124 The Microscope. 



where a pseudo-surgeon reported the removal of a peculiarly- 

 shaped tumor from the cavity of the uterus. A microscopical 

 examination of a portion of the growth showed it to consist of 

 the stomates and spiral vessels of the vegetable kingdom, per- 

 haps a portion of a cabbage leaf. I examined a portion of a 

 tumor, said to have been removed from the uterus, which was 

 composed of striated muscle. As the fee received was $75.00 it 

 can truly be said that this is doubtless the highest price ever 

 paid for half a pound of beef-steak. Such cases could be multi- 

 plied from my own experience. Third, 



IN THE DETECTION OF ADULTERATIONS OF POWDERED DRUGS. 



As this field is an exceedingly broad one the active practi- 

 tioner will necessarily be limited in his work. However it is a 

 fact that two or three of the common starches are most fre- 

 quently used as a base for adulterated mixtures and as it is very 

 easy to become familiar with these starches, so their presence is 

 at once detected. Fourth, 



IN CORRECTING DIAGNOSES. 



In " Bennett's Clinical Lectures," we read : A child was 

 supposed to be affected with worms, because it passed in abun- 

 dance yellowish shreds, which to the naked eye, closely resem- 

 bled ascarides. All kinds of vermifuge remedies had been 

 tried in vain. On examining the shreds with the microscope, I 

 found them to consist of undigested spiral vessels of plants ; 

 and they ceased to appear when the vegetable broth used as 

 food was abandoned." 



"An individual was supposed to be laboring under dysen- 

 tery from the frequent passage of the yellow pulpy masses in 

 the stools, accompanied with tormina and other symptoms. On 

 examining these masses with the microscope I found them to 

 consist of undigested potato skins. On inquiry it was ascer- 

 tained that this person had eaten the skins with the potato. 

 On causing these to be removed before dinner, the alarming 

 and other symptoms disappeared." 



I mention the following from many similar cases in my own 

 experience. A patient called in great trouble of mind over her 

 distressed condition. As she expressed it " the mucous mem- 

 brane of the whole alimentary canal was gradually and con- 



