tense. The Humorists may still invoke the crasis of the blood, and the Vitalists the contractility of the vessels, to account for some of the acoustic phenomena of the heart's action; but, even admitting such interpretations, are not these conditions really and truly physical circumstances? We do not assert that valvular thickening is the only and the exclusive cause of abnormal cardiac sounds; but this we do assert, that it is by far the most common cause of them; and, whatever difficulty we may occasionally find in explaining certain phenomena, it is better to charge it to the insufficiency of our means of exploration than to the inconsequence of Nature's acts and operations: physica physicè explicanda.” -Guzette Medicale.

MATERIALISM OF MODERN PHYSIOLOGY.

M. Virey has been a prolific author in his day. Most of his writings are of a physico-moral character, having for their object the exposition and illustration of the reciprocal influences of mind and matter, throughout the wide and varied field of animal existence. With the exception of his "Natural History of Foods, Medicines, and Poisons," and his "Treatise on Pharmacy"--which has passed through several editions-all his works belong to that mixed category in which the natural sciences fraternise with philosophy-the embrace, however, being sometimes so intimate and close between them that the latter is fairly overlaid by the former.

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So far back as 1809, he published a work entitled "Art de Perfectionner l'Homme," in which he discussed the character, manners and complexion of celebrated men, the peculiarities of the female organisation, and the incessant and often stormy action and re-action of moral and physical influences on the human frame in general. He subsequently wrote a separate volume on " Woman considered in a physiological, moral, and literary point of view." In 1817 he brought out his "Medico-philosophical Researches on the Nature and Faculties of Man;" and, in a following year, a work on the "Natural History of the Human Race." His recently published "Physiology in its relations with Philosophy," belongs to the same category as several of the preceding productions of his pen. It contains a vast deal of speculation, more fanciful than solid, and more ingenious than convincing, on the difficult questions of vitality, the mutual influence of mind and matter, the relations of thought and feeling with instinct and spontaneous action, the polarity, as he calls it, of the nervous system, or the opposition of the cerebral with the generative pole in vertebrated animals, the relation between the volume of the cerebral mass and the development of the mental faculties, the curious subjects of dreams, hypochondriasis, and madness, &c. &c. Many of his views remind us of the visionary speculations of a transcendental German writer; they often savour far more of the metaphysician than of the physiologist; and unfortunately, if not designedly imbued with the spirit of Materialism, will infallibly be laid hold of by the sceptic in support of his irreverent conclusions. He assigns to the Ganglionic system the seat of the passions; the intellectual powers, he refers to the Encephalon; and he regards the eighth pair of nerves as the bond of communication between them.

The unequal distribution of sensory power, in virtue of the laws of antagonism of different parts, is a favourite dogma with our author; and every now and then he brings it into prominent relief. Thus, we are told that (the anterior and the posterior regions of the body being in an inverse ratio of development) every deploiment of the posterior muscles or of their actions, as in the case of dancers, necessarily implies the inferiority of the encephalon; a fact that is shewn in the case of leaping and running animals, all of which have a comparatively small head and very little esprit.' Poor comfort for Fanny Elsler and Cerito;—who,

in spite of all their grace and spirituality, are physiologically, and therefore must of a necessity be, fools, hopeless fools!

M. Virey regards the nervous as identical with the Electrical power. "The functions," says he, "of the nervous system, thus connected with universal life, correspond with the revolutions of the planetary globe, in which the organisms are developed. It is probable that the vegetable and animal kingdoms are simultaneously animated by a biotic principle, the most active element of our world, compared to a subtle fire which seems to be the electric fluid modified into the galvanic and voltaic conditions, according to the mineral, vegetable, or animal fibres which it traverses." Unmeaning verbiage!

Our author agrees with Lamarck and Decandolle in ascribing to plants the possession of certain instinctive impulsions and acts of spontaneity; but which, in the absence of a nervous system, do not amount to perception.

With the ganglionic system appears the development of instinct in the Invertebrata; and with the cerebro-spinal axis that of intellect in the Vertebrata. The Encephalon is the laboratory of thought, having for its object the perception of the beautiful and true; the ganglionic apparatus is the seat of the feelings, affections and desires, and its end is the useful:-such are the two distinct and antagonist sources of the faculties. The innate ideas are simple original aptitudes, proceeding from the instinct, which is the predominant and pre-existent moving power of animals. "Whether we admit," says our speculative author, "an infinite individuality of instinct in each structure, or whether we recognise a mighty framework of actions foreseen and associated together, every species of which is but a wheel, so to speak, that serves either to assist or to retard each other's movements, there evidently exists a primitive design, by virtue of which every created thing moves in an appointed orbit, as the stars do in the firmament of heaven." M. Virey, notwithstanding such dreamy and bewildering speculations as these, enters his protest against any charge of Pantheism being laid at his door. But, after having placed the origin of the Instinct and Intellect in organised matter, will the mere admission of certain pure and immaterial agencies suffice to clear him from this imputation? Such an act reminds one of the present condition of medical and philosophic writers in Italy, who are obliged to affix, as a heading to their works, an act of Catholic faith, and a disavowal of all heterodox interpretations which may at any time be drawn from their opinions.

The closing words of the writer, from whom we have taken this short account of M. Virey's new work, are rather remarkable, perhaps some will add, pharisaical and unjust: "The anatomist ends in the Phrenology-, the clinician in the Vitalism-, and the naturalist in the Electricity-God. As for us, reader-you may perhaps smile at our avowal—we prefer the Bible and the Gospel."-Gazette Medicale.

GREATNESS OF SIR C. BELL'S DISCOVERIES; RELATION OF THE CRANIUM TO THE ENCEPHALON, &c.

The following generous acknowledgement of the pre-eminent value of the English physiologist's discoveries, we observed in the opening paragraphs of a French review of M. Foville's new work-Traité complet de l'Anatomie, Physiologie, et Pathologie du Systeme Nerveux-in the same Journal from which we took the preceding notice.

After alluding to the numerous and unsatisfactory attempts, that have been made in almost every age of our science, to explain the complex machinery of the nervous system, he remarks:

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:

Amidst so many hypotheses, there is one idea that stands firm and upright. This is the great conception of Charles Bell as to the special attributes of the

anterior and posterior roots of the spinal nerves. Based on the most legitimately demonstrative examinations and researches, this discovery still enlightens and directs the entire physiology of the nervous system. Thanks to it, an epoch of positivism in doctrine, and of exactitude in arguments, has replaced centuries of vague explanations and fanciful conjectures. Alone, it has sufficed for the reputation of many men. Since the illustrious discoverer first made known his novel views, one has repeated his experiments, without making any change in them; another has made an application of them under different circumstances; a third has experimented on those animals which approach nearest to man in their organization; and a fourth has confirmed the truth of the principle, that had been proclaimed, by pathological observations ;-and all have found in these second-hand discoveries and investigations a very satisfactory reward of praise and reputation."

The writer proceeds to remark that, however beautiful the theory of Bell is, it is to be remembered that, if considered as an exposition of the nervous system, it is imperfect and insufficient; for it explains but one part only of this system, viz. the nerves and the spinal marrow; and remains altogether dumb as to the functions of the great mass of the encephalon. The edifice is not completed; it is but part of the scaffolding and structure that has been reared; but these-thanks to the English physiologist's skill,-have been firmly and surely fixed, and are not liable to be again displaced. To finish, on the same plan, a work so successfully commenced, much remained to be done. It was necessary to follow in the encephalon the anterior and posterior fasciculi of the spinal marrow, to point out their course, their irradiations, their terminations, and their mode of connexion and union-whether of the fibres of the same kind among each other, or of the motor with the sensory fibres. This is the labour which M. Foville has undertaken, and to the due prosecution of which he has devoted his best exertions for a long series of successive years. As a matter of course, we have no intention of entering upon any anatomical details at present.

M. Foville has not omitted to examine with due care the subject of the relations between the configuration of the Cranium and the form of the different regions of the Brain. He does not deny that, in a general manner, the volume of its contents is indicated on the cranium by the modifications of its surface; but he qualifies this admission by expressing his belief that, if we wish to remain in the truth, the science, which professes to study these connexions, ought not to attempt more than merely to point out the most general relations, and avoid entering into details that are altogether conjectural, if not positively erroneous. Applying these principles to his own inquiries, he endeavours to determine the causes which preside over the formation of the constant osseous protuberances on the cranial surface. In his opinion, these bosses are attributable to the form and development of the cerebral ventricles. It is certainly well deserving of notice that each of these protuberances on the surface of the cranium corresponds in its shape and situation with an inflated or projecting part of the cavities in question. Thus, if we divide the two frontal protuberances by a section perpendicular to their surface, this section, if prolonged through the substance of the cerebrum, will be found to open the lateral ventricles at their anterior cornua. Again, if the parietal protuberance be treated in the same manner, you will come upon the ventricles where they are widest and project most outwardly; and the two superior occipital bosses are placed exactly over the posterior extremities of the ventricles.

It is very natural that the development of the brain should thus act on its Osseous case. We know that, in the embryo, the place of the cranium is occupied by a membranous pouch which, although simple in some points, is reinforced in others by a fibrous doubling or lining. Now, an organ inclosed in this sac and gradually increasing in volume, will necessarily force outwardly the surrounding walls, and protrude them most forcibly at those points where they are thinnest,

and where, consequently, there is the least resistence: hence the projections or protuberances on the external surface of the cranial bones. Various pathological phenomena may be adduced in support of this law; thus, for example, we observe in hydrocephalous patients that all the cranial protuberances increase in proportion to the distention of the cerebral ventricles. In order that this take place, it is necessary that the containing envelope oppose a certain degree of resistance, and that it be closed at all points. Thus the protuberances exist when the cranium contains nothing but water in place of cerebral matter; but they are wanting if, with the absence of the encephalon, there be an opening of the cranium.

EXTRAORDINARY OPERATION; EXCISION OF PORTION OF THE COLON ; CHARACTER OF FRENCH SURGERY.

The following somewhat marvellous case, which occurred eleven years ago, was only recently communicated by the operator to the French Academy. A man, 28 years of age, had for several years suffered from frequent attacks of severe lancinating pains in the left side of the hypogastric region, which had become much aggravated for about six months before he consulted M. Reybard of Lyons. At this time, the abdomen was enormously enlarged from tympanitic distention. In the left iliac region, a hard tumor, as big as an ordinary sized apple, could be felt it was deep-seated, but moveable. The bowels were very costive; and the patient was much distressed with tenesmus, which usually induced a discharge of purulent matter, tinged with blood, from the anus. No tumor could be felt per rectum. On one occasion, a considerable suppuration must have taken place; for, after passing a good deal of matter with the stools, the patient was very sensibly relieved. The opinion, which M. Reybard formed of the case was, that a malignant tumor had become developed in the sigmoid flexure of the colon; and, as there was no rational hope of relieving the patient-whose health was rapidly deteriorating-by any internal medicine or external application, he decided on the removal of the tumor by operation. He proceeded in the following manner. Having made a free incision through the abdominal parietes, and a smaller one through the peritoneum, the diseased mass was with difficulty drawn out; and a pretty considerable extent of the mesocolon was embraced between two ligatures, in order to prevent hæmorrhage. A portion of intestine, about three inches in length, was removed with the bistoury, and the mesocolon was cut with scissors. Several arteries were tied, and the ligatures left long, in order that they might be introduced into the cavity of the gut. The two divided ends of the intestinal tube were then brought together and secured by the overcast suture. When this was duly done, the gut was replaced within the abdomen, and the outer wound was united with three stitches. Things went on favourably until the fifth day, when symptoms of irritation set in; but these were speedily dissipated by the use of leeches and emollient enemata. There was no alvine evacuation until the tenth day, when the ligatures of the outer stitches were removed. Five weeks after the operation, the patient eat solid food, went naturally to the closet, and seemed to be entirely cured. It was not for six

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* M. Reybard described to the Committee, appointed by the French Academy to report upon the case, the tumor as follows: its size was that of an ordinary rennet apple; it was hard and of a greyish-white colour; it presented to the touch several tubercles; it occupied the two posterior thirds of the intestinewhich, when opened longitudinally in front, was found to be considerably contracted." M. Reybard had lost this interesting pathological specimen !

months that he began to experience any sharp flying pains in the left iliac region. These gradually increased in severity; and, at length, it was discovered that a new tumor had formed in the site of the old one. The patient's state speedily became worse and worse; his strength failed; and he died, about ten months and a half after the date of the operation. There was no post-mortem examination!

Remarks.-There are some circumstances connected with this case that must naturally make us pause before we can receive the report with entire confidence. How comes it that M. Reybard has allowed so long an interval to elapse between his extraordinary success and any communication of it to the public? How comes it that he did not most carefully preserve the specimen of excised bowelthe only palpable record of his operation? How comes it that there was no post-mortem examination of the parts? It is nevertheless fair to say that the Commissioners appointed to examine and report upon M. Reybard's statements expressly state that," whatever doubts may be entertained as to the nature of the removed tumor, we cannot doubt the excision of two or three inches of the intestine, so precise and circumstantial is the description of the operation that was performed."

This seems to us to be a not unseasonable opportunity of introducing a few remarks on the character of the practice of some of the leading hospital surgeons in Paris. They occur, we may observe, in the course of a statement put forth by M. Guerin's friends to vindicate him from the charges that have been made against his honour, for refusing to submit all his hospital reports to the Commissioners that were lately named by the Academy to report upon his tenotomic operations.

"What would MM. Roux, Velpeau, and Gerdy say, if any member of the Academy proposed to subject to a Committee of Enquiry the results of the practice, proverbially so unfortunate, of the first; or the ablations, so readily repeated, of cancerous tumors by the second; or the disastrous results of the attempts made by the last-named gentlemen to effect a radical cure of hernia? Let these gentlemen be required to give up all their documents and hospital reports, under pain of being accused-doubtless, very unjustly-the one of want of skill, the other of rashness, and the third of all that might emanate from certain papers which, it is said, he preserves with so paternal a solicitude. Why not apply to them the lex talionis, and tell them that the enquiry proposed is all for the benefit of science and humanity? Surely what is right in one case, cannot be wrong in another of exactly analogous import. But it always so happens that those very persons, who are most prying into the affairs of others, are ever the most jealous of their own being submitted to public gaze. One might suppose, as M. Velpeau has pretended, that to a certain point the interests of science should level all personal differences; but, alas! this is not possible, when we find ourselves so situated that the spirit of party takes the place of science, and when passion usurps the seat of calm judgment. As to science, it is pretty clearly seen that its interests are but little thought of in the attacks of M. Malgaigne; and M. Guerin has most fairly recalled to the minds of all who take an interest in the controversy, that the hospital Committee, composed of distinguished members of the Academies of Medicine and of Science, is now engaged in the examination of the subject under dispute. If the regard for the promotion of science were indeed the only principle that actuated the opponents of rachidian myotomy, they would not merely wait with patience for the report of this Commission, but they would of themselves remember that M. Guerin, eight or ten months ago, applied to the Academy to appoint a commission to which he would willingly submit all his patients, and the reports of all his operations. But the question now is, not so much about the interests of science or of truth, as about personal enmities, indecent rivalries, and professional jealousies, which