6G 



elements, as stated by Andral; lime below the normal standard. 

 In typhus the globules were more than in any other disease, not 

 excepting cerebral congestion or apoplexy. Lime was diminished in 

 some cases, and increased 'in others. Chlorides plus, phosphates 

 minus. Urea and uric acid in some of the cases. But our limits 

 prevent us from following Dr. Prick through his valuable paper. 

 His results differ somewhat from those of preceding observers, but 

 in many points they are confirmatory. 



30. Cyanosis. — The journals contain some elaborate treatises on 

 this subject. The committe have not space to follow out the subject, 

 and only state that Drs. Moreton Stille, Cheevers, and others, sup- 

 port the opinion that the disease depends not on a mixture of venous 

 with arterial blood, resulting from mal-formation of the heart, as 

 was formerly supposed, and is still maintained by Dr. Meigs, but 

 upon impediments to the circulation in the lungs or pulmonary 

 artery. 



31. Condition of the Blood in Scurvy. — MM. Beccpierel and Ro- 

 dier* give the results in five cases of scurvy, as follows: — 1st. The 

 blood is not in a dissolved state, but coagulates firmly, and the serum 

 is uncoloured by globules. 2d. The density of the defibrinized blood 

 Was in all cases below the normal standard (1057). 3d. The density 

 of the serum is diminished (1027). 4tth. The globules are always 

 diminished (127). 5th. The fibrin is never diminished and is some- 

 times increased. Gth. The organic matter of the serum of which 

 albumen is the principal part, is notably diminished, while there was 

 a large proportion of water. 7th. In no case was there any aug- 

 mentation of the saline or alkaline matters. These results are in 

 direct opposition to formerly entertained opinions. 



32. On the Causes and Treatment of Scurvy the Journals furnish 

 us much valuable matter. Dr. Shapter and Dr. Lonsdalef consider 

 the absence of the potatoe as the u fons et origo mali." They ad- 

 duce much proof from their own experience, and that of others, in 

 confirmation of their views. As a general rule, the statement may 

 be made, that wholesome diet requires a supply of succulent vegeta- 

 bles, with a portion of vegetable acid. In the potatoe, tartaric acid 

 exists, and to this is due its antiscorbutic properties. 



* Archives Generales, Juillet 1S47. 



■j" Prov. Med. and Surg. Journ., and Med. Times, 1S47; Edin. Mon. Jour., 1847. 



