TRANSACTIONS OP THE SECTIONS. 87 



be distinguished. In both arms, in some degree, but in the right arm more particu- 

 larly, the biceps, triceps, and coraco brachialis appear to be completely atrophied, and 

 for some time I was puzzled to know how the contractions of the fore-arm, whose 

 muscles are well developed, could be effected, in the complete absence in both of any 

 evidence of action in the biceps. It appears, however, that this motion altogether 

 depends on the combined actions of the pronators and supinators, which are well 

 developed. The study of the variety of partial paralysis appears to me one of the 

 most fruitful means of examining the functions of different parts of the nervous cen- 

 tres, and the present case is one, the record, of which may at some future time 

 illustrate a community of source on the nerves proceeding to the muscles affected. 

 The serratus magnus is supplied with a nerve originating in the brachial plenus, 

 which Bell has classed among his respiratory nerves. 



Observations on the Evils arising from tJie Use of Common Pessaries. 

 By Charles Clay, M.D., Manchester. 



In this paper the ajjthor shows how very far removed from true mechanical prin- 

 ciples all the contrivances hitherto in use to support the uterus in situ have been, and 

 how very contrary to the structural arrangements of the parts to which such con- 

 trivances are applied ; that these remarks not only apply to mechanical means, but 

 to the various operations suggested of late by home and continental writers, which 

 the author endeavours to prove are cruel and uncalled for. 



Finally, the author recommends a new pessary, frequently applied by himself and 

 others with every success that could be desired, constructed on true mechanical 

 principles, and in accordance with the structural arrangements of the parts concerned 

 in its application ; a circumstance hitherto singularly neglected in the construction of 

 pessaries. 



Case of Monstrosity, By Dr. Bardsley. 



Dr. Bardsley presented a drawing of a case of monstrosity, which was born in 1837, 

 and was alive in 1840. He had not heard of its death since, which he thinks he 

 should have done if it had taken place. In addition to a well and full-grown male 

 child, there were a pair of additional arms connected wfth the ensiform cartilage, and 

 an additional pair of lower extremities connected with one of the lowest ribs near the 

 transverse process of the corresponding vertebra. 



On Diabetes mellitus. By C. Clay, M.D. 



The author endeavours to show that this disease arises from debility, and recom- 

 mends the tonic and astringent treatment of it. 



On Lithotomy and Lithotripsy. By Mr. Wilson. 



The author contrasted the advantages and disadvantages of both operations for re- 

 moving calculus. Lithotripsy, he said, had not fulfilled in practice the hopes which 

 its first advocates held out from it. Many circumstances rendered the practice of it 

 not only formidable but fatal. The statistics of lithotomy were stated at large, and 

 the views entertained by the author supported by numerous cases, which he detailed 

 at length to the Section. 



On Mr. Fleming's Plans for Ventilation. By Robert Chambers, F.R.S.E. 



STATISTICS. 



On the Vital Statistics of Manchester, by a Committee of the Manchester Sta- 

 tistical Society. 



The report on this subject consisted of abstracts and classifications of the registra- 

 tion of births, deaths and marriages in the years 1840 and 1841, and was prefaced by 

 observations on the growth and population of the district, on the peculiar influences 



