An American Text-Book of Gynecology, Medical and Surgical, for the Use of Students and Practitioners. Edited by J. M. Baldy, M. D., assisted by a corps of Nine Contributors. Cloth, 8 vo., pp. 713. 360 illustrations and 37 colored and half tone plates. Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders, 1894. (Sold by Subscriptions only; Price, $6.00).

The magnificent work described above has just been received from the publisher, and inasmuch as it is at once the most modern and most complete of all works of this class prepared exclusively by American authors, it will naturally receive a warm welcome. A somewhat cursory examination shows that it is what it claims to be, namely, a practical work, written by practical men, who are, themselves well qualified by experience, and thoroughly equipped for teaching, all being teachers in high repute in different medical schools. Owing to this special feature, it is entitled to more than usual attention at the hands of American physicians; but this characteristic will give it standing abroad, and doubtless will be the means of advancing the cause of scientific treatment in the class of cases with which it has to deal. Theory and speculation have been set aside, and in their place we find reliable data not alone for the operator, but also for the general practitioner, and we bespeak for the work a favorable reception. The following extract from the prospectus will give in brief the main objects kept in view in its preparation:

In this volume all anatomical descriptions excepting what is essential to a clear understanding of the text have been omitted, illustrations being largely depended upon to elucidate this point. It will be found thoroughly practical in its teachings, and is intended, as its title implies, to be a working text-book for physicians and students. A clear line of treatment has been laid down in every case, and, although no attempt has been made to discuss mooted points, still the most important of these have been noted and explained; and the operations recommended are fully illustrated, so that the reader may have a picture of the procedure described in the text under his eye, and cannot fail to grasp the idea.

It is to be regretted that the authors’ names do not appear in connection with their respective contributions, and this is about the only feature that will detract from the completeness of the work. For example, we should like to know which one of the ten is responsible for the statement found on page 90, to the effect that “All salts of potassium in full doses are cardiac depressants.” This is true only in part, as it is a well-recognized fact that when eliminatives are required, iodides are valuable, in fact, are demanded, and when given in what is known as medicinal doses, potassium iodide is an efficient cardiac stimulant. It is not, however, a cardiac stimulant in the sense that digitalis, strychnine and arsenic are cardiac stimulants, through their influence upon the cardiac mechanism; but rather, because potassium iodide increases protoplasmic activity, promoting the discharge of waste products, and thus lessens materially the work devolving upon the heart muscle itself. Statements of this character should always be made with caution, since they are too sweeping, and calculated to mislead those unfamiliar with the true physiological action of drugs. The book is well printed, handsomely illustrated, and reflects credit alike upon the authors and publisher.

Syllabus of Lectures on the Practice of Surgery. Arranged in conformity with the American Text-book of Surgery. By N. Senn, M. D., Ph. D., L. L. D. Cloth, 12mo., pp. 221. Philadelphia. W. B. Saunders. 1894. (Price, $2.00.)

Like all Prof. Senn’s work, this is an excellent compilation, and no doubt will be highly appreciated by teachers in this department, although it will prove most acceptable to the general practitioner who desires to refresh his memory from time to time in regard to surgical affections. By reference to the list of contents, arranged alphabetically, any subject can readily be located, and all the more important points gained in the course of a few minutes. Those who do not possess the original work will be prompted to purchase it when they have an opportunity of examining this convenient arrangement.

Funny Bone.—A Book of Mirth, for Doctors, Druggists, Dentists, Medical Students and Others. Containing Funny Sayings, Jokes, Good Stories, Dialogues, Conundrums, Ludicrous Things, Ditties, etc., from a great many sources, with Over 150 New and Original Comic Illustrations by Dr. L. Crusius, all of which pertain to the Medical and Pharmaceutical Professions. The Funny Bone Publishing Co., 1421 Market St., St. Louis, Mo. (Price, 50 cents).

Read the preceding title and description carefully: It tells all about the nature of the book. Then take our word for it that the book is really very funny; the illustrations are unique, odd, totally unlike anything ever supplied by a comic artist, wholly original; and if you want something odd and unique, to read and to show to professional and lay friends as a curiosity, send 50 cents to the publishers and get a copy by return mail. You’ll get more than 50 cents’ worth of fun out of the book.

The Antikamnia Visiting List is a neat and practical account book, of convenient size, and fitted into a durable leather cover. We have received one of these lists from the Antikamnia Chemical Co., St. Louis, Mo., and have no doubt that any physician who will write to the firm can obtain the same—and make good use of it.

BOOK NOTES.

The Funk & Wagnalls Co. (18 and 20 Astor Place, New York) announce that Vol. I of their new “Standard Dictionary” was issued in December, but the first edition was not large enough to fill all orders booked before publication. A new edition is in press, and will be ready shortly. The second volume of the work will be ready in a month or two, and simultaneously the single volume edition of the entire work will be ready. Write for a prospectus: this Standard Dictionary is a wonderful book, and if you make yourself familiar with its features—as comprehensively shown in the prospectus—you are bound to secure a copy for your library. Write to the publishers at once.

E. B. Treat (5 Cooper Union, New York) has just issued two new volumes: Landis “How to Use the Forceps”, revised and enlarged by Chas. H. Bushong, M. D. (price, $1.75); and Beard’s standard work on “Nervous Exhaustion” (price, $2.75). Both books are issued in the familiar style of the publisher, and form necessary additions to available reference books on important specialties.

E. B. Treat also announces the early publication of his “International Medical Annual” for 1894 (the 14th year of publication). From the prospectus we note that the staff of editors and collaborators remains at the same high standard as heretofore, and hence the usual excellent annual review of medical progress in all branches is ensured. Write for prospectus; the book is sold at $2.75, and is cheap and indispensable.

Lea Bros. & Co. (Philada) announce the publication of the new National Dispensatory on January 25th. The J. B. Lippincott Co. had advertised the appearance of their new U. S. Dispensatory for January 15th, but some delay has apparently been caused, and the book will not appear until the middle of February. There will be greater rivalry than ever before between these two books; but each has its special features, and both are valuable—so that the careful student will do well to procure both volumes. The information in one will often amplify the other, and neither volume alone contains all the knowledge we possess—and ought to have at command—regarding drugs and materia medica.

PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED.

The Present Condition of Otology in Europe. By Lawrence Turnbull, M. D., of Philadelphia. Reprint, 1893.

The Relief of Chronic Deafness, Tinnitus Aurium and Tympanic Vertigo, by Removal of the Incus and Stapes. By Charles H. Burnett, M. D., of Philadelphia. Reprint, 1893.

Some Observations on Treating Cases of Diphtheria. By G. Benson Dunmire, A. M., M. D., of Philadelphia. Reprint, 1893.

A Case of Tumor of the Optic Thalamus. By Wharton Sinkler, M. D., of Philadelphia. Reprint, 1893.

Pathology and Treatment of Paralysis from Pott’s Disease. By Wharton Sinkler, M. D., of Philadelphia. Reprint, 1893.

Syringo Myelia. By Wharton Sinkler, M. D., of Philadelphia. Reprint, 1893.

Hysterectomy: Indications and Technique. By J. M. Baldy, M. D., of Philadelphia. Reprint, 1893.

Removal of the Uterus and Its Appendages for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. By J. M. Baldy, M. D., of Philadelphia. Reprint, 1893.

A Few Thoughts About Ophthalmometry, as to What the Javal Instrument Will Do, and What It Will Not Do. By Louis J. Lautenbach, A. M., M. D., of Philadelphia. Reprint, 1893.

Epiphora or Watery Eye. By L. Webster Fox, M. D., of Philadelphia. Reprint, 1893.

Phlyctenular Conjunctivitis, with Special Reference to the Pathology and Prophylaxis of the Disease. By Louis J. Lautenbach, A. M., M. D., of Philadelphia. Reprint, 1893.

Phthisis: A New Method of Treatment. By Henry S. Morris, M. D., of New York. Reprint. 1893.

Extract of Malt and Its Combinations. By J. J. Mulheron, M. D., of Detroit, Mich. Reprint, 1893.

The Measured Effects of Certain Therapeutic Agents, etc. By D. D. Stewart, M. D., of Philada. Reprint, 1893.

The Successful Treatment of AnÆmia, with Effect Shown by Increase of Red Corpuscles and Haemoglobin. By H. P. Loomis, M. D., of New York. Reprint, 1893.