protection against a
common foe — their wish for territorial aggrandizement. In the
past, international unions have been fostered by a keen diplomacy,
have existed because of the selfish interest of the parties con-
cerned— and have lasted only as long as they were agreeable to those
parties and served their respective selfish interests.
The first point which I would make to-night, therefore, is that
national agreements and treaties, when organized loosely as in the
past, have never been a permanent success and have never been last-
ing. The compacts binding together a few nations have been broken,
the treaties have been disregarded, their promises have been for-
gotten, whenever such action was expedient or desirable for any
purpose.
Do not think that I speak too harshly or that I exaggerate. We
have only recently witnessed the greatest disregard of treaty obliga-
tions and the perpetration of the greatest wrong and crime in the
history of international law. But the German offense against
civilization itself was, unfortunately, not a single or solitary event
in the world’s history. It was, on the other hand, only the cul-
minating event in a long series of international disturbances and
disasters. History is marred, almost on every page, by wars of con-
quest and filled with disturbing events based on unworthy and un-
just motives — generally motives of the most reprehensible, selfish
interest.
Theard — The Proposed League o'f Nations.
395
Therefore, may we not say, looking at history itself, that the ex-
isting order of things international has been a failure; that no ap-
preciable amount of good, and certainly no permanent peace, has
resulted from that existing order, and that there is need, or at least
some justifying excuse, in the present attempt to find some sub-
stitute or some binding plan and scheme to hold the nations to-
gether and in check, and in that manner to promote their respective
interests, purposes and development, and at the same time to further
and promote their common purposes, needs and safety ?
This is the purpose of the proposed League of Nations, now so
effectively championed by President Wilson.
Can we admit that the sacrifices all over the world during the
last four years have been made in vain ? Are we willing to say that
nothing permanent for peace and concord in the world shall result
from a cataclysm which certainly has proved to us, on the one hand,
the danger of permitting an irresponsible power to grow unchecked,
and, on the other hand, the benefit to be derived from concerted
international action towards peace and for freedom? Certainly,
we must be in favor of the adoption of that plan which will most
probably insure a lasting, permanent peace, as the only adequate
compensation for the cost and trials of the recent war.
Former President Taft, who as President of the League to En-
force Peace, has worked unceasingly and brilliantly for the organiza-
tion of a League of Nations, has pungently stated the present
problem and his suggestion for its solution :
1 1 After you have this treaty of peace, you can ’t interpret it unless
you have a court to do it with. You can’t establish all these govern-
ments and keep them going and get along without it, and stay in harmony,
unless, you have a congress of powers which can make new international
definitions, almost a complete codification of international law.
1 1 This Treaty of Paris is going to be worth nothing but the paper it
is written on unless you have a league to enforce peace upon one-half of
the world. Having done that, it is easy to take the final step by agreeing
among yourselves to abide by what you have imposed on others.
11 Gentlemen, the Lord has delivered the foes of a League of Nations
into our hands. You can’t escape it. Unless you have such a league your
war is a failure, your treaty is a failure, and your peace is a failure. ’ ’
For the formation of such a league, the beginnings are already to
be found in the Inter-Allied Missions organized for carrying on the
war. In the prospectus recently put forth by the new League of
Free Nations’ Association in this country reference is made to these
Inter-Allied Missions as furnishing in some respects the working
396
Original Articles.
model and practical basis for the organization of a League of
Nations.
‘ ‘ The administrative machinery of a workable internationalism al-
ready exists in rudimentary form. The international bodies that have
already been established by the Allied belligerents — who now number
over a score — to deal with their combined military resources, shipping and
transport, food, raw materials and finance, have been accorded immense
powers. Many of these activities, particularly those relating to the inter-
national control of raw material and shipping, will have to be continued
during the very considerable period of demobilization and reconstruction
which will follow the war. The problems of demobilization and civil re-
employment particularly will demand the efficient representation of labor
and liberal elements of the various States. With international com-
missions and exercising the same control over the economic resources of
the world, an international government with powerful sanction will in
fact exist.’ ’
Viscount Grey also advocates the Inter- Allied Missions as bases
for the formation and operation of a League of Nations, and General
Smuts, a member of the British War Board, speaking to the same
effect, says :
“We must feel that in the call to common humanity there are other
purposes besides the prevention of war for which a League of Nations is
a sheer, practical necessity. One of the first steps must be to create an
organization against hunger, and ration all the countries where disaster
threatens. The existing allied machinery, which is the nucleus of a League
of Nations, probably will undertake this task. In the period of recon-
struction after the war all countries, allied, neutral and enemy, will have
to be rationed for certain raw materials. Here again international ma-
chinery is necessary. We are thus making straight for a League of
Nations charged with the performance of these international functions.”
My friends, the world to-day is ripe for a League of Nations.
Never before has the attention of civilization been so fully directed
to the wrongs caused by the wanton disregard of so-called treaty
obligations. The German crime will always be a menace unless the
world readjusts the social and international order which made such
a crime possible. Therefore, it is particularly in the horror of recent
events and in the disaster of the last four years that we find the
quickened international spirit for justice and order from which has
sprung the desire and the hope for the League of Nations. It is in
those glorious impulses and ideals which have sprung from the late
war that we find the most potent incentive for a nations’ league.
There is to-day in the souls of men the burning desire for freedom
and democracy, and as never before men desire that this new order
shall extend over the whole world and that all mankind shall be
Theard — The Proposed League of Nations.
397
governed and protected in accordance with these beneficent prin-
ciples. Everywhere we find to-day an insistent demand for the pro-
tection and the uplift of the weak and the oppressed; the doctrine
of the mailed fist no longer exists; German kulture is a term of
derision and hate ; the present era is one of international benevolence
and international relations depending upon the brotherhood of man.
The war has served the mighty and glorious purpose of bringing
men together and of bringing nations together, and to-day men are
more ready and more anxious to make those sacrifices and those
concessions which must accompany every kind of union and every
kind of contract.
Of course, there is opposition, in every country, to the formation
of a League of Nations. That opposition is largely political, al-
though it springs certainly also in many cases from a sincere belief
that human nature even now is not sufficiently mellowed and suf-
ficiently softened for the confection of a binding international com-
pact and the establishment of a new international order. I fully
consider the inherent difficulties of the problem and the limitations
of human character, but I conceive that never before have nations
been so bound together by noble sentiments, unselfish interest and
exalted aims. And I therefore submit that, since we have at hand
this great basis for a beginning of relations and for a common under-
standing, it is proper at this time to promote a league which will
bind the nations together and obtain for the world, in a concrete
and effective form, those ideals of international justice and of
human freedom for which the Allies fought.
Nor, indeed, should the execution of the plan be attacked because
of practical difficulties, because of the vastness of the project or its
newness as an international working scheme and plan. In this day
and time we must not allow such considerations to prevent the adop-
tion of an idea, which is inherently worth-while, which is presented
for adoption under circumstances peculiarly favorable, and which, if
put to execution, must be of lasting benefit to all peoples.
Nor should we be intimidated or perplexed by the differences —
quite slight in themselves — which necessarily must arise between
the respective leaders regarding the details of even the substantial
points of the plan proposed. The greatness of the proposal, the
sound and careful consideration and study which it will receive, and
indeed which it is undergoing and has been undergoing for some
time already, must lead to a result which, though varying in detail,
398
Original Articles.
will certainly maintain and perpetuate the desirable ends of a per-
manent and lasting peace, depending on a binding agreement and
enforceable union between nations. Certainly, slight reflection will
convince us that the statesmen to whom is entrusted the realization
of this great program for the future peace of nations and the well-
being of the peoples of the earth will have as their paramount aim
the perfection of some plan to bring about permanent peace and to
destroy absolutely the bane of militarism. And, for the complete
realization of such a purpose, a League of Nations is required and,
in my judgment, a League of Nations will and should be formed.
From many in America comes particularly the objection, based
on our so-called national traditions, that we must avoid all en-
tangling alliances. But, my friends, is this really our policy, and,
if it is, have we not ourselves found and justified the shining ex-
ceptions which in our case prove the general rule ? I may grant to
you that Americans have maintained the integrity of their con-
tinent and have remained absolutely free from all alliances looking
to selfish purposes, especially to any increase of territory or the de-
sire to make common cause with some friendly power against some
unfriendly and less powerful nation. But there is no such scheme
in the league which we support, and, on the contrary, the League of
Nations is consonant with American principles and the ideals of
our Republic. When the peace of the world was imperiled we did
not allow our theories against entangling alliances or our theories
of aloofness to prevent us from doing our duty and from interfer-
ing. When the freedom of the seas was imperiled we did not hesi-
tate to protect ourselves and to take a positive and an aggressive
stand. When oppressed peoples needed protection we did our share,
whether in Belgium or in Cuba, and perhaps the sole criticism — and
that a grave one — was that we did not act soon enough. So, our
theories and precepts of territorial and international aloofness and
independence have never prevented us from participating in inter-
national issues of freedom and right, which concerned us because
they concerned the well-being of all other peoples. So this league,
this glorious ideal for a permanent peace and this grand union of
fellowship and cooperation of nations, concerns us because it con-
cerns the whole world, and particularly because its aims and pur-
poses, in freedom, in right and in justice, and for a permanent peace,
are precisely the purposes and ideals of our Republic and the very
reasons which justified our participation in the war.
Gelpi — President’s Address.
399
REPORT OF PRESIDENT OF ORLEANS PARISH MEDICAL
SOCIETY FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER, 1918*
PAUL J. GELPI, M. D., New Orleans.
The warring bugle, is now silent; the battle-cry is hushed; the
scenes of carnage have vanished, and at last the dove of peace has
alighted on the standards of the nations of the globe. Brutal force
has been overwhelmed, tyranny crushed and democracy rules
supreme. But, with the blessings of liberty glorified, comes the
stern realization of what the war has cost ; and to-day the whole world
is takiiig an inventory of the weary years of war. Never has the
universe been so convulsed; never has civilization or organized
effort been so sorely tried; never before has every field of human
endeavor been put to such a severe test as during the past years
of horror and sacrifice. But the victory is won, and the American
-eagle, with widespread wings, is soaring to the utmost heights of
freedom, bearing the message of democracy to the peoples of the
world; and America, strongly armed with justice, overflowing with
boundless generosity, unconquerable in her might and strength, and
effulgent with her halo of liberty, stands the brightest among the
gems of the crown of nations.
The Orleans Parish Medical Society did not escape the baneful
influence of the times, and its normal activities were seriously in-
terfered with. But if, from a scientific and organization stand-
point, the year has not been so fruitful, yet it had the unusual
opportunity of expressing its loyalty and lending its assistance in
the greatest work ever undertaken for the cause of humanity.
Although not directly engaged in war activities, the Society lost
no opportunity to assist and promote all patriotic movements. All
Liberty Loan, Bed Cross and War Savings drives were endorsed and
the membership was urged to help and contribute generously.
Besolutions were passed endorsing the Owen Bill and the efforts
of the Elks to erect a reconstruction hospital in New Orleans.
By special resolution, the services of the Society were offered to
the Draft Boards.
The Volunteer Medical Corps was endorsed and full cooperation
promised for the organization of the Louisiana Base Hospital ten-
dered to France to commemorate the Centennial of New Orleans.
An appeal by resolution was made to the Secretary of War to
*Read at the Annual Meeting of the Orleans Parish Medical Society, January 13, 1919.
[Received for publication February 11, 1919. — Eds.]
400
Original Articles.
expedite the mustering out of our medical men. Due acknowledg-
ment of this was made by the War Department, with the assurance
that the matter would receive early consideration. But the greatest
of all our contributions to the war was the quota furnished for
active military service. Ninety-six of our members, or over one-
quarter of our total membership, were enrolled in the medical service
of the army.
Owing to the influenza epidemic and other unavoidable causes,
our meetings were fewer. Eighteen regular meetings were held.
Although much difficulty was experienced in procuring papers for
our programs, some work of exceptional merit was presented to the
Society. Deserving of special mention are the Symposia of Crim-
inal Abortion and of Gall-Bladder Diseases. There was only one
special meeting devoted to consideration of the Volunteer Medical
Corps. For the first time in the history of the Society, a clinical
meeting was held in Touro Infirmary.
A wTord as to our financial condition. Conditions did not permit
the retiring of bonds, hut our finances show a healthy balance,
practically equal to that of last year. This is especially gratifying,
in view of the large number of our members in military service,
whose dues were remitted. This was offset in a great measure by
the Absent Members’ Fund. We take this opportunity of thanking
those who so generously responded to the appeal. It is a source of
pride to know that over two-thirds of our members contributed to
this fund.
We wish to extend to your Board of Directors our sincere thanks
for the diligence, interest and energy which they displayed in the
exercise of their function. Of the many questions submitted for
their consideration, we will only mention the more important ones.
The adjustment of our boild issue was perfected and all paid-up
coupons were cancelled.
The Louisiana State Medical Society was requested to suspend
the dues of absent members.
The Dental Society was invited to hold its session in our assembly
hall.
In recognition of valuable legal services rendered gratuitously,
the firm of Dart, Kernan & Dart was selected as legal advisers of
the Society.
Most important of all was the consolidation of the offices of the
Louisiana State Medical Society, Louisiana State Board of Medical
Gelpi — President’s Address.
401
Examiners and the Orleans Parish Medical Society. The object of
this arrangement was centralization, efficiency and economy. We
are pleased to state that the plan has worked admirably well and all
aims fully realized.
The Society was called upon on several occasions to express its
views on matters of public interest. Chief among these was the
question of the lengthening of school hours, and the Society availed
itself, for the first time, of the new form of voting on questions of
public policy. This vote was overwhelmingly against the proposition.
We feel that this was a step in the right direction. Both as repre-
sentatives of the medical profession and as public-spirited citizens
it is our duty to express ourselves on medical and health matters
of public interest when called upon to do so, and there is no doubt
in my mind that, as a body, we should be a great power for public
good if we would lend our efforts when occasion arises.
Our library possesses many valuable volumes, but has not been
sufficiently provided for in recent years. We would recommend that
some means be devised to replenish it and bring it up to date.
At the last session of the Legislature several measures of a
medical character were introduced. The bills that interested us
more particularly were those dealing with the physicians’ license
tax exemption, physicians’ yearly registration, and chiropraetice.
The passage of the first was dependent on the success of an admin-
istration revenue measure, in which was incorporated the revocation
of all vocational license taxes. Unfortunately, this bill was defeated,
and, having assured ourselves that a separate bill could not be
passed, the question was deferred to some future time. The second
measure was given support, because the very existence of the Board
of Medical Examiners was threatened. The expenses of this board
are not provided for by State appropriation, but are derived en-
tirely from examination fees. In the past few years, because of the
higher requirements of medical education, the number of applicants
have steadily decreased and the revenue has shrunk in proportion.
Therefore, if we want protection against illicit practitioners and
charlatans, it behooves us to give this our full cooperation and con-
form with its provisions.
It is with pleasure that we report the defeat of the Chiropractic
Bill.
The toll paid the Grim Reaper during the past year has been the
heaviest in our history. It is with deep regret and great sorrow
402
Original Articles.
that we record the deaths of our confreres and friends, Drs.
Brickell, DeMahy, De Boaldes, Gaudet, Groetsch, Laetrans,
Sam Logan, Holte, Herman Oechsner and Richards. They
were all men of true merit and attractive personality, and some had
attained great distinction. Their demise is a loss not only to the
medical profession, but also to the community at large.
The recent visitation of influenza, both on account of its severity
and its widespread prevalence, taxed the medical profession to the
limit. As the demand for medical aid could not he met, we appealed
to the specialists of the Society and established an Emergency
Bureau, in the care of our assistant secretary and assistant librarian.
We wish to commend the readiness and zeal displayed by those who
voluntarily relinquished their special practice during the height of
the epidemic. We are glad to state that the bureau rendered efficient
service and contributed in no small measure in providing assistance
for those who could not otherwise secure it.
Notwithstanding the unusual conditions prevailing, our member-
ship numbers 349 — a gain of four members over the previous year.
We have also on our rolls seventeen associate members, making a
grand total of 366.
It has been suggested that a demonstration should be held in
honor of our men when they return home. The idea is an excellent
one, but cannot be carried out for a long time to come. We believe
that some permanent mark of recognition should be given to their
patriotism, loyalty and sacrifice. We have a large panel in our as-
sembly hall which is absoultely bare. It offers a fitting place for
a tablet with the names of all those in active military service. We
earnestly recommend this for your favorable consideration.
We wish to report that a loving cup has been offered for the best
scientific paper read during the coming year. The selection of the
winner is to be made by the Scientific Essay Committee. This
should stimulate keen competition among the members and insure
most interesting and constructive scientific sessions.
We cannot close without expressing our appreciation of the ex-
cellent work of our clerical force. Our task was much facilitated
by their close attention and application.
The dawn of a new era is upon us. The world is about to be
rejuvenated in the spirit of democracy. The wheels of progress are
about to resume their motion and give a fresh impetus to all human
activities. The Orleans Parish Medical Society must have its share
Been- adas — Address of Incoming President.
403
in the advancement that is sure to follow. With its men returning
from the front flushed with victory, imbued with the spirit of co-
operation, brimful with the knowledge of new diseases brought on
by novel modes of warfare and armed with new healing methods
taught by actual experience, new life should be injected into its pro-
ceedings, and we prophecy for it one of the most successful years
in its history.
ADDRESS OF INCOMING PRESIDENT OF ORLEANS
PARISH MEDICAL SOCIETY.*
H. E. BERNADAS, M. D., New Orleans.
Mr. President, Honored Guests, Fellow Members:
In 1878 a group of medical men, pioneers, idealists — yes, even
practical men — organized a child which to-day is your parent — The
Orleans Parish Medical Society.
They were pioneers, because, with the spirit of the pioneer, they
delved into an unknown realm, the realm of medical organization.
They were idealists, because they foresaw, for the future, medical
men gathering together in concourse, both social and scientific.
I said they were practical men. They were practical men, because
they organized permanently — the evidence of the permanence is
before your. Forty-one years of association of medical men has put
before you the finished product of to-day — the Orleans Parish
Medical Society.
The spirit of the pioneer did not die with the organizers of the
Orleans Parish Medical Society, because that spirit courses to-day
through the veins of every one of you — not only the spirit of the
pioneer, but the spirit of self-sacrifice, which eventuated in our
permanence. But that this may not seem mere praise, I will recall
to your mind the promptness with which you came forth when this
organization stood in the twilight of “No-Man’s Land,” between
solvency and sanctuary on one side and insolvency and the loss of a
home on the other. You went deep into your purses and gave of
your own that the Society might live and retain its home. That is
not only pioneer spirit, but it is the spirit which lends permanence.
Not only are you pioneers, but you are loyal men. When a fellow-
member was in distress you organized a “Belief Fund” that the
*Read at the Annual Meeting of the Orleans Parish Medical Society, January 13, 1919.
[Received for publication February 11, 1919. — Eds.]
404
Original Articles.
wants of a fellow-member might not be felt by him or seen by the
public at large. That is an evidence of yonr wholeheartedness.
Your loyalty as a group is emphasized by the loyalty in the in-
dividual; one of our members proves this when he offers a loving
cup for the best paper delivered during the coming year. His pur-
pose is apparent to every one. A man who thinks so highly of his
Society that he is willing to go into his purse to make the standard
of papers the highest possible is certainly a criterion whom we
should emulate. Let us back up his efforts ; let us have a plethora
of papers and a rousing and enthusiastic attendance at each meet-
ing. This man is the right kind of a member; let us attempt to be
like him.
Sacrifices, Influenza, War. — During the past year you have
been called upon to make many sacrifices, due to untold labor far
beyond that expected of medical men ordinarily.
The cause of this has been, first, the prodigious amount of work
brought on by the epidemic; second, the great draft from our roll
called by government needs; and, third, I might add, death has
taken its toll from our members.
When death, like an artist strumming his harp, lets his fingers
wander, and mutes here and there a cord, making discord where
harmony reigned before, he takes toll not only from our member-
ship, but from the inspiring incentive engendered by the presence of
that member — the melody subdued.
Some of our best men have sacrificed their lives in the struggle
for the betterment of mankind, either in the service of the govern-
ment, to help subdue that hydra-headed monstrosity, kultur, that
peace and liberty might reign on earth, or fighting a foe more in-
sidious, and possibly as disastrous — the epidemic influenza. That
more of our members did not succumb to the latter, to my mind,
was due to good fortune, because every one of you have devoted your
waking and sleeping hours to subduing this disastrous disease and
have willingly exposed yourselves that others might be saved. Your
immunity was not the result of caution, but persisted in the face
of exposure brought on by your valor.
Special Meeting. — A group of men from the Orleans Parish
Medical Society have ordered me to call a special meeting as soon
as possible to discuss the influenza condition and to ascertain ways
and means of combating the present impending epidemic. I believe
the move is a good one, and I admire the wisdom of the men who
Beenadas — Address of Incoming President.
405
are calling this meeting. It is abont time that medical men 'should
have a say in the control of disease and epidemic in New Orleans.
When the October epidemic was at its height and it was deemed
necessary to call a conference to ascertain what would be the best
method of combating it a conference was called, but, strange to say,
the Orleans Parish Medical Society was not asked to attend.
Gentlemen, it seems a 'far cry in our days of advancement and
civilization that medical men are not called in conference to con-
trol disease, and my idea is that these men are correct, and they are
right when they decide that, if they are not called in conference,
they nevertheless should be heard, as disease can be controlled and
should be controlled by medical men. We should establish such a
precedent that, at any time in the future should such a condition
present itself again, the medical men would be the first men called,
and not the first men omitted.
Part of this condition may be attributable to the fact that we
have not been aggressive enough. We are a public institution; we
are not only an institution, but we are public-spirited. But our
organization is like the doctor — timid and hesitant. He knows he
has ability, but is always reluctant to thrust it forward where it is
not asked; whereas, as a public-spirited citizen, he should not only
offer it, but should see that his suggestions are carried out.
Therefore, I beg you, men, to stand shoulder to shoulder in as
large a mass as you can gather at this special meeting and make
yourselves heard. If you believe these men are right, side with
them with all your might and all the force of which I know you are
capable. If you believe they are wrong, attend in equally great
numbers, so that the standard of this institution may be established
once for all. Either we are a public institution or we are not. If
we are, then, gentlemen, let everybody know it. If we are to have
any weight in this community we must act as a body, because mass,
when started, acquires momentum, and momentum we need now.
Eemember that I am only your President. The institution is
yours — it will be what you make it; and again I say, risking the
fear of fatiguing you, that something must be done. I am with you,
for you, to do whatever you decide to do, but, when you do it, do it
boldly and in large numbers.
Conclusion. — You have conferred an honor upon me. The honor
is received with gratitude and with the feeling of humility and re-
sponsibility; because, in assuming this honor, I am assuming also
406
Louisiana State Medical Society Notes .
the task of following in the footsteps of very worthy men. 1 have
seen first one and then another relinquish his responsibilities with-
out a mar in the progressive life of this institution, and it is with
trepidation that I gaze upon the enormity of the task. These men
were able men, they were genial men; their ability and geniality
were never more manifest than when the hour was darkest and
chaos seemed most immediately impending. How skillfully they
steered the bark of this Association between Scylla and Charybdis
has always been a source of wonder to me, and the wonder now
seems greater when the same steering devolves upon me.
Therefore, before closing this address, I want to again pay tribute
to my predecessors and plsfce before them my sincere homage and
respect, as they are most undoubtedly deserved, and I am sure that
every member present joins me in extending them the thanks of
this organization and congratulations on their most felicitous career.
LOUISIANA STATE MEDICAL SOCIETY NOTES
Next Meeting at Shreveport, April 8/ 9, 10, 1919.
Dues are past due. Pay now, through your Parish Secretary or
direct to Secretary-Treasurer, Dr. E. W. Mahler, 141 Elk Place,
New Orleans, if parish is not organized, so as to be in good stand-
ing. Make your arrangements now so that you will attend the
meeting at Shreveport, April 8-10, 1919, where you will meet your
friends and confreres, who will relate their professional and per-
sonal experiences of the past year, which has been an unusual one
for the entire medical profession. Many new things have been
proven in the field and camp hospitals along the lines of treatment
and prevention of disease. You should be interested, as your future
practice depends on keeping abreast of the times.
Your officers and the Shreveport Medical Society are looking for-
ward to the largest meeting ever held, notwithstanding that many
members are still “in serviced’
The President, Dr. W. H. Knolle, has appointed the following
Chairmen of Sections of the Scientific Program :
Louisiana .State Medical Society Notes.
407
, “War Subjects” (Chairman to be announced later).
Dr. Frank Chalaron, New Orleans, 1 1 Genito-Urinary, Rectal and Skin
Diseases.”
Dr. Allan C. Eustis, New Orleans, “Medicine and (Therapeutics.”
Dr. Oscar Dowling, Louisiana State Board of Health, New Orleans,
1 1 Health and Sanitation, Bacteriology and Pathology. ’ ’
Dr. R. W. O’Donnell, Monroe, La., “Diseases of Children.”
Dr. R. M. Penick, Shreveport, La., “Surgery.”
Dr. T. H. Watkins, Lake Charles, La., “Gynecology.”
Dr. C. A. Weiss, Baton Rouge, La., “Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat.”
Communicate with the above chairmen at once if you wish to take
part in the scientific program, as the number of papers are limited.
All members are urged to present papers on subjects of interest and
to discuss freely the papers read.
The chief topics during the past year relate to the war. Dr. P. T.
Talbot, Secretary-Treasurer, left with Hospital Unit No. 102 for
Italy. The Executive Committee of the Society elected Dr. E. W.
Mahler, Secretary-Treasurer. The committee also granted the
President, Dr. W. H. Ivnolle, power to expend moneys to aid the
government in any manner the organization could. A War Com-
mittee, composed of the Councillors of the Society and the Secretary-
Treasurer, was appointed by the President. This committee de-
sires to supply and receive any information relative to the medical
profession of the State and the war. Their chief function was to
assist the government by facilitating enlistments of the necessary
physicians.
At the last session of the Legislature the medical law was
amended in many ways, one of the new provisions requiring annual
registration with the State Board of Medical Examiners before
January 1. This will give an accurate list of physicians and their
location and facilitate the enforcement of the law by providing
revenues. The published list will be sent to every physician and
other interested parties, and will be the official list of the State, as
only those registered will be legally qualified to practice in this
State.
A bill was introduced in the State Legislature by Senator A.
Provosty, and championed by Mr. Amos Ponder, granting a board
to a new medical cult known as chiropractors. This bill required
no educational standards, and graduates of their correspondence
schools and any uneducated individual was allowed one year to
qualify for licensure to diagnose and treat human ailments without
408
Parish Society Notes.
the supposed examination called for in the bill. After passing the
Senate, the bill was killed in the House. It is necessary for every
licensed practitioner and every thinking citizen to inform his Repre-
senative and Senator before they leave for Baton Rouge that such
legislation is dangerous to the public health and welfare, and for
this reason alone the medical profession is opposed to the legaliza-
tion of any individual who asserts that all diseased or disordered
function is due to subluxation of the spinal vertebrae and that the
only treatment necessary (prophylactic or curative) is to reduce
this supposed subluxation.
A bill creating a board to license optometrists was enacted, with
the proviso that they shall not practice medicine or possess any drug,
eye-lotion, salve, etc., in their establishment, which will be a cause
for revocation of license and subject them to prosecution for
violating the medical law. They are limited strictly to mechanical
appliances.
Come to Shreveport April 8-10, 1919, for the annual meeting and
mingle with your fellows. It will give you a broader vision, pro-
fessionally and otherwise.
PARISH SOCIETY NOTES.
The St. Tammany Parish Medical Society, at its regular
meeting, held February 12, 1919, elected the following officers for
the year 1919: Dr. R. B. Paine, Mandeville, president; Dr. N. M.
Hebert, Covington, vice-president; Dr. A. 0. Maylie, Mandeville,
secretary-treasurer; Dr. A. G. Maylie, Mandeville, delegate to the
State Medical Society ; Dr. H. D. Bulloch, Covington, alternate.
The Society adopted a strong and unanimous protest against the
collection of the $2 registration fee by the Louisiana State Board
of Medical Examiners, declaring same to be unfair, unjust and pre-
posterous, and instructed the delegate to bring the matter to the
attention to the Louisiana State Medical Society at its next meeting.
It is with pardonable pride that I report the Society ki a flourish-
ing condition, numerically, financially, socially and scientifically
(meaning keeping abreast of progressive medicine). With best
wishes for the Journal and expressions of personal esteem for its
editors. Respectfully, A. G. Maylie, M. D.,
Secretary -Treasurer, St. Tammany Parish Medical Society,
Covington, La.
News and Comment.
409
NEWS AND COMMENT
Congress of Medical Education and Licensure. — The an-
nual Congress on Medical Education and Licensure, participated
in by the Council on Medical Education of the American Medical
Association, the Federation of State Medical Boards of the United
States and the Association of American Medical Colleges, will be
held at the LaSalle Hotel, Chicago, March 3 and 4, 1919.
Examinations for Medical and Dental Interns. — The
United States Civil Service Commission announces open competi-
tive examinations for medical and dental interns, on March 12,
April 9, and May 7, 1919, to till vacancies in St. Elizabeth’s Hos-
pital, Washington, D. C. The examination for the medical intern
is open to men only, and for the dental intern to men and women.
The salaries are $900 a year for the former and $600 for the latter,
with maintenance for both. The examinations will take place in
the various cities throughout the United States. For further in-
formation apply for form 1312, stating the title of the examination
desired, to the Civil Service Commission, Washington, D. C.
National Health Tournament. — On February 9, 1919, a
“National Tournament in Health Knighthood,” conducted for the
school children of America, was begun. The tournament is to cover
fifteen consecutive weeks of the school year among classes of un-
graded schools, and the contest will be for credits on a “Record of
Health Chores” according to the rules and conditions established,
information concerning which may be had from the State anti-
tuberculosis associations or health associations of each State.
New Publications on Cancer. — A special committee appointed
by the Board of Directors of the American Control of Cancer has
recently issued a new pamphlet on cancer for distribution to the
medical profession. The pamphlet is issued in cooperation with the
American Medical Association. A new edition of the American Red
Cross textbook on “Home Hygiene and Care of the Sick” has been
issued, which contains a chapter dealing with cancer, enumerating
early signs of cancer and precursors of cancer, together with a warn-
ing to have such conditions given early and competent attention.
Tuberculosis Following Influenza. — The United States
Public Health Service is sending out a warning to the public
410
News and Comment.
against tuberculosis following influenza. Spain and England have
reported an increase in tuberculosis after the influenza epidemic
over there.
American Proctologic Society. — In order to avoid interfer-
ence with the meetings of the American Medical Association, the
American Proctologic Society has decided to hold its twentieth an-
nual meeting on June 7 and 9, instead of the 9th and 10th, as
originally announced, at Hotel Chalfonte, Atlantic City. N. J.
National Tuberculosis Association. — The fifteenth annual
meeting of this association will be held in Atlantic City, N. J., on
June 12, 13 and 14, under the presidency of Dr. David R. Lyman,
of Wallingford, Conn.
Psychological Examination for College Entrance. — A new
system of entrance examination, wdiich is intended to determine the
mental capacity of the respective student rather than his scholastic
training, has been decided upon by the faculty of Columbia Col-
lege. The applicants’ fitness is to be determined upon by their
school record, their character, their health record and their mental
capacity as determined by a series of psychological tests similar to
those applied, to applicants for admission to the Students’ Army
Training Corps. In this way it is hoped to exclude students who
are mentally unfit.
Congress Will Probe Hospital Charges. — Statements by
■soldiers, alleging brutal and inhuman treatment at various hos-
pitals of the country, have recently been given considerable news-
paper publicity and are to be the subject of investigation by Con-
gress. A committee of seven members of the House, with powers
of court to compel attendance of witnesses and the production of
papers, has been proposed as the only means of getting at the truth
or falsity of the charges. A resolution providing for such an in-
vestigation was introduced into the House and referred to the Rules
Committee.
Polyclinic Hospital Offered to Columbia University. —
The New York Polyclinic Hospital, by unanimous vote, has offered
to transfer the property of that institution to Columbia University,
with the provision that it be maintained and perpetuated for the
public service and for advanced research in medicine and surgery.
News and Comment.
411
Resolutions have been adopted by Columbia University receiving
with grateful appreciation the proposal and appointing a subcom-
mittee to arrange the detailed terms and conditions of accepting
the proposed gift. The university will not be able to use the hos-
pital for some time to c-ome, as it is now in possession of the govern-
ment and is conducted as a military hospital.
American Congress of Internal Medicine. — At the annual
meeting of the American Congress of Internal Medicine, held in
Yew York, December 30, the following officers were, selected to
serve for the ensuing year: President, Dr. Grlentworth E. Butler,
Brooklyn; first vice-president, Dr. Frederick Tice, Chicago; second
vice-president, Dr. Clement R. Jones, Pittsburg; treasurer, Dr.
Augustus Caille, Yew Orleans; secretary-general, Dr. Frank
Smithies, Chicago; associate secretary-general. Dr. Joseph H.
Byrne, Yew York.
Loss or Nurses Through Influenza. — According to figures
made public by the Red Gross headquarters at Washington, more
than 200 American Red Cross nurses have died of influenza con-
tracted while ministering to soldiers stricken with the disease. It
is also reported that there are returning to America many Yew
York Red Crsos nurses who have contracted tuberculosis at the front
and whose condition demands immediate treatment.
Pneumonia in the United States. — The Public Health Service
in Washington reports from the health authorities of forty-six of
the largest cities of the United States a total of 49,265 deaths from
pneumonia occurred in these cities from September 14, 1918, to
January 25, 1919. Of this number, 6,865 occurred during the
month of January and 6,579 during December. The total deaths
'from pneumonia in Yew York City during this period numbered
13,795; 1,342' during December and 2,193 during January.
Personals. — Dr. William H. Welch, Baltimore, was elected a
member of the Yational Board of Medical Examiners at its last
meeting, to succeed Dr. Henry Sewell, of Denver, resigned.
Dr. C. S. Holbrook, for the last five years connected with the
East Louisiana Hospital for the Insane at Jackson, will remove to
Yew Orleans in March to engage in practice limited to mental and
nervous diseases.
412
News and Comment.
Dr. C. L. Mengis, in charge of the Base Hospital at Porto Rico,
with the rank of major when he received his discharge from the
service, has located in Monroe.
Among the doctors of Hew Orleans who have been in active
service and who have recently arrived home are : Drs. A. J. Babin,
E. F. Bacon, S. M. Blackshear, Emile Bloch, Sidney F. Brand,
S. M. D. Clark, J. A. Devron, Simon Geismar, J. B. Harney,
William M. Hayes, Earl A. Hogan, David Hyman, E. S. Keitz,
A. L. Levin, Abraham Mattes, Hilliard E. Miller, C. E. Yerdier,
R. M. Van Wart, G. H. Hpton, G. J. Taqnino, A. L. Whitmire,
G. F. Roeling, J. J. Ryan, E. S. Scharff, W. H. Seemann, C. Y.
Yignes, J. T. Halsey, L. A. Ledoux, Wm. M. Johnson, R. E.
Bordet, J. T. Hix.
Dr. Adolph Henriqnes (Hew Orleans) announces the association
of Drs. Leon J. Menville and William J. Devlin with him in
Roentgenology.
Removals.— The office of the secretary of the Hational Board of
Medical Examiners has been removed from 310 Real Estate Trust
Building to 1310-1311 Medical Arts Building, northwest corner
Sixteenth and Walnut streets, Philadelphia.
Dr. T. C. Oliver, from Keiser, Ark., to Leland, Miss.
Dr. Percy L. Querens, from Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis,. Mo.,
to Base Hospital, Camp Taylor, Louisville, Ivy.
Married. — On January 1, 1919, Dr. Charles Wesley Barrier, Jr.,
to Miss Leonora Mayberry, of Franklin, Tenn. Dr. and Mrs. Bar-
rier will reside in Lake Bluff, 111. Dr. Barrier is a graduate of
Tulane, Class 1916.
Book Reviews and Notices.
413
BOOK REVIEWS AND NOTICES
• All new publications sent to the Journal will be appreciated and will invariably) be
promptly; acknowledged under the heading of “ Publications Received While
it will be the aim of the Journal to review as many) of the worlds accepted as
possible , the editors will be guided by) the space available and the merit of re-
spective publications. The acceptance of a boofy implies no obligation to review.
Anatomy of the Human Body, by Henry Gray, F. R. S. Lea & Febiger,
Philadelphia and New York, 1918.
Sixty years a text-book preferred in the countries in which is used
the language of its author is probably a unique record and, of course,
could scarcely be true of any medical book save one on anatomy.
While this is the twentieth edition of the famous work, and many
advances have been made in microscopic and embryonic anatomy, the
main text remains much the same, the plan originally formulated has
been continued, and many of the original illustrations are still used.
It is still the Gray ’s Anatomy with which we became acquainted forty
years ago, though there are more illustrations, and these illustrations are
more colored than in the old days. Yet, it must be understood, it is
brought up to date, and new matter has been added by the editor, Dr.
Warren Lewis, wherever additional knowledge has been gained. It is
like an old friend having perpetual access to the fountain of youth.
C. C.
Emergencies of a General Practice, by Nathan Clark Morse, A. B., M. D.,
F. A. C. S. C. A. Mosby Company, St. Louis.
The field covered by this treatise is so extensive that many of the
subjects in the text are treated in such an abridged manner as to de-
tract somewhat from the value of the work. Nevertheless, the young
practitioner who has not had the advantage of an internship in a large
hospital will find much that is helpful in this book. This would also
apply to the practitioner in small towns or rural communities whose ex-
perience has not covered a great variety of cases. STORCK.
The Roentgen Diagnosis of the Diseases of the Alimentary Canal, by
Russell D. Carman, M. D., in conjunction with Albert Miller, M. D.
W. B. Saunders Company, Philadelphia.
As these two authors are well known and their capabilities duly recog-
nized, their introduction to the medical profession is already complete.
These two able men have presented the American medical profession with
an excellent book," which is in line with the best modern practices. The
504 original illustrations are superb.
The practitioner who wishes to keep in close touch with the best work
in Rceentgenology by Americans in relation to the alimentary canal will
do well to consult this book frequently. As to the role of Rceentgenology
in the examination of the digestive tract, we can well say, with the
authors, that it has afforded us “efficient and practicable aid in gastro-
intestinal diagnosis. ’ ' STORCK.
414
Publications Received.
PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED
P. BLAKISTON'S SON & CO., Philadelphia, 1919.
Surgery in War, by Alfred J. Hull, with a preface by Lieut.-Gen.
T. H. J. C. Goodwin, C. B., C. M. G., D. S. O. Second edition.
W. B. SAUNDERS COMPANY, Philadelphia and London, 1919
The Medical Clinics of North America, September, 1918.
The Surgical Clinics of Chicago. December, 1918, Vol. 2, No. 6. Index
number.
WILLIAM WOOD & CO., New York, 1919.
Text-Book of Chemistry, by R. A. Witthaus, A. M., M. D. Seventh
revised edition, by R. J. E. Scott, M. A., B. C. L., M. D.
A Practical Medical Dictionary, by Thomas Lathrop Stedman, A. M.,
M. D. Fifth revised edition.
THE MACMILLAN COMPANY, New York, 1919.
The Disabled Soldier, by Douglas C. McMurtrie. With an introduc-
tion by Jeremiah Milbank.
THE YEAR BOOK PUBLISHERS, Chicago, 1918.
The Practical Medicine Series. Under the general editorial charge of
Charles L. Mix, A. M., M. D. Volume VII: Skin and Venereal Diseases,
edited by Oliver S. Ormsby, M. D., and James Herbert Mitchell, M. D.
Series 1918. Vol. VIII: Nervous and Mental Diseases, edited by Peter
Bassoe, M. D. Series 1918.
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE, Washington, D. C., 1919.
Public Health Reports. Vol. 34, Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Health Almanac for 1919. Compiled by R. C. Williams, Assistant Sur-
geon, U. S'. P. H. Service.
United States Naval Medical Bulletin. January, 1919 (quarterly).
Keeping Fit. V. D. Bulletin No. 1.
Report of the Provost Marshal General, to the Secretary of War.
MISCELLANEOUS:
Representation in Industry, by John D. Rockefeller, Jr.
A Great National Service, by John B. Lunger, vice-president, Associa-
tion of Life Insurance Presidents, New York City.
Proceedings of the Twelfth Annual Meeting of the Association of
Life Insurance Presidents. New York, N. Y.
Japanese Medical Literature. (Reprinted from the China Medical
Journal, Shanghai, China.)
Almanac Louisiana State Board of Health, 1919. (Published by the
Louisiana State Board of Health, New Orleans, La.)
United Fruit Company Medical Department. Annual Report, 1918.
(Geo. H. Ellis Company, Boston, Mass.)
Autobiography of an Androgyne, by Earl Lind. (The New York
Medico-Legal Journal, 1918.)
Publications Received.
415
REPRINTS.
The Yellow-Flowered Cypripediums ; The Trillium Grandiflorum Group;
Notes on the Michigan Flora; Brazilian Jalap and Some Allied Drugs, by
Oliver Atkins Farwell.
Never Again (Perhaps). A Plea for Universal Service, by G. Frank
Lydston, M. D.
Paramycetoma; the Classification of the Mycetomas; a Sudanese Strep-
tococcal Dermatitis, by Albert J. Chalmers, M. D., F. R. C. S., D. P. H.,
and Major R. G. Archibald, M. B., D. S. O., R. A. M. C.
Enteromonas Hominis and Protetramitus Testudinis, by Albert J.
Chalmers, M. D., F. R. C. S., D. P. H., and Waino Pekkola.
The So-called Epidemic of Influenza, by Albert J. Croft, M. D.
NOTICE!
Income tax returns must be filed on or before March 15. Every single
person in the United States whose net income for 1918 was $1,000 or over,
and every married person whose net income was $2,000 or over, must file
same with the Collector of Internal Revenue for his district.
Heavy penalties, ranging from $1,000 up, are provided for failure to
file a return on time.
416
Mortuary Report.
MORTUARY REPORT OF NEW ORLEANS.
Computed from the Monthly Report of the Board of Health of the City
of New Orleans, for January, 1919.
CA USE.
White.
Colored.
Total.
Typhoid Fever _
1
1
2
Intermittent Fever (Malarial Cachexia)
Smallpox _
Measles __ ___ _
Scarlet Fever __ __ _ _
Whooping Cough.
Diphtheria and Croup
Influenza __
405
118
523
Cholera Nostras _
1
1
Pyemia and Septicemia __ _ __ __ _
1
l
2
Tuberculosis _
63
45
108
Cancer _ _ _
28
6
34
Rheumatism and Gout __ _
2
2
Diabetes __
3
1
4
Alcoholism _ __ _
1
1
Encephalitis andMeningitis _ _ _ _
4
1
5
Locomotor Ataxia
2
<2
Congestion, Hemorrhage and Softening of Brain __
27
9
36
Paralysis' _ _
11
11
Convulsions of Infancy
1
1
Other Diseases of Infancy.. .
20
10
30
Tetanus
1
1
Other Nervous Diseases
5
5
Heart Diseases _
93
33
126
Bronchitis
6
4
10
Pneumonia and Broncho-Pneumonia _
133
63
196
Other Respiratory Diseases __
Ulcer of Stomach _
o
2
Other Diseases of the Stomach _
1
1
2
Diarrhea, Dysentery and Enteritis
9
4
13
Hernia, Intestinal Obstruction .
2
2
4
Cirrhosis of Liver ... .
4
1
5
Other Diseases of the Liver _ _ __ _
3
1
4
Simple Peritonitis __
Appendicitis _ .
4
4
Bright’s Disease.
40
19
59
Other Genito-Urinary Diseases _ _
1 4
4
18
Puerperal Diseases _
7
3
10
Senile Debility ...
5
5
10
Suicide __
2
1
3
Injuries _
21
18
39
All Other Causes _
30
26
56
Total . ... _ ...
950
379
1329
Still-born Children — White, 29; colored, 14; total, 43.
Population of City (estimated) — White, 283,000; colored, 106,000;
total, 389,000.
Death Rate per 1000 per Annum for Month — White, 40.28; colored,
42.91; total, 41. Non-residents excluded, 36.59.
METEOROLOGIC SUMMARY (U. S. Weather Bureau).
Mean atmospheric pressure 30.16
Mean temperature 51
Total preciptation 8.03 inches
Prevailing direction of wind, north.
tW£&
VNITD STATIC
wniww
NEW ORLEANS MEDICAL
AND SURGICAL JOURNAL
EDITORS:
CHARLES CHASSAIGNAC, M. D. ISADORE DYER, M. D.
COLLABORATORS s
C. C. BASS, M. D., Prest., Amer. Soc. Tropical Medicine \
S. K. SIMON, M. D., Acting Secty. American Soc. of Tropical Medicine j '
P. T. TALBOT, M. D., Secretary Louisiana State Medical Society Ex-Officio
RUPERT BLUE, M. D., Surgeon General, United States Public Health Service.
H. D. BRUNS, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
C. F. CRAIG, M. D., Col., U. S. A.
S. T. DARLING, M. D., Sao Paulo, Brazil.
W. H. DEADERICK, M. D., Hot Springs, Arkansas.
E. M. DUPAQUIER, M. D. (Paris), Tulane University of Louisiana.
A. G. FRIEDRICHS, M. D., New Orleans, La.
J. T. HALSEY, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
JOS. HOLT, M. D., New Orleans, La.
F. A. LARUE, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
E. S. LEWIS, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
R. C. LYNCH, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
E. D. MARTIN, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
R. MATAS, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
AUGUSTUS McSHANE, M. D., Greenwood, Miss.
PAUL MICHINARD, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
C. J. MILLER, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
F. W. PARHAM, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
E. A. ROBIN, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
W. H. SEEMANN, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
ALLEN J. SMITH, M. D., University of Pennsylvania.
EDMOND SOUCHON, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
E. R. STITT, M. D., Rear Admiral, U. S. N.
J. A. STORCK, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
R. P. STRONG, M. D., Harvard University.
ROY M. VAN WART, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
Vol. LXXI APRIL, 1919 No. 10
EDITORIAL
THE STANDARDIZATION OF HOSPITALS.
In a recent one-night stand at New Orleans representatives of the
American College of Surgeons presented the importance of improve-
ment in hospital conditions, and most idealistically submitted the
general manner of accomplishing such improvement.
There are nearly seven thousand hospitals of all sorts in the United
States, from the twenty-five-bed semi-private sanitarium to the great
institutions like the Cook County Hospital in Chicago, Bellevue
Hospital in New York, the Massachusetts General in Boston and
our own Charity Hospital in New Orleans.
To be effective, reform must be general, and the mere academic
appeal is not going to bear fruit.
418
Editorial.
The College of Surgeons is well intended, and their intentions are
further encouraged by a fair bank account derived from the various
surgeons in membership, with a promise of more from philanthropic
sources. But even money will not make reform, without com-
mensurate, enforced regulation. No appeal from any single body is
going to accomplish the desired results. Nearly all hospitals are now
conducted as their administrators will, and it is yet rare to have the
medical and surgical staffs sufficiently in authority to even direct
the administration, let alone to control any part of it. The intern
has still a quasi-orderly position, with perhaps a prospect of rising
above it, and there is not yet coordination in most places.
The American Medical Association has issued one list of hospitals,
with an apology for the meager information contained. After a
few years, if they go it alone, the College of Surgeons may furnish
another list, with or without the apology.
The time has come for the combination of all interests con-
cerned— first to study hospitals; and then to develop a basis for a
standard; after that, some classifying may be done with a view to
standardization. Just now there are problems in medical educa-
tion in connection with internships, and the hospitals themselves
are concerned, because of the increasing hospital need for interns
and the decreasing number of medical graduates available for such
positions. Hospitals under the jurisdiction of the State directly,
as well as endowed or sectarian hospitals, must meet this problem.
It will be wise to bring the authorities of hospitals, medical col-
leges, the nurses, the interns, as well as the bodies of physicains
represented by the A. M. A. and the College of Surgeons, into some
organized and systematic working force to fulfil the end of
studying hospitals. For it is certain that no one of these groups
of individuals or institutions will submit to a dictum from any
self-constituted arbiter of standards.
The public, too, is interested somewhat. When all is said, the
public is perhaps the most interested, and when the final standardi-
zation of hospitals comes about, the improved history-taking, pro-
fessional technic, nursing codes, intern regulations and privileges
will all make for a better-satisfied public — if these reforms finally
bring a better service to the patient, for whom the institution is,
after all, conducted.
Editorial.
119
RETURN OF THE TULANE UNIT (BASE HOSPITAL 24).
The Tulane Base Hospital Unit, known as Base Hospital No. 24,
left New Orleans in September of 1917, the first complete hospital
nnit to be organized in the South. It was a true university unit,
as its personnel in the medical and surgical staffs was made up
wholly from the faculty and from the alumni of the Tulane School
of Medicine. Its nurses represented the best of the New Orleans
profession and the non-commissioned personnel was almost wholly
of New Orleans and Louisiana origin.
After several months of postponement the unit was finally located
and put to work at Limoges, in- France.
The director of the unit, Dr. John B. Elliott, Jr., and the head
of the surgical staff, Dr. Urban Maes, were separated from the
unit, for more advanced service. These two, as lieutenant-colonels,
were placed as consultants, practically in charge of their army
sectors, as medical and surgical clinic consultants, respectively.
Dr. J. D. Weis early was detailed to b§ medical liaison officer at
Paris.
More than half of the original unit was detached at one or an-
other occasion. Captains Fenner, Lemann and Lanford were each
put on important detail, either in charge of smaller or larger units
or where emergency called them.
The work of the unit has been a credit to Tulane University, to
the medical school and to the city and State which it represented,
and if no great welcome greets the unit upon its official return it
will not be because the unit has not deserved it.
Drs. Elliott, Maes, Halsey and Lemann are back. Of the others,
some are in the United States and the others are either on the way
or soon will be.
The Journal bespeaks the privilege of saying a word of appre-
ciation to those here and to those coming, and to add that they are
welcome home and we are proud to share their glory in work well
done.
MEETING OF THE LOUISIANA STATE MEDICAL SOCIETY.
With conditions a little nearer normal this year, we should have
a very good meeting in Shreveport on April 8, 9 and 10. We urge
all members to make an earnest effort to attend and to contribute
their share towards the success which we must obtain for this session.
420
Editorial.
Each can cooperate in his way and to the extent of his possibilities,
and he will profit in like manner.
We would gladly have published more information regarding the
meeting, but the appended letter, received in answer to our request
for data, is all we have been able to obtain, though we have tried
from all sources to secure what we felt would interest the members.
Fortunately, Dr. Abramson’s letter covers the main points, hence
we publish, it in full :
Shreveport, March 15, 1919.
Editors New Orleans Medical and Surgical Journal.
Dear Doctors — I have not written you heretofore concerning
the coming meeting of the State Society because I thought all this
information was furnished from the office of the Secretary.
Arrangements for the meeting are well in hand and we hope to
entertain the Society in a befitting manner. Our committee on
transportation has labored for several months on the problem of
securing special rates, hut, so far, has been unable to obtain any
concession in that particular.
The noonday luncheon on Tuesday will be tendered by the North
Louisiana Sanitarium; on Wednesday by the Schumpert Sani-
tarium, and on Thursday by the Highland Sanitarium.
After adjournment of the meeting on Wednesday afternoon mem-
bers of the Society will be taken in automobiles to view the glass
factory and oil fields, and if conditions are favorable we hope to
show them a real “wild well.” Upon return from this trip an in-
formal smoker will be given at the Hotel Youree.
On the last evening we shall have the usual annual meeting, when
the President will read his annual message and the audience will
he addressed by other prominent speakers.
I desire especially that you will request that the members will
make their hotel reservations early. Address Dr. Frank Walke,
chairman hotel committee, or Mr. Jennings, manager Hotel Youree.
We are making every effort to see that everybody is properly ac-
commodated, but we would request that the reservations be made
at once.
Thanking you for your interest in this matter, I am, very truly
jours, (Signed) Louis Abramson,
Chairman , Committee Arrangements.
ORIGINAL ARTICLES
(No paper published or to be published in any other medical journil will be accepted
for this department. All papers must be in the hands of the Editors on the tenth day of
the month preceding that in which they are expected to appear. Reprints may be had at
reasonable rates if a WRITTEN order for the same accompany the paper.)
THE LABORATORY AS AN AID IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF
THE PNEUMOCOCCAL COMPLICATIONS
OF INFLUENZA *
By FOSTER M. JOHNS, M. D.,
Assistant Professor, Laboratory of Clinical Medicine, Tulane University of Louisiana,
New Orleans.
As we reflect upon the enormous mortality figures produced by
the past epidemic of influenza, and then realize that, in the light
of all of the post-mortem evidence now beginning to be available
that a very large part of these deaths were directly due to a com-
plicating pneumonia, the full significance of the correct diagnosis ;
of the rapid sequence of pathologic changes in the course of the in-
dividual case of influenza may be realized.
An idea of the relative importance of the complicating pneu-
monias is admirably shown in an article by W. V. Brem in the
Journal of the A. M. A. for December 28, 1918, in which, in a series
of some 3,000 cases, pneumonia was diagnosed with certainty in
408 cases — an incidence of 13.6 per cent and with a mortality of 36
per cent, making the total mortality for the epidemic 5 per cent.
Naturally, these figures are higher for army cantonments than we
have in civil practice, but the interesting point is that in the post-
mortems on all of the cases for the epidemic only two were found"
to have succumbed with a purely influenzal form of broncho-pneu-
monia.
During the epidemic, other complications than a secondary pneu-
monia were remarkably rare. It is noteworthy, however, that prac-
tically all observers, in their writings of recent date, hold that the
epidemic infection now prevalent is being followed by increasing
numbers of such pneumococcal involvements as septicemia, em-
pyema, sinus and mastoid infections, abdominal and pelvic ab-
scesses, cholecystitis, etc., following the comparatively mild lobular
type of pneumonia.
While the laboratory findings in both Spanish influenza and its
*Read before the Orleans Parish Medical Society, January 27, 1919. [Received for
publication February 11, 1919. — Eds.]
422
Original Articles.
complications are purely confirmatory in character to the clinical
diagnosis, and are in no way specific in the sense of the Widal re-
action for typhoid, or the finding of the malaria plasmodia in
malaria, still, when properly interpreted, the evidence shown in the
blood, urine and sputum will not only bo the addition of positive
evidence as to the correctness of diagnosis of a complication, but
in a negative way tend to prevent the occasional error of diagnosis
so prevalent in epidemic and near-epidemic times.
Some of the more constant laboratory findings, such as the blood
count, have been so altered by the combination, frequently, of such
diseases as influenza and pneumonia, in both of which the blood
counts in uncomplicated cases are so diametrically opposite that a
good deal of confusion has arisen in interpreting the laboratory
findings, and it is for this reason that I have selected the present
subject for discussion.
The Blood. — Whatever may be the etiologic factor in the pro-
duction of Spanish influenza, as we now see the disease, it is most
certainly characterized by a toxemia that exerts a more specific de-
pressant action on the production of leucocytes than we are usually
familiar with. This results in uncomplicated influenza in an ab-
solute leucopenia so characteristic of the disease.
This depressant action on leucocyte production so modifies the
blood count, both total and differential, that a rapidly following
pneumonia of either lobar or lobular types, and certainly due to the
pneumococcus, will only increase the count several thousand cells.
These leucocyte determinations show such low variations as from
6 to 8,000 in the average influenza to 10 to 12,000 with the de-
velopment of the pneumonia. This difference is slightly accentuated
in the differential counts, the usual 40 to 60 per cent of neutro-
philes running up to 80 to as high as 95 per cent.
Pneumonias developing late, or after the influenzal process was
on the wane, run more true to form and showing from 15,000 on
up, with a corresponding increase in the percentage of neutrophiles
and the diminution of the eosinophiles.
While these pictures are only too often the source of little positive
information from a diagnostic standpoint, from the prognostic
standpoint they have proven of inestimable advantage. Following
the onset of the pneumonia a stationary or falling leucocytosis came
very near always indicating an unfavorable termination.
A sudden increase of leucocytes marked practically all of the
Johns — Laboratory Aid in Complications of Influenza. 423
extensions of the pneumonic process to the pleura, mastoid or
cerebral meninges. These latter complications were practically all
following the pneumonia and were removed from the inciting in-
fluenza by two or more weeks.
We have made any number of blood cultures which have proven
invariably negative, these tallying with the experiences of the army
laboratories, where routine blood cultures are made in all fever
cases. This is rather surprising, as the usual run of pneumonia
cases gave in past years a rather high per cent of positive findings.
The Urine. — Influenzal patients have almost all shown the effect
of the toxemia on the kidneys by the presence of a variable quan-
tity of albumin accompanied by hyalin casts, but the rather sudden
appearance of considerable quantities of albumin, with numerous
hyalin and epithelial cell casts, was most characteristic of the onset
of consolidation. Enormous numbers of granular casts soon made
their appearance, and, in many cases, blood.
The Sputum. — The pneumonia following influenza has almost
always been lobular in character, the type of organism seemingly
being due to the variety of pneumococci, streptococci, staphylococci
or micrococci that predominated in the respiratory passages of the
individual when becoming ill. This renders the diagnosis of pneu-
monia of this type rather difficult of diagnosis to the microscope.
However, lung sputum collected early, washed free of the ordinary
contamination and appropriately stained, gives a wealth of in-
formation as to the type of infection present in the lung itself.
This, coupled with the clinical findings alone, gives an almost cer-
tain diagnosis.
Where from ten to twenty cubic centimeters of lung sputum can
be collected, the rapid direct-sputum typing of Krumweide renders
a certain specific diagnosis practicable in the majority of cases.
This test depends upon the extraction of an antigen from the pneu-
mococci in the sputum itself, and this extract is then precipitated
by the various I, II, II a and III type sera prepared by immunizing
rabbits with known strains of pneumococci. Reaction with this
test is certain proof of the presence of a pneumonia from the number
of pneumococci necessarily present in a given sputum and of a
fixed type. The drawback comes in the large number of type IV
infections seen in broncho-pneumonia, and against which a type
serum is not practicable, owing to the large number of strains com-
prising the group.
424
Original Articles.
While it is certain that the typing of pneumonia sputum is not
as valuable in post-influenzal pneumonias as in ordinary lobar pneu-
monia, it is extremely valuable as a prognostic agent, type IY being
much less severe than either I, II or III. I wish to thank Dr.
Mattes for checking type IY by Avery method and the Eockefeller
Institute for the type IY agglutins.
Pleural and Spinal Fluids. — The direct microscopical examina-
tion in both pleurisy with effusion and pneumococcie meningitis is
typical and diagnostic. In the case of pleural exudates the question
of paramount importance is one of operation for drainage or not.
Many of the small localized and definitely infected pleurisies that
I have studied in this epidemic have shown a tendency toward auto-
sterilization and absorption following the withdrawal of small quan-
tities for exploratory purposes. Comparative cultures from these
repeated aspirations have shown the need for drainage in several
instances, and vice versa.
Discussion of Dr. Johns' Paper.
Dr. C. C. Bass: In making observations upon any phase of the disease
under discussion we must remember that during the prevalence of any
disease in epidemic or pandemic form there are many instances of
erroneous diagnosis. This is especially true in the case of mild diseases
in which there are no infallible, clear-cut diagnostic signs or symptoms,
such as the so-called “ influenza” is. From the standpoint of the subject
of Dr. Johns’ paper, it would make no difference if cases of “influenza”
are not diagnosed, but calling other diseases “influenza” would lead to
the improper application of observations.
Barring rare exceptions, there is definite rise in the leucocyte count
whenever pneumonia supervenes upon “influenza,” as Dr. Johns has in-
dicated in his paper. The rise is not as great as in pneumonia not com-
plicated by “influenza,” and in rare instances there may be no rise.
The average of a large number of cases of pneumonia following influenza
reported in the last Journal of the A. M. A. was about 15,000 or 16,000.
The average of pneumonia, not preceded by “influenza,” would fall
between 20,000 and 30,000.
The greatest information from the total leucocytes count in the
diagnosis of pneumonia following influenza is obtained in cases where
counts have been made before the pneumonia set in. A sudden, though
moderate, rise from the previous known low count is more valuable in
indicating pneumococcus invasion than a higher count might be when
the previous range was not known.
The differential count showing the presence of the “septic factor,”
with the characteristic great decrease or absence of eosinophiles, is also
valuable, because, regardless of the absence of leucocytosis or even in
the presence of a leucopenia, the “septic factor” is always present in
pneumonia due to pneumococcus.
Lieutenant Commander R. B. H. Gradwohl, U. S. Naval Hospital, New
Johns — Laboratory Aid in Complications of Influenza. 425
Orleans: I wish to thank the officers and members of this Society for
their courtesy in permitting me to be present this evening and to have
the privileges of the floor. I have but little to add to what has already
been said on the subject of this disease. There are one or two points,
however, that might well be alluded to. In first order I wish to state
that I am one of those who believe that neither the causative factor nor
the manner of spread of this disease has as yet been definitely estab-
lished. The relatively small number of workers who have claimed to
have found and isolated the Pfeiffer bacillus speaks against this organism
being the microbic cause of what, for want of a better name, we have
nicknamed the ‘ ‘ flu. ’ ’ I want also to voice my doubts as to the exacti-
tude of identification of the Pfeiffer bacillus by some of the reporters of
this work. It is commonly the practice to call a short rod found in the
sputum of these cases the Pfeiffer bacillus and to let it go at that.
Cultural characteristics and biological behavior are not always sought
for. Granting, however, that the Pfeiffer bacillus actually has been
isolated in some of these cases, may it not be explained on the basis that
there were some cases of real la grippe mixed up with this new disease?
We ought to go slow, therefore, in assuming that this is really influenza
and that the Pfeiffer organism is the offending organism.
Might I not at this point call your attention to the rather remark-
able set of experiments recently conducted by one of the officers of our
corps at Boston? These experiments have recently been noted in one of
our confidential bulletins and possibly are unknown to you. They will
soon be issued in the regular channels of medical literature. Two sets of
experiments were carried out jointly by Lieutenant Commander M. J.
Rosenau, M. C., U. S. N. R. F., and Lieutenant W. J. Keegan, M. C.,
U. S. N. R. F., and by Surgeon Joseph Goldberger and Assistant Surgeon
G. C. Lake, United States Public Health Service, at the United States
Quarantine Station, Gallups Island, Boston, Mass. The subjects are
sixty-eight volunteers from the Navy Detention Camp there. The experi-
ments consisted of inoculations with pure cultures of Pfeiffer bacillus
and with secretions from the upper respiratory tract and with blood from
cases of influenza. Cultures of the Pfeiffer bacillus were instilled into
the noses of these volunteers, and none contracted the disease. Filtered
and unfiltered secretions from the upper respiratory tract of typical cases
of influenza actively infected were placed in contact with the respiratory
mucosa by means of swabs, sprays, into the nose and throat. This was
repeatedly carried out and none contracted the disease. Each volunteer
was then instructed to converse with patients and then the patients
coughed directly into their faces, each volunteer thus coming into con-
tact with at least ten true cases of influenza. None developed influenza.
The same set of experiments were carried out in San Francisco by Sur-
geon G. W. McCoy, of the United States Public Health Service, and by
Lieutenant De Wayne Richey, of the United States Navy- none contracted
the disease. I cannot refrain from alluding to the fact that these volun-
teers displayed a very fine spirit of courageous sacrifice in thus submitting
to an experimental investigation for the good of humanity, with a full
knowledge of the fact that they were risking their lives.
So far as the pathology and treatment of the cases at the United
States Naval Hospital at Algiers is concerned, I wish to state that we
have seen the prominent feature at autopsy there of pulmonary destruc-
tion by the ravages of this disease. This destructive tendency is, in the
main, a purulent one, with lung abscesses and pus collections in the
426
Original Articles.
pleural sac. The same widespread and disconcerting broncho-pneumonias
have been seen there as elsewhere.
Treatment: One speaker has alluded to the practice of blood-letting
at our hospital; I must frankly confess that I have seen no benefit at all
from this practice; nor have we had any appreciable success with the use
of vaccines.
One point in conclusion: The word “acidosis” has been used by some
of the speakers here in explaining the toxemic or unusually severe symp-
tomatology of this disease. Without decrying for one moment the good
results which they state they obtained in the treatment of these symp-
toms by means of the intravenous use of solutions of glucose, I would
suggest that some direct tests for acidosis ought to be applied before we
can properly call this state one of acidosis. It may be acidosis, but, in
the absence of the use of the Van Slyke or the Marriott methods, we are
not at all warranted in speaking of it as such.
IS ARGYROL USELESS?
By HENRY DICKSON BRUNS, M. D., New Orleans.
At the last meeting of the Louisiana State Medical Society I had
the honor of reading a little paper, “On Some Minor Matters.” In
the course of an appreciated, complimentary discussion following
the reading, Dr. T. J. Dimitry, of New Orleans, said :
“Unfortunately, he (Dr. Bruns) did not mention anything as to
argyrol. I wish he had done so, * * * because I believe argyrol is
to suffer the same condemnation we have given to boracic acid. It really
does little good when instilled into the eye. * * * I would say that
its substitutes are every bit as good, and at the best the borax is equal
to the argyrol.”
I replied;
“I did not say anything about argyrol, yet I must disagree with Dr,
Dimitry ’s prophecy. ’ ’
Soon after its introduction, I began to experiment with argyrol,
and came to believe in its value in certain diseases of the eye. Dr.
Dimitry and several of our hearers were aware of this, and should
I now permit our confrere’s criticism to go unchallenged to the
audience before whom it was made, I would seem to have changed
my belief, to the disparagement, in their eyes at least, of what I
think a valuable remedy. I do not wish to pontificate, as our
French friends say, but to give as briefly as possible the reason
for the faith that is in me— my own experience solely. That ex-
perience has taught me that argyrol, like all useful agents, is valu-
able only when employed with a full appreciation of its limita-
tions— limitations, first, as to the strength; second, the intervals,
Bruns — Is Argyrol Useless ?
427
and third, as to the duration of its application. A strength of
2 or 2 i/2 percent — ten or fifteen grains to the ounce at most — pos-
sesses all the valuable properties of the drug and reduces to a mini-
mum all unpleasant or harmful effects. Such a solution is un-
irritating, seems to he most diffusible, and great diff usibility is one
of the valuable properties of argyrol, while its specific gravity is
sufficient to float out of the culs-de-sac every particle of pus or
mucus. The coloration it imparts to such otherwise invisible par-
ticles makes argyrol a very useful adjuvant in thoroughly cleansing
the eye when alternated with a borax wash or other neutral so-
lution. Solutions of 25 to 50 per cent in strength are, by their
thickness., made less diffusible; they seem to form with the secre-
tions uncomfortable clots, and they are irritating; so irritating
that after a few instillations it is hard, or even impossible,' to per-
suade the patient to continue their use.
The intervals at which the solution is instilled must be short if
we are to achieve the results for which we hope. Instillations
should be made every hour; in the severest affections every fifteen
minutes, and in the mildest at least every two or three hours. It
is, probably, the use of argyrol in solutions of too great strength
and its instillation at too prolonged intervals that has caused the
greatest number of disappointments in its use and has led many to
cast it aside.
The use of argyrol must never be too long-continued. Probably
two weeks is the utmost length of time it can be used with benefit.
After that, even the weaker solutions begin to irritate the con-
junctiva. We must not forget that argyrol is no astringent. By
undue persistence in its use we can produce one of the very mis-
chiefs— irritation of the conjunctiva — that we are seeking to subdue.
Moreover, as every one now knows, only fresh solutions made from
fresh material can be used, even in the weaker solutions, without
producing redness, smarting and watering of the eyes.
These conditions being observed, I have used, and continue to
use, argyrol with undisappointed expectation of benefit in :
Cleansing the conjunctival sac, especially before all operations.
Cases of beginning epiphora without obvious cause, instilling it
from four to six times daily, and in almost all cases of epiphora for
testing the openness of the lachrymal passages.
Simple corneal ulcers, erosions, excoriations; especially the mar-
ginal ulcers of the old, where a non-irritating application is often
indicated.
428
Original Articles.
Mild cases of conjunctivitis, alternated with a borax- wash.
*Cases of Ivoch-Weeks bacillus conjunctivitis. If, as first sug-
gested to me by my colleague, Dr. E. A. Eobin, the instillation of a
.10 or 15 per cent solution of argyrol is alternated every hour or two
with a solution of zinc sulphate of half a grain, or a grain, to the
ounce, depending on the severity of the case, the action seems specific.
When the instillations are properly made there is always decided
improvement in twenty-four hours. Indeed, this plan of treatment
is effective in all types of acute conjunctivitis accompanied by pro-
fuse secretion, not gonorrheal. That the zinc sulphate is not the
only active agent in every instance, as one might assume, is illus-
trated by the following case :
R. N., a white boy of eleven years, having a severe acute conjunc-
tivitis, with abundant discharge, said to be in the third day of the dis-
ease, presented himself in the clinic on August 22, 1918. The argyrol-zine
treatment was ordered, the alternations hourly. A culture from the con-
junctival discharge was reported to contain streptococci and micrococcus
catarrhalis. On August 28 he returned practically well. Questioning
showed that, through some misunderstanding, the mother had never
obtained the zinc sulphate solution; argyrol alone had been used every
[hour.
Cases of ophthalmia neonatorum : If instilled every fifteen,
thirty or sixty minutes, the 10 or 15 per cent solution of argyrol
is an efficient remedy. Eemembering that argyrol is without
Astringent action, after all swelling and pus have disappeared for
a day or two, we must, in the great majority of cases, begin the
application of weak silver nitrate solution to the everted lids, con-
tinuing until the conjunctiva has become normal. This is the
•established treatment in our clinic at the Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat
Hospital, and the records, so far as I know, show no case either of
-an eye having been lost which was not already destroyed, or of a
•cornea having become appreciably scarred which was not already
invaded at the time the child was first presented for treatment.
There was certainly one exception. In the case of an obstinate,
obdurate, stupid mother, her infant lost an eye because, in spite of
argument, persuasion and threat, we could not make her care for
it even tolerably. It is onty fair to say, however, that a majority of
these infants are negroes or of negro blood. I believe, and Dr. Chas.
W. Ivollock, of Charleston, S. C., also thinks that this race enjoys
-a relative immunity to infections of the conjunctiva with the
gonococcus. There is a greater tendency to recovery and less liabil-
ity to corneal ulceration. It is certainly amazing to observe the
swollen, distended lids, the corneas immersed in pus, and to be
Bruns — Is Argyrol Useless ?
429
told by the mothers of these babies that the conditions have been
present for a week or two, or more, and then be unable to detect
the slightest invasion of the corneae. I do not mean to imply that
the white babies do not do as well; they do, but they are usually
brought for treatment much more promptly than the negro infants.
Nearly all, too, white and black, are breast-fed.
Nor can it be said of all these cases that the argyrol is useless;
that in the natural course of the disease swelling and pus subside
and disappear and that the silver nitrate applications effectually
put an end to the disease.
Only a short time ago a white infant one month old was brought
to me to be discharged from the clinic, cured. The mother said it
had been presented for treatment on the fifth day of the disease
(not ophthalmia neonatorum strictly). Smears of the pus showed
gonococci. Fifteen per cent argyrol solution had been ordered in-
stilled every fifteen minutes during the day and as often as possible
during the night, on August 5. On August 7 this was reduced to
every half hour. August 8, decided improvement was noted. On
August 21, the sixteenth day of treatment, the child was discharged
perfectly well, nothing but the argyrol solution having been used.
I did not see this case when it entered the clinic, but the testimony
of the staff was unanimous that its appearance had been unusually
threatening, the swelling great and the purulent discharge profuse.
I wish to deal here, as far as possible, with what seem to be facts
rather than with opinions. As in mathematics the greater contains
the less, so sometimes in therapeutics. One convinced of the
efficacy of argyrol in gonorrheal ophthalmia might be readier to
admit the possibility of its value in other acute conjunctival dis-
eases. I have, therefore, reviewed all the histories of such cases
treated at our clinic during the years 1914, 1915, 1916, 1917 and
1918, in which gonococci were found in the smears by our pathol-
ogist. There are records of fifty-nine cases. Of these, twenty-five
never returned after the first or second visit, or other plans of treat-
ment were pursued. In thirty-four cases, therefore, nothing but
instillations of 10 or 15 per cent solutions of argyrol were instilled
until swelling had subsided and the discharge had virtually dis-
appeared. After that, in the majority, solutions of silver nitrate
were applied to the everted lids until the conjunctiva seemed
normal. The instructions, iterated and reiterated, were to drop the
solution into the eyes every fifteen minutes, day and night, the
430
Original Articles .
patient recumbent and the lower lid gently drawn down with the
finger on the cheek. By no means was any attempt to cleanse the
lids to be made. The excess of argyrol and pns was to be wiped
from the cheek with moist cotton pledgets or ganze. The argyrol
solution was to be instilled into the unaffected eye half as often as
into the diseased one — every other time. At each daily visit the
surgeon cleansed the lids, manipulating them as little as possible,
with a warm borax-boracic-camphor-water solution poured gently
from an undine. I have arranged the cases into three groups ac-
cording to age.
In the first group the eleven patients varied in age from thirteen
months to fifteen years, the average being six and one-half years.
Six were white, four negroes and one mulatto. Males 9, females 2.
The cases were presented for treatment in from one to six days
after the mothers had noticed the affection, the average time being
three and one-half days.
Six (6) cases were treated with argyrol alone, of which three
brought for treatment on the second, third and sixth days of the
disease respectively) were discharged cured at the end of twenty-
four, twenty-one and seventeen days, respectively. Two with whom
treatment began on the fifth day, deserted “practically well?r
after nineteen and eleven days of treatment each. One, white, aei .
twelve, in the fourth day of the disease. On the second day of
treatment, pus formation seemed to have ceased ; but on the fourth
day a small spot on the cornea just below the pupilary area was
seen to be stained with argyrol; on the seventh day the eye was
practically well, but the conjunctiva of an empty socket on thi
other side had become infected. The case recounted on page 429,
well in sixteen days under argyrol alone, should be included here.
In one case (7), white, aged thirteen months, said to be in the
second day of the disease, silver nitrate solution, 1 per cent, was
instilled once at the first visit, after that nothing but argyrol so-
lution being used. At the first examination a small area of the
lower quadrant of the cornea was observed to be excoriated. In
forty-four days the eye was well, a small scar remaining at the site
of the ulcer.
In one case (8), white, aged five years, said to be in the third day
of the disease, there was extensive involvement of the cornea.
Nothing but argyrol was used until the tenth day, when 1 per cent
solution of silver nitrate was applied. Perforation of the cornea
Bruns — Is Argyrol Useless f
431
took place on the fourteenth day. Practically well in thirty-seven
days, with a leucoma adherens occupying the lower third of the
cornea.
In three cases (9, 10, 11) silver nitrate solution was applied when
swelling and pus had virtually disappeared; in one, after twenty-
fourth day of treatment, the patient deserting practically well on
the forty-first day; in one, after the fourth day, which was dis- ,
charged cured on the twenty-eighth day, and in one on the forty-
first and last day, just before being discharged.
The second group comprised ten cases, the ages running from
sixteen to twenty-nine years, the average being eighteen and one-
half years. All were males ; two white, six negroes and two mulattoes.
Six were treated with argyrol alone. One negro, aet. twenty, second
day of disease, was discharged cured after fifty-six days of treat-
ment. On the fifty-first day a note says : "Ulcer developed, superior
quadrant of cornea. Tinct. iodin touched to same”; the next day,
"Improved,” and on the last day, "Yellow oxide salve.” A nubecula,
therefore, probably remained. Two negroes (2 and 3), second and
fourth day of the disease, aet. sixteen and twenty, deserted on the
sixth and eighth day of treatment, one "almost well,” the other
"very much improved; very little secretion.” One (4) other negro,
aet. twenty, in the ninth day of the disease, deserted after the sixth
day of treatment, "somewhat better; less secretion.” 'Another (5)
negro, a&t. twenty-eight, in the fifth day, deserted after six days of
treatment. On the second day the note says : "Cornea cloudy.” On
the third day, "Much improvement. Cornea slightly infiltrated.”
On the sixth day, "Cornea clearing up.” One (6) negro, aet. twenty-
eight, both eyes affected for a week; the right cornea "involved”;
vision reduced to finger-counting at three feet, deserted after forty-
three days practically well, V., 0. U., under atropin, 20/2o-
In four cases silver nitrate was also used. One was a white man,
twenty years old, seen on the third day of the disease. The silver
solution, 1 per cent, was applied once only, at his first visit. He
was allowed to return to his home out of the city on the nineteenth
day, practically well, with vision improved from 20 /70 to 20/20-
This was a case of medium severity, but on the sixth day there is
a note: "Cornea stained slightly.”
In two other cases, both mulattoes, seen on the second and on
the eighth day of the disease, the silver nitrate solution was ap-
plied in one case once, and on the eighth day of the disease, when
Original Articles.
432
he deserted, “much improved” In the other case it was used on the
thirtieth day. On the twenty-first day a “corneal ulcer” is noted,
which was touched with tincture of iodin by the assistant surgeon
in charge. Six days later improvement is noted, and he was dis-
charged cured on the ninety-fourth day, the last thirty-three days
being devoted to an attempt to clear the leucoma by the use of
dionin.
In the last of these cases (negro, aet. twenty), seen on what he
said was the eighth day, both eyes were affected and “minute infil-
trations” of both corneae were noted at the first visit. R. E. V.=l.
p. L. E.=fingers at eight feet. There was perforation of the
right cornea on the sixth day of treatment, and of the left on the
thirteenth day; in both instances near the upper margin. On the
sixteenth day of treatment the discharge had ceased and the ap-
plication of a 1 per cent silver nitrate solution was begun. On
the twenty-first day it was noted that the perforated cornea of each
eye was beginning to heal. On the seventieth day he deserted,
“practically well,” but with leucoma adherens 0. IT. and V.
R. E.— 20/ 100, L. E.=2%0.
In the third group there are twelve cases, varying in age from
thirty to sixty-three years, the average being forty-eight and one-half
years. Four were white, three mulattoes and five negroes.
One negress, aged thirty-three, in the second day of the disease,
a mild case, was treated with 15 per cent solution of argyrol alone,
instilled every hour. On the seventh day, being practically well,
she deserted ; V. R. E.=2V3m L.L. E=20/20-
One (2) a fifty-year-old negress, who said her eye had “been this
way” three weeks, had an open sty on the upper lid of the affected
eye. Treated for eighteen days with argyrol alone, she had grown
much better, when “zinc sulphate” solution ( !) was substituted by
the assistant surgeon in charge and continued for eleven days, when
the argyrol was resumed. Discharged on the fifty-third day, with
vision improved from 20/5o to 20/20-
3. Negro, aet. thirty, eye affected five days. Argyrol alone
for four days; when discharge having entirely disappeared, silver
solution was also used with gradually diminished frequency for
thirty-four more days, when he was discharged cured with vision
improved from finger-counting at two feet to 20/so-
4. White man, aet. fifty-eight, says his eye has been affected ten
days. Argyrol alone for seven days and then silver solution gradu-
Bruns — Is Argyrol Useless ?
433
ally diminished for three days, when he deserted practically well.
Discharge disappeared entirely on the third day. V. from 20/ioo
to 20/ 70 under atropin.
5. Negro, aet. thirty-five, affected four days. Argyrol alone for
six days and then silver nitrate for twenty-eight days more, when
he is discharged cured. Discharge disappeared on the fifth day.
Y. from 2%o to 20/l5-
6. Mulatto woman, aet. sixty-three, eye affected ten days. Notes
defective, only extending over ten days. No treatment noted other
than argyrol, 15 per cent, every thirty minutes, save application of
silver solution to other eye on the eighth day. Ulceration of cornea
at the upper limbus is noted on the ninth day. History marked,
“Discharged cured.”
7. Negro, aet. forty-six; both eyes have been affected for a week,
he says, and both corneae are ulcerated. Argyrol alone used six
days and then silver nitrate in addition. On this day patient
squeezed out lens of L. E. On the twelfth day of treatment the
right cornea was perforated. On the thirty-ninth day, smears
showing the absence of gonococci, he was discharged. V. R. E.=
20 / 200*
8. Mulatto woman, aet. thirty-eight, who says her “eyes have
been this way eight days.” On the fourth day of treatment infiltra-
tion of the right cornea is noted. On the eleventh day, there being
little, if any, improvement, 1 per cent silver solution is applied to
the conjunctiva of the carefully everted lower lid of R. E. It is
applied in this way to each eye until the forty-sixth day, when it
is applied to both everted lids of each eye. On the fiftieth day the
corneal ulcer was touched with tincture of iodin. She was dis-
charged cured on the eighty-eighth day, much time having been
spent on the treatment of the leucoma.
9. Negro, aged thirty. Seen on fifth day of disease. R. E.
cornea almost wholly destroyed. Better from the fourth day.
Argyrol alone until fourteenth day. Discharged on twenty-eighth
day; cornea of R. E. opaque. L. E. V. 20/i5-
10. White woman, aet. thirty. Seen on fourth day of disease.
On third day of treatment a slight excoriation at the lower limbus
is noted. On the fourth day, “almost well; no discharge; corneal
lesion remains slight and superficial.” Argyrol was used alone until
the fifth day, then silver nitrate solution. Discharged cured on the
twentieth day, V.=20/20-
434
Original Articles.
11. White man, aet. thirty-one. Duration of disease uncertain,
but long. R. E. cornea sloughed away. L. E. also affected and
presents a traumatic cataract. On the fifth day lens and vitreous
escaped from R. E. Argyrol alone until the thirty-fourth day, and
then silver nitrate also. His L. E. escaped undamaged.
12. White man, aet. thirty-nine, in second day of disease. Both
eyes affected, but a very mild case. Y. R. E.=20/3o; L. E.=20/2o-
Argyrol alone until the ninth day of treatment, then silver nitrate,
one-fifth of 1 per cent. Quit cured on the' twenty-seventh day.
Summary. — The records of the Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hos-
pital for the five years 1914-1918 show fifty-nine cases of
gonorrheal ophthalmia, the diagnosis being confirmed by the micro-
scope.
Of these fifty-nine cases, thirty-four are available for the pur-
pose of this study; whites thirteen, negroes fifteen, mulattoes six.
Males were twenty-six, females eight. The ages ran from thirteen
months to sixt}^-three years.
Of the thirty-four, four were admitted to the hospital certainly;
perhaps one or two more. The others were treated as “out-patients.”
Treated with argyrol alone, fourteen cases. Of these, five were
discharged cured in fourteen, nineteen, twenty, forty -one and sixty-
one days; four deserted practically well after eight, twenty-two,
twenty-four and fifty-six days, and five deserted improved after
from five to eleven days. The cornea was found involved in three
cases ; it became involved during treatment in two others ; in one on
the fortieth day, but neither perforation nor serious leucoma re-
sulted in any. It was noted that the discharge had disappeared on
the fourth day of treatment in two, on the fifth in one, and had
greatly lessened on the fifth day in one case. Both eyes were found
to be affected at the first visit in two cases. (Case mentioned on
page 429 included here.)
In nineteen cases silver nitrate was used in addition to argyrol
in the treatment. In two cases it was used once, when the case was
first seen. One discharged cured in nineteen days, and one, in
which the cornea was found to be involved on the first visit, quit
practically well after forty-five days.
In nine cases the silver nitrate was applied on the fourth to the
eighth day of treatment. Of these, six were discharged cured in
from twenty-one to thirty-nine days.
Both eyes were found affected at the first visit in one case. The
Bruns — Is Argyrol Useless ?
435
cornea was badly involved and was perforated later in one case; it
became slightly involved during treatment and afterwards cleared
up in one case. The three other cases deserted in from eight to ten
days much improved. Disappearance of discharge noted twice on
the third day, and three times on the fifth.
In eight cases the silver solution was used from the tenth to the
thirty-eighth (last) day of treatment. Of these, one deserted on
the forty-first day greatly improved. All the other seven were dis-
charged cured, so far as the acute condition was concerned, in from
twenty-four to one hundred days, but in four the cornea was found
to be involved at the first visit and later became perforated. In
one case it became ulcerated and in another perforated during treat-
ment. In three cases both eyes were affected when the patient was
first seen.
Thus there were in all nine cases in which the cornea was found
to be involved at the first visit, and of these five were perforated.
During treatment the cornea became involved five times, and in
one was perforated; that is to say involved, in spite of treatment,
in about 15 per cent of the cases and perforated in about 3 per cent.
But perhaps the most striking fact is that, although no attempt
was made to protect the healthy fellow-eye, save by dropping into it
the argyrol solution half as often as it was dropped into the dis-
eased eye, no unaffected eye ever became infected during the course
of treatment, with one exception. This exception very emphatically
“proved the rule.” It occurred in the case of a white lad of twelve
years, whose L. E. had been enucleated several years ago. The as-
sistant surgeon in charge of the case, not dreaming that the empty
socket might be in danger, did not drop the argyrol solution into it,
and infection took place.
Used in the manner described, I have seen but two cases -of stain-
ing of the cornea by argyrol. In both the area was minute. I pre-
sume that, though small, the ulceration was deep.
With the various substitutes for argyrol I have had little or no
experience.
436
Original Articles.
PRACTICAL CONGENITAL SYPHILIS.
By CHARLES JAMES BLOOM, B. Sc., M. D., New Orleans.
Undoubtedly the choice of the above subject bears criticism from
two viewpoints — namely :
(1) The use of the word “practical.”
(2) The commonplace subject “syphilis.”
The average reader of medical journals becomes very much an-
noyed by persistently reviewing articles pertaining to the subject
of syphilis, remarking ad libitum , “It is as old as the hills” ; “they
cannot tell me much about syphilis”; “give us something new,”
etc. ; but gentlemen, we falter when we are placed on record as
uttering such statements. Indeed, many of us overlook more than
the mere reading of articles bearing on lues; we fail utterly to
diagnose the disease in its incipient expression ; we lag sadly when
attempting to study in detail this social disease which is directly
responsible to all mankind for so much suffering — yes, both the
infant and the adult.
Picture the infant, virtuous in its entirety, the essence of loveli-
ness and the exemplification of happiness, born, harassed, hampered,
diseased by this the lowest form of animal life. Can any one
describe a more disastrous agent acting as a handicap in our race
and desire for existence, actually poisoned by the fangs of this
dreaded monster ? If such be true, and our children' are forced to
suffer as a consequence from “the sins of the parents,” etc., should
it not be the ambition of the physician to stress every point in at-
tempting to recognize syphilis at the time of birth, and to limit the
destructive influences noted by its presence ?
Syphilis is not practical — most impractical when the question of
diagnosis is considered. It is true that “syphilis is syphilis,” no
matter where seen, but it is equally certain that climate, race, food,
etc., all have their respective influences. Many of us believe the
question of determining cases of congenital lues a simple pro-
cedure. In this relation we are misguided in most cases, and par-
ticularly with regard to latent symptoms ; these are most difficult to
interpret correctly, for more often they are wanting.
The method assumed by me places the burden of proof in the
hands of the physician; the latter must prove that the infant has
not syphilis.
Bloom — Practical Congenital Syphilis.
437
During the past five years the author has had ample opportunity
to study intricately, in the outdoor clinics of our hospitals, this
vital subject. This paper has no tinge of originality; it does not
tend to prove or disprove the laws of Colle and Profeta ; the relative
value of the different laboratory aids does-not enter into this dis-
cussion, nor does the term “hereditary” bear argument. The real
aim of this short narrative is to stress the more common symptoms
and to ask minute cooperation in endeavoring to minimize the
future evils by diagnosing the early and recent symptoms of con-
genital lues.
Be mindful of the fact that syphilis was described in the Old
Testament, and as a clinical entity was first illustrated when Charles
VIII (1494-1495) lay siege to Naples, and still we have a great
deal to learn about its clinical picture. Our city^ offers a wonderful
opportunity for the study of lues — geographical, social and en-
vironmental factors — and finally let the importance of this topic
be ever with you, for a great number of cripples, idiots, imbeciles
and the insane are directly responsible to syphilis and to the doctors.
This paper is based on fifty cases. In each case the Wassermann
of The mother was positive; in four cases the father’s Wassermann
was also positive. A positive Wassermann was also secured in all
of those cases over six years of age.
Family History: 1 miscarriage in 1 case.
2 miscarriages in 3 cases.
3 miscarriages in 2 cases.
Still-birth in 1 case.
Death in infancy in 1 case.
Total, 8 cases — 16 per cent.
Age., Sex, Pace: Under 12 months, 23 cases.
Under 6 years, 30 cases.
6 years to 13 years 20 cases.
Male, 26; female, 24; white, 38; negro, 12.
SYMPTOMS— OBJECTIVE. CHILDREN UNDER SIX YEARS'.
I. EARLY OR RECENT.
438
Original Articles.
Number of
Symptoms.
rH
Average, 5 +
•SlRl^3T?d|
1 2 || 0
+ +
(suotspiAuoo)
(ssaussagsaa)
:smojduiAs snoAjafj
+ +1 +
o
"U15JS AlIBH
+ +
•sijuqdaM
+ ++
eo
•■epadoiv
++++++++ + .+ + ++
CO
rH
‘SIM
+ ' + + + +++ + ++ ++++ ++
<o
'aouBqjnisip
aAtisaSia
++
+ + ++++++ + +
++
o
•SPUBIO (3
•U00ids (q
•j0Atq (b
p0iqdoJiJ0d^g
L. G.
L. G.
L. G.
L. S. G.
L. S. G.
L. S.
L. G.
L.
L. S. G.
•SA\ojq0^0
puB spgaXa p0U0)j0iqx
++ +
•0J0 ‘srgs^qdid0
‘stRisouad ’ (SHIP
-J0qo0;so) s i s A i ^
1 -JBd opnosd s^ojjbr
+
+ ++ + + + +
+
•RBU P0UIJOJIBIM
! +
•qo^Bd snoDnj\[
1
+ + . 4-
eo
•sanssjx
1
o
•UOISS0JdX0 IBIDB^ — | — | — ( — | — 1- -f+-f + ++++ + +
CO
SIRSUAIBI | | | | , , ,
(0SJBoq) Aiq1 +++ ++++ ++ +
o
•S0ijjnus
1+4- 4- ++
+I+I++++++ + ++ ++++++++ +++
+ + + ++
, <N
•suhsba\
J J++++++ ++ ++++++ + + 3
100J pUB
spuBq — 2UII00J
+ + +++ + + + ,°°
'uogdrug
++ ++++ + + +■+++++ ++S
•03y
•0SBO
1
No. 2. 5 years
7. 4 years
9. 3 weeks
13. 3 years
14. 11 years
15. 4 years
17. 37 davs. . .
19. 1 month
20. 2 y2 month. . . .
21. 6 month
22. 3 month
24. 1 year
27. 3 months
28. 4 years
29. 11 days
30. 5 weeks
33. 11 months
34. 11 months
37. 2 weeks
38. 9 weeks
39. 2 weeks
40. 2 months
41. 2 months
43. 5 weeks
44. 3 months
45. 6 weeks
46. 2 y2 weeks. . . .
48. 5 weeks
49. 2 y2 weeks. . . .
50. 3 weeks
o
co
Bloom — Practical Congenital Syphilis.
439
Eruption: The eruption was seldom seen at birth, generally de-
veloping after several weeks had elapsed. The lesions noted were
of the maculo-papular variety, and were seen on the extensor sur-
faces of the extremities, usually bilateral and symmetrical; oc-
casionally viewed on the neck, cheeks and forehead. Sometimes
scales (fine) were detected. The appearance is gradual. The scal-
ing or peeling of the hands and feet was coincident with the erup-
tion. A copper pigmentation often told the tale of a previous
specific lesion.
Wasting and Marasmus ; Digestive Disturbances : Many infants,
apparently healthy at birth, without warning become emaciated;
others exhibit apparently a toxic diarrhea, not traceable to indis-
cretion of diet or improper methods, and, despite heroic measures
undertaken to assist the mother and also the child, the stool con-
tinues frequent, greenish in color, and containing a rather large
amount of mucus. It is stopped when the specific treatment is
given.
Snuffles: This is undoubtedly the most valuable symptom among
the early manifestations. All sorts of opinions are expressed, most
often adenoids and tonsils. In only two cases where the “snot” was
noticeable were the conditions cases of adenoids; in the remaining
cases the. specific was for the etiological factor.
This symptom might simulate a mild coryza on the one hand;
at the same time other cases might be so pronounced as to justify
in the minds of a layman an operation, for, in this, children’s breath-
ing is most difficult.
Cry (Hoarse) Laryngitis: A cry that one should associate with
an older child who is suffering from an attack of mild laryngitis,
rather characteristic to one accustomed to hearing it.
Facial Expression: The greater per cent of syphilitic children
•all have a haggard and old expression, and infrequently, although
you might not have seen the infant at birth, the picture is so im-
pressive that the mother will voluntarily tell you, “Yes, my baby
looked like an old man.”
Fissures and Mucous Patches: These expressions of lues are not
as common as text-books would lead you to believe. Occasionally
you detect mucous patches, and only in one case did I ever note a
condyloma.
Malformed Nails and Onychia: Authorities tell us that the
finger nails of this disease, when they are present, are most signifi-
cant. In one case the finger nails were peculiar — very hard, but
440 Original Articles.
distinctly short. Onychia was observed in one case, photographed
in this series.
Parrot's Pseudo Paralysis and Weakness of Muscles: Under
this heading are included all the pathological expressions of the
Inetic bone changes. Without warning the child awakens, unable
to move one or more of its extremities, generally one, or, when
moved, the infant shrieks with pain. Coincident with this the
muscles are so atrophied that the combination tends to convey the
impression of paralysis.
Thickened Eyebrows, Eyelids, Hairy Skin: So seldom seen as not
to warrant a prolonged description. When the hair is present there
are spots on the arms, thigh and back that are more pronounced.
Hypertrophied Liver, Glands, Spleen: This triad is seen, but
not nearly as often as described by various teachers and writers.
You will generally see that yon seldom have the characteristic
hardened liver with the accompanying general adenopathy involv-
ing all of the superficial groups; they are hard to touch, and as a
rule have a tendency to be discrete. As yet I have never seen a
specific gland become necrotic.
Wig; Alopecia: Another very valuable aid. A marked amount
of hair on the skull; by itself has no importance, but in conjunction
with other symptoms serves as a great agent in detecting lues.
Quickly following the admonition of this “wonderful head of hair”
comes the grief when the greater part will “fall out.” This might
be the cause of a parent’s visit to your office.
Nephritis: When this symptom exists indeed one has a great
task before him. The swelling is so quick and so marked that if
one be slow in determining the cause the patient will quickly suc-
cumb. Casts in great numbers are generally seen, with but a small
quantity of albumen, the microscopical findings depending on the
type of nephritis existing.
Nervous Symptoms; Prematurity and Dactylitis: These were
practically wanting symptoms in this series.
Summary — Early and Recent Symptoms:
(1) Snuffles, 24 out of 30 cases.
(2) Wasting, 18 out of 30 cases.
(3) Facial expression (old), 16 out of 30 cases.
(4) Digestive disturbances (gess what), 16 out of 30 cases.
(5) Eruption, 16 out of 30 cases.
As a rule, if care is exercised in an examination, an average of
five symptoms will be found.
Bloom — Practical Congenital Syphilis.
441
NUMBERS AND LEGENDS OF CUTS
(1) Luetic nephritis.
(2) Luetic onychia.
(3) Luetic nephritis.
(4) Typical luetic infant.
(5) Luetic child (epileptic).
ILLUSTRATING DR. BLOOM'S ARTICLE.
(6a) Profile. Goiter associated with lues.
(6b) Full face. Goiter associated with lues.
(7) Hutchinson teeth.
(8a) Profile. Goiter associated with lues.
(8b) Full face. Goiter associated with lues.
SYMPTOMS: OBJECTIVE.
II. LATENT. Children Between Six and Thirteen Years.
442
Original Articles.
Symptoms.
OrlHNCOON
Average, 1 V2 symptoms
•ssausnoAja^i
1 + 1 1+11
'
+
Shakes hands
+ +
+
Shakes head
+
00
•aa^ioo
1 1 l+l 1 1
1
1 1 1+M § 1 II
•ui^anq
1 1 1 1 1 1 j
+
+
HI Mill II
M
swot diu fa 1
/o advjoav ui pdpnjoxH \
oixB^y
1 1 1 1 1 1 1
1
-Mill ill 1 1 1
rH
i
4™ I nu ejeo
1 1 1 1 1 1 +
1
1 1 Ml 1 l + l M
<N
1
j 'stods punoj,6-99jJ.o[) j
•snog
1 1 l++lt
++ +
1
i i+i i i i i+ ii
•ssaupjimqoeq
Second grade
Sixth grade
Yes
Fourth grade
i
Third grade
First grade
Yes
Yes
Mute
C5
•B^BXJUSpg
1 1 1 1 1 1 1
1 i
II II 1 1 II 1 i a 1
O
o
•SJB3
1 1 1 1 1 1 1
1 1
III l + l + M+l 1.2
&c £
CO
’VipdW SlflfO OlUOJillQ
•0SO^[
1 II I I I I
M
i pi m ill
-
'saAg
11-1111 1
Inter-
stitial
keratitis
+
Mitral
- 1
IS
CM
'situnou oifdo
•qpaX
so | | | so | 02
1
. ] so | 02 | | Mffi | 1 | .|
<N
1 'uosuii{otnjj — [j
j (pdpnpxd) pdtVdAdg — s
•A^TUiaojap
ajq^s
1 1 1 II 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
O
•a“y
9 years. . . .
10 years. . . .
10 years. . . .
10 years. . . .
7 years ....
6 years. . . .
8 years ....
11 years. . . .
12 years. . . .
6 years. . . .
6 years ....
7 years. . . .
12 years. . . .
6 years. . . .
12 years. . . .
12 years. . . .
9 years ....
11 years. . . .
9 years. . . .
8 years ....
•asBO
HM^KJOOOO
6
£
3
dd OOCOlO0H^lOO(NN
H H H <M (M W CO CO CO CO ^
(N
Bloom — Practical Congenital Syphilis.
443
The triad, keratitis, chronic otitis media and Hutchinson teeth,
are seldom seen.
In considering as a whole the symptoms associated with latent
congenital lues of these twenty cases, there were only three that
presented positive pathognomonic symptoms. Compare the average
number of symptoms of the latent group with the group under the
recent symptoms, and the comparison will be as 1 to 5. This state-
ment is emphatic; it should be the inspiration for a more con-
scientious examination for congenital lues at birth, even if there
be no justification based on past history.
444
Original Articles.
Conclusion'.
(1) Use every means possible to diagnose the early manifesta-
tions of syphilis, for, if undiagnosed at birth, the latent symptoms
are few, or entirely wanting.
(2) Conscientiousness in behalf of the infants will mean the
prevention of idiocy, imbecility and insanity and will tend to help
mankind from a moral, sociological, educational and economic
standpoint.
A NEW TECHNIC FOR SUSPENSION OF THE KIDNEY.
By RAWLEY M. PENICIv, M. D FA. C. S., Shreveport, La.
In presenting this technic it is scarcely necessary to review the
literature further than to justify the belief that I have held, that
a more satisfactory, and at the same time simple, technic is desir-
able in fixing the freely movable kidney.
A great deal has been written and many new procedures have
been proposed lately showing that no operation now in use is gener-
ally acceptable and satisfactory to operators.
In the beginning it may be well to say that, unless a kidney pro-
duces marked symptoms, usually the group known as Dietels’ crisis,
its mere mobility does not justify nephropexy. It seems, however,
that a kidney with excessive mobility is almost sure to give serious
trouble at some time or other.
And it is well to bear in mind that in practically every case of
movable kidney the abdominal walls are found very lax, demon-
strating the very important part they play in supporting the
normally placed organs, and the aftertreatment should take care
of this condition following nephropexy.
An interesting and rather remarkable fact has been the recovery
or improvement in a number of cases operated on by English sur-
geons of movable kidney associated with insanity. Suckling re-
ports twenty -one cases where insanity disappeared after fixation
of the kidney, and Billington reports most encouraging results
obtained in the same manner.
To return to the discussion of the technic : If the capsule of the
kidney or its cortex were strong enough under all conditions to hold
sutures without giving away, the problem in suspension would not
Penick — New Technic for Suspension of Kidney. 445
exist, and the most generally employed operations in this con-
dition at present have as a distinguishing feature the more or less
ingenious placing of the sutures in the capsule or cortex, or both,
that they may successfully withstand the strain while the decorti-
cated kidney becomes adherent to the musculature of the back.
I desired to avoid using sutures in the substance of the kidney
for two reasons : it is more or less injurious to the kidney and of
little strength where stress is present.
This was overcome by Senn by the use of the gauze slings tem-
porarily placed around the upper and lower poles of the kidney and
later withdrawn, after adhesion of the partially decorticated kidney
had taken place. As far as I am able to ascertain, Senn was the
first to employ this principle. Penrose and Bayes adopted it, but
used rubber tubing in the place of the gauze.
The objections to using foreign material in this work is too
obvious to dwell upon, but the principle seemed to me so good and
sound that I felt that the problem would be solved if I could utilize
an. autogenous sling, and the deep lumbar fascia immediately sug-
gested itself as lending itself ideally for that purpose.
It is not the first time that the fascia has been used in this oper-
ation, as one operator dissected the deep fascia from the muscles in
such a way as to form a pocket, but serious objection arose to this
procedure. And I desire to say that if any one else has employed
the fascia as I have in this operation, I have not been able to find
any mention of it in the literature at my disposal.
After all, the original element in my technic is this disposition
of the fascia, the remainder being simply the well-known method of
stripping back the capsule and introducing sutures in each side.
It is of interest to note that J onnesco has lately devised a similar
operation, the difference being that he uses bands of the fibers of
the quadratus — apparently a much more formidable operation.
The technic in detail is as follows : I use the Kelly incision, ap-
proaching the kidney through the superior lumbar trigonum, only
I make the incision a little larger, if necessary. When the deep
lumbar fascia is reached it is opened with a clean cut, and beginning
at the lower angle of the wound a ribbon of fascia is dissected about
two-thirds of an inch wide. The end is secured with a hemostat
and laid aside for the present, and the operator proceeds to deliver
the kidney up into the wound as usual. The perirenal fat is stripped
to the hilum and the capsule incised and dissected, the sutures in-
446
Original Articles.
troduced, two on each side. These sutures are caught in hemostats
and laid aside while the perirenal fat is gathered by a circumfer-
ential large suture, forming a cup-shaped support under the kidney,
and the ends are left long for later attachment at the lower angle
of the wound in the musculature.
The ribbon of fascia is now picked up and a large chromic gut
suture threaded into the end to prolong it ; it is then fitted around
the lower pole of the kidney, just below the hilum, and a stitch
securing it to the capsule of the kidney near the front is introduced
to prevent slipping. The ends of the suture, prolonging the ribbon
of the fascia, are left in the hemostat while the kidney is being re-
placed, and the sutures of the capsule are secured in the adjacent
musculature, as usual in this procedure.
When this stage is reached the kidney is placed in the position
desired and the suture prolonging the ribbon of fascia threaded on
a carrier or large needle and fixed in the muscles of the back, at the
most convenient point, fitting snugly around the kidney and holding
it securely while the denuded surface on the kidney forms ad-
hesions.
The large sutures in the subphrenic fat securing a support under
the kidney are now drawn sufficiently taut, forming a cup-shaped
support. This last procedure closes the loose space under the
kidney and, while it may not be necessary, it is quickly and easily
done; indeed, Dr. Bartlett uses this principle alone, almost, in
dealing with this type of kidney surgery. The wound is then closed
in the usual way, layer by layer.
Conclusions.
1. The use of fascia seems logical, gives the greatest security
under the severest post-operation strain, and prevents tilting, rota-
tion and sagging
2. It is easily and rapidly done.
3. Good surgery demands that we employ methods that insure
the greatest security, and this technic seems to give us that security.
4. It is reasonable to suppose that the fascial band eventually
forms a stable ligamentous support that would hold the kidney in
place in the absence of any other support.
News and Comment.
447
NEWS AND COMMENT
The Annual Congress on Medical Education and Licen-
sure, participated in by the Council on Medical Education of the
A. M. A., the Federation of State Medical Boards of the United
State's and the Association of American Medical Colleges, was held
at the La Salle Hotel, Chicago, March 3 and 4, 1919. Each body
furnished a most interesting and instructive program, at the close
of which the annual business meetings were held.
Whiskey to Hospitals. — The Federal authorities recently de-
livered fifty gallons of whiskey to the King’s Daughters’ Hospital,
of Tyler, Texas, the whiskey having been donated to the hospital
by several men who were convicted of violating the Reed Prohibition
Law in the Federal court there. The whiskey will be used by the
hospital for medicinal purposes and will probably be sufficient to
last several years.
Congress Aids Campaign Against Venereal Diseases. — The
sum of $1,000,000 has been voted by Congress to aid the States in
their present campaign against venereal diseases. Thirteen States
have already taken up the movement.
Journal of Orthopedic Surgery. — The American Journal of
Orthopedic Surgery has dropped the “American” from its title, be-
coming the official publication of both the British and the American
Orthopedic Associations. Editors from both organizations will serve,
and so the whole English-speaking world will be reached.
Roaldes Prize. — The Roaldes prize of the American Laryngo-
logical Association, amounting to $200, is offered this year in gen-
eral competition for the best thesis on some subject directly con-
nected with laryngology or rhinology. Papers must be in the hands
of the secretary, Dr. D. Bryson Delavan, 40 East Forty-first street,
Kew York City, prior to June 1.
Pan-American Child Welfare Congress. — Through the
Uruguay Legation, the United States has been invited to send dele-
gates to the second Pan-American Congress for the Welfare of the
Child, to be held at Montevideo, May 18 to 25. The congress has
been postponed several times because of the war.
Restriction of German Medical Practice. — Evidence of
American determination to prevent fraternization between Germans
448
News and Comment .
and men of flier United States army of occupation was given some
few months ago at Coblenz, when orders were issued forbidding
American soldiers to consult German doctors.
Emergency Transportation. — The Paris Municipal Council,
during the epidemic of influenza in France, appropriated 50,000
francs to defray the expense of transportation of physicians by
means of auto-taxis, in order to insure immediate medical attention
for the sick.
American Journal of Care for Children. — With its January
issue this journal became a monthly periodical, dealing extensively
with the rehabilitation of the invalided soldier. The journal is in
no sense a war product, as it is now entering upon its eighth volume.
The editor is Douglas C. McMurtrie, of New York.
The American Board of Ophthalmic Examinations. — The
next examination of this board will be held at Wills Eye Hospital,
Philadelphia, June 6 and 7, 1919. The board is composed of repre-
sentatives of the American Ophthalmological Society, the Section
on Ophthalmology of the American Medical Association, and the
Academy of Ophthalmology and Oto-Laryngology. Details with
reference to the examination may be obtained from the secretary,
Dr. Wm. S. Wilder, 122 South Michigan avenue, Chicago, 111.
Gifts to Hospitals and School. — The Marquette Medical
School Dispensary recently received $133,000 as an endowment by
the family of Patrick Cudahy; Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore,
$400,000 for the erection of a building to serve as a women’s clinic
by an anonymous donor; and Johns Hopkins University, Balti-
more, the “Tudor and Stewart Club,” in memory of Revere Osier,
endowed by Sir William and Lady Osier.
Service; for Trained Sanitarians. — Well-organized health de-
partments is the subject of consideration in many communities be-
cause of the threatened recurrence of influenza next year. Formerly
great difficulty was experienced in obtaining men well trained in
medicine, epidemiology, vital statistics, water supply, sewage dis-
posal, and in every branch of city positions. Men are now return-
ing to civil communities who have served in the Medical Corps of
the Army and who are excellently equipped for positions as health
officers, laboratorians, vital statisticians, sanitary engineers, indus-
trial hygienists, school medical inspectors, etc. A health employ-
News and Comment.
449
ment bureau at Boston has been established by the American Public
Health Association to supply men for such positions. When they
return from service they will register with the bureau, and when a
request for help comes from the bureau they will be notified and
sent to the prospective employers. This service is rendered without
pay either to the employers or applicants.
Discharge of Tuberculous Soldiers. — In a hearing before the
Senate Committee on Public Buildings, Dr. W. G. Stimson, of the
United States Public Health Service, declared that 24,000 soldiers
had been discharged from the army as tuberculous since the begin-
ning of the war. He said that the history of the patients indicated
that they would be in the hospital one-third of the time. Dr. Stim-
son submitted plans for adding 2,000 beds to the existing hospitals.
Quadruplets Born. — An Italian woman living in Philadelphia
gave birth to four seven-pound children, two boys and two girls, on
February 16, adding them to her nine living children. She had
previously given birth to fourteen children, five of whom died. The
two girls are blondes, while the boys are dark. The mother is forty-
two years of age and she was married at fifteen.
American Medical Editors' Association.- — The forthcoming
meeting of this association, which will be held in Atlantic City in
June, 1919, at the Marlborough-Blenheim Hotel, will be the fiftieth
anniversary of this society. Every effort is being made to make its
golden jubilee a memorable occasion. Arrangements for the Victory
Golden Jubilee Banquet, to be held on the evening of June 10, are
now being made, and the secretary-treasurer, Dr. J. MacDonald,
Jr., 92 William street, New York City, would be glad to receive in
advance any notification of a desire to attend.
Public Health Education Campaign. — One of the first of the
peace-time activities of the Red Cross is a nation-wide campaign
for public health education. As chautauqua itineraries offer un-
usual opportunities to reach communities most in need of health
work, the Red Cross Department of Nursing is assigning between
thirty and forty of its ablest nurses, who have returned from over-
seas, to lecture on the principal chautauqua circuits in the country.
The lectures begin June 1, and in each instance will be followed by
a squad of other nurses and Red Cross workers who will conduct a
health exhibit and give practical demonstrations.
450
News and Comment.
The United States Civil Service Commission announces an
open competitive examination for assistant in pharmacology, for
both men and women, to fill a vacancy in the Hygienic Laboratory,,
Public Health Service, Washington, H. C., at entrance salaries
ranging from $1,500 to $2,000 a year. This examination is open
to all citizens of the United States and will be held in most im-
portant cities throughout the country on April 29, 1919. For fur-
ther information, applicants should apply for Form 1312, stating
the title of the examination desired.
Personals. — Among the Louisiana men who have returned, since
our last list, from service in this country or abroad, are : Drs. I. L
Lemann, Urban Maes, J. B. Guthrie, J. B. Elliott, Bussell E.
Stone, J. W. A. Smith, of Hew Orleans; Hr. C. McVea, Baton
Kouge; Dr. H. P. Doles, Blanchard; Dr. A. B. Wheelis, Marion,
Dr. W. W. Smith, Shreveport; Dr. J. F. Polk, Slidell; Dr. F. R.
Deans, White Castle; Dr. R. D. Martinez, Bunkie; Dr. W. H.
Hankins, Derry; Dr. O. P. Daley, Lafayette; Dr. R. C. Webb,
Rayne; Dr. R. L. May, Delhi; Dr. P. T. Thibodaux, Donaldson-
ville, and Dr. J. W. Lea, Jackson.
Dr. W. I. Wimberly has recently opened up offices at 3602 Pry-
tania street, Hew Orleans.
Dr. James Joseph Ryan, 1217 Maison Blanche Building, Hew
Orleans, announces that his practice is limited to diseases of the
ear, nose and throat.
Dr. Henry Leidenheimer, who was serving as house surgeon at
the Charity Hospital during the absence of Dr. Maurice Gelpi,
called for service in the army, was presented with a silver loving
cup by the interns and physicians of the hospital in appreciation
of his services. Dr. Gelpi will resume his. duties immediately.
Dr. A. Parker Hitchens, one of the noted bacteriologists in the
United States, has accepted an appointment as associate director of
the biological division of the Lilly laboratories.
Dr. William H. Harris, 1201 Maison Blanche Building, an-
nounces the association with him of Dr. Andrew Y. Friedrichs in
pathology and bacteriology.
Married. — On March 19, 1919, Dr. William Barclay Terhune, of
Hew Orleans, to Miss Jane Denham, of Rayville, La.
Publications Received.
451
PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED
P. BLAKISTON’S SON & CO., Philadelphia, 1919.
Beverages and Their Adulteraton, by Harvey W. Wiley, M. D.
An International System of Ophthalmic Practice. Edited by Walter
L. Pyle, A. M., M. D. Medical Ophthalmology, by Arnold Knapp, M. D.
The Diagnostic Treatment of Tropical Diseases, by E. R. Stitt, A. B.,
Ph. Gr., MI. D., LL. D. Third edition, revised.
W. B. SAUNDERS COMPANY, Philadelphia and London, 1919.
Complete Index to Volumes I, II and III of Warbasse’s Surgical Treat-
ment.
The Medical Clinics of North America. November, 1918. Vol. 2,
No. 3. Philadelphia Number.
Surgcal Treatment, by James Peter Warbasse, M. D. In three volumes.
Vol. III.
C. V. MOSBY COMPANY, S't. Louis, 1918.
Roentgenotherapy, by Albert Franklin Tyler, B. Sc., M. D.
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE, Washington, D. C., 1919.
Public Health Reports. Vol. 34, Nos. 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9.
MISCELLANEOUS :
Report of the Philippines Health Service. From January 1 to De-
cember 31, 1917. (Manila Bureau of Printing, 1918.)
Annual Report of the Library of the College of Physicians of Phila-
delphia. For the year 1918.
REPRINTS.
Early Diagnosis of Cerebrospinal Meningitis by the Examination of
Stained Blood Films. Report of Cases, by Dr. W. W. King.
Epidemc Influenza, 1918, by J. C. Bhatt and K. M. Hiranandani.
LAST NOTICE.
Remember the date of the meeting of
the Louisiana State Medical Society, April
8, 9, and 10.
Prepare to come.
452
Mortuary Report.
MORTUARY REPORT OF NEW ORLEANS.
Computed from the Monthly Report of the Board of Health of the City
of New Orleans, for February, 1919.
CA USE.
White.
Colored.
Total.
Typhoid Fever _
2
2
Intermittent Fever (Malarial Cachexia) __
Smallpox
Measles . _ _
Scarlet Fever _
Whooping Cough
1
L
Diphtheria and Croup
1
1
Influenza
64
39
103
Cholera Nostras
Pyemia and Septicemia
Tuberculosis
55
40
95
Cancer _ _ _
30
9
39
Rheumatism and Gout _
1
3
4
Diabetes
4
1
5
Alcoholism
Encephalitis andMeningitis
Locomotor Ataxia
Congestion, Hemorrhage and Softening of Brain
25
15
40
Paralysis _ _
1
1
2
Convulsions of Infancy
1
1
Other Diseases of Infancy
12
6
18
Tetanus _
1
2
3
Other Nervous Diseases
8
2
10
Heart Diseases
76
41
117
Bronchitis
5
3
8
Pneumonia and Broncho-Pneumonia
56
35
91
Other Respiratory Diseases
4
4
Ulcer of Stomach
Other Diseases of the Stomach
1
1
2
Diarrhea, Dysentery and Enteritis
4
3
7
Hernia. Intestinal Obstruction .
5
2
7
Cirrhosis of Liver
3
3
6
Other Diseases of the Liver
4
4
Simple Peritonitis
Appendicitis _ _
Bright’s Disease.
4
20
4
14
8
34
Other Genito-Urinary Diseases
15
9
24
Puerperal Diseases
2
1
3
Senile Debility
6
1
7
Suicide _ _.
1
1
2
Injuries..
15
16
31
All Other Causes ._ _
23
15
5S
Total _ ___ ... _ .
450
267
679
Still-born Children — White, 18; colored, 19; total, 37.
Population of City (estimated) — White, 283,000; colored, 106,000;
total, 388,000.
Death Rate per 1,000 per Annum for Month — White, 19.08; colored,
30.23; total, 22.12. Non-residents excluded, 19.09.
METEOROLOGIC SUMMARY (U. S. Weather Bureau).
Mean atmospheric pressure 30.01
Mean temperature 37
Total precipitation 6.52 inches
Prevailing direction of wind, southwest.
NEW ORLEANS MEDICAL
AND SDRGICAL JOURNAL
E D I T O R S *
CHARLES CHASSAIGNAC, M. D. * ISADORE DYER, M. D.
COLLABORATORS :
C. C. BASS, M. D., Prest., Amer. Soc. Tropical Medicine.,,,,..,..,,.
S. K. SIMON, M. D., Acting Secty. American Soc. of Tropical Medicine
| Ex-Officio
P. T. TALBOT, M. D., Secretary Louisiana State Medical Society .Ex-Officio
RUPERT BLUE, M. D., Surgeon General, United States Public Health Service.
H. D. BRUNS, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
C. F. CRAIG, M. D., Col., U. S. A.
S. T. DARLING, M. D., Sao Paulo, Brazil.
W. H. DEADERICK, M. D., Hot Springs, Arkansas.
E. M. DUPAQUIER, M. D. (Paris), Tulane University of Louisiana.
A. G. FRIEDRICHS, M. D., New Orleans, La.
J. T. HALSEY, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
JOS. HOLT, M. D., New Orleans, La.
F. A. LARUE, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
E. S. LEWIS, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
R. C. LYNCH, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
E. D. MARTIN, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
R. MATAS, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
AUGUSTUS McSHANE, M. D., New Orleans, La.
PAUL MICHINARD, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
C. J. MILLER, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
F. W. PARHAM, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
E. A. ROBIN, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
W. H. SEEMANN, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
ALLEN J. SMITH, M. D., University of Pennsylvania.
EDMOND SOUCHON, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
E. R. STITT, M. D., Rear Admiral, U. S. N.
J. A. STORCK, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
R. P. STRONG, M. D., Harvard University.
ROY M. VAN WART, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
Vol. LXXI MAY, 1919 No. 1 1
EDITORIAL
OUR DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY
The Journal celebrates with this issue its seventy-fifth an-
niversary, as the first number was issued in May, 1844.
The actual editors have been at the helm for twenty-three years,
and it is a great satisfaction to them to he able to mention that,
during the whole period, the Journal has appeared promptly each
and every month, not excepting times of epidemic or war, floods
or storms. The only break in the publication occurred during the
Civil War, when editors, contributors and readers were mostly in
the army.
In a modest way we have striven to do our bit, and believe we
454
Editorial .
can state, without fear, that we have tried to live up to the ideals
of the founders of our publication, and can quote, without compunc-
tion, the following from the first page of Volume 1, No. 1 :
1 1 Our Journal shall be liberal, independent and impartial. * * *
Whatever credit or folly may be attached to the undertaking will belong
to the editors alone. It is subservient to no personal, no party interests.
We pursue a higher and a nobler aim — The cultivation of medical science
and the improvement of its followers.
11 We look to the accomplishment of these objects for our reward, and
if we fail we shall at least have the satisfaction of having attempted
something useful.
“To the medical corps of New Orleans, of every nation and tongue,
our pages are freely offered and their contributions are respectfully in-
vited. Of course, they can only be published in the English language,
but there is no difficulty in procuring good translations. ’ ■
We thank sincerely all those who have given us their aid and
support in any way, and shall endeavor to continue deserving their
endorsement in the future.
SOME PSYCHOLOGY OF SYPHILIS.
Each year for many seasons Fournier, the great syphilologist,
spent several lectures teaching the importance of the early effects
upon the nervous system in syphilis, and he particularly stressed
the loss of morale in such patients.
The syphilophobia of those with genital lesions bearing sus-
picious evidences, but incapable of proof of syphilis in the earlier
period before the laboratory tests were available, often was mis-
leading. One elemental fact, however, always stood out : the syphi-
lophobic was always frank; the syphilitic for some time the con-
trary— as Fournier put it, lying is a symptom of syphilis.
The reference to these observations on some psychologic changes
in early syphilis has been occasioned upon the reading of the cir-
cular of instructions just issued by the City Board of -Health, and
which “the physician must hand to the patient.”
We are thoroughly conversant with the mental attitude of the
patient with syphilis, and we know that the majority of them will
be apt to read of the disease when they can, and thereby increase
the ordinary morbid influences which must be overcome, but we
can imagine no greater contribution to the evils of his imagination
than the array of symptoms outlined in the circular and which the
greater number of victims will at once anticipate as to be expected in
the course of his own case.
Editorial .
455
We believe that the intelligence of a patient should be appealed
to and that his personal hygiene is a matter of the greatest im-
portance, but how is it practicable when the patient is told to read
carefully and often an array which might give a healthy man or
woman a nightmare and a sick one a near-delirium ?
It is a wise precaution to advise sterilized drinking-cups and
eating utensils, but this necessitates either accommodation for such
at all eating places, hotels and on public carriers, or the syphilitic
must be compelled to drink and eat only at his own domicile, where
he may do as he pleases.
It is a wise step to afford the physician the facilities for easy
treatment for his patient, but no physician who thinks twice will
put such a circular in the hands of a patient with syphilis looking
for relief of the disease.
Such circulars might be posted in all public places for the pur-
pose of scaring those who might pass in the way of disease, and
for such a purpose the circular might serve an admirable purpose,
but it would appear to us that by attempting to force the circular
upon unwilling doctors and unwilling patients the end result may
be that the Board of Health is on the way to getting rid of a bad
law by enforcing it.
MEETING OF THE STATE SOCIETY.
The Louisiana State Medical Society held its annual meeting
on April 9, 10 and 11 in Shreveport. The total attendance was
212, with thirty-five from Hew Orleans. While the average number
of papers were on the program, there were probably fewer absentees
than usual among the readers. All in all, the scientific aspect of
the meeting, if not brilliant, was quite satisfactory.
As usual, the Shreveport members were cordial, attentive, and
“on the job.” The creature comforts of the visitors were looked
after with interest, the entertainments well arranged and liberal.
All told, the meeting was a successful one, and we should be
thankful to the respective officers and to the Shreveport contingent
for the favorable outcome.
ORIGINAL ARTICLES
(No paper published or to be published in any other medical journal will be accepted
for this department. All papers must be in the hands of the Editors on the tenth day of
the month preceding that in which they are expected to appear. Reprints may be had at
reasonable rates if a WRITTEN order for the same accompany the paper.)
BLOOD CHEMICAL METHODS IN DIAGNOSIS AND
PROGNOSIS.*
By R. B. H. GRADWOHL, Lieuteant Commander, M. C., U. S. N. R. F.,
St. Louis, Mo.
A discussion of the problems connected with the newer methods
of blood analysis for the detection of derangements in kidney func-
tion would be incomplete without paying some attention to the
subject of urine analysis — methods of examination which have
been in vogue for quite some time and the importance of which we
do not in any way wish to decry or minimize.
A brief historical review of these methods in medicine is, there-
fore, not amiss. Gross changes in the appearance of the urine were
noted by the earliest of medical writers, namely, Hippocrates. He
taught that there were prognostic aspects to the examination of
physiological characteristics of urine.
He showed that there was probably some pathological change in
kidneys when there was a change in the physical properties of urine :
its quantity, color and clearness, its cloudy or turbid appearance
and the differences in the gross appearancea. of its sediments.
He tried to show that there was a definite influence of food and
drink upon the urine. Others after Hippocrates alluded to the same
characteristics, hut added nothing new. It was Galen who systema-
tized these Hippocratic teachings, but century after century passed
without a single addition to this information. Then came Avicenna,
the Arabian physician, 980-1037, who showed that external in-
fluences, such as fasting vigils, physical and mental exertions, in-
fluenced the conditions of the urine. He showed that internal ad-
ministration of certain drugs could color the urine. During the
Middle Ages, Johannes, called Actuarius, living at the court of
Byzantium, in the thirteenth century, added his own observations
to those of the Hippocratic-Galen period, describing the minute
physiological characteristics of urine.
*Read before the Orleans Parish Medical Society, February 24, 191&.
Gkadwohl — Blood Chemical Methods.
457
]STo chemical data, of course, were at hand, and therefore no real
progress could be made until the development of chemistry occurred ;
this came with the work of Lorenzo Bellini, of Florence. He evapo-
rated urine and noted that, when he added water, the solids dis-
solved, returning step by step through various intensities of taste
and color until the original condition almost ensued. He therefore
concluded that the different colors and tastes of urine were due to
variations in concentrations of the solid ingredients. Later Dobson
and Willis discovered sugar in urine.
Brandt found phosphorus which, Markgraff proved, came from
the phosphates. Rouelle discovered urea in 1773, and found cal-
cium carbonate, as well as hippuric acid, in the urine of herbivora.
In 1770, Cortugno found albumin in urine; in 1798, Cruikshank
noted the connection of this albuminuria to dropsy, but it remained
for Richard Bright, physician and pathologist to Guy’s Hospital,
to show the true relations of dropsy and albumin to disease of the
kidneys.
“B right’s Report of Medical Cases,” published in 1827, presents
a striking contrast to the vague humoralism of his predecessors, the
work showing the solidism of his pathology. He ascribed al-
buminuria and dropsy to the altered anatomical condition of the
kidneys and he figured the changes in the kidneys much as they
are described and recognized to-day.
About this time, the chemical analysis of gravel and calculi were
undertaken, the principal writers on this subject at that time being
Wollaston, Scheele, Wetzlar and Prout. The work of Rayer and
Becquerel was epoch-making, in that it covered not only the chem-
istry, but also the microscopy, of urine sediment. Casts were first
described by Yogla in 1837.
Nasse and Simon amplified this description. It was Henle, how-
ever, who, in 1844, insisted most particularly upon their signifi-
cance in renal disease. Later chemical and microscopical re-
searches have given us the present technic of urine examinations,
which are familiar to all of us.
We must not forget to allude to the historical aspect of the search
for sugar in urine and blood, as this subject intimately concerns
us in the present paper. While diabetes was known to the ancients,
Celsus, Aretseus, Galen and Paracelsus, they gave no intimation
that they suspected it was characterized by the presence of sugar in
the urine.
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Original Articles.
Ayur Vedda, in 500 A. D., claimed that this was known to Hindu
physicians, but no European knew it until Dobson demonstrated
it in the eighteenth century. The first demonstration of sugar in
the blood was made by Ambrosian in 1835. The remarkable work
of Claude Bernard, in 1848, opened up a path of investigation on
the elaboration of carbo-hydrate metabolism that fully explains
glycemia as we know it to-day.
The question of studying the intimate metabolism of the body
by means of chemical tests of blood was before the minds of many
investigators abroad for some years. It remained, however, for
American research workers to develop methods which, because of
the fact that but small quantities of blood were required and be-
cause these tests could be rapidly carried out, have resulted in the
development of some surprisingly useful facts of great value to
elin1’ clans.
The names of Folin, Denis, Benedict, Myers and Fine represent
the group of men who, since 1912, have given us the principal
points in the technic now in use. Our interest in this new-born
department of chemical hematology is based upon a close study of
these methods from a technical and from an interpretative clinical
standpoint. A consideration of facts of normal metabolism is
necessary in order to thoroughly understand exactly what we are
seeking here to depict.
These blood chemical methods entail a search in blood mainly
for the products of non-protein nitrogenous metabolism, to- wit,
urea nitrogen uric acid, creatinin and sugar. We will not take up
other products, the interpretation of which is still under investiga-
tion. As a result of these tests we have established certain quanti-
tative normals ; these are, in terms of one hundred cubic centi-
meters of blood: uric acid % mg., urea nitrogen %15 mg., crea-
tinin %.5 mg., and sugar 0.08-0.12 per cent. It has been shown
that substance which is easiest of all for the kidneys to throw out
is creatinin, then comes urea nitrogen, and finally uric acid.
Uric acid is the most difficult, creatinin the easiest to eliminate.
Therefore the first change in the concentration of these ingredients
in the blood when kidney function is disturbed is a retention of
uric acid.
As the change in kidney function is aggravated, we next have a
retention of urea nitrogen ; we finally see creatinin stored up. This
occurs manifestly only in extreme states of kidney derangement.
Gradwohl — Blood Chemical Methods.
459
This storing-up of these ingredients in this manner is called by
Myers and Chase the “stair-case” effect, and indeed this expression
most graphically describes it. We see in practical work, in the very
beginning of chronic interstitial nephritis, an increase in acid alone.
There may or may not be alterations in the urine ; perhaps none,
perhaps only a trace of albumin and an occasional cast. In next
order, the urea nitrogen is increased, and here there may be little
or no change in the urine.
Creatinin finally is blocked, and still we may have no increase
in the pathologically formed substances in urine. It is in the inter-
stitial type of nephritis that we see the most interesting blood
pictures. We may have in the so-called parenchymatous type an
increase of all these ingredients only in severe states, not step by
step, as we see it in the interstitial variety. It is in that state
known as uremic nephritis that we see the highest concentrations
of all these ingredients.
At this point I wish to call attention to the concentration of
creatinin as first noted by Folin and later confirmed by Myers and
Lough, with respect to prognosis. Knowing that creatinin is the
easiest ingredient of these three to be eliminated by the kidneys,
its retention in undue quantity is suggestive of most critical de-
rangement of kidney function.
The normal figure in blood is from 1 to 2.5 mg. per 100 cc. of
blood. When creatinin is stored up in the quantity of 5 mg. or
over, we can safely make a fatal prognosis, regardless of the ap-
parent good condition of the patient. In an extended experience
with severe nephritis we have never seen an exception to this find-
ing, nor has the writer seen any statement in the literature contra-
dicting this.
In a study of thermic fever cases with Dr. Schisler last summer,
this prognostic factor came out in a striking manner in some of
these cases. In recent experiences at the City Hospital, this prog-
nostic factor has asserted itself correctly time and again.
Another line of investigation which blood chemistry has opened
up is the correct method of differentiating gouty from other arthritic
-conditions by means of an estimation of uric acid. Many years ago
Garrod stated that uric acid is markedly increased in the blood in
gout, but not in rheumatism; his views, not being in accord with
existing authority, were disputed at the time.
Strange as it may seem, this discerning clinical observer
460
Original Articles.
reasoned correctly, even though he had no clinical methods to
mathematically prove his point. In gouty conditions we have
figures of uric acid over 3.5 gm., at times as high as 25 gm. In
rheumatism we have no accumulation of uric acid in blood. Blood
chemistry plays an important part in the differential diagnosis
between cases that are purely renal in origin and secondarily only
cardio-vascular, and those that are purely cardio-vascular and only
secondarily renal.
We believe that the experiences which we have had, in association
with Drs. Schisler and Powell at the City Hospital, have very often
clearly made this distinction where other methods have failed to
do so. We refer, of course, to the extreme cases of both kinds, cases
that are in a condition commonly called uremic, with albumin and
easts in the urin in both cases, with increased blood pressure, and
often with severe cardiac symptoms. In these cases we find that
there is a marked accumulation of all these non-protein nitrogenous
ingredients in the first type of case, namely, the primary renal; in
the second group of cases there is no such accumulation, or very
little.
In the purely nephritic type of advanced variety we have found
all ingredients increased, with creatinin above the fatal point. In
a recent experience we saw two cases, both apparently in an uremic
status. One had urea nitrogen 99, uric acid 9.8, creatinin 6.76,
sugar 0.144 per cent — manifestly a case of uremic nephritis; the
other showed urea nitrogen 25, uric acid 5.7, creatinin 1.62, 0.114
per cent sugar — manifestly not a uremic.
Both cases, clinically, were alike. The first case died the follow-
ing day ; the second case died some time later of heart block. This
differentiation should be helpful in treatment. The importance of
blood chemistry is manifest in a study of diabetes mellitus. We
know that the normal amount of sugar in blood is 0.08 to 012 per
cent. Any figure above this is called hyperglycemic. It is stated
by Hamman and Hirschman and others that sugar may rise, in the
blood to the point of 0.18 per cent before it appears in the urine;
it may appear in the urine, of course, below this point. The
threshold point is ordinarily 0.18 per cent, yet we, have several in-
stances where there was a concentration of 0.22 per cent before
glycosuria occurred.
The importance of a knowledge of the amount of blood sugar
present in any given case is seen, first, for purposes of diagnosis;
Gradwohl — Blood Chemical Methods.
461
secondly, for guidance during the treatment of diabetes mellitus.
It is also important in clearing up the differential between renal
diabetes and diabetes mellitus. We know that in renal diabetes
there is no increase in blood sugar; in diabetes mellitus there is
always hyperglycemia. We mention this differentiation, fully
aware, however, that some authorities maintain that renal diabetes
is simply a forerunner of diabetes mellitus and is not in itself a
clinical entity.
Allen, Mosenthal and others believe that there are well-authenti-
cated cases of renal diabetes on record that are not prior cases of
diabetes mellitus. Another line of investigation opened up by
blood chemistry is the estimation of acidosis. For an estimation
of this kind, we have the Van Slyke method of determination of
the carbon dioxid power of absorption of blood plasma. We also
have Marriott’s method for the determination of acidosis by means
of the hydrogenion concentration of the blood, as well as the method
of Marriott for the determination of the alkali reserve of the blood
plasma.
Another method is the determination of the carbon dioxid in
alveolar air according to Fredericks technic. These are methods
that are commonly used in the detection of acidosis in connection
with diabetic states. Very recently Marriott, Hsessler and How-
land have called attention to a method of determination of acidosis
that occurs with the nephritic state. They claim that the acidosis
met with in nephritis is unlike that of diabetes, namely, an ac-
cumulation of acetone bodies ; rather is it due to a failure to regu-
late the formation of acid substances by the kidney, a failure to
eliminate acid phosphates.
Their method looks to the estimation of the inorganic phosphates
in the blood. The normal figure expressed in terms of phosphorus
varied from 1 to 3.5 mg. per 100 cc. of blood.
In nephritic acidosis they found it increased invariably to many
times the normal, as much as 23 mg.
Something might be said as to the technic of blood chemical
analysis. The sample is procured preferably in the morning, before
the patient has eaten his breakfast. Blood is taken in much the
same manner it is taken for a serological test, namely, by puncture
of a palpable or visible vein on the forearm, made to stand out by
means of a tourniquet and by having the patient clinch his fist.
The blood is received into a bottle prepared by means of adding and
462
Original Articles.
drying in the bottle overnight ten drops of potassium oxalate 20
per cent solution.
The bottle is agitated, to assist in defibrination, and examined
as soon as possible. The examination begins with an estimation of
sugar; we use the method of Lewis and Benedict. We next ex-
amine for creatinin, according to Folin and Denis’ method. Next,
uric acid, according to Folin and Denis, and finally urea nitrogen
according to Marshall’s urease method.
We may, if desired, look for the amount of non-protein nitrogen,
cholesterol and total solids. This makes a complete blood chemical
analysis. The acidosis tests are only carried out when indicated by
fear of that complication arising. The methods are mainly colori-
metric.
Before closing, we wish to say a word or two respecting the value
of the phthalein test of Geraghty and Bowntree as compared to
blood chemical tests. Like others, we have been very much dis-
satisfied with this test, first, because its principle does not neces-
sarily reside in an estimation of true kidney function; secondly,
because it has repeatedly failed in practice to give us reliable in-
formation.
We have found it normal where the kidneys were deficient, we
have found it showing a decreased elimination where the kidneys
were proven by blood chemical methods to he functionally normal,
and where later operative procedures and perfect convalescence
bore out these facts. In a study which was presented by Dr. Sclierck
and myself before the American Urological Association these facts
were clearly proven in a series of about twenty-five cases, mainly
obstructive conditions in the urogenital tract.
In this connection we cannot conclude without calling the atten-
tion of the surgical profession to the necessity of utilizing blood
chemical methods in surveying operative risk. We believe, from
practical experiences, that the methods of urine analysis, no matter
how complete, fail to fully apprise the surgeon of the functional
capacity of his patient to stand the anesthetic and the usual oper-
ative disturbances so famliar to all. We believe that the wide ex-
periences of clinicians with these methods have already proven their
usefulness to the internist; the surgeon, too, will find them of ex-
treme usefulness in indicated cases.
REFERENCES.
Autenrieth and Funk : Munchen. med. Wchnschr., 1913, lx, p. 1243.
Allen: Glycosuria and Diabetes, Boston, 1913.
Ambard : Physiologic normale et pathologique des reins, Paris, 1914.
Addis and Watanabe: Jour. Biol. Chem., 1916, xxiv, p. 203.
463
Gradwohl — Blood Chemical Methods.
Bloor : Jour. Biol. Chern., 1915, xxiii, p. 317, 1916; xxiv, p. 227.
Boothby and Peabody: Arch. Int. Med., 1914, p. 497.
Bernard, Claude: De l’orgine du sucre dans Peconomie animale, Paris, 1848; also Lecons
sur le diabete et la glycogenese animale, J. B. Balleire et fils, 1877, p. 576.
Obace and Myers: Jour. A. M. A., 1916, lxvii, p. 932.
Cooke, Rodenbaugh and Whipple: Jour. Exper. Med., June, 1916, xxiii, No. 6. 717.
Folin : Jour. Biol. Chern., 1915, xxii, p. 327.
F'olin and Denis: Jour Biol. Chern., 1913, xiv, p. 29; Ibid., 1914, xvii, p. 487.
Folin, Karsner and Denis: Jour. Exper. Med., 1912, xvi, p. 789.
Frothingham, F’itz, Folin and Denis: Arch. Int. Med., 1913, 12, p. 245.
Frothingham and Smillie: Arch. Int. Med.. 1914, xiv, p. 541.
Folin: Jour. Biol. Chem ., 1914, xvii, p. 475.
Fine and Chace: Jour. Pharm. and Exper. Therap.. 1914, vi, p. 219.
Folin and Denis: Arch. Int. Med., 1915, xvi, p. 33; Jour. Biol. Chem., 1912, xiii, p. 469;
Ibid., 1913, xiv, pp. 29 and 95.
Folin and Macullum : Jour. Biol. Chem., 1912, xiii, p. 363.
Folin and Denis: Jour. Biol. Chem., 1916, xxvi, p. 505; Ibid., 1912, xi, p. 527,
F'olin and Denis: Jour. Biol. Chem., 1916, xxvi, p. 473.
Folin and Farmer: Jour. Biol. Chem., 1912, xi, p. 493.
Fine: Jour. A. M. A., 1916, lxvi, No. 20.
Dakin and Dudley: Jour. Biol. Chem., 1914, xvii, p. 275.
Gradwohl, R. B. H. : Philadelphia Med. Jour., April 22, 1899.
Gradwohl and Blaivas : The Newer Methods of Blood and Urine Chemistry, 1917.
Garrod, A. B. : Med. Clin., 1848, xxxi, p. 83, and Treatise on Gout and Rheumatic
Gout, 1876.
Howland and Marriott: Bull. Johns Hopkins IIosp., 1916, xxvii, p. 63.
Howland and Marriott: Am. Jour. Dis. Child., May, 1916.
Hammann and Hirschmann : Joslin (quoted), Diabetes Mellitus, 1916, p. 74.
Howland, Aaessler and Marriott: The Use of a New Reagent for Mierocolorimetric Analysis
as Applied to the Determination of Calcium and of Inorganic Phosphates in the Blood
Serum, Jour. Biol. Chem., March, 1916, proc. xviii, xxiv. No. 3.
Janney, N. W. Arch. Int. Med., November 15, 1916, xviii, No. 5, p. 584.
Janney, N\ W. Jour. Biol. Chem., 1915, xx, p. 321.
Levy and Rowntree: Arch. Int. Med., 1916, xvii, p. 525.
Myers and Bailey: Jour. Biol. Chem.. 1916, xxiv, p. 147.
Myers and Fine: Jour. Biol. Chem., 1915, xx.
Myers and Fine: Essentials of Pathological Chemistry.
Myers and Lough: Arch. Int. Med., 1915, xvi, p. 536.
Marshall: Jour. Biol. Chem., 1913, xiv, p. 283; Ibid., 1913, xv, pp. 287 and 495.
Myers and Gorham: Post-Graduate Med. Jour., 1914. xxix, p. 938.
Myers and Fine: Post-Graduate Med. Jour., 1914-1915; reprinted as “Chemical Com-
position of the Blood in Health and Disease,” New York, 1915.
Marriott: Arch. Int. Med., 1916, xvii, p. 840; Jour. A. M. A., 1916, lxvi, p. 1594.
Von Mering and Minkowski : Arch. f. d. gps. Physiol., 1904, cvi?*p. 160.
Marriott: Jour. A. M. A., May 20, 1916.
Mosenthal and Lewis: Jour. A. M. A., September 23, 1916, lxvii, No. 113, p. 933.
MClean and Selling: Jour. Biol. Chem.. 1914, xix, p. 31.
Von Noorden : Die Zuckerkrankheit, Berlin, 1912.
Plesch: Ztschr. f. exper. Path. u. Therap., 1909, vi, p. 380.
Pratt: Tr. Am. Assn. Physicians, 1913, xxviii, p. 387.
Pratt: Am. Jour. Med., Sc., 1916, cli, No. 1, p. 92.
Shaffer: Jour. Biol. Chem., 1910, vii, pp. 23, 30.
Tileston and Comfort: Arch. Int. Med., 1914, xiv, p. 620.
Van Slyke and Cullen: Jour Am. Med. Assn., 1914, lxii, p. 1558 ; Jour. Biol. Chem..,
1914, xix, p. 211 ; Ibid., 1916, xxiv, p. 117.
Van Slyke: Unpublished data.
Weston and Kent: Jour. Med. Research, 1912, xxvi, p. 531.
Discussion of Dr. E. B. H. Gradwohl' s Paper.
Mr. John G. Bowman, Director, American College of Surgeons: Mr.
Chairman and Gentlemen — There is nothing which I can say to contribute
directly to this discussion, but I am much pleased to be with you. The
American College of Surgeons is at work on a program called hospital
standardization. Very briefly, this is what hospital standardization
means. Until recent years, at least most of the hospitals in this country
were clean, kindly-disposed boarding-houses. They served primarily as a
convenience to doctor in which to care for their patients. But the day
of the hospital boarding-house is about gone. We are in the midst of a
swift evolution in which hospitals are assuming a clear-cut policy toward
their communities. They are no longer content to be boarding-houses.
They are institutions with a clear-cut policy, which guarantees to their
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Original Articles.
communities that every man, woman and child cared for within their
walls will receive the best care which modern medicine can give. The
public is keenly awake on this subject, and the fact is that no. hospital
can successfully ask the good will, confidence or support of its community
unless it in turn, as an institution, stands for the right sort of service.
This is not an occasion in which to discuss details of our program on
hospital standardization. Let me simply say that hospital superintendents
and the medical profession have taken an admirable leadership in order
to make their ideals come true.
Dr. Hornsby: I am not going to intrude myself on your very inter-
esting meeting. I was reminded of an incident while Dr. Gradwohl and
some other gentlemen were talking. I had an old Irish friend some
years ago, and kind Providence had in the course of years seen fit to
send him fourteen or fifteen children. I said: “Mr. Barrett, don’t you
find it pretty hard to take care of them as they come along?” He
answered: “John, God never sent me one but what He sent, me along
something to take care of him with.” I wonder if this isn’t true also
of the laboratory? God gave me a hospital and He did not give me any
laboratory, but in two years from that time I had a $250,000 laboratory
and was stealing $40,000 from the rest of the hospital to work it, and I
was justified in doing it. The medical men were more than enthusiastic
about what that laboratory was doing for them. The hospital was having
a hard time getting along, but after I began to deliver the goods to the
medical profession the money seemed to come easier, and every man in
the hospital was plugging for that hospital every minute of the time;
and while my board was anxious about whether we were going to fill our
new hospital, the medical men connected with the institution, spurred
on by the kind of work our laboratory was doing, began to fill the hos-
pital. I never had any trouble. Those who have been familiar with my
hospital work in Chicago will back me up that I never had any trouble
in running it. I got the best man I could find for my laboratory, and
paid him the money that was needed to get him, and it happened to be
more than $2,000 a year more than I myself was getting in salary. I
made him director of the laboratory and then I got a pathologist and a
physiologist and a physiological chemist. I spent $40,000 a year. I
don ’t know any more important business than the laboratory of the hos-
pital of to-day.
Dr. H. W. E. Walther: I have greatly appreciated hearing Dr. Grad-
wohl ’s paper. The point he brings out emphasizing the importance of
blood chemistry are so clear and convincing that little is left to say.
However, I must differ with him as to his opinion regarding the value
of phenolsulphonephthalein. No one diagnostic or prognostic agent yet
discovered is absolutely perfect, and I know that occasionally the phtha-
lein readings— being tests only of the renal output at the time the test
is made — are at variance with the clinical pictures, but this is the ex-
ception, not the rule. Phthalein readings have helped the urologist a
great deal in coming to a decision on many types of cases, and we would
not like to have to do without it. It should be used in conjunction with
the blood chemical methods to get the best ideas in diagnosis and
prognosis. I have done a great deal of blood-urea work in conjunction
with the phthalein readings, and it has been interesting to follow the
results so obtained
It is to be regretted that no hospital laboratory in New Orleans is
fitted to do blood chemistry. All the blood chemistry so far Jone here
Gradwohl — Blood Chemical Methods .
465
has been done in the private laboratory of the urologist. The time has
come when we should get together on this work and have our hospitals
fit themselves for this kind of laboratory work. Dr. Gradwohl ’s paper,
I feel sure, will stimulate the work on blood chemistry here, and we
should all feel thankful to him for having presented his work to us at
this time.
Dr. A. Nelken: I have been anxious to have Dr. Gradwohl present
the subject of blood chemical analysis before this Society, because I
have been desirous of seeing the local profession awakened to the im-
portance of this matter. The functional capacity of the kidneys is of
extreme importance, not only to the urologist, but to every other medical
man, regardless of which branch of medicine he is especially interested
in. In the last analysis, kidney failure is the most common cause of
death, no matter what the specific condition from which the patient is
suffering may be.
The importance of newer methods of estimating kidney function be-
came apparent when we learned the unreliability, both for diagnostic
and prognostic purposes, of the routine methods of urinary analysis.
You may recall Dr. Cabot’s statement, that the most important things
about the urine were the color, the reaction, and the specific gravity. As
our education along this line increased, we saw that we had been giving
undue importance to the presence or absence of albumen and casts in
the urine.
The introduction of the dye tests was a considerable step in advance.
Methylene blue and indigo carmine were used at first, with the idea of
finding the time of beginning of secretion. When Rowntree and Geraghty
introduced the phenolsulphone test it marked further progress, for this
test is applied so as to give us . inf ormation not only as to the time of
beginning of secretion, but also as to the quantity eliminated during a
given period. Chiefly, its simplicity of application has served to make
it the most popular of all the methods at present at our disposal for
estimating renal function. But large experience with this test has shown
that it must not be taken as an absolute index of kidney capacity, ap-
plicable to every case.
And the newer methods of blood chemical analysis offer a substantial
advance over anything else that has been offered along this line. I have
had the privilege of seeing Dr. Gradwohl work in his laboratory, and I
am satisfied that these tests, carried out according to his methods, com-
bine both simplicity of application and reliability as to findings. I hope
to see the men in New Orleans who do laboratory work prepare them-
selves to carry out this work, for I believe that the time is not so far
distant when we shall no more think of putting a patient on the oper-
ating table without a report on his blood findings than we would now
of operating without a routine urinary examination.
Dr. Harris: As I am the only laboratory man present connected with
a hospital, I feel I should say a few words. I don’t think that the fact
that these blood chemical tests are not carried out is to be blamed upon
those of us who are in charge of the hospital laboratories, but rather
upon the fact that the hospitals are not equipped with the facilities for
these procedures. When you go into the laboratories as they are, you
will see that they have hardly the facilities necessary for the proper
pathological and bacteriological work. Another thing is this: We must
realize that this particular type of work is more in the province of the
physiological chemist. I have long realized this importance and have
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Orignial Articles.
discussed with Drs. Chillingworth, Metz and others about the possibility
of the organization of such work. I would like to ask Dr. Gradwohl
whether or not he considers that such work is not really properly carried
out by a physiological chemist. I have been somewhat reluctant about
entering into a branch that is separate and distinct from my own domain.
We see daily so many examples of the serious results of, for example,
faulty Wassermann reactions, carried out by those insufficiently equipped,
that one should hesitate to attempt a branch as a side line which is in
reality a specialty.
Under the circumstances, I think it unjust that visiting physicians
should say that the pathologists in hospitals are remiss. They should
encourage the authorities to budget the necessary funds so as to in-
corporate such a branch into a properly trained assistant. The laboratory
must be productive of funds in order to get it.
I would like to ask Dr. Gradwohl as regards the question of the test
in children — just how much blood we would have to get along with for
a child, as 10 ccs. would render it rather impractical. I am very glad
to have heard the paper of Dr. Gradwohl and I hope it might stimulate
our physicians to demand of the hospitals the proper essentials for labora-
tory procedure.
Dr. Johns: I would like to endorse the standpoint of Dr. Harris rela-
tive to the present inability of securing proper instruments, and to ask
Dr. Gradwohl as to the reliability of several of the new American-made
colorimeters and standard chemicals.
Dr. Gradwohl (closing the discussion): Eeferring to Dr Eustis’ dis-
cussion, I think he is correct in wishing for more knowledge on the
amid-acids. I think that field is being worked now, and I hope we will
get some data at some future time. I believe; Dr. Harris’ point is very
well taken — that the fault concerning the laboratory department is in
the hospital management. For years they have contributed very little
to the establishment and equipment and management of the laboratories.
In most quarters, whatever improvement there has been in regard to
hospital laboratories has come from laboratory men, and not from the
hospital management. It seems the hospital management has never quite
seen the point that investment in money in the laboratory work is just
as important as maintaining the operating-room, even though it works
at an apparent loss. If a hospital is being maintained for the purpose
©f curing the sick, then what is the use of talking of extravagance?
Money should be no object. The laboratory department should be con-
ducted regardless of expense. If this is to be run on the basis of how
much work can be done and how much money can be made out of it, it
is a very bad policy, and should find no response. Let the work of the
laboratory speak for the excellence of the institution.
In many hospitals in St. Louis the same situation has existed there
for years, and for a long time there were few laboratories worthy of the
name; they never paid a laboratory director enough money to let him
settle down in the hospital and remain there. They seemed to be con-
tent to appoint some one with a good reputation who was content to
take the appointment because his reputation was thereby enhanced; he
turned over the work to half-baked technicians and appeared at the
laboratory for a short time and took the responsibility for work he never
saw and the clinician accepted it because his director was a man of
established reputation.
So far as specialism in the hospital laboratory work is concerned, I
Rucker — Delusion and Dream.
467
do not believe the laboratory of the hospital — a good hospital — ought to
have a hospital chemist. Chemistry is a very important part of the
clinical work, and one laboratory man cannot be competent in every
department and cannot do it all. I believe the tendency is to have a
chemical man doing the chemical work of the laboratory. I don ’t be-
lieve in carrying that principle down to the smallest hospital. When
the work gets big enough to demand special attention, it can then be
done.
Dr. Johns has brought up a very important question regarding the
equipment of the laboratory for this kind of work. We need for this
work certain apparatus, all of which has been made in America here.
There is an instrument described by Dr. Benedict, devised by him, which
costs about $15. I have one of these, but have worked very little with
it, but I am willing to accept Dr. Benedict’s word that it is as good as
he says. The Hellige instrument I endorsed in my book, because it used
such a small amount of the standard solution, and the standard solutions
are so hard to obtain that I recommended it for that reason.
With the Hellige instruments, you keep most of standard solutions in
wedges. The standard solution for the estimation of sugar can be made
from a pure solution of glucose. It can also be made from a solution of
picramic acid. The creatinin can be made by estimation of the amount
of creatinin in a specimen of urine. Uric acid must be pure.
“DELUSION AND DREAM.”
A Comment on the “Freud Theory.”
By S. T. RUCKER, M. D., Memphis, Tenn.
The Standard Dictionary defines a dream as “A succession of
mental images, usually confused and incoherent, experienced while
sleeping.” The Encyclopedia Britannica says “A dream is a state
of consciousness during sleep, or a hallucination peculiarly as-
sociated with the condition of sleep, but not necessarily confined
to that state.” Freud defines a dream as “A physiological delusion
of the normal human being.” A definition that appears to me
more comprehensive is, a dream is a phantastic play of the un-
conscious mind, not logically descriptive, but represented by dramatie
symbols and mental images.
Dreams we all have, visions we should have, and delusions we will
have, unless our visions and desires find expression in reconstructive
effort or in the dramatic phantasy of dreams. The conscious mind
works continuously through the brain, its organ and medium of
communication. It must find outlet for this activity either through
normal or abnormal channels. ' To repress or confine it is like trying
to control an excess of steam. It is well known that repressed or
pent-up emotions (and emotions are thoughts) must find an avenue
468
Original Articles.
of escape or, as sometimes expressed, “must get out of the system.”
The usual way is for men “to cuss it out,” for women “to cry it
out,” boys “to fight it out,” and girls to “laugh it out,” The
giggling, laughing girl is a good illustration of the normal escape
of emotive activity.
Ancient people attached great importance to dreams and appear
to have understood their language better than we of to-day. Many
of their wise men possessed the ability to analyze and interpret
dreams. To those who believe in Biblical history it is interesting to
note that dreams played no small part as a medium of communica-
tion between Jehovah and His people. In the dream of Jacob there
was a great stretch of the imagination when he saw a ladder that
reached from earth to heaven and beheld angels ascending and
descending on it. At the top stood the Lord, who delivered a
prophetic message, saying “The descendants of J acob would prosper,
be blessed and spread over the face of the earth.” Joseph incurred
the enmity of his brothers by interpreting to them a dream he had.
saying he would be chosen over them as a leader and ruler. Though
he was exiled into Egypt, he became first in authority at the court
of Pharaoh and interpreted his dreams. The Lord appeared to
Solomon in a dream by night and said, “What shall I give thee?”
Solomon asked, in return, for an understanding heart, that he
might be able to judge the people and discern between good and
evil. These represent some of the many dreams and interpretations
of dreams referred to in Biblical history.
The philosophers of ancient Greece and Borne attempted ex-
planations of dreams. Aristotle ^ays, “Dreams are impressions left
by objects seen with the eyes, and that a small sound, when ex-
aggerated by slight stimuli, in a dream, becomes noise like thunder.”
Plato, too, connects dreaming with the normal operations of the
mind, and explains them “as prophetic visions received by the lower
appetitive soul through the liver.” Hippocrates was disposed to
admit that some dreams may be divine revelation, but held that
others were premonitory of diseased states of the body.
The modern conception and interpretation of dreams is assuming
a more scientific aspect, and the Freud theory that a dream is a
fulfilment of a repressed or unconscious wish has opened up an
interesting field for psychological research. It is well known that
those things we wish and try to suppress during the day often come
back in dreams at night. So, one initiated in dream-interpretation
Ruckee — Delusion and Dream.
469
may often find traces of things he has suppressed in the course of
life. It was therefore natural that Freud, in his search for in-
advertent outbreaks of the unconscious life, should turn his atten-
tion to dreams, especially so when he was continually meeting with
the relation of dreams during his analytic methods of treating
nervous disorders. Patients brought them to him in the same way
they brought their real experiences. He soon found that dreams
were established as determining structures, like any other thought-
structure, only with the difference that they were built according to
other principles than those which have to do with the waking life.
By patient study he was able to learn how to decipher the strange
symbol or sign language of the dream. In this way he gradually
formulated his psycho-analytic method of determining the signifi-
cance of dreams in unraveling the psychic tangles of the abnormal
mind. What complicates dream-construction most of all is the use
of symbols. The dream has an inclination to present everything in
visual images. It does not approve of the narrative form, but is
essentially dramatic. If one considers the dream as it immediately
appears before the unconsciousness, it certainly seems quite mean-
ingless. This has given rise to the teachings, according to which a
dream is only a conglomeration of dissociated ideas, originating
through some processes which temporarily irritate the mental ap-
paratus. If the dream is subjected to analysis it takes on another
sgnification.
When Freud turned his attention in this direction he soon dis-
covered that symbolic speech by no means applies only to dreams.
It is a common ingredient of the conscious mind and presents itself
in folk-lore, in witticisms, in slang, etc. Primitive man made use
of symbols as a means of expression ; later our logical and descrip-
tive speech was built upon this foundation. In settling upon one
single point in the Freud doctrine which, in importance, exceeds
all others, I should suggest his presentation of the connection be-
tween dreams and psychology and the process of neurosis construc-
tion. It has long been suspected that dreams have something to
do with insanity; but until the researches of Freud this remained
only a suspicion. His ingenuity was the first that succeeded in
seizing upon and working out in detail this apparently inaccessible
empirical material. He says dreams and delusion spring from the
same source — the repressed. Before the repressed has become strong
enough to push itself up into the waking life as a delusion it may
470
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easily have won its first success under the more favorable circum-
stances of sleep in the form of a dream. During sleep, with the
diminution of psychic activit}^ there enters a slackening of the
strength of resistance, which the conscious psychic process offers to
the repressed. This slackening is what makes dream-formation pos-
sible. Therefore the dream becomes for us the best means of ap-
proach to knowledge of the unconscious psyche. Only the dream
usually passes rapidly with the revival of waking life and the ground
won by the unconscious is again vacated.
In my study of abnormal psychology I have noticed a striking
analogy between delusion and dream. The difference appears to
be that a dream is acted out during the unconscious or sleep state
and abandons the field when consciousness is restored; while de-
lusion holds sway over the mind during the conscious or waking
state and disappears during sleep. Now if, as Freud contends, a
dream is the physiological delusion of the normal human being, may
not a delusion be the pathological dream of the abnormal human
being? My observations have been that persons who dream have
no delusions, and those who are dominated by delusions have no
dreams. Therefore dreams may perform an important function in
maintaining mental balance by letting the “repressed” find a
physiological exit during sleep, instead of pushing itself up into
the waking life as a delusion.
“MEDICAL EXPERIENCES OVERSEAS.”*
By LIEUT. COL. JOHN B. ELLIOTT, Jr., New Orleans.
Before saying anything about my medical experiences while in
France I must say a word about the officers and nurses and men of
Base Hospital 24, with whom I lived for eleven months as director
of the unit and oftentimes commanding officer. I can never forget
their loyalty to me personally nor their devotion to duty when the
real hero of the war, the American “doughboy,” was in need of help.
As four of the speakers are from Base Hospital 24, I think it
best that I take up only what I saw and did after being detached
from that organization.
On August 6, 1918, I was ordered by the chief surgeon, A. E. F.,
to report to St. Aignan to consult with the commanding officer of
*Read before the Orleans Parish Medical Society, March 10, 1919. [Received for
publication April 7, 1919. — Eds.]
Elliott — “ Medical Experiences Overseas.”
471
Camp Hospital 26 on the typhoid situation at that point. On
arriving there, after consultation with Major Nagle, chief of the
medical service, I found the following most interesting state of
affairs : There were forty-six patients suffering with typhoid fever
in the worst stage of the disease, all coming from one company,
which had arrived from America about four weeks previously. They
were being looked after in the most scientific manner and every
precaution known to modern medicine was being used to prevent
further spread. About three kilometers away 163 other members
of the same company were being inspected daily and held in strict
isolation; the feces of these cases had been examined weekly in
order to segregate at once any carriers. The history of the com-
pany was that it had left Camp Cody, New Mexico, some time in
June with 270 men, had traveled in a troop train to New York, had
left two men sick at Camp Merritt, had dropped seven in a camp
near Liverpool, twenty or thirty in Romsey, England, and about
fifteen or more at Cherbourg, France, all probably suffering from
typhoid fever. This company had been thoroughly vaccinated, some
having received as many as nine “shots” of typhoid vaccin prior to
June, 1918.
After most thorough study of the whole matter, Major Nagle
was able to prove that the trouble had come from a carrier who was
a member of the K. P. (kitchen police). Unfortunately, I was un-
able to get any further light on the question of the vaccin used in
these cases.
A few days after returning to my headquarters from this trip I
was ordered to report to Headquarters Medical Center, Vittel, for
for duty as consultant in general medicine to the hospital center of
Vittel and Bazoilles. Luckily for me, Gen. W. S. Thayer, chief
consultant in medicine, A. E. F., came to Limoges at just this
time and I had the pleasure of a wonderful ride with him from
Limoges all the way to Neuf chateau, going via Moulin, Autun
and Dijon, getting a view of France that can only be had from an
auto. At Vittel I found Base Hospitals 23 and 36, and at Com-
treville, four kilometers away, Hospitals 31 and 32. At Bazoilles,
thirty kilometers away, were Base Hospitals 18, 42, 46, 60, 79, 81
and 116, while at Neufchateau was Base Hospital 66, and ten kilo-
meters further on Convalescent Camp No. 2.
It was my duty to consult with the medical chiefs of the different
hospitals as to the personnel of the respective staffs and to see such
472
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eases as we thought advisable. You may imagine what a splendid
opportunity this was for differential diagnosis and for learning
medicine from the many excellent clinicians I met in my rounds.
My most interesting medical experience here was the epidemic
of influenza, which came to us first about August 28, the patients
coming from Girardmer to Base Hospital 36 at Vittel, whose med-
ical chief was Lieut. Col. McGraw, of Detroit. From August 28
to November 1 we had 1,400 cases of what we soon learned to
diagnose as coalescing broncho-pneumonia, with 453 deaths. The
most striking clinical signs were early cyanosis, marked leucopenia
and its great fatality in those who had been exhausted or who had
become chilled from exposure in open trucks and automobiles.
While we could only demonstrate the influenza bacilli in a very,
very small percentage of cases, yet we believed, and still do believe,
that it was the primary factor in the epidemic and that the type of
pneumonia which developed was dependent entirely on what type
was most predominant in the throat of the patient at the time of
being attacked by the influenza. Empyema was not so prominent
as in the streptococcic type seen in the camps in America during
the winter of 1917-1918, but we did see many cases of abscess of
the lung, and, in two cases of empyema, Major Baetjer, at Bazoilles,
was able to isolate the influenza bacilli in pure culture. The X-ray
study of those recovering from influenza was most interesting, all
showing a peri-bronchial thickening.
The effect of influenza on the heart was best seen at the con-
valescent camp at Liffon-le-Grand, where Capt. Bridgman was in
charge of the medical work. Here were cases seemingly well in
every way except for rapid heart after exertion, and not returned to
normal rate until from one month to six weeks, though all physical
signs of the disease were absent.
The meetings in Paris each month, under the auspices of the Bed
Cross, were most instructive, giving one an opportunity to hear the
lesson learned from our Allies. I shall never forget the talks by
Sir David Bruce and Sir Almoth Wright ; but, above all my ex-
periences, I must put first the stimulation and knowledge I received
from association with such men as Thayer, Longcope, Webb, Kohn,
Gamble, Abbott, Wallace and other leaders in American medicine.
I believe you can safely tell your clients that their sons were well
taken care of in France. The devotion of doctors and nurses and
men to the sick “doughboy” was simply beyond praise.
Halsey — “Medical Experiences Overseas.”* 473
By MAJOR JOHN T. HALSEY, New Orleans.
My task to-night is to say a few words about what has been done
by the officers, nurses and enlisted men of Base Hospital 24, most
of whom are known to you.
After reaching France the officer group of the hospital was pretty
badty broken up. One after another of us was ordered to other
duties, until finally of the original medical quintet only I was left.
Consequently there isn’t much to tell you about the work done by
the medical side, for the hardest part came after these gentlemen
had left us. Of the surgeons, Drs. Maes, Chamberlain, Dicks, Wall
and Jones were taken away from us before we really got down to
our hardest work. In August, patients began to come in in large
numbers, until finally there were over 1,800 sick and wounded sol-
diers to be cared for by about twelve doctors.
I want to say a word here as to what our enlisted men did at this
time. In order that these patients could have beds, they voluntarily
gave up their own beds and slept wherever they could find a place —
in barns, offices, halls, kitchens and in pup tents on the ground.
As Limoges trains usually depart and arrive between 2 and 5
a. m., frequently some of our men would carry patients up four and
five flights of stairs all night, not leaving the job until the last
patient was put to bed, and then they would be at work all day as
well.
As for the nurses, they stuck to their task equally well. There
were strict orders that all nurses were to report sick if they felt out
of sorts, but they never did. They simply waited until they were
so sick they could do no more.
Dr. Lanford was taken away from us, leaving Dr. King Rand,
of Alexandria, to care for the laboratory by himself. It was im-
portant work and there was lots of it, so for months Dr. Rand
worked nearly every night until 12 o’clock.
A large part of the surgical work that had to be done at this
hospital was the after-care of patients already operated on else-
where. Much of it consisted simply in dressing cases over and over
again. It was not what any surgeon would call interesting surgery,
but those surgeons never faltered. Up to lunch-time and after
lunch until dinner-time, they were at it, and at times it was after
midnight before they finished. It was a beautiful and at the same
*Read before the Orleans Parish Medical Society, March 10, 1919. [Received for
publication April 5, 1919. — Eds.]
474
Original Articles.
time the most skillful example of faithful performance of duty that
I have ever seen. I saw work done in several other base hospitals,,
but nowhere else did I see work as well done as in Base Hospital
24. You can be proud of what those fellow-townsmen of yours did.
I personally feel so grateful to them, and have such respect for
them, that I intend to name them each. John Smyth, Aleck
Ficklen, Paul Lacroix, Muir Bradburn, Warren Scott and Philips
Carter went through the worst of it, while Urban Maes and W. 0.
D. Jones did all there was to do until they left the organization.
Dr. Fenner deserves a paragraph to himself. Under the con-
ditions which prevailed at Limoges there was relatively little for
him to do in his own special line, so he simply turned in and did
whatever there was to be done — orthopedic or general surgery — and
when the medical side was swamped by a flood of medical cases he
jumped in and saved the day by taking over medical wards. I feel
specially grateful to him for the cheerful and skillful assistance
which he rendered me during some of the most strenuous weeks of
my life.
The following gives some idea of how we were rushed at times
last fall. About the first of October we were told to get ready for
a greatly increased number of patients. At that time we had about
700 beds in the hospital. By using every nook and corner we could
find, in ten days we had enough beds to be able to take care of 1,500
patients, besides 350 more in an annex the other side of town. We
didn’t have any more trouble about patients spitting on the floor,
for they couldn’t hit it. In the first fourteen days of October we
took in and cared for 1,500 new patients sent back from the front.
My witness would not be complete did I not speak of the wonder-
ful spirit shown by the patients. Both sick and wounded showed
themselves as good soldiers as they had been at the front. Than
this, nothing more can be said in the way of praise.
By CAPT. JOHN W. MORRIS, Somerville, Tenn*
One of the first things you would ask is, “What happens to a
prisoner of war ?”. In my case, I was sent to German battalion head-
quarters. They ask you all sorts of questions, and we had been
taught in advance, in event of capture, to answer all questions
promptly and incorrectly. The intelligence officer did not know I
*Read before the Orleans Parish Medical Society, March 10, 1919. [Received for
publication April 10, 1919. — Eds.]
Morris — “Medical Experiences Overseas.
475
was an American. He asked if there were many French among ns,
.and I told him incorrectly that the tunnels of Arras were full of
French troops. They were worried about the troops in Arras, be-
cause in April, 1917, the British, by hiding thousands of men in
fhem, had surprised the Hun and made one of the successful pushes
of the war prior to the German advance in March. After interro-
gation we were sent back to a concentration camp, said camp con-
sisting of barbed wire fence around a brewery. After staying there
a few days we were sent to Belgium, where I stayed a few months
to treat the British wounded.
We found the hospital to be a very small building, which had
formerly been a school for boys; the hospital contained about 700
seriously wounded men, 300 of whom were British. The condition
was awful — a great deal of pus and infection, and in some cases the
pus had gone through the mattress on to the floor. Some of the
men had not been dressed in two weeks.
There was very little gauze for dressing. We used paper. If a
patient was fortunate enough to have a gauze bandage he would
unroll it himself. The paper was very unsatisfactory, because it
got hard and uncomfortable from the excretion of the wounds. For
the 300 men we had one German nurse. The principal anesthetic
was ethyl chloride, and it was satisfactory. All patients had to be
taken to the operating room for dressings, and voluminous records
had to be kept. Every wounded man received two injections of
tetanus antitoxin. We were allowed a certain amount of drugs and
dressings daily, and when these were exhausted we were at liberty
to go for a walk under armed guards, provided we did not go
through the village. Our usual walk was along the towpath of the
canal. The only disadvantage was we had to see great barge loads
of good American food go by for French and Belgians, and we were
as hungry as any of them.
We made the acquaintance of many Belgian people, and without
exception the guard allowed us to speak with them, provided we
kept out of sight of the German officers or N. C. O. Their chief
grievance against the Germans was the deportation of girls; you
could tear down their houses, take their laces, machinery, cattle,
wines and gold, but when the Hun deported Belgian girls he did
a low thing that the civilized world will not forget or forgive.
The food we were given was dark bread, so often described ;
plenty of soup and imitation coffee; the coffee was not unlike that
476
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used by our people during the Civil War. When our soup was nice
and thick with meat we knew that an Allied aviator had laid an
egg on Hun Cavalry, where it did a prisoner of war most good.
In July we were sent back to Germany by the way of Brussels,
Metz and Strassburg on to Basstatt. We found here about 300
French officers- — the cleanest, nicest fellows I had ever seen. They
were always planning escape, the usual method being to empty
straw from their mattress, tie grass on it, get under it and crawl
to the fence, cut the wire, throw the cutters back for the next party,
let the guard go by, and then go on their way rejoicing. The next
morning at roll-call they would, of course, be missing. The superior
officer called the roll by barracks, with no better result. For an
officer to allow a man to escape means punishment, the usual
punishment being to send him to the front. The usual explanation
the officers in charge would give is that the men had never been
there at all. A Frenchman brought in a wireless outfit and we got
the news from the front daily.
We were next sent to an American camp located in the Black
Forest. The elevation is something like 5,000 feet ; very cool and
healthy. Here we secured Bed Cross food and were allowed to go
walking every day by turning in a word-of -honor card. While at
that camp Puryear, Willis and Isaacs escaped. From that time on
we had certain restrictions, but on the whole we were not molested
by the guards or civilians. There have been a great many charges
made against the German soldiers and civilians that are not true;
they have done some things that have never been published, but
we must remember that in Germany they have the identical propa-
ganda against French, British and Americans. Many of the Ger-
man people were misled as to the cause of the war, but they were
in the midst of their apparently successful drive towards the
channel ports and towards Paris; they were entirely satisfied with
Hindenburg, Ludendorff and the Kaiser.
By MAJOR IVAN ISAAC LEMANN, New Orleans *
You now have a pretty good idea of what it was like, from the
talks you have heard — what it was like at the Base Hospital and
what it was like at the front. In general, our life was very different
from what most of our friends over here think it was. I am greeted
on all sides by friends who exclaim over the wonderful times and
*Read before the Orleans Parish Medical Society, March 10, 1919. [Received for
publication April 9, 1919. — Eds.]
Lemann — “Medical Experiences Overseas ”
477
the dangers and hardships I have had. As a matter of fact, there
were very few of ns, except Col. Maes, who had real hardships.
Most of ns slept in pretty good beds, and some of ns, like Col.
Elliott, lived off the best of the land.
I think yon may be interested in one thrilling experience that
all of yonr friends of Base Hospital 24 shared together. It was
in crossing the English Channel from Southampton to Havre. We
were jammed in on a small boat, no larger than a seagoing tug,
so that there was literally no space to sit down. We were supposed
to make the trip in about eight to nine hours, but as a matter of
fact it took us several hours more than that. We left Southampton
about 4 o’clock in the afternoon accompanied by a torpedo boat de-
stroyer to guide and protect- us, and about midnight, in the middle
of the channel, in the pitch blackness of the night, our engine broke
down and we lay becalmed an hour or more. In addition to this,
our boat made a terrific noise, letting off steam, and if there had
been a submarine within hearing distance we would have made a
fine target. In spite of all of this, every one remained perfectly
quiet and composed, and there was nothing in the slightest ap-
proaching alarm or panic.
Dr. Halsey has told 3^011 something about our friends of Base
Hospital 24 and the work they did. I feel that I can, with perfect
modesty, reiterate and emphasize what he has said, for the greater
part of the good work was done after I left them. We have good
reason to be proud of them.
After I left Base Hospital 24 I was assigned as chief of the
medical service of Base Hospital 76 at. Vichy. This was a con-
glomerate hospital, not representing any particular institution, but
made up from various parts of the country. I found conditions
there very different from those I had left at Base Hospital 24 in
Limoges. The equipment of Base Hospital 76 had not arrived, nor
had the nurses. Our enlisted personnel and our patients had to
drink their soup and coffee from empty tomato cans, and we had
very few kitchen utensils. The equipment that we were able to
borrow from other base hospitals in Vichy was equally scanty. But,
in spite of all of this, our patients got very good care and our hos-
pital at one time had 1,700 patients. There were three other base
hospitals in Vichy, and it was planned that this center should care
for approximated 20,000 patients, if the armistice had not come.
Vichy is a city of hotels. Normally it has about 15,000 in-
478
Original Articles.
habitants, and during the season from 50,000 to 100,000 visitors.
Altogether, the Americans took over about eighty hotels for the use
of the base hospital there.
There are several things in the way of professional experience
that I might relate that possibly might interest you. I consider
that one of the most valuable experiences I had was to have under
my care, under the direction of Dr. Pollock, of Chicago, a consider-
able number of war psychoneuroses, so-called shell-shock, hysteria,,
etc. The effect of treating men under discipline made a tremendous
impression upon me, and I feel that I have returned an entirely
different doctor than I was when I went away. My attitude to my
patients, 1 am sure, has changed considerably, and to the benefit
of the patients.
Another experience which was valuable was that which we had in
meeting the situation caused by the outbreak of numerous cases of
enterocolitis. Most of these came from the front to the base hos-
pitals and were probably due to bad food or bad water. At times
we thought some of them due to poisoning. At one time I had
several hundred such diarrhea cases on hand in Vichy under the
conditions I have already outlined, so that the problem of handling
the diet was difficult. In addition to this, we had no bismuth nor
any other astringent drug. The situation we met in this way : As
each diarrhea patient was admitted, his clothes were taken away
and he was put to bed. This was done in order that he might
not obtain any food other than that which was brought to him. He
was then given a large dose of castor oil, and this was repeated
from time to time as needed. As the diarrhea improved, the patient
was given a ticket to a soft-diet mess, where he obtained only soft
cereals and liquids. Upon further improvement he was promoted
to the full-diet mess, for which another ticket was required. With
this system we were able to clear up practically all of the cases and
relieve the situation that at one time threatened to be alarming in
its proportions.
News and Comment.
479*
NEWS AND COMMENT
Meeting of the American Medical Association. — The
seventy-first annual meeting of the American Medical Association
will be held in Atlantic City, N. J., June 9 to 13.
American Society of Tropical Medicine Meeting. — On June
16 and 17, the American Society of Tropical Medicine will hold its
meeting in Atlantic City, in conjunction with the Congress of Amer-
ican Physicians and Surgeons and its affiliated societies. It is to
be hoped that every member of the Society can arrange to be present
and thus help towards the success of the meeting. Members wish-
ing to contribute papers or to present other interesting matter to
the Society should notify the acting secretary, Dr. Sidney K. Simonr
1105 Maison Blanche Building, New Orleans.
Officers of the; Louisiana State Medical Society
Elected. — The officers elected for 1920 at the meeting of the Lou-
isiana State Medical Society, which met in Shreveport, April 8, J
and 10, are : Dr. L. Henry, of Lecompte, president; Dr. C. P. Cray,,
of Monroe, Dr. S. C. Barrow, of Shreveport, and Dr. T. J. Dimitry,,
of New Orleans, vice-presidents; Dr. E. W. Mahler, of New Orleans,
secretary, and Drs. W. H. Seemann, of New Orleans, and C. Pier-
son, of Jackson, were named delegates to the A. M. A. meeting at
Atlantic City in June.
Co-Operation of States to Control Venereal Disease. — On
April 1, 1919, forty-four States had passed the necessary laws and
will cooperate with the United States Public Health Service in
carrying out its program for venereal disease control. Eighteen
States have made appropriations equal to that of the Kahn Cham-
berlain allotment, and eighteen States have established a separate
venereal disease division.
Badium Output. — Since 1913, when radium was first produced
in the United States, the radium output of the Standard Chemical
Company, of Pittsburgh, has been thirty-nine radium element
grams, according to Science. The total radium production in this
country up to 1919 approximates fifty-five grams of radium, which
represents probably more than half of all the radium produced in
the world.
News and Comment.
480
Infant Mortality Rate Lowered. — For the past several years
the infant mortality rate of St. Louis has been lower than that of
any other large city, but in 1918 New York reduced her infant death
rate to 91-7, while St. Louis had a rate of 94.4 and took second
place. Baltimore was the highest in the list of ten large cities,
having a death rate of 147.7, while the death rate for Chicago was
131.3.
Scholarship for Nurses. — The American Red Cross has an-
nounced an appropriation of $100,000 as a scholarship fund to in-
duce graduate nurses released from the army and navy nurse corps
to train for public health nursing. A maximum scholarship of $600
will be granted for an eight months’ course of training and $300
for a four months’ course. The fund will be administered by the
Red Cross Department of Nursing, and scholarships will be granted
on the recommendation of Red Cross division directors of public
health nursing.
Prohibition and Drug Addiction. — According to the assertion
of Commissioner Copeland, of New York City, the advent of pro-
hibition will be followed by a large increase in the number of drug
addicts. He states that one person in every thirty in New York
to-day is addicted to the use of some sort of a drug. The scarcity
of liquor has already had its effect on the drug market, he claims,
and the amount of cocain which was used in December and J anuary
was greater than for the ten preceding months, and in February
the increase was so great that the wholesalers had to put a limit on
the sales. He urges that steps be taken to meet the coming situ-
ation, and pointed out the defects of the law concerning the sale of
narcotics.
London Physicians Organize Business Union. — It is under-
stood that, in view of the impending establishment of the Ministry
of Health and its consequent effects on the medical profession, a
meeting of the majority of physicians of London was held on Febru-
ary 23 and adopted favorably the immediate organization of the
medical profession on a trade basis. Twenty thousand members
were expected to join the union. The professional status of the
physicians represented at this meeting is not known.
Mosquitoes for Army Medical Museum. — According to daily
press reports, medical officers at all army camps throughout the
News and Comment.
481
country have been ordered by Surgeon General Ireland to obtain
one or more specimens of every species of mosquito found in the
vicinity of their camps. The mosquitoes will be classified and
placed in the Army Medical Museum.
Society for the Study of Epilepsy to Meet. — The next an-
nual meeting of the National Association for the Study of Epilepsy
will be held at the Craig Colony for Epileptics, Sonyea, N. Y., June
6-7, under the presidency of Dr. William T. Shanahan, Sonyea.
Red Cross in After-War Activity. — A convention of the Red
Cross organizations of the world, to meet at Geneva thirty days after
the declaration of peace, has been called by the International Red
Cross Committee. This call was issued at the request of the Red
Cross societies of the United States, France, Great Britain, Italy
and Japan, whose representatives have constituted themselves a
committee to formulate and propose an extended after-war program
of activities in the interest of humanity.
Millions Lost Through Rats. — It is estimated that $200,000,-
000 is lost through the agency of rats each year in the United States.
In the average town it is estimated that the rat population equals
the human population. Rural’ districts usually have about ten rat
inhabitants for every human inhabitant. It requires about $2 to
support a rat for one year.
Money for Medical Education. — At a meeting of the General
Education Board of the Rockefeller Foundation, appropriations
aggregating $1,108,525 were made to various educational institu-
tions throughout the United States. The largest amounts of this
sum were given to medical education, $400,000 being given to Johns
Hopkins University Medical School for the endowment of a depart-
ment of obstetrics, and $150,000 to the Meharry Medical College
at Nashville, Tenn.
Posture League Meeting. — The American Posture League held
its annual meeting March 8. An address on posture in industry
was made by Mr. Harry Arthur Hoff, consulting engineer, after
which clinical demonstration of methods of recognizing and record-
ing posture were given. Moving pictures and other lantern slides
on posture were shown. Addresses were also made on the anatomic
demonstration of some of the articles resulting from the technical
committee of the league, including the chairs.
482
News and Comment.
Decline in Mental Disease From Drink Abstinence. — A
report from the Health Office of Vienna, Hew York, reveals a con-
siderable decline in mental disease, which is attributed to the lessen-
ing consumption of alcoholic beverages, which are extremely high
in price. The inebriates’ ward in the Vienna Lunatic As}dum is
dosed for lack of patients.
The United States Civil Service Commission announces an
open competitive examination for medical assistant, for men only,
to fill a vacancy in the Bureau of Chemistry, Department of Agri-
culture, Washington, D. C., at a salary of $2,000 a year. For
further information apply for Form 2118, stating the title of the
examination desired, to the Civil Service Commission, Washing-
ton, D. C.
Plan for Eugenics Memorial. — A “Roosevelt Institute of
American Family Life” is proposed by the Eugenics Research As-
sociation of Cold Springs Harbor, L. I., to be organized and de-
veloped with the eugenics record office of the Carnegie Institute at
Washington. The object of the proposal is to provide an institution
to combat “race suicide” and to “advance those ideas of responsi-
bility and patriotic parenthood for which Theodore Roosevelt so
valiantly battled.”
Bacteriologists for Camps and Hospitals. — A special three
months’ course for those who wish to qualify as laboratory assist-
ants in bacteriologic work for immediate service in camps and hos-
pitals has been arranged by the Hew York University and Bellevue
Hospital Medical College. A call for those assistants has been
issued from the Surgeon General’s office. The course is arranged
by Dr. Wm. II. Park, director of laboratories for the health depart-
ment, and Dr. Anna W. Williams, assistant director. The fee is
$75 ; a few scholarships may be available. Preference will be given
to college women with some preliminary training. Applications
may be made to Dr. Park at the Hew York Department of Health.
The Owl Drug Company's Commendable Policy. — An-
nouncement has been made by the Owl Drug Company, with a large
number of retail drug stores in California, Oregon and Washington,
that no preparations for the self -treatment of gonorrhea will be sold
in any of its stores. Remedies for the purpose will only be sold on
prescriptions by physicians.
News and Comment.
483
Sir Herman Weber Dies. — Sir Herman Weber, renowned in
the field of tuberculosis and laryngology and author of the “Pro-
longation of Life/7 died recently in London, aged ninety-five. He
retired from practice at eighty, but spent daily two or three hours
in the open air, walking from thirty to fifty miles a week. He was
.among the first to advise the tuberculous to go to the mountains,
even in winter.
Nobel Prize Award. — Prof. C. Cf. Barkla, professor of natural
history in the University of Edinburgh, was awarded the Nobel
Prize for 1917 for researches in Roentgen rays and secondary rays.
Personals. — Dr. Livingston Ferrand, president of the Univer-
sity of Colorado, was appointed by President Wilson chairman of
the Central Committee of the American Red Cross, to succeed
William H. Taft.
Dr. Charles S. Holbrook, formerly associated with the Louisiana
Insane Asylum at Jackson, has opened an office in the Cusachs
Building, New Orleans, and will limit his practice to neurology
und psychiatry.
Dr. J. T. Nix, Jr., announces that he has opened up offices at
1407 Carrollton avenue, New Orleans.
Among the Louisiana men who have returned, since our last list,
from service in this country or abroad, are : Drs. P. J. Carter, 0. L.
Pothier, E. L. Fenno, W. L. Bendel, L. J. Genella, L. A. Ledoux,
P. L. Querens, J. Geo. Dempsey, J. F. Dicks, C. P. Holderith, J. M.
Singleton, New Orleans; W. M. Ledbetter, P. W. Oden, G. W.
Birchfield, Shreveport; T. W. Evans, Jackson; W. P. Lambeth,
Allendale; J. C. Burdett, Pelican; C. C. Self, Barham; J. J. Robert,
Baton Rouge; J. D. Frazier, DeRidder; P. A. Kibbe, Erath; E. R.
Yancey, Jonesville; C. E. Yerdier, Madison ville ; K. A. Roy, Man-
rsura ; J. F. Dunshie, Poydras; T. Butler, St. Francisville ; J. T.
Cappel, Alexandria.
The following doctors of New Orleans attended the meeting of
the Louisiana State Medical Society, held in Shreveport last month :
A. E. Fossier, H. E. Bernadas, W. H. Harris, A. G. Friedrichs,
Allan Eustis, W. H. Knolle, E. W. Mahler, Homer Dupuy, H. W.
E. Walther, H. Leidenheimer, W. J. Durel, T. J. Dimitry, M. W.
Swords, C. V. Unsworth, J. A. O’Hara, A. Granger, F. J. Chalaron,
Paul Gelpi, H. B. Gessner, J. H. Ellis, A. Nelken, Louis Levy,
Tsadore Dyer, L. L. Cazenavette, C. L. Eshleman, M. P. Boebinger,
484
Booh Reviews and Notices.
F. J. Kinberger, E. C. Samuel, A. L. Levin, Clias. Cliassaignac,
J. T. Nix, Wm. Kohlmann, W. C. Hendrick, E. F. Salerno and
W. H. Seemann.
Miss Delano, Red Cross Director, Dies. — Miss Jane A. De-
lano, who died April 15 at Base Hospital No. 8 at Chauvigny,
France, was one of the foremost figures of the nursing world. More
than 30,000 nurses were recruited under her direction, through the
American Red Cross, for service with the army and navy after the
United States entered the war. She was born in Watkins, N. Y.,
in 1862, and graduated from the Bellevue Hospital, Hew York, in
1886. Shortly after her graduation she volunteered to nurse a
yellow fever epidemic in Jacksonville, Fla. Her work then took
her to Bisbee, Ariz., where she established a hospital. Two years
later she became superintendent of the nurses’ training school of
the University of Pennsylvania, and five years afterward of the
Bellevue Hospital. She served three times as president of the
American Nurses’ Association and several years as head of the
directorate of the American Journal of Nursing. She was a woman
of striking personality and appearance. A gentle manner and a
sympathy that was boundless won for her a great circle of friends.
Miss Delano served the American Red Cross from first to last with-
out compensation.
Died. — On April 9, 1919, Dr. James H. Holstein, of New Or-
leans.
On April 17, 1919, Dr. Irenee Cier, of New Orleans.
BOOK REVIEWS AND NOTICES
All new publications sent to the Journal will be appreciated and will invariably be
promptly acknowledged under the heading of “ Publications Received." While
it will be the aim of the Journal to review as many of the worlds accepted as
possible , the editors will be guided by the space available and the merit of re-
spective publications. The acceptance of a bool p implies no obligation to review.
The Newer Knowledge of Nutrition. The Use of Foods for the Preserva-
tion of Vitality and Health, by E. V. McCollum. The Macmillan
Company, New York.
This little book contains the results of extensive research as to the
essential elements in normal nutrition and growth which have been con-
ducted by McCollum and his associates and which have appeared from
time to time since 1913, mostly in the Journal of Biological Chemistry.
Reaching so few clinicians by this means, the book should be well
Booh Reviews and Notices.
485
received. It is intensely interesting to one even with no special knowl-
edge of metabolism, and can be especially recommended to pediatrists.
McCollum proves, by carefully-controlled experiments, that milk (butter-
fat) and the leaves of plants are to be regarded as protective foods and
should never be omitted from the diet.
The chapter on “Deficiency Diseases” adds considerable practical
knowledge to the earlier work of Punk and Frazer and Stanton. The
general practitioner will be especially interested in the chapter on “The
Planning of the Diet,” in which the following appears:
“Liberal consumption of all the essential constituents of a normal
diet, prompt digestion and absorption and prompt evacuation of the un-
digested residue from the intestine before extensive absorption of
products of bacterial decomposition of proteins can take place, are the
optimum conditions for the maintenance of vigor and the characteristics
of youth.”
The text is amply illustrated by illustrations and charts. The book
should be read by every physician and trained nurse. A. E.
Compend of Genito-Urinary Diseases and Syphilis, by Chas. S. Hirsch,
M. D. P. Blakiston’s Son & Co., Philadelphia.
This compend is probably neither better nor worse than compends
usually are. There must be a fair demand for this character of book,
as this is the second edition now offered, yet it seems to the reviewer that
they generally present either too much or too little on the various sub-
divisions of the subject handled. This edition calls for more careful proof-
reading. C. C.
Information for the Tuberculous, by F. W. Wittich, M. D., Instructor in
Medicine and Physician-in-Charge, Tuberculous Dispensary, Uni-
versity of Minnesota Medical School; Visiting Physician, Univer-
sity Hospital, Minneapolis, Minn. C. V. Mosby & Co.
This little book is carefully and accurately written, and may be with
safety and with advantage placed in the hands of the tuberculous patient.
The style is clear and pleasing, so that its perusal and study is not dif-
ficult. Only occasionally does the author seem to go beyon'l what the
average layman may be expected to understand fully without technical
training. A little half-comprehended information is sometimes a dan-
gerous thing. LEMANN.
Clinical Medicine for Nurses, by Paul H. Ringer, A. B., M. D., Member
of Staff of Asheville Mission Hospital, Asheville, N. C., and of
Biltmore Hospital, Biltmore, N. C. F. A. Davis Company.
This compend is modern and reliable. It may be commended to
lecturers as a guide and outline of the scope of talks to nurses, and also
it may be recommended as a basis for class lessons and quizzes.
LEMANN.
The Medical Clinics of North America. September, 1918. U. S. Army
Member. W. B. Saunders Company, Philadelphia and London.
This number presents an excellent and valuable collection of papers
dealing principally with various types of pneumonias and their complica-
tions occurring in the camps last year. Particularly noteworthy are the
papers of Hamburger and Fox on Pneumococcus and Streptococcus In-
fections and Measles at Camp Zachary Taylor, and that of McCallum on
486
Bool ; Reviews and Notices.
Streptococcal Pneumonias of Army Camps. Those who saw service in the
camps will find here an epitome and review of their experience. Those
to whom this service has been denied will gain a good idea of some of the
problems encountered and of some of the lessons that have been learned.
LEMANN.
A Practical Medical Dictionary, by Thomas Lathrop Stedman, A. M.,
M. D. Fifth revised edition. Wm, Wood & Co., New York.
The usefulness of a standard dictionary is dependent upon its con-
tinued revision. The fact that over fifteen hundred new titles and sub-
titles have been added in the present volume, many of them arising from
the war, should maintain the popularity of this publication, already so
well established. DYEB.
Quarterly Medical Clinics, by Frank Smithies, F. A. C. P. Medicine and
Surgery Publishing Company, iSt. Louis.
This publication consists of the detailed case reports and observations
on fifteen cases occurring in the clinic practice of the author, and of
which careful notes were taken during the period of observation. With
a view to employing the material for teaching purposes, the cases are
systematically arranged and presented, with history, examinations, and
detail of method of special examinations are given. Numerous illustra-
tions are included, showing X-ray findings, technic, apparatus, etc. Such
case discussions are always of interest to the reader who may not see the
clinic itself. The publishers have spared no effort to present the matter
contained in an excellent manner, as far as print, plates and general
arrangement are concerned. DYEB
A Manual of Prescription-Writing, by Matthew D. Mann, A. M., M. D.
Bevised by Edward Cox Mann, M. D. Sixth edition. G. P. Put-
nam’s Sons, New York and London.
Excellently arranged, with comprehensive contents in small compass,
this little book seems to offer all that is necessary to educate the student
(or doctor) to the right way of writing prescriptions. The book thor-
oughly emphasizes the importance of Latin in prescription-writing, and
is an excellent plea for the more earnest consideration of Latin as a pre-
requisite to the study of medicine — that is, if real prescription-writing
is to survive. DYEB.
Tropical Surgery and Diseases of the Far East, by John B. McDill, M. D.,
F. A. C. S. C. V. Mosby Company, St. Louis.
Altogether a most interesting contribution to tropical medicine, with
added value in the surgical opportunities and experiences related from
the author’s own practice among different peoples. In a number of years
as medical officer in the army in Cuba, in the Philippines, and from as-
sociation with medical men in China, Japan and other places in the Far
East and in the tropics, the author has gathered his material, which
ranges from the newer leishmaniana to surgical technic in amebic dysen-
tery. Many illustrations, of which the most important are original draw-
ings, add interest to the text. The obscurer diseases of gangosa, yaws,
and such, are well described, and the diseases of the Far East, compiled
and carefully worked out from material derived from medical men work-
ing in these fields, are particularly valuable. DYEB.
Publications Received.
487
PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED
W. B. SAUNDERS COMPANY, Philadelphia and London, 1919.
Clinical Microscopy and Chemistry, by F. A. McJunkin, M. A., M. D.
The Surgical Clinics of Chicago. February, 1919. Yol. 3, No. 1.
P. BLAKISTON’S SON & CO., Philadelphia, 1919.
Electricity in Medicine, by George W. Jacoby, M. D., and J. Ralph
Jacoby, A. B., M. D.
WILLIAM WOOD & CO., New York, 1919.
War Surgery of the Face, by John B. Roberts, A. M., M. D., F. A. C. S'.
A Textbook of Pathology, by Francis Delafield, M. D., LL. D., and
T. Mitchell Prudden, M. D., LL. D. Eleventh edition, revised by Francis
Carter Wood, M. D.
THE MACMILLAN COMPANY, New York, 1919.
Tuberculosis of the Lymphatic System, by Walter Bradford Met-
calf, M. D.
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE, Washington, D. C., 1919.
United States Naval Medical Bulletin. Report on Medical and Sur-
gical Developments of the War, by William Seaman Bainbridge.
Public Health Reports. Yol. 34, Nos. 10, 11, 12 and 13.
MISCELLANEOUS:
Annual Report of the Directors of the American Telephone and Tele-
graph Company to the Stockholders. For the year ending December
31, 1918.
Special Report of the Attorney General of Porto Rico to the Gov-
ernor of Porto Rico Concerning the Suppression of Vice and Prostitu-
tion in Connection With the Mobilization of the National Army at Camp
Las Casas. February 1, 1918.
REPRINTS.
Some Clinical Examples of Low and Lowered Systolic Blood Pres-
sure; Diet in Cardiac Insufficiency; Cardiac Hypertrophy as Observed
in Chronic Nephritis; Ulcerative Angina; Tyjphoid Spine; Human
Glanders; The Vicious Circle in Oral Sepsis; Salvarsan in the Treat-
ment of Double Infections, Tuberculosis and Syphilis; The Treatment of
Four Severe Generalized Streptococcus Infections With the Combined
Employment of Anti-Streptococcus Serum and Autogenous Vaccins, by
Nathaniel Bowditch Potter, M. D.
Medical Supervision of Athletics Among Boys at Boarding School,
by Nathaniel Bowditch Potter, M. D., and James Taylor Harrington, M. D.
Streptococcus Oral Sepsis: An Attempt to Apply a Complement
Fixation Test and to Determine the Value of a Routine Blood Examina-
tion, by Nathaniel Bowditch Potter, M. D., Samuel Bradbury, M. D., and
Archibald McNeil, M. D.
Notes on Minor Cutaneous Affections in the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan,
by Albert J. Chalmers, M. D., F. R. C. S., D. P. H., and Alexander Mar-
shall.
Enterica in the Sudan, by Major R. G. Archibald, M. D., D. S. O.,
R, A. M. C.
The Classification of Trypanosomes, by Albert J. Chalmers, M. D.,
F. R. C. S., D. P. H.
488
Mortuary Report.
MORTUARY REPORT OF NEW ORLEANS.
Computed from the Monthly Report of the Board of Health of the City
of New Orleans, for March, 1919.
CA USE.
£
"S
S
0
1
8
Typhoid Fever
1
i
Intermittent Fever (Malarial Cachexia)
2
2
Smallpox
Measles _
Scarlet Fever
Whooping Cough -
1
i.
Diphtheria and Croup __
1
1
Influenza
24
11
35
Cholera Nostras
Pyemia and Septicemia
Tuberculosis _
60
36
96
Cancer __ __ _
20
5
25
Rheumatism and Gout.
1
1
Diabetes
3
• 3
Alcoholism __ __
Encephalitis andMeningitis _ __
4
4
Locomotor Ataxia
1
1
Congestion, Hemorrhage and Softening of Brain
14
7
21
Paralysis
2
1
3
Convulsions of Infancy
2
2
Other Diseases of Infancy
12
2
14
Tetanus
1
1
Other Nervous Diseases .
3
1
4
Heart Diseases
50
37
87
Bronchitis
1
12
13
Pneumonia and Broncho-Pneumonia
35
31
66
Other Respiratory Diseases
3
3
Ulcer of Stomach
Other Diseases of the Stomach _
1
3
4
Diarrhea, Dysentery and Enteritis
8
14
22
Hernia, Intestinal Obstruction .
Cirrhosis of Liver . . ... _ .
3
5
3
1
6
6
Other Diseases of the Liver
4
2
6
Simple Peritonitis __ _
l
1
Appendicitis ...
Bright’s Disease.
3
25
13
6
38
Other Genito-Ur inary Diseases
17
9
26
Puerperal Diseases _
2
2
4
Senile Debility
8
8
Suicide
1
1
Injuries
25
18
43
All Other Causes _
38
18
56
Total ... _ . __
373
228
601
Still-born Children — White, 21; colored, 17; total 38.
Population of City (estimated) — White, 283,000; colored, 106,000;
total, 389,000.
Death Rate per 1,000 per Annum for March — White, 15.82; colored,
25.81; total, 18.54. Non-residents excluded, 15.64.
METEOROLOGIC SUMMARY (U. S’. Weather Bureau).
Mfean atmospheric pressure 30.04
Mean temperature 64
Total precipitation. . 3.22 inches
Prevailing direction of wind, southeast.
UNITED STATES
COVEKNMEWT
NEW ORLEANS MEDICAL
AND SURGICAL JOURNAL
EDITORS:
CHARLES CHASSAIGNAC, M. D. ISADORE DYER, M. D.
COLLABORATORS :
C. C. BASS, M. D., Prest., Amer. Soc. Tropical Medicine 7 _, .
S. K. SIMON, M. D., Acting Secty. American Soc. of Tropical Medicine J bx-Uflicto
P. T. TALBOT, M. D., Secretary Louisiana State Medical Society Ex-Officio
RUPERT BLUE, M, D., Surgeon General, United States Public Health Service.
H. D. BRUNS, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
C. F. CRAIG, M. D., Col., U. S. A.
S. T. DARLING, M. D., Sao Paulo, Brazil.
W. H. DEADERICK, M. D., Hot Springs, Arkansas.
E. M. DUPAQUIER, M. D. (Paris), Tulane University of Louisiana.
A. G. FRIEDRICHS, M. D., New Orleans, La.
J. T. HALSEY, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
JOS. HOLT, M. D., New Orleans, La.
F. A. LARUE, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
E. S. LEWIS, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
R. C. LYNCH, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
E. D. MARTIN, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
R. MATAS, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
AUGUSTUS McSHANE, M. D., New Orleans, La.
PAUL MICHINARD, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
C. J. MILLER, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
F. W. PARHAM, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
E. A. ROBIN, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
W. H. SEEMANN, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
ALLEN J. SMITH, M. D., University of Pennsylvania.
EDMOND SOUCHON, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
E. R. STITT, M. D., Rear Admiral, U. S. N.
J. A. STORCK, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
R. P. STRONG, M. D., Harvard University.
ROY M. VAN WART, M. D., Tulane University of Louisiana.
Vol. LXXI JUNE, 1919 No. 12
EDITORIAL
THE CONTROL OF VENEREAL DISEASES.
Our editorial on “Some Psychology of Syphilis” has attracted
notice, and we are even put in the vocative as to our sympathy with
the general movement to control venereal disease.
Xo sane man or woman would oppose any intelligent attempt at
the control or prevention of venereal disease, and we consider our-
selves with the majority. It is a waste of time to undertake to
debate the usefulness of propaganda which only terrifies, when the
purpose of the nation-wide movement is towards education, relief
and control.
The Louisiana Sanitary Code has large authority, but only as
490
Editorials.
conferred upon it by the State, and if the Code permits a local
health board^to issue circulars with mandatory regulations, then
these must be supported by the law, when a physician, in his own
sense of righteousness, refuses to obe}r.
In our May editorial we dealt with only the psychological feature
of the Health Board’s circular, but, if we may now discuss another
phase, we should like to know by what superior authority the Health
Board violates the law dealing with venereal diseases.
The City Board of Health has issued a lot of circulars carrying
report blanks. We have said enough about the circular which “must
be handed to the patient.” The' blanks must also be filled out.
These blanks carry a rather complete inventory of the individual
patient, including his address, etc., height and weight being over-
looked, though the name of the patient is not required (sic!)
Under Section 4 of Act 61 (Louisiana), one reads: “ * * * the
jsaid report shall be made within twenty-four hours after the case
is first diagnosed as a venereal disease, and the said report shall
be made on, or in substantial conformity with (italics ours) a blank
provided for that purpose by the said board. The report shall not
contain the name or address of the person suffering from the
venereal disease,” etc., etc., etc. (Italics, again, ours.)
We repeat that we are heartily in accord with the movement to
control venereal diseases, but would it not be well for the boards of
health to at least read the law before they promulgate what purposes
to be the rules and regulations which the law directs?
TENTH MEETING OF THE CONGRESS OF AMERICAN
PHYSICIANS AND SURGEONS.
The meetings of the congress will be held at the Hotel Traymore
-on Monday and Tuesday, June 16 and 17, 1919. A series of papers
of exceptional interest is to be presented dealing with a number
of phases of reconstruction.
The various associations which constitute the congress will also
meet at Atlantic City. Included is the American Society of Trop-
ical Medicine, under the presidency of Dr. C. C. Bass, of Hew Or-
leans. Excepting the program of the general meeting, no publica-
tion as yet has appeared dealing with the scope of the meetings of
the individual associations, but, the A. M. A. meeting the preceding
Editorials .
491
week, and with the opportunity for attending the two bodies in such
close proximity as to time, should encourage a large attendance.
While the meetings of the congress provide for contributions
from constituent members and guests of the associations, all meet-
ings are open to physicians interested, and any physician of good
standing may register for them all. Through such registration
he not only is privileged to attend all of the meetings, but it pro-
vides also a copy of the transactions, which, heretofore, have' always*
been valuable.
A CORPS OF PHARMACISTS FOR THE ARMY.
The National Pharmaceutical Service Association is agitating;
the support of H. E. Bill 5531, known as the Edmonds Bill, which
aims at better recognition of pharmacists in the army by the estab-
lishment of a Pharmaceutical Corps, with equal rank and privilege-
as members of the Medical Corps.
The movement is timely and the bill proposed is framed so as:
to adequately safeguard the professional requirements which should
go with rank in the Medical Department of the Army. The phar-
macists themselves are responsible for the shortcomings of their
fellows. Few States are rigid in their qualifying examinations for
licensure, and mere drug clerks are given authority to dispense-
drugs and till prescriptions, without ever having taken a course in
pharmacy.
Louisiana is a striking example. No college course in pharmacy
is required, and most of the licensees of the Louisiana Board have
examinations after a drug-store apprenticeship or after a quiz'
course of a few months. In this State, as well as in others, schools
of pharmacy meet with small encouragement, as the graduation
from such schools is not a prerequisite to the practice of pharmacy
and, as a matter of fact, students in schools of pharmacy after one
year of study are admitted without question to the licensing ex-
aminations.
The Medical Corps of the Army requires graduation from a recog-
nized medical school, and no less a requirement should be demanded
of pharmacists. Eecognized medical schools demand both high
school and college courses preliminary to the study of medicine,
while there are few schools of pharmacy which require as much as
492
Editorials.
one year of a high school for entrance. The ambition of the phar-
macists in connection with army service is commendable, but they
should see to it, before reaching the place for which they are striv-
ing, that their own training shall be adequate. State boards of
pharmacy, b}'' requiring a proper preliminary education and by de-
manding a degree in pharmacy before examination is allowed, will
go far in meeting sympathetic support in this movement for a better
recognition.
It is absurd to think of rating pharmacists, or, better, drug
clerks, in the same rank and class as physicians, when by virtue of
their training they are not educated to more than their present
top-sergeant place.
The requirements set forth in the Edmonds Bill, that the ap-
plicant shall be a graduate of a reputable school of pharmacy,
should make some dent in the practice of those State boards which
have a lower estimate of the profession of pharmacy.
There can be only one mind as to the desirability of having a
proper and sufficient recognition of pharmacy in the army, and if
the Edmonds Bill will allow this it should pass.
NOTE.
In the Journal of the American Medical Association of May 10,
listing the new officers of the Louisiana State Medical Societjq Dr.
Amedee Granger is named as president, instead of Dr. E. L. Henry,
of Lecompte, who was elected. The error evidently is a repetition
of that contained in a daily newspaper. Dr. Granger was elected
president of the Boentgenological Association.
ORIGINAL ARTICLES
(No paper published or to be published in any other medical journal will be accepted
for this department. All papers must be in the hands of the Editors on the tenth day of
the month preceding that in which they are expected to appear. Reprints may be had at
reasonable rates if a WRITTEN order for the same accompany the paper.)
RECOLLECTIONS OF THE WAR IN EUROPE,
From June, 1917, to February, 1919,
By CAPTAIN LOUIS JULIAN GENELLA,
Attached to the British Expeditionary Force in France.*
When, in 1914, the horde of nomadic Huns (thinly veneered
with a few centuries of civilization) poured through Belgium
and over the marshy reaches of Flanders and Picardy, they left a
wide and desolate land as a heritage for the four years of war to
come. From the fortress of Verdun to Zeebrugge, on the channel,
one may roughly say the land grew to resemble the swamps near
the channel of Chef Menteur. Swaying to and fro over the wild
stretch of barbarism, placed in the heart of a beautiful and refined
civilization, the nations of the earth have since battled for position
for a Waterloo. The eagle of victory ever loves an unstable perch,
and despairingly flew from the cause of the invader to the defenders
of refinement.
After Von Hindenburg’s masterly retreat from his hopeless
position on the Somme back into the now justly famous Hinden-
burg ditch system, the British Army was wedded to the doctrine of
pursuit and attrition on the Central Allies7 resources. As part of
that doctrinary campaign, the British were all set to blow off the
top and base of the foothills of the Messines Ridge when I first
joined them in June, 1917. Along with the veterans of Mons and
the Somme, wre crowded them for a year, until, at last, the foot of
the Rue de la Republique of Mons was in view of our observation
balloons.
Messines, the Paschendale Ridge fight, Cherisy, Cambrai, the
counter-attack; the long, cold winter campaign of 1917, the heart-
breaking spring retreat of 1918, the unit}^ of command, the Amer-
ican awakening, the outpouring of American reserves into France,
*Related at meeting of Orleans Parish Medical Society, April 14, 1910. [Received for
publication May 1, 1919. — Eds.]
494
Original Articles.
Chateau Thierry, the Marne, Soissons, the attack on Rheims, the
stand at Handgar on the Sartier, the consolidation of the St. Mihiel
salient, the firing on Metz, the swinging around the hills near Grand
Pre, and, lastly, the penetration of the Argonne Wood and the feast-
ing of the eyes on the Rhenish provinces, had all passed into their
allotted places in history when, after the signing of the armistice,
I left the estuary of the Garonne for home and peace.
I will leave it to better qualified speakers to instruct you about
the rapid making of geography and history, and will try, by the
simple telling of what I saw and heard at first hand, to amuse or
entertain you. I feel sure I got in touch with all aspects of the
front line, nearer than any single individual attached to the war
of the Western front. There were no exceptions; all proved such
wonderful fighters, great fellows and machines when oiled with the
balm of opportunity and the spirit of “I am where I have a right
to he ” Swearing was both the constructive and compelling force
of the front line, and its non-use here must of necessity cause a
jerky construction to my simple narrative.
“No Man’s Land” was as varied a place as one may well im-
agine— often a mile across; often a dozen yards. An average on
the Western front would be about one hundred yards with the
British, the same with the Americans, and about one mile with the
French. The difference in these widths was in part due to the
different types of campaign followed by each separate army before
the unity of command inaugurated the same doctrine for all. An
event taking place in one part of the line out in No Man’s Land
may not have been any more dangerous than a trip across Canal
and Baronne streets during Carnival. In the Ypres salient, eight
and ten miles back was more dangerous than under the wires near
the Swiss border.
If you all are really interested in No Man’s Land on an active
sector, I shall try to let you place your mental hand on this little-,
known territory. Approximately in size it would resemble Elysian
Fields street near Claiborne avenue, if all the surrounding trees and
property were knocked down by a house-demolishing company. The
two deep ditches on either side would be a fair idea of a badly-dug
trench system, and the ditches running up the side streets would
be the communicating trenches back to the reserve trenches on the
streets above and below. Now, presume the Germans held the ditch
Genella — Recollections of the War in Europe.
495
below the avenue and the Allies were on the upper side. Both sides
would crawl out at night (“working parties”) and string barbed
wire in front of their ditches. Each side (yet Heinie always going
one better in quality and quantity) all night would fire up varied
colored lights to illuminate the intervening spaces, so that they
could keep a sharp lookout for any movement on the part of their
opponents. All front trenches were thinly held, often only one man
to a hundred yards. Snipers placed around in shell holes killed
any one seen to move within a half mile of their location. At stated
intervals patrols of about a dozen men would be sent out to crawl
all over the land and report any event worth noting. Often these
patrols would be given the job of cutting the enemy’s wire, or to
listen to any chance remark in the front line. All gun flashes as
seen from No Man’s Land were always carefully noted. Often a
raiding party was sent over to enter the enemy’s trench, and either
to kill all seen, blow up any existing dugouts or to bring back
prisoners for information. Often, if these raiding parties got one
prisoner, a whole attack was forestalled.
If I have falsely led you to believe that this God-forsaken land
was a place of joy and inviting excursions, a place for laughter, for
companionship and recreation, let me at once correct such an im-
pression. It was the land built for dark and nameless deeds, from
which the oldest veterans recoiled when it chose to show its ugly
moods; where the dead and dying were often left to toss and rave
in the agony of their last hours, without a soul, a custom or a law,
above the one of self-protection. So hair-trigger was the span of
life out there that frequently patrols meeting each other would
pass on without firing a shot — their judgment warning them that
the slightest movement being the signal to set off a carnival of death
for miles around. Suppose the Times-Picayune would come out to-
morrow with the headlines, “Two Tulane Students Found Mangled
to Death by Lions Back in the Swamps,” would it appeal to any of
you as a joyous event? How often have we known of more than
ten times that number of Eton and Harrow and Oxford students
blown to bits in No Man’s Land by an enemy bombing patrol. I
heard of a Scotch lad who went out into No Man’s Land when he was
hardly out of college six months, and running into a German patrol
(hid in a shell hole). He naively (in German) asked them how
many they were. Receiving the answer, “Seven,” the Scotchman
Original Articles.
488
promptly threw four Mills bombs in rapid order into the crater,
remarking then, “Divide these four amongst you seven.”
iso Man’s Land was the land of the murderer and for the killer
and killed, and that was all. “The Kose of No Man’s Land” listens
well in song, but in reality it was more an onion or a lemon.
Just how many men left their own front line to take up their
positions under the enemy’s barbed wire in time to jump on him
with a bayonet thrust at zero hour and never returned can only be
guessed, and probably never will be obtainable. The reported new
inventions of the Americans always sent a strange, demoralizing
influence over the whole front line of the Germans.
Whenever a sector was completely turned over to the American
troops they at once tried to get as close to the enemy as possible,
and so, in a short while, No Man’s Land with them became more
a narrow strip of death, like the British front. The French, being
more accustomed to large engagements and saving reinforcements,
of course (looking at the war through that doctrinary viewpoint)
always had a broad and generous No Man’s Land.
Whenever any one asks for information about the place women
occupied in the war, one can only repeat that they were everywhere
regulations would let them go. They always tried to crowd as near
the danger line as possible. If volunteers were asked to go out
front to the evacuating centers, usually everybody volunteered. So
dangerous were these hospitals from an air defense standpoint that
most of the hospitals were dug in a sort of hollow space, each ward
down about two feet, to avoid having a whole section destroyed by
a single air raid. Our reserves lay outside of Etaples when half of
St. John’s Hospital was blown to splinters, along with about seven-
teen nurses and other female help. The daughters of titled noble-
men drove our cars and ambulances ; women with many millions at
their command fed the soldiers; the wives and daughters of the
world’s great rulers thought it an honor to hold democratic con-
versation with the soldiers of France, England, the United States
and our many other small, yet indomitable allies.
As for the famous fighting faces we heard so much about, I will
say, without a moment’s hesitancy, that I have never seen a man
with a brutal or domineering face or hammer-jaw type of fighting
face that was any good under fire. The real fighting face, the face
whose owner usually has a Victoria Cross or a Croix de Guerre or
Gexella — Recollections of the War in Europe.
497
a Congressional medal pinned on his breast — the men whose im-
mediate comrades call him a hero — in type is usually a small man,
grey eyes, large, serious mouth, small chin, small ears, faraway
look in his eyes; a low, modest voice, and a sort of slow-drag way
of talking, and never by any possible chance was he ever even a
near approach to a dandy.
Nothing out front ever impressed us as a great event, but more
,as a generous collection of small and, often, petty events. The usual
greetings and answer out front were : “Anything doing ?” “Nup,
not much.*’
The chief dread seemed to be of monotony. After the first year
out front, and one had seen everything worth seeing, repeated many
times over, the monotony just got hold of one and the feeling of
chronic fed-up-ness seemed around. No one minded the hardships
or dangers at all — it’s monotony, remember, I am talking about. I
can best explain this feeling amongst the men who had seen two
and three years* service and were still out front, by hazarding a
guess that they were just a little homesick. Eemember, many of
them had been at it for four years. “Weeks of monotony, combined
with moments of terror,’* was all we had to look forward to, and
we grew to love the moments of terror as a break in the monotony.
The Irish, the Scotch, the English miners, the Welshmen, the
boys of the Eainbow Division, the Missouri, the Alabama and the
Pennsylvania troops seemed never happy unless they were in a scrap.
The first night the Alabama crowd went into the line they hung a
notice on Heinie’s wire, “Commend your souls to God, because
Alabama’s going to get your goat,” and followed this up the next
night by going over unarmed and choking a sniper to death with
their bare hands.
The luckiest and bravest thing I knew of was the single-handed
feat of an Australian second lieutenant, who for fourteen days went
over the top and brought back prisoners without any assistance,
and on one occasion armed only with his nerve.
, The Y. M. C. A. were not such bad actors as some would have
you believe. They did charge stiff prices, yet their goods were always
dependable, and, where there was no Y. M. C. A., there were never
any goods. I have often seen their huts under fire, and once saw
one on the Cojeul Eiver completely wiped out bv a battery of whizz-
bangs.
498
Original Articles.
The Red Cross was always ready to give all needed medical
supplies and was a great help to the soldiers. The Red Cross always
was, and is now, all right.
The Irish seemed to have the most men under fire within five
miles of the enemy. The Irishman is as hard to understand as the
League of Nations. The Irishman will roast England for a week
and then go in and outfight anything on the Western front and
take Pachendale Ridge. The greatest number of casualties on the
front went through an Irish regiment. The best soldiers out front,
by reputation, in order of their accomplishments, were the Scotch,
the Australians, the Irish and the marines, and, as a whole, the
Rainbow Division. The Alabamians and kilty Highlanders were
the most picturesque. When you mentioned artillery out front, you
always meant the French, or “Frogs,” as we called them. The
French were as far ahead of every one else in artillery personnel
and equipment as one could well conceive. A whole corps of French
guns could drive in, take position and hit a target before any other
artillerymen would be able to even line or tape one gun. A “Frog”
thought as much of one of his 155 c. m. guns as he did of his own
two eyes.
The French outplanned the Germans to a marked degree, and
would never engage an enemy unless all of Napoleon’s rules had
been followed. The French seemed to be the only ones who cor-
rectly followed the plan that only large engagements were worth
while and mass formations were wrong and were useless.
The British Army impressed me as an organization well able to
live up to its trademark: “Guaranteed to win any war its people
wish it to win,” or “You can beat us as often as you wish, but Eng-
land shall always win the last battle.”
Don’t ask me to endorse any such statement that the British
were done for, the Belgians had quit, and the French were bled
white. None of our Allies had ever faltered one single step in their
resolve to conquer, or die in the attempt. To say that at times the
outlook grew ever darker and the roads to success seemed even
thornier and bloodier, is only to say the part truth. America can
never shed the glory of her army’s true attainments in this war;
don’t let the few who wish her to have all the glory dim the true
glory America did achieve. Every man, woman and child I ever
spoke to has agreed that Germany could no more hope to face the
Genella — Recollections of the War in Europe.
499
storm of the American offensive in 1919 and 1920 and the position
held by the Americans at the close of 1918, than can the rabid
doctrine of Bolshevism withstand the cold reasonings and results
of economic necessities.
Just what did America do in the war? America and the Amer-
ican spirit for possessing the dash to make a perfect finish to any-
thing the Allies had already well started, was always our surest
asset. The American machine-gun barrage at Chateau Thierry,
the perfect liaison of her forces at St. Mihiel, and the great force
America threw into the Argonne wood fight were the distinct
features that really alarmed the Germanic commanders and clear
reasoners at the head of things in her army. The American Army'
possesses one great asset, in that it eternally keeps the individual
soldiers of the enemy on the fence with just what they may have
up their sleeves. Back at the bases, this don’t look like much of
an asset, yet out front, on the edge of No Man’s Land, one hates to
go to sleep knowing a horrible possibility may he just over there
among the barbed wires. The soldier cares little for the dangers
he knows about, but those he can only vaguely surmise always hold
a peculiar dread for him.
American diplomacy and American womanhood taught Germany
to be ashamed of her servile bending of the knee to brute force.
They taught Germany that an objective in war won by unspeakable
barbarism was in fact lost to them in results. America taught
Germany that, if she thought bombing cities with a dozen planes
was right, then America would let German citizens feel the crash-
ing of ten times a dozen air bombs. America taught Germany that,
although a great nation like the Czecho-Slovac could be held into
abject national slavery for five hundred years by a nation of in-
ferior beings, yet their liberty-loving souls were still alive and ready
to raise their national banner in the cause of the Allies wherever
a few dozen of them could escape from the iron heel of Prussianism.
America taught Germany that a few dozen murderers, exploiters
and petty tyrants in command of a few thousand deluded- citizens
Could destroy in a night the respect and veneration a civilized world
felt for the name of the great Germanic scholars had slowly built
up for their Fatherland through a hundred years. America showed
that patriotism was a better soldier-builder than force, that the in-
domitable spirit of the American marine force was submarine-proof
500
0 r ig in al A i ■ ti c 1 es .
in spirit, even if the submarines did drown a few hundred men in
a few minutes off the Azores. America did not produce ten thousand
airplanes, nor can a Liberty motor carry a plane around the world,
yet the spirit that animated the American women and children to
donate to the great air offensive bills in the halls at Washington
carried into the hearts of the German soldiery a great, overwhelm-
ing dread that the hour of retribution was near at hand.
The French’s 155 were the soldiers’ greatest friend, as they never
fired shorts when handled by a Frenchman.
Many funny things happened during our life out there. If a
soldier was killed, and by accident his town or nativity was in doubt,
he was promptly put down as of the nationality and town of some
comrade’s choice. This seemed to the men to be the right thing
and as a sort of kindy offering to the dead. As one soldier ex-
plained it: “He ’ated to ’ave ’im he planted without no ’ome.”
Also, if he had no religion, he was usually ticketed to the Church
of England, for, as it was also explained, “It was his own fault if
he had no religion while he was living, but it would be ours if we
let him go to hell without one when he was dead.”
The Archies, or anti-aircraft batteries, were called the “Gold
Fish” batteries, because all their misses were done in public, never
in private. Whenever yon heard a soldier say he had seen an anti-
aircraft battery hit a plane you could be sure he had never been out
front.
A well-trained soldier could only dig a small trench after one
full day’s labor, yet under fire he could dig a funk hole in thirty-
two seconds or less.
The oddest and most extraordinary sight of the whole front is
to see the old French peasants and little children mouching around
under shellfire, just sort of carrying on with their daily farm work,
and not seeming to give a second, thought to the war. Their extra-
ordinary sang froid is unbelievable. If their attention is directed
toward a shell-burst, all the satisfaction you get is to have one of
them murmur, as a sort of address to a Deity, “Cela ne fait rien,”
and let it go at that.
An old German trench pipe that has seen hard service can be
smelled a hundred yards farther than any army gas. Often the
smell is carried by the wind five hundred yards across No Man’s
Land.
Gen ella — Recollections of the War in Europe. 501
The little swallows were a source of a great deal of companion-
ship to ns. They lived with us> around us and amongst us. They
courted, married and built their nests, sort of all mixed up in our
daily life, and in the fall we hated to see the little beggars go — it
seemed to foretell another winter in the trenches. When the swal-
lows blusteringly flew into the dugout entrances we promptly
ducked, as they sounded like a whizz-bang.
The greatest joke of the day used to be the daily “communiques”
of the Intelligence Department. These seemed to us to be usually
just imaginations of the S. 0. S., more than anything of military
importance. “A plank was seen in A. 5.8/’ and “Soldier was seen
carrying a plank at B. 5.4,” “A ration party was seen at L. 3.9” — •
all of such junk were records of events that were bound to be taking
place all the time and that every soldier could know for himself.
The listening machines out front were of extraordinary help to
the troops, and many a choice bit of stuff went out, into and through
the impenetrable gloom of night from a target directed only by the
sound-recording mechanism. The French, as usual, had the only
machine out front worth spending energy on. The American listen-
ing machine was good, yet the French was just a bit better.
Just how a battle is planned and carried out, as viewed from a
single soldier’s viewpoint : Let us take the part the Irish Lancers
were given at the battle of Cambrai. They were supposed to do a
stunt that would attract all the fire of the Germans while the
balance of the army went over in silence to a surprise attack — a nice
prospect to look forward to. Those troops intending to take part
in the attack are usually taken about nine miles behind the lines
and drilled in attacking an exact replica of the trenches. All
watches are checked and counter-checked to see that they are exact
to the fraction of a second. Every part of the army is given its
part to do in the coming fight. Only the last detail is left to in-
dividual commanders. Often these commanders make a sort of
agreement of honor amongst themselves as to variations from the
set plan. These private agreements are often like skating on thin
ice; of course, if all goes right, the agreements are classed as
Napoleonic; if anything goes wrong, brainless cowards and bone-
heads is the least said to them, and often the firing squad for these
would-be Napoleons. All of these mistakes in war are honestly
never mistakes of the heart, military history to the contrary not-
withstanding.
S02
Original Articles.
Usually the night before the message comes that zero hour shall
be at, say 5 :10 a. m., and at 5 :10 a. m. things surely happen. Now,
poor old Heinie! What an' impressive sight it is to see him “carry-
ing on,” all unconscious of just what is in store for him now, plus
a second.
Let me give you a list of all the nice things an army can and
usually does give up at zero hour. Let us say on a half-mile front :
A squadrilla of bombing planes plants all the explosives they can
carry, swisch ! down on battaliom headquarters. The infantry, with
their sacks full of bombs, their rifles at fixed bayonets and their
thyroid gland in front of their soft palate, make a jump forward
for the enemy’s front line or some other objective. The tanks duck,
wallow along, raising all the hell they can on a goat-getting drive
on the enemy and a sort of big-brother help to their own. Every
gun within a radius of about twelve miles is going it for all their
crews can shove into them, firing usually a mixed gas and shrapnel
barrage and shell showers. High-explosive shells about three feet
long and nine inches across are being sent up by the trench mortars.
The electric tubes buried in the ground out in No Man’s Land afe
sort of foaming at the mouth with large gas cylinders. The canis-
ters of boiling oil, all ablaze, are sailing over, often turning a com-
plete flip flop in the air and landing short. The large railroad
naval guns from back about seventeen miles are switching over the
great delayed-action shells that go down about twelve feet below
the early breakfast dishes and just seems to give everything a nice
scrambled-egg turnover so that the gas can leak in. The Vickers,
Lewis and Browning guns are raining over bullets, like invisible
snowflakes. All this ought to kill everybody, yet, just to make it
sure, over all is sent the rolling barrage, that sweeps north and
south, another one going east and west, over the whole area out
front. All crossroads and known machine and artillery positions
are being shelled by other newly-placed field guns. During all
this, the aforementioned feeling of monotony passes away, all
chronic rigid-knee conditions respond to suggestions, and suddenly
it all stops.
Shades of all that is great in war! How easy it is to take a
position behind a zero hour, and how hard it is to hold one after
it has been taken ! You see, when you try to hold a position, the
enemy sets his own zero hour and hands 3^ou back all these little
engagement presents you sent him.
Genella — Recollections of the War in Europe.
503
The Big Bertha seemed a military frost. I saw the effects of
the shell that went through the hospital in Paris and they summed
up as follows: Two mothers killed, one baby killed and another
wounded, a hole two by three in a wall and a few pieces of plaster
knocked off and a clock damaged — in all, about $300 damages in
property. The report is that it cost the Heinies about $6,000 to fire
one shell. The Big Bertha is yet a secret, as no record of it has been
found. The so-called gun emplacement is only its probable position,
as the German Army, to date, has refused to discuss the Bertha
affair. It is most probably a modified Austrian scoda.
The worst aspect of the war-worn land to be was that it was
houseless, lightless, silent and with only a few army stragglers knock-
ing about on serious duty. The usual boisterousness of field cam-
paigning was absent. Possibly, in the younger armies, this may
not have been true. Even the American troops I saw in the line
in Flanders seemed to have already acquired this general look of
seriousness. The only flag I 'ever saw out front was over an en-
gineer’s camp one day, but the next day it was not there, for very
good reasons.
The weather out front was always misty, rainy, just going to rain,
and always sunless. If the sun ever shone, we seldom had time to
look at it before it got mixed up in a rain squall.
We were always on the move— never long enough anywhere to
wipe our shoes twice on the same mud-pile. From the bases to with-
in fifteen miles of the front trenchheads we always traveled in the
usual railroad peace-time coaches. No one ever knew where we
were going. No guides ever came with us, yet none of us were
ever lucky enough to get lost. We were given three days’ rations,
that we promptly either ate within the first three hours out or
threw to the frog kiddies that lined the railroad yelling, “Bully-
bief !”
The next eight-mile jump was made in the now famous Cheveaux,
8; Hommes, 40, and cooties, 1,000, as the boys usually added, in
chalk. Forward from this we tramped it, hopped a truck or just
sat it out and awaited events that we hoped would take their time
in coming. We now began to hear the boom of the heavy guns,
could see the observation balloons, ram-like in the skies, and far
off could see some sky mosquito having it out witli the archies, and
we already felt the spirit of the real thing.
504
Original Articles.
As soon as we found out the unit we were assigned to we at once
exclaimed : “Oh, yes, they have the best reputation out front, in the
whole army and are famous for their spirit and dash.” We at once
felt sorry (out loud) that the rest of the army could never hope to
come up to them in organization and swank. No one in our army
ever knew what these terms meant, any more than any one in the
A. E. F. ever knew what “army efficiency” meant, but it sounded
well, was a good term to praise with and always made the other
fellow mad, and, after all, that was the main thing. You see, it
was a fact that the British, the French, the Italians, the Australians,
the Belgians and the A. E. F. were always the best, if you only would
not question what they said of themselves.
General Pershing, with his ability to keep in touch with his whole
army. General Haig, Sir Julian Byng, Smith Forrian, Neville and
Commander Foch seemed to be the idols of the front-line men, with
the name and fame of Teddy always a best first. Many of the other
men had great names back, yet these seemed the idols of the front.
Yon Hindenburg was no slouch, and whatever it takes to make a
soldier sort of dry grin, old Mossback surely had it. Ludendorf
never seemed to impress us out front, and the Crown Prince was
always referred to as a “dug.” Korniloff, the Russian, must have
been a sort of Morgan raider — at least, the Germans we took pris-
oner referred to him frequently as “a bad actor” for them.
The front-line men usually looked on the war as a separation
amongst nations, not a divorce. The “stern look” and the “Hymn
of Hate” were never much in evidence — just a sort kill-and-be-killed
air; that was all. Whatever bitterness there was, was short-lived,
and more talked about than felt. The great question was : How
long? Every one was sure that, sooner or later, the enemies of
France, with her artillery, England, with her wealth of naval
position, and the TJ. S. A., with its untapped resources, must be
conquered; yet, just how long it was going to take to undo Euro-
pean secret diplomacy no one could even hazard a guess. War in
Europe is not a simple growth; it is a malignant condition, that
recurs after extirpation.
The Russian situation and the Russian soldiery are both badly
misunderstood by outsiders. From the many German prisoners
we spoke to, and the other Allied soldiers we attempted to glean
some data from, we drew the following information, that seemed
Genella — Recollections of the War in Europe.
505
fact: At the outbreak of the war the Russians were given about
one hundred thousand rounds of cartridges and told to win the war
with them and not to expect any more. The Russian soldier valued
his ammunition so highly that he usually sent it home as souvenirs
and fought with his bare bayonet. It seemed a fact that they took
the great fortress of Cracow with the bayonet. Siberia they report
as warmer than Galicia, and the Masurian Lake district as worse
than hell. Don’t be fooled by reports ; the Russian soldier, if prop-
erly armed, can give a good account of himself, and he has numbers.
I never saw a soldier who had seen “heaps of dead piled high,”
yet I have often seen the landscape sort of pocked and blistered
with dead, much as a pasture is often seen mussed up with sleeping
cattle. It is curious how often the dead lie face down, with arms
thrown out. A soldier dead out front always looked thoroughly
dead to me, and dead for good and all. A civilian, after taking
advantage of the undertaker’s art, often looks as if things were not
going right he might come back, but not the battle-field dead, if
given time to ripen. They lie around, all cramped up, and yet
sprawled about; they sink into the ground’s natural irregularities;
have dull, fishy, wide-open eyes; always a grayish exudate is over
all of their mouth ; their hair is soiled and mussed up ; the flesh
about their neck falls away from their coat collar-band ; their hands
always seem to be trying to grasp something, and they always looked
abandoned and friendless, just as if no one took a real personal in-
trest in them. I suppose we expected that “drumbeat-in-the-dead-
of-night-business” and did not get it. After we, or the shells, buried
them they never seemed contented, and were always sticking up
something into the air, like some part had been forgotten to be
turned right. A head, or a hand, or a foot, or a boot, or a coat
would always crop out or bubble up, and about like a bed full of
little children, keeps worming around and won’t stay put, but needs
care all the time. I suppose they felt the responsibility of dying
without some superior officer giving them orders to die. There
were a few who seemed jolly well happy as dead; for a long time
some hung dangling on the wires east of Bienville. One continued
to read his paper night and day, through sun and rain, on the
Somme near High Wood, and under Monchy le Preux the ever-
famous card game went merrily on in the gassed dugout and left
us all anxious to hear that the ten of hearts had fallen from the
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skeleton’s bony hand. Often the dead are not finished fighting
for their fatherland. One dead soldier’s head used to cause the
night wagons to bump over its skull, and Heinie, hearing the noise,
would merrrily send over a few belts of machine-gun bullets. We
never meant to leave this industrious dead fellow lying around so
long, but he got so infernally jammed around in the landscape that
nothing could pry him out without so far disorganizing his anatomy
that he would have been of no use to himself or friends as a piece
of identity. You see, if you have to scramble a corpse together, it
is better to just add his name to some cross and let it go at that.
I believe the worst hell of the front took place on the Butte de
Warincourt, south of the Albert-Baupaume road, in the valley of
the Somme. Here, everything that one hopes never shall happen
to him, just kind of double-decked itself on and. into the flower of
Europe’s best. This was the world’s last fight of its volunteers as
an army, and it was a fitting finish.
I took a good deal of interest in the manner by which the Ger-
mans destroyed the French farms. Whether it was just war or not,
it was surely a thorough job. First the sewers were opened up into
the cellars of the houses; all equipment of the home was next
broken up and twisted around; the floors were blown in, so that
one corner fell into the cellar and jammed things; a couple of dead
animals were now dropped down any channel of the house; the
walls were covered with filth and knocked in; the windows and
doors were smashed and the rafters cut away and all the roof al-
lowed to cave in. The mass was set on fire and allowed to burn
just enough, yet not enough to clear the mass away. After the
fire, the children’s toys and other belongings and many private
things of the women folks of the house were placed around where
they could attract attention. Letters of a scandal-spreading nature
were placed in the family trunks. We occasionally read these
letters, and they were usually works of art in their line. Military
notices, apparently coming from the district commander, were
posted around, and these were always calculated to cause lasting
disgrace on the community. The trees and all plants and flowers
were destroyed completely. The garden walls were all torn down
and great care taken to shift known registered surveyors’ mark-
ings. How, the fields were all planted with weeds and harmful
grasses; furrows and trenches dug, so that the top soil would wash
off; all wells and water supplies filled with filth and poisoned; the
Genella — Recollections of the War in Europe. 507
roads blown up at crossings and notices left that if any one return-
ing wished to know where the inhabitants of the village were they
would find them in some notorious district of Paris. Before leav-
ing, the village cemetery was always visited and the tombs ransacked,
all marble slabs taken down and the owners’ names cut off and the
name of some Heinie dead placed there. Tombs were never closed,
once opened, and frequently the dead were left hanging half in and
half out of the tomb. How in the world could civilization even
have classed the real Prussian as the superman, except superman
in filthy, monkey tricks ! I have no quarrel, nor has civilization,
with the^ pure German, but the Prussian was, is, and always shall
be just what he glories in being — a foul, loud-mouthed braggart,
without love of country, of home, of wife or honor.
Just what it was that ended the war, the men out front could
never hazard a guess. Very few of them thought it a military de-
feat. As far as we could learn, the factors that contributed, from
the front man’s point of view, were :
1. Most of the men out front wanted to go back and have a look
at the Bolshevik movement at close quarters. It was something
they felt like they would like to try once.
2. The army wanted a few months’ rest as a whole. It was not
that any one had lost his morale — they just had been ordered aroulid
so much that they had become educated up to the knowledge that
it is easier to tell the other fellow to go to hell than it is to sit
down and let him send you there.
3. Large expenditures of funds was getting to be dangerous.
4. The casualties were growing without any important objective
having been obtained. It may be news to you all to tell you that
throughout the war, on all sides, a great campaign was never suc-
cessful in having obtained its full objecitve. All staffs seemed to
have miscalculated the purchase price of the objectives, in time and
casualties.
5. The Russian situation was ripe for Prussia to pick, if Prussia
could succeed in disappearing as an enemy and appear as a down-
troddden sister community of Russia, sueing as a democratic nation,
asking for protection of the Fatherland.
6. The great gamble, that discord may break out in the Allies’
ranks after the armistice.
7. The active opposition of the Czecho-Slovac nations to the
Germanic aims was the most important menace to the Prussian
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arms. Germany could no longer sharply define her Central Allies
from her enemies quickly enough to enable her diplomacy- to work
in secret. The Prussian wants the Czecho-Slovaes back, as all of
them are soldiers of the field, care nothing for S. 0. S. work, and
usually fight without any thought of surrendering. Marsark is
probably as shrewd a diplomat as any in Europe to-day.
8#> The roadways of Western Russia badly needed repairs, if
Prussia intended to use them in the near future.
9. Prussia, exploiting Russia, could afford to lose a diplomatic
crisis, yet could not have stood a crushing military disaster. Ger-
many has lost less by the armistice than the Allies could have taken
from her by arms.
10. The Masurian Lake regions, as a terrain for defensive war-
fare, shall loom large on the diplomatic horizon of Europe.
11. Germany’s army was badly placed for the winter.
12. The last, and yet the least of all, Germany was growing
ashamed of her position in the civilized world, and she dared not
face the IT. S. A. in the field in the campaign of 1919. The morale
of her border towns was fast crumbling under her continued air
raids.
One can hardly imagine the numerous types of races one could
come across within cannon-shot of each other. All of them had their
own peculiarities. The American held his own with all of them,
and the Scotch Highlander wore his cloth always at a fashionable
height.
The Indian contingent chanted and powwowed along at their
work to keep up their courage.
The Chinese mouched along in silence, interspersed with a great
yang-yanging. Their “Ouchi-ke-Moi” sounded like a bunch of
pollies.
The Damien Islanders never seemed to speak, but just worked.
The Cingalese looked always about to fly on some magic carpet
or about to produce an Aladdin’s lamp. Much to my joy, I saw
one who looked like Alibaba. It was little trouble to find the forty
thieves.
The Turkish prisoners looked so one-sided, without their rugs
or harems.
The French were either wholly dirty or meticulously clean.
The German prisoners industriously mfended roads, saluted and
smoked. A captured Fritz is the tamest thing on earth.
Genella — Recollections of the War in Europe . * 509
The Irishman smiled, listened to his pipes and drums, and always
disagreed with any one’s views on the so-called Irish question. The
more one learns to respect and love the Irish, the less one finds that
an outsider can ever know of the true Irish question. An Irishman
is always polite.
The Canadian cusses or plays rummy and looks English.
The Australian-New Zealander (Anzac) holds a broad pair of
athletic shoulders back, smokes, has a good time, fights both enemy
and ally at his own pleasure, salutes no one, and always is a dan-
gerously good-looking fellow for any young lady to look at. He is
the world’s tip-top soldier.
The Englishman, if left alone, is the grandest monument to non-
interference and non-intrusion, democracy, breeding, refinement,
courage and impertinence the earth has ever grown, either wild or
in captivity. His innocent superciliousness surely attracts one.
Gas ! gas ! gas ! and more gas ! was always the cry out front,
whether we were passing it over to Fritz or getting our dose from
him. I believe every one was more or less gaseous half of the time
without knowing it. Outside of the first attack cloud, gas was
always looked on as a joke by every one and was seldom used.
Arsenical gases and immediately-acting phosgene gas were not
much used, as they only killed, and so did not hurt the army as a
whole very much. Soldiers are about the cheapest thing an army
has, if they will only stay either completely well and fit, or die and
absolutely get out of the army’s way. The most frightful of all the
gases was the delayed-action phosgene gas. It had such a depress-
ing effect on the men who saw their comrades die under it. A
soldier having been lethally gassed by delayed-action phosgene was
apparently a normal man for about five or eight hours, and only
then did he begin to show signs of a condition that almost always
ended in death and agony. Talk about your nightmares of life !
Just stick around about an hour in some rain-soaked trench and
have about twenty or thirty comrades and friends die in the agony
of gas. I have seen soldiers wearing crosses of honor and bravery
just sort of vomit their insides out from the overwhelming agony
of just standing by and doing nothing. As one soldier said, “You
are entitled to look gray all the rest of your life just from the
memory of it all.” Often we would pass down a long line of
wounded and find nobody dying ; pass back and find, say, ten
dying; continue around the wounded until finally all would be dead
510
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or dying, when we had to move off. Of course, the communiques
tell you a lot to do for gassed cases, just as medical conventions tell
you what to do in the last stages of tuberculosis and malignancy,
yet, tell me, has anybody ever performed a well-analyzed miracle?
When mustard gas was first fired at us we thought it was bee-
stings. Mustard, like phosgene, is a little too fatal, unless used in
slight concentration. For sticking around like a small brother, in
a tete a, tete, it is a wonder. If it had more morbidity and less
mortality it would be just right. Sneeze gas is the most dangerous
gas to guard against, as the soldier always begins to joke and laugh
at it and will not put on their masks, and so, when mustard comes
over, they cannot use their masks, but sneeze them off as often as
they are put on.
Most of the so-called recoveries from really lethal or near-lethal
doses of gas is a recovery from carbon monoxid and cofdite gas
poison. Towards the end of things over 60 per cent of all shelling
was done with gas of some kind or other, mostly mixed. Gas and
machine guns will be the most important defense used in wars and
economic strikes. We shall live to see a crowd of strikers treated
to a dose of tear gas, unless I miss my guess.
The dramatic never seems to appeal to or amuse the real soldier
of the front line. His psychology never seems to contain a place
for flag-waving or patriotic songs. If forced by circumstances to
sing them, he would promptly add something of his own making.
As an example, I have often heard them start out to sing “God
Save Our King,” and then add “My blooming *ed.” I wonder if
the real musician can explain why such a jazz poem as the follow-
ing will cheer him up and make him roar with laughter just before
some dangerous errand is undertaken. Imagine being cheered up
by the following:
“Did you think as the hearse rolls by
That sooner or later you and I
Will be rolling along in the self-same hack
And we won’t be thinking of coming back?”
“The maggots and worms shall cover your skins,
And slowly they’ll crawl all over our chins,
And we’ll lose most of our fingers and all of our toes
And our great, brainy brains shall run out of our nose.
There, as friendly as friends, as they crowd all around,
And as far as they can they ’ll go down, down,
And they’ll invite their friends and their friends’ friends, too,
And you’ll only be bones when they’re done with you.”
Genella — Recollections of the War in Europe.
511
And then they all roar in laughter.
The greatest comfort to a soldier is when he can drawl out the
inspiring song, “Oh, My ! I Don’t Wanny Die !” He gets in a hope-
less grouch while singing “Pack Up Your Troubles in Your Old
Kit Bag.” He thinks of home and children best while droning the
general favorite, “Hello ! Hello! Who is Your Lady Friend?” He
whistles “Tipperary” because he thinks it makes him look like* a
Mons veteran, and it’s hard to whistle it right unless you have
heard a veteran to whistle it on the march.
Amongst the masterpieces of the world should go down the old
favorite, “‘It’s a Long, Long Trail.” Sung in retreat and triumph,
on the road and in the trenches, by all the weary men forward and
by all the fresh young recruits as they were sent forward, our only
uncensored expression of the true state of affairs and our great
comforter, this song shall live as long as the memory of this war
shall last to an}" one.
I can only in part judge the havoc the influenza played back
home in America, and you already know of its visit to the British,
French and American armies. I witnessed the havoc it played
with the German armies in the Somme swamp. With all men and
guns placed for the attack on the Montdidier-Amiens railhead
and associated railroads, the “flu” hit the Germans so hard within
four days that the Germans deserted in dozens, thinking it some
form of Edison gas. From one observation post north of Albert
we saw them carry over one hundred stretchers out of the line in
seventy- two hours. You may judge the total by that. During that
period I roughly guess that over two hundred thousand must have
gone down with it in their army alone.
The usages of civilization and the passing mould of public
opinion must ever be the seasoning of all narratives, no matter how
justly and conscientiously a chronicler may aim to relate. If truth
and memory must at times go slightly deeper into glossaries, let
such facts to be told only around the circle of those who were there.
Don’t let a few petty truths make harder the roadway over which
historians must lead the world to universal brotherhood and peace.
I served as comrade to each and every ally and branch of the service.
In many a rain-soaked trench, by roadside, in shattered farmsteads
and in luxurious palaces I have stood by the side of the fit, the
wounded, the sick, the dying and the dead. Always amidst these
scenes the large percentage of men from Yew Orleans struck me
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as out of proportion to her small 400,000 of population to the
balance of the world’s many millions. The sons of New Orleans
plodded over the long, long trail from Mons to the Marne with the
British Empire; they died at the heart-breaking fight near Loos;
they rode with the Horse Guards at the taking of Neville, Vittel
and Monchy-le-Preux and all through the villages of the Somme,
the Aisne and the Lys; they shouted, with the French, “Ne Passer a
Pas” at Verdun long, long before even the American flag had
crossed the ocean as ally. When at last the A. E. F. did send a
vanguard, one-third of their numbers were men from our glorious
city. The achievements of the A. E. F. at Chateau Thierry, St.
Mihiel and the Argonne forest was possible only because individual
infantrymen, trench mortars, machine-gun operators and New Or-
leans artillerymen attached to regular battalions and crews fought
and died there. Don’t let any bare statement of any State in the
Union or nation out of the Union distort facts. Ask for the official
record of every man in those fights, and New Orleans shall come
into her own.
For the dead and living soldier and sailor, historians and a
grateful nation will ever have a lasting memory and an honored
place. For the fountains from which all of our energies, enthusiasm,
spirit and determination ever flowed; for the clear-eyed, clear-
brained, yet tortured souls of the world’s womanhood ; for the names
of those “whose influence in the war was paramount,” may a just
and analytical record show the names of American womanhood
atop of all the rest.
BRONCHO-PNEUMONIA FOLLOWING MEASLES.*
By SIDNEY F. BRAUD, A. B., M. D., New Orleans.
Quite a few articles have been written within the past two years-
on the complications of measles, particularly the broncho-pneu-
monia, with the Streptococcus JiemOlyticus. Drs. Cole and Mac-
Callum made an extensive report on the work conducted by them
in the wards of the Base Hospital, Fort Sam Houston, Texas ; Drs.
Iron and Marine have reported the role played by the Streptococcus
hemolyticus in the measles cases occurring at Camp Custer, Mich. ;
Dr. Logan Clendining reported reinfection with Streptococcus:
*Read at meeting of Orleans Parish Medical Society, April 14, 1919. [Received for
publication May 1, 1919. — Eds.]
Braud — Broncho-Pneumonia Following Measles.
513
liemolyticus in lobar pneumonia, measles and scarlet fever. All
reports are very elaborate and represent the existing conditions
prevailing in these two army camps in the latter part of 1917 and
the early part of 1918.
In the history of medicine there are recorded numerous epidemics
of pneumonia, beginning with the early part of the sixteenth
century. They spread over Italy, Spain, France, Germany and
other countries, always involving great numbers of people, with a
very high mortality amongst those affected. It is difficult to recog-
nize with certainty the types of pneumonias in these early epidemics,
but the descriptions are so emphatic as to the frequent existence of
empyema that it suggests the streptococcal rather than the pneumo-
coccal or influenzal form of infection.
In America similar outbreaks are recorded from the eighteenth
century, and during the War of 1812 there was a great epidemic,,
which spread amongst the troops in northern New York, later
amongst the civilians, and finally spread even to the Southern
States. The descriptions of the clinical symptoms and post-mortem
examinations leads one to believe that this was an affection which
closely resembles the one due to the Streptococcus hemolyticus.
During the Civil War, measles was extremely prevalent and was
complicated by an affection, pulmonary in nature, which was de-
scribed as a broncho-pneumonia and associated with the frequent
occurrence of empyema. Undoubtedly this mortality was high, as
we find in the report of Surgeon H. Williams, who had supervision
of the general hospitals of the Potomac and Northern Virginia,
reporting for a period of fifteen months, 1,996 cases of measles,
with 102 deaths, his monthly report for the month of June, 1862,
showing 593 cases, with 36 deaths. His mortality rate was high.
Measles for fifteen months, 5.1 per cent, and for June, 1862, 6 per
cent. He makes no mention of the number of pneumonias com-
plicating measles, but certainly, judging from this mortality, pneu-
monia must have been a frequent complication. In this report of
the general hospitals at Charlottesville for twenty-six months we
find 1,060 cases, with only fifteen deaths; mortality 1.4 per cent.
This difference in mortality proves quite conclusively that the
former hospitals were dealing with a very virulent secondary in-
vader. The same conditions existed during the past period of
mobilization in the home camps, the Southern camps being hit the
514
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hardest. Dr. MacCullum reports, in one of his papers, as having
studied three specimens of lungs taken from pneumonia cases which
are at present in the Army Medical Museum in Washington. The}''
had been preserved in alcohol for fifty-four years. They showed
plainly the gross appearance which had become familiar in the
study of streptococcal broncho-pneumonia. In microscopic section
they presented lesions identical with those of the cases in the past
epidemic of measles pneumonia.
In the hospital in which I was stationed there were admitted
between December 1, 1917, and March 1, 1918, 716 cases of measles,
with the following complications :
Otitis media, acute, suppurative 150 -20 %
Broncho-pneumonia 89 12.5 %
Septic arthritis, non-suppurative. ... ....... 12 1.5 %
Septic arthritis, suppurative 1 0.1 %
Meningitis, streptococcal 2 0.25%
General sepsis 3 0.4 %
I do not know the exact number developing peri-tonsillar ab-
scesses, mastoiditis and sinusitis. Of the broncho-pneumonia,
forty-two died, giving a mortality of 47 per cent. Of the total
number of measles cases, as well as I can recall, forty-four died,
giving us a percentage of 6.1. I wish to call attention here to the
fact that the mortality of our hospital was practically the same as
the mortality mentioned in one of the hospitals during the Civil
War. In every case of pneumonia, the Streptococcus hem olyticus
was isolated either in the sputum or lung tissue. Eighty per cent
of the pneumonia cases developed empyemata. This is indeed quite
a contrast to the post-influenzal pneumonias, in whom but a very
few empyemata were found. In one case I found a pneumo- thorax.
It might be well to mention that this chest was never aspirated,
relieving all doubt as to the pneumo-thorax being the result of the
chest puncture.
The pathology of this pneumonia has been described by Dr. Mac-
Cullum as taking two forms. It is either essentially a broncho-
pneumonia, in which extensive process of organization and indura-
tion are especially developed, a form which we call interstitial
broncho-pneumonia, or it is a lobular exudate inflammation, in
which no such evidence of any powers of resistance are to be found.
In both cases it is accompanied by empyema and by a few other
changes, especially in the upper respiratory tract.
Beaud — Broncho-Pneumonia Following Measles.
515
The symptomatology may best be given by citing a case :
M. S., age twenty years, entered the hospital on January 23, 1918.
Symptoms: Sore throat, photophobia, fever, chilliness; cough, with ex-
pectoration.
Physical Examination: Conjunctivitis; red pharynx; red crescentic
papular eruption on the face and body. Diagnosis: Measles.
On January 28, five days after admission to hospital, he had a chill,
followed by high temperature. Cough severe, with profuse expectora-
tion. Sputum thin, muco-purulent, greenish gray, and not streaked with
blood. He was very hoarse and faintly cyanotic. Urine, a slight trace
of albumen, with hyaline casts.
February 3. — Cyanosis more discernible; no flush to the face; eyes
are clear; patient very apprehensive; rash entirely disappeared.
Physical Examination: Heart-sounds muffled; no murmurs heard.
Right lung, anterior: No dullness; a few scattered areas of crepitation;
inspiration prolonged and high-pitched. Left lung, anterior: Resonance
good; many large, coarse rales heard. Back not examined this date. His
temperature presented a typical septic curve. I have with me a few
temperature charts which may prove of some interest. His total white
on this date was 19,000. The urine presented the same findings. From
this day he grew progressively worse; cyanosis deepened, becoming
purplish the day before he died. The areas of broncho-pneumonia be-
came larger and more numerous. Death occurred February 8, 1918.
Autopsy revealed a bilateral broncho-pneumonia confluent on left side,
with fibrino-purulent pleuritis. In the left lung the lobules were very
distinctly marked, and in the upper lobe on the left side the patches of
consolidation were confluent, but distinctly composed of grayish patches
clustered about the bronchi. Culture of a piece of lung tissue and culture
from the pleural exudate showed hemolytic streptococci.
The treatment followed in all the cases was as follows : Standing
orders for all new pneumonia cases admitted were as follows :
1. Tincture of digitalis, minims 15 for a period of seventy-two
hours, given every four hours.
2. Push liquids, lemonade, orangeade, grape juice and milk and
water.
3. Sodium citrate, grains 15 every three hours.
4. Low cleansing enema daily if no bowel movement.
5. Temperature, 104° or above, tepid sponge bath.
6. For insomnia, restlessness, severe cough, one-fourth grain
morphin sulphate with Yxso of atropin sulphate.
All throats were cultured upon admission to ward, and sputum
for type determination.
No set rules can be given for treatment, but these were issued
as a guide in treatment. Tincture of digitalis had to be watched
very carefully. In some cases, after 15-minim doses for a
Original Articles.
516
period of seventy-two hours, no evidence of digitalization, such as
we see by slowing of pulse, improvement in general condition, in
breathing, in cyanosis, was observed, and hence the digitalis was
then given in larger doses. It was not very long before we began ,
our patients on 25-minim doses instead.
In a series of twenty cases I did not digitalize at all, and I made
use of caifein citrate in three-grain doses given every four hours.
I do not believe that the results were as good. It is a good point
to remember that caffein is contraindicated in all delirious cases.
I did not make use of strychnin and camphorated oil.
In a series of ten cases I made use of anti-streptococcus serum.
After a careful desensitizatioli of the patient I gave 50 c. c. of serum,
with 50 c. c. of normal saline solution. This was repeated in from
eighteen to twenty-four hours. The series was entirely too small
from which to draw any conclusions. It is my belief, however, that
some were materially benefited by the serum. Drs. Cummings and
Spruitt used the serum rather extensively, and just what their
results have been I am not in a position to state.
In regard to the empyemata complicating this condition, much
lias to be worked out. In the beginning of the epidemic it was
customary to drain all fluids from the chest which contained either
the pneumococcus or the streptococcus. This procedure met with
failure, as most of the patients died within twenty-four hours after
a rib resection. Later in the epidemic, however, we were permitted
to aspirate these chests every two or three days until the general
condition improved. Pus formed in almost all the cases in from
one to three weeeks. The end results were a good deal more
gratifying.
Discussion of Dr. S. F. Braud's Paper.
Dr. Guthrie: It is a matter of great interest to us who have had a
chance to see pneumonia while in service to hear the experience of other
men. Most of the data we collected, and looked forward to the time
when we should be able to be together and compare statistics that we
collected. We had at Camp Beauregard, between September, 1917 and
May, 1918, during which time I was in charge, 652 cases of pneumonia,
with a gross death rate of 17 per cent, including cases of empyema. We
had only fifty-seven cases of empyema, and, of that fifty-seven, 21 per
cent died. The death rate of the cases which we diagnosed as lobar
pneumonia, some of these we typed, and those we typed out after we got
our laboratory going, was only 10 per cent on lobar pneumonia. The
death rate for all cases of pneumonia was 17 per cent.
Braud — Bronclio-Pneumonia Following Measles.
517
The first of the serious outbreaks was measles. This occurred in
October, just after the hospital was opened. The weather was mild; the
cases were treated outdoor entirely, on the wide porch. The first hun-
dred cases of pneumonia were in satisfactory shape, practically out of
the woods. Some of us, including the chief of the medical service,
myself, were inclined to believe that a remarkably low death rate would
hold good for the series and with pneumonia. I had the cases out in
the open air all the time. Screens were used to protect the eyes of the
patient, and great stress was laid on the matter of food. It has been
my experience that pneumonia cases show specific tissue waste. This is
somewhat similar to what Coleman and Dubois showed exists in typhoid.
I am satisfied the time will come when we shall be able to put some
pneumonia cases in a metabolism chamber and demonstrate this tissue
waste. We had the hardest kind of work in order to get the dietary
that was necessary for nourishing these cases. The cases continued to
do well until we got in a batch of enlisted men from Camp Pike. They
came and brought with them Streptococcus hemolyticus, and from this
time we began to have the most virulent type of mixed infection. It
was very disheartening at first, but in the end we were able to make a
pretty fair showing, which you can see from the figures that I gave you,
with combined death rate of 17 per cent. This compares very favorably
with the statistics from the camps. The greatest death rate occurred in
the cases of broncho-pneumonia and measles. I was struck, on the other
side, in France, by the similarity of relationship between broncho-pneu-
monia and complicating measles as I saw it in the camps here. We saw
cases in the Evacuation Hospital at Villers-Daucourt; we made cultures
on most of the cases, and I thought, from the way the cases behaved in
the clinics, that we had a Streptococcus hemolyticus infection. The
clinical course of the disease was the same as I had seen here — perhaps a
little bit higher virulence than those cases I had seen on this side.
I believe that army digitalis is very much too weak to be given in
15-minim doses. I was in the habit of giving the army tincture in tea-
spoonful doses. I was quite a nuisance around the supply depots, be-
cause I asked for an amount exceeding my allowance of digitalis for the
supply to the hospital.
I was very much interested in learning that my friend and colleague,
Dr. Halsey, who has been, up to the time of his experience in France, a
staunch advocate of the use of large doses of digitalis, had experienced
a change of heart in this regard. I think, as far as therapeutics is con-
cerned, the things that gave us the best results were water internally
and repeated application of wet sheets. The patient laid in a sheet of
85 degrees vand covered with blankets for nervousness. You will find
they are not only comfortable, but soothed in wet sheets. It does away
with the necessity of using bromides. This is applicable even in the
subnormal conditions after the febrile stage is passed.
A word about empyema. The early diagnosis of empyema is tre-
mendously important as to prognosis. I have about come to the conclu-
sion that Dr. Braud gave you. If we have a clear fluid, even if that
fluid contains microorganisms, it is well to wait on the operation. If
the pus is distinctly creamy, and has come to that stage when we are
aspirating, we are justified in advising resection as soon as possible. We
frequently aspirated, and sometimes with the patient in front of the
518
C orrespondence.
fluoroscope. The complete cooperation with the surgical staff and early
diagnosis make for a low death rate.
Dr. Braud (closing the discussion): I was muchly interested in the
wet-sheet method used by Dr. Guthrie in the controlling of the nervous
phenomena and extreme restlessness manifested by these patients,
especially when accompanied by a marked drop in temperature. I hated
to see this condition, and, of course, as most men did, I used the bromides.
As far as the chest signs in empyema are concernde, increased voice
sounds, as mentioned by Dr. Guthrie, were often found, with a chest full
of fluid. Recently I read an explanation, offered by Norris and Landis
in their new book, which reads as follows: “There is an increase in vocal
fremitus when the lung, instead of being collapsed and air-bearing, is
actually solid, because there is comparatively little sound lost at the
lung-fluid junction when the lung is solid, just the reverse of what occurs
when the lung contains air.”
CORRESPONDENCE
Treasury Department — Bureau of the Public Health
Service, Division oe Venereal Diseases.
Washington, May 5, 1919.
Editor , Hew Orleans Medical and Surgical Journal:
In the May number of the Hew Orleans Medical and Sur-
gical Journal, on page 454, there is an article entitled “Some
Psychology of Syphilis.”
In this article reference is made to a circular of instructions
issued by the Hew Orleans City Board of Health, and which- “the
physician must hand to the patient.” The writer should he glad
to see a copy of this circular of instructions. There is attached
hereto the confidential instructions which the Public Health Service
recommends that physicians give to their patients. It is not be-
lieved that the instructions contained in the circular attached
hereto are of such a nature as to have any tendency to create the
syphilophobia.
The editorial referred to closes with these words : “The end re-
sult may be that the Board of Health is on the way to getting rid
of a bad la w' by enforcing it.” The bureau trusts that you do not
regard the present nation-wide movement for control of venereal
diseases as being undesirable.
By direction of the Surgeon General.
Respectfully, C. C. Pierce,
Assistant Surgeon General.
Correspondence .
519
New Orleans, May 13, 1919.
Dr. C. C. Pierce, Assistant Surgeon General, U . S. P. H. S.,
Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir — Your communication to one of the editors of the New
Orleans Medical and Surgical Journal, sent by direction of the
Surgeon General, seems to merit more attention than the ordinary
routine of the editorial office would give it. We are indeed gratified
that our editorial should have attracted the official notice of such
authority. At the same time we are somewhat surprised that the
circular which invited our criticism has not reached you through
the local Health Board direct, as we have understood that repre-
sentatives of your service were cooperating with the Health Boards
of this State.
We are sure that you will find much to ponder when you peruse
the circular, which has been framed without apparent regard for
either the physical state of the victim of venereal disease or for the
law which has given the health boards authority to act in the con-
trol of venereal diseases of the State. The concluding paragraph
of your communication compels us to conclude that your perusal of
our Journal is only occasional, else you would have recalled our
editorial in the issue of March, 1919, wherein we express our views
regarding the movement for the control of venereal diseases.
Our allusion was made to the law as promulgated in the regula-
tions contained in the circular of the Board of Health, to some of
the provisions of which we have adverted with just criticism, as
it is thoroughly subsersive of ethical practice, and, moreover, it
goes so far beyond the law of this State as to make it actually
meretricious.
We are ready and willing to further any movement which is con-
ceived in the right spirit, but we believe that this cpiestion is too
momentous to be discounted by misconception of its intentions.
We would like to emphasize our belief that venereal disease will not
be obliterated so long as there are men and women and so long as
their appetites exist, but moral cant will not even ameliorate the
evils attached to such indulgences.
Education, hospitalization and prophylaxis are the sound bases
for active attack on the question. The report of venereal diseases
is desirable, and may obtain through voluntary cooperation of all
concerned, but, in the South at least, the widespread prevalence of
520
Correspondence.
unrecognized and neglected venereal diseases in the negro will
make reporting of doubtful service, while the penalties attached to
the failure to report venereal diseases under the present compli-
cated laws in effect will always put a premium upon dishonesty.
One of us has repeatedly (since 1899, when contributions were
made to the Brussels Conference for the Control of Prostitution
and Venereal Diseases) ventilated the obligations of the public and
of the health authorities in the control of these evils, and we believe
that a better acquaintance with our attitude in the past and our
position in the present will put a complete disclaimer to your im-
plied charge that we “do not regard the present nation-wide move-
ment for the control of venereal diseases as being undesirable.”
We are heartily in accord with the movement; we only question
some of the methods, and in criticizing these we recognize our rights
as citizens, and particularly as medical men, voicing what we believe
to be the opinions of our constituents. Respectfully,
Chassaignac and Dyer, Editors.
United States Public Health Service,
Washington, D. C.
Editors Hew Orleans Medical and Surgical Journal:
Dear Sirs — It appears that there is a lamentable want of care
on the part of many physicians who administer arsphenamine, as
to the concentration of the drug used and the time required for
administration.
The Hjrgienic Laboratory receives many complaints in regard to
untoward results from the administration of arsphenamine made
by various American producers. When careful investigation is
made it is almost invariably found that the drug has been used in
a solution that is too concentrated, and that it has been administered
too rapidly. We have reports of a dose of 0.4 gm. being given in a
volume of as little as 25 c. c. and injected within thirty seconds.
Such practice is abuse, not use, of a powerful therapeutic agent.
If, in addition to the usual precautions as to the use of perfect
ampoules and neutralization, physicians would give the drug in
concentration of not more than 0.1 gm. to 30 c. c. of fluid and
allow a minimum of two minutes for the intravenous injection of
each 0.1 g. m. of the drug (in 30 c. c. of solution), the number of
reactions would be very materially reduced. This would necessitate
American Society of Tropical Medicine.
521
from 90 c. c. to 180 c. c. of the solution for the doses usually given
and would require from six to twelve minutes for the injection.
Any physician who fails to observe these precautions should be
considered as directly responsible for serious results that follow
the improper use of the drug.
Hoping you may find space in your Journal for this letter, I
am, Respectfully yours,
G. W. McCoy, Director.
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF TROPICAL MEDICINE
Preliminary Program.
Dr. Sidney K. Simon, acting secretary of the American Society
of Tropical Medicine, announces the preliminary program for the
forthcoming meeting at Atlantic City, June 16 and 17, 1919, as
folllows :
1. The President’s Address, “Some Phases of Tropical Medicine in
the Recent World Conflict” — Dr. C. C. Bass, New Orleans.
2. “Surgical Treatment of Typhoid Carriers, With Suggestions for
the Treatment of Cholera or Dysentery Carriers ’ ’ — Dr. H. J. Nichols,
Washington, D. C.
3. “Tropical Resources and Hygiene” — Dr. D. Rivas, Philadelphia,
Penn.
4. “One Phase of the Mosquito Work Connected With Army Camps
in 1918’ ’ — -Dr. Clara S. Ludlow, Washington, D. C.
5. “The After-History of Trypanosomiasis in Africa” — Dr. John L.
Todd, Montreal, Canada.
6. “Treatment of Malaria, With Special Reference to the Dose of
Quinin, Time and Mode of Administration, and Length of Treatment” —
Dr. D. Rivas, Philadelphia, Penn.
A Symposium on Yellow Fever.
7. “Experimental Studies on Yellow Fever” — Dr. Hideyo Noguchi,
Rockefeller Institute, New York.
8. “The Clinical Manifestations of Yellow Fever as Observed in
Guayaquil in 1918” — Dr. Chas. A. Elliott, Chicago, 111.
9. “The Mechanism of the Spontaneous Elimination of Yellow Fever
from Endemic Centers ’ ’ — Dr. H. R. Carter, Baltimore, Md.
10. “The Eradication of Yellow Fever in* the Tropics” — Dr. J. H.
White, Vera Cruz, Mexico.
11. Algunos observaciones en fiebre amarillaj” — Dr. Wenceslao
Pareja, Guayaquil, Ecuador.
12 (Title not given) — Dr. Mario J. Labredo, Havana, Cuba.
The meeting will be held in Odd Fellows5 Hall, New York
Avenue, a short distance from the Boardwalk.
Notes and Comment.
O')
NEWS AND COMMENT
Gift to Harvard Medical School.-— An anonymous donation
of $50,000 has been made to the Harvard Medical School for the
establishment of the James 0. McLoin Fund for Tropical Medicine.
The income is to be used for research in preventive medicine.
A Vladivostok Medical College. — A circular letter has re-
cently been addressed to “certain American and Canadian men of
science” announcing the establishment of a medical faculty in
Vladivostok to form the nucleus of a complete university in the
near future. As funds are badly needed, the hope of the projected
university is help from abroad, especially from the United States,.
Canada and Japan. Anatomical charts, diagrams, plaster models,,
instruments for dissection, microscopes, microtomes, microscopical
preparations, books, especially in Russian, English, French or
German, are asked for on terms of credit, to be paid not earlier
than in December, 1920. For further information address Vladi-
vostok Medical College, care of Dr. Konstantine Ovoienke, 66
Svetlanskaya street, Vladivostok, Siberia.
The United States Civil Service Commission announces an
open competitive examination for physician, for men onty, on June
18, 1919, in the principal cities throughout the country, to till a
vacancy in the Panama Canal service, at an entrance salary of
$150. Promotion is made to $200, $225, $250, $275 and $300, and
to higher rates for special positions. The entrance rate for
physicians experienced in care of the insane is $200 a month. Ap-
plicants should at once, apply for Form 1312, stating the title of
the examination desired, to the Civil Service Commission, Wash-
ington, D. C., or to the secretary of the United States Civil Service
Board in the city in which he lives, or where such a board exists.
The Federation of American Societies for Experimental
Biology held its annual meeting in Baltimore, April 24, 25 and .26,
1919, and presented most interesting and profitable programs. The
federation is formed by the Physiological Society, the Society of
Biological Chemists, the Society for Pharmacology and Experi-
mental Therapeutics and the Society for Experimental Pathology.
The sessions were held at the Johns Hopkins University Medical
School.
Notes and Comment.
523
Malaria in the United States. — Over 7,000,000 in the United
States are infected with malaria, according to the estimation of the
United States Public Health Service. Estimates prepared by the
service indicates that in the South the ravages of typhoid fever,
tuberculosis, hookworm and pellagra all together are not as serious
as from malaria.
National Association for the Study and Education of
Exceptional Children. — The annual business meeting of this
association was held at the Hotel McAlpin, New York, on April 30,
1919. In conjunction therewith a conservation conference on child
resources was held, in which leading physicians, psychologists, ed-
ucators and social service workers discussed problems relating to
child welfare.
Status of the American Red Cross. — On March 1, 1919, the
American Red Cross War Council issued a bulletin stating that in
the previous twenty-one months the American people had given in
cash and supplies to the American Red Cross more than $400,000,-
000. The American Red Cross entered the war with 500,000 mem-
bers and at the date of. this statement had 17,000,000 full-paid
members, besides 9,000,000 junior members. There were 9,000
workers enrolled in France at one time and 6,000 are still required
there.
Physicians to Meet in Atlantic City in June. — Atlantic
City will be the scene of a number of annual meetings of note-
worthy associations of plrysicians and surgeons, beginning in June
and lasting through the greater part of the month. Among the
most prominent are : The American Medical Association, the Amer-
ican Gynecological Society, the Gastro-Enterological Association,
the American Society of Tropical Medicine, the American Medical
Editors7 Association, the American Pediatric Society, and Congress
of American Physicians and Surgeons. The headquarters of these
meetings will be at the Marlborough-Blenheim and the Chalfonte
hotels.
National Association for the Study of Epilepsy to
Meet. — The eighteenth annual 'meeting of this organization will
be held at the Craig Colony for Epilepsy, Sonyea, N. Y., June 6-7,
1919, under the presidency of Dr. Wm. T. Shanahan. In ad-
524
Notes and Comment.
dition to an interesting program, there will be a reorganization of
the society to meet the demands of the post-bellum period, and
plans will be discussed for a union of the investigators of the
epilepsies in allied and neutral countries with those of America.
Bats to Exterminate Mosquitoes. — The plan to exterminate
mosquitoes by erecting hat roosts has again been proposed by Dr.
Chas. Campbell, of San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Campbell interested
the authorities in Cuba and Florida with his plan, and already at
Key West a movement is under way to erect four roosts.
Few Blinded American Soldiers. — A statement was made
from the office of the Surgeon General of the Army, and published
in the Army and Navy Journal of November 30, 1918, that prob-
ably less than fifty American soldiers have suffered total blindness
from wounds received in action.
Victor Electric Corporation Wins Suit. — The United States
Federal Trade Commission ordered dismissed and discontinued the
complaint brought against the Victor Electric Company recently.
This suit has given the Victor corporation an opportunity of having
the government searchlight turned upon its activities, and the clean
bill of health which the corporation has received should be an in-
spiration to its officers.
Tulane Hospital Unit to Become Permanent. — It is pro-
posed that Hospital Unit 24, recently returned from France, re-
main intact and become a permanent organization, in line with the
suggestions made to the Board of Trustees of Tulane University by
Surgeon General M. W. Ireland, of the United States Army. The
plan of organization is being considered by the officers of the unit,
and as soon as the details have been completed communications
will be sent to doctors and nurses and the remainder of the per-
sonnel.
Journal of Dental Research. — The first issue of this new
journal made its appearance in March, 1919. The editorial office
is located in the Biochemical Department of Columbia University,
College of Physicians and Surgeons, 437 West Fifty-ninth street,
New York City.
American Association of Orificial Surgeons. — The thirty-
second annual convention of the American Association of Orificial
Notes and Comment.
525
Surgeons will be held September 15, 16 and 17, at the Congress
Hotel in Chicago. The forenoons will be given to operative demon-
trations at the hospital. The program will be complete, with prac-
tical addresses, essays and papers by prominent orificialists. The
clinics will be interesting, as usual.
The American Public Health Association Meeting. — This
association will hold its next annual meeting in New Orleans,
October 6-9, 1919. Preparations are already under way to make
this a banner meeting, and cooperation is asked to make it a great
success. Dr. Paul J. Gelpi, of New Orleans, is chairman of the
publicity committee.
Ophthalmic Examinations. — The American Board for
Ophthalmic Examinations will hold its fifth examination at the
Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, June 6 and 7, 1919. This board
is composed of representatives of the American Ophthalmological
Society, the Section in Ophthalmology of the American Medical
Association, and the Academy of Ophthalmology and Otolaryn-
gology. Further information may be had upon request from the
secretary, Dr. William H. Wilder, 122 South Michigan avenue,
Chicago.
Personals. — Dr. William Engelbach, of St. Louis, Mo., gave a
very interesting talk to members of the Orleans Parish Medical
Society during the month.
Dr. Will. Mayo visited New Orleans during the early part of May
and his large circle of friends here enjoyed his visit immensely.
Among the Louisiana men who have returned since our last list,
from service in this country or abroad, are: Drs. E. D. Fenner,
Chaille Jamison, W. T. Patton, H. J. Gondolf, H. L. Kearney,
P. T. Talbot, C. P. Holderith, Wm. W. Leake, M. Bradburn, J.
Signorelli, John S. Dunn, of New Orleans; Drs. M. Cappel, Alex-
andria; F. Palmer, Blackburn; L. Z. Kushner, Lake Charles; N. M.
Palmer, Leesville; B. A. Norman, Minden; W. R. Abney, Lake
Arthur; E. S. Fulton, New Iberia; 0. B. Hicks, Shreveport; J. K.
Griffith, Slidell.
526
Bool * Reviews and Notices.
BOOK REVIEWS AND NOTICES
All new publications sent to the Journal will be appreciated and will invariably be
promptly acknowledged under the heading of “ Publications Received While
it will be the aim of the Journal to review as many of the worlds accepted as
possible , the editors will be guided by the space available and the merit of re-
spective publications. The acceptance of a bool f implies no obligation to review.
A Manual of Physiology, with Practical Exercises, by G. W. Stewart,
M. A., M. D. Wm. Wood & Co., New York, 1918.
The new (eighth) edition of this work maintains the high standard
of previous editions, which placed it in the front rank of textbooks of
physiology for both medical students and practitioners. A feature of
previous editions, practical laboratory exercises and descriptions of ex-
perimental methods, has been retained. It is a feature which adds much
to the value of the work, both as a reference book and as a teaching
manual. Much new material has been incorporated. This relates to the
blood fats, theories of kidney secretion, the results of optical methods of
•study of the heart and circulation, the newer features of metabolism
as determined by the recently devised micro-methods and colorimetric
methods for the investigation of blood and urine, colorimetric studies of
blood-flow and the many newer results of the experimental work with
the ductless glands. One of the most valuable additions to the book is
an appendix, in which sixty-three pages are devoted to an excellently
selected bibliography arranged by subjects. A majority of the references
are to articles written in English, so that they may be used with facility
by all. W. E. GARREY.
A Textbook of Physiology for Nurses, by William Gay Christian, M. D.,
Professor of Anatomy, Medical College of Virginia. C. V. Mosby
& Co., St. Louis, 1^18.
The authors preface the work with these words: ‘‘The work is an
elementary one and has no claim to originality, except in arrangement
and treatment.’7 W. E. G.
The Ungeared Mind, by Robert Howland Chase, A. M., M. D. E. A. Davis
& Co., Philadelphia.
As the author states in the preface,, the book consists of a collection
of medical writings. These are related to mental unbalance and to ex-
periences in borderland psychology. The discursive character of the
book is to be expected, but the reader is rewarded by many bits of real
philosophy and by a varied assortment of apt quotations from those who
have observed in like fields. While presented to the medical profession
chiefly, there is ample food for profitable reading by the intelligent
layman. DYER.
Clinical Disorders of the Heart-Beat, by Thomas Lewis, M. D., E. R. S'.,
F. R. C. P. Fourth edition. Paul B. Hoeber, New York.
“Familiarity with the heart’s mechanism in health and disease is a
first essential * * *. Those who do not possess this familiarity are
incompetent to deal with cardiac patients.” These words of the author
Booh Reviews and Notices.
527
are sufficient reason for his effort at demonstrating the manner of acquir-
ing the knowledge necessary. He aims at this by presenting a series of
studies, with illustrative diagrams, covering the disorders of the heart-
beat, sinus irregularities, heart-block and variations in valvular functions
and deficiencies. Each condition is discussed in full detail and in a manner
wholly illuminating. This monograph of a little more than 100 pages
carries material of large value to the diagnostician who is willing to be
guided by the experience of a careful observer. DYER.
Autobiography of an Androgyne, by Earl Lind. Edited by Alfred W.
Herzog, Ph. B., A. M., M. D. Medicolegal Journal, New York.
The editor anticipates criticism by discounting it in submitting that
this book is published with the large purpose of obtaining justice and
human treatment for homosexualists of congenital types and who are not
responsible for their vice. Symonds’ Studies in Greek Psychology are
truly academic when compared with this human document. It is no book
for the layman, to whom there must come an extreme disgust at the de-
tail. It is seldom that there is given an opportunity for such a clinical
study of perversion. The author throughout assumes that he is a homo-
sexual with feminine attributes, which congenitally compel his license.
The perusal of the story shows that he is not sane, but a pervert of un-
usual type, in whom not only homosexuality is extreme, but, in his varied
experiences, there are periods of Sadistic and Masochistic expression, in
which the experience of cruelty and abuse only accentuate the furor
amoris.
The book, to the judicial mind, pleads for a better study of this class
of the insane, with a view to some provision for their relief. Penalty
by law at no time has served to stop the evils, and all students of psycho-
pathic individuals must be agreed that the bulk of them are vicious sex
lunatics. One phase of the experiences related in this book should be
remarked, and that is the development, pari passu, of the highest religious
fervor, while some of the most vile experiences are in progress. To
psychiatrists this is no novel thing — to find religious mania early among
a number of insane types. Recondite conditions among the human beings
of this day are certain to exist, and it will be some generations hence
before the relief can even be projected. DYER./
Paper Work of the Medical Department of the United States Army, by
Major Ralph W. Webster, M. C., U. S. A. P. Blakiston’s Son &
Co., Philadelphia.
A volume of over five hundred pages is devoted to what the medical
officer should know in the administrative work applied to his position
as a medical officer. This will prove interesting reading to those of the
Medical Reserve Corps who went through the training camps. It is too
late, of course, for the book to have any usefulness among the Reserve
Corps now. The experience of so many who went across, that much of
the red tape was cut for expediency, would lead us to conjecture that,
in another emergency, such volumes will have passed into an academic
place. Even at that, the author begins his preface with a general state-
ment that the volume presents only the more important work. As a
matter of fact, much of the material in the book is a review of the prac-
tices in vogue up to the present time. The detail has been well done and
many forms have been reproduced, making the text clear and readily
followed. Paper work is the bete noir of all medical officers, and if the
528
Publications Received.
compilation of Major Webster will help to control it he will surely earn
the gratitude of the future Medical Corps. DYER.
Practical Medicine Series. Series 1918. Skin and Venereal Diseases.
Edited by Oliver S- Ormsby, M. D., and James Herbert Mitchell,
M. D. The Year Book Publishers, Chicago.
This volume of the Practical Medicine Series is full of interesting
material, presenting a mass of new subjects, many showing exceptional
observations of rare skin diseases. Suggestions in newer therapy of skin
diseases are given and illustrations are freely used. In the part devoted
to venereal diseases there are also many interesting pages. The control
of venereal diseases is discussed and liberal space is given to irregular
phases of syphilis. DYER.
Massage and the Original Swedish Movements, by Karre W. Ostrom,
Eighth edition. P. Blakiston’s Son & Co., Philadelphia.
With each new edition of this little work we take occasion to com-
mend it to the perusal and study of physicians. Massage and the move-
ments of joints and the body as set forth in this book will afford frequent
aid in handling patients, especially true in convalescence. Too little at-
tention is paid to such contributions, which are honestly put forward for
the aid of the physician. His neglect of such procedures has certainly
favored the development of the several quack cults extant to-day. The
application of massage and such movements to particular diseases is set
forth briefly at the end of the book. DYER.
Hygiene for Nurses, by Nolie Mumey, M. D. C. V. Mosby Company, St.
Louis.
Another one of these books, which is well prepared, containing much
interesting information, presented in a pleasing manner, but altogether
failing to satisfy the title, viz: Hygiene for Nurses. Instead of eugenics
and the discussion of diseases and their causes and symptoms (to which
half of the book is devoted), it would have served a better purpose if
the personal hygiene of the nurse and her patients were discussed. The
book is certainly interesting, and will be to the nurses, but it is mis-
named. DYER.
PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED
W. B. SAUNDERS COMPANY, Philadelphia and London, 1919.
The Surgical Clinics of Chicago. February, 1919. Yol. 3, No. 1.
Clinical Microscopy and Chemistry, by F. A. McJunkin, M. A., D. E
LEA & FEBIGER, Philadelphia and New York, 1919.
Human Infection Carriers, Their Significance, Recognition and Man-
agement, by Charles E. Simon, B. A., M. D.
Elementary Bacteriology and Protozoology. For the use of nurses, by
Herbert Fox, M. D. Third edition, thoroughly revised.
A Treatise on Orthopedic Surgery, by Royal Whitman, M. D.,
M. R. C'. $., F. A. C. S. Sixth edition, thoroughly revised.
A Text-Book of Practical Theraptutics, by Hobart Amory Hare, M. D.,
B. Sc. Seventeenth edition, thoroughly revised and largely rewritten.
Military Surgery of the Ear, Nose and Throat, by Hanau W. Loeb,
M. D.
Publications Received.
529
WM. WOOD & CO., New York, 1919.
War Surgery of the Face, by John B. Roberts, A. M., M. D., F. A. C. S.
A Text-Book of Pathology, by Francis Delafield, M. D., LL. D., and
T. Mitchell Prudden, M. D., LL. D. Eleventh edition, revised by Francis
Carter Wood, M. D.
THE MACMILLAN COMPANY, New York, 1919.
The Whole Truth About Alcohol, by George Elliot Flint. With an
introduction by Dr. Abraham Jacobi.
Tuberculosis of the Lymphatic System, by Walter Bradford Metcalf,
M. D.
P. BLAKISTON’S SON & CO., Philadelphia, 1919.
Electricity in Medicine, by George W. Jacoby, M. D., and J. Ralph
Jacoby, A. B., M. D.
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE, Washington, D. C.
United States Naval Medical Bulletin. Report on Medical and Sur-
gical Developments of the War, by Dr. William Seaman Bainbridge.
Instruction to Medical Officers in Charge of State Control of Venereal
Diseases. 1918.
To Promote the Education of Native Illiterates, of Persons Unable to
Understand and Use the English Language, and of Other Resident Per-
sons of Foreign Birth. Hearing before the Committee on Education,
House of Representatives.
Public Health Reports. Yol. 34, Nos. 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15.
MISCELLANEOUS.
La Prothese Fonctionnelle Des Blesses de Guerre. (Masson et Cie,
Editeurs, 120 Boulevard St. Germain, Paris. VL. 1919.)
Special Report of the Attorney General of Porto Rico Concerning the
Suppression of Vice and Prostitution in Connection With the Mobiliza-
tion of the National Army at Camp Las Casas. February 1, 1919.
Annual Report of the Directors of the American Telephone and Tele-
graph Company. For the year ending December 31, 1918.
Third Annual Report of the China Medical Board. January 1, 1917-
December 31, 1917.
Studies in Medicine. (Published by the University of Iowa, Iowa
city, Iowa.)
REPRINTS.
Is Influenza Epidemic of Bacterial Origin? by Albert J. Croft, M. D.
A Method of Acquiring Cataract Technic, by Wm. A. Fisher, M. D.,
and Harvey D. Thornburg, M, D.
Quelques Observations Sur les Cercaires de la Vallee de Caracas, by
Dr. Juan Iturbe.
The Differential Leucocytic Count and the Neutrophylic Blood Picture
on One Hundred Cases of Malaria, by P. Gutierrez Igaravidez, M. D.
Premature Old Age; Hearing and Its Regulation, Especially in Middle
Age and Early Senescence; Backache of Tenderness, by J. Madison
Taylor, M. D.
The Influence of Internal Secretions on the Formation of Bile;
Secretin and the Change in the Corpuscle Content of the Blood During
Digestion; Secretin: The Role of the Thymus Gland in Exophthalmic
Goiter, by Andrew W. Downs, M. D., and Nathan B. Eddy, M. D.
530
Mortuary Report.
MORTUARY REPORT OF NEW ORLEANS.
Computed from the Monthly Report of the Board of Health of the City
of New Orleans, for April, 1919.
CA USE.
g
5
6
e
£
Typhoid Fever _ . .
3
1
4
Intermittent Fever (Malarial Cachexia)
1
1
2
Smallpox
Measles
Scarlet Fever __ _
1
1
Whooping Cough_
1
1
L
Diphtheria and Croup
1
\
Influenza
1
3
4
Cholera Nostras _ __ __ _
Pyemia and Septicemia . __
1
1
Tuberculosis .
35
32
67
Cancer. _ _
28
6
34
Rheumatism and Gout __ . ..
1
3
4
Diabetes- __ __
3
1
4
Alcoholism
Encephalitis and Meningitis
4
4
Locomotor Ataxia
Congestion, Hemorrhage and Softening of Brain.
15
16
31
Paralysis
Convulsions of Infancy
Other Diseases of Infancy.-
10
4
14
Tetanus
2
2
Other Nervous Diseases _ _
4
1
5
Heart Diseases
55
26
81
Bronchitis ___ __
1
1
2
Pneumonia and Broncho-Pneumonia __
23
16
39
Other Respiratory Diseases _ _ ...
2
2
4
Ulcer of Stomach
Other Diseases of the Stomach _
1
1
2
Diarrhea, Dysentery and Enteritis
14
10
24
Hernia, Intestinal Obstruction..
3
1
4
Cirrhosis of Liver. . _ ..
10
1
11
Other Diseases of the Liver
3
1
4
Simple Peritonitis
Appendicitis
Bright’s Disease _
3
26
3
21
6
47
Other Genito- Urinary Diseases
8
5
13
Puerperal Diseases _
4
1
5
Senile Debility . __
o
O
1
4
Suicide
4
4
Iniuries..
19
19
38
All Other Causes _
26
9
35
Total
314
188
502
Still-born Children — White, 14; colored, 18; total, 32.
Population of City (estimated) — White, 283,000; colored, 106,000;
total, 389,000.
Heath Rate per 1,000 per Annum for Month — White, 13.31; colored,
21.28; total, 15.49. Non-residents excluded, 12.93.
METEOROLOGIC SUMMARY (U. S'. Weather Bureau).
Mean atmospheric pressure 30.04
Mean temperature . 68
Total precipitation 7.88 inches
Prevailing direction of wind, southeast.
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