06 Short Papers and Notes. 
Gelatine Plaster Casts, 
Some time ago, Mr. C. W. Cathcart, M.B. (Edinburgh Infirm- 
ary), proposed a new basis for making casts of anatomical 
preparations. The basis is made as follows:—Take “No. 1” 
gelatine—say, six ounces—soak it till quite soft and swelled, after- 
wards dry it slowly until just pliable. As it has now the maximum 
of water necessary, melt it in a water-bath, and add six ounces 
measure of pure glycerine. When the two are thoroughly mixed, 
the material is ready. ‘To render it opaque, add, while it is hot 
and therefore fluid, small quantities of a thick paint, made by 
rubbing up oxide of zinc in glycerine. When a skin colour is 
wanted, a little vermilion is required to give a warm, life-like hue. 
Should other things be cast, the prevailing colour can be given 
with water-colour as required (tubes of moist water-colour, sold at 
2d. each, will be found convenient). Several pounds of this 
mixture may be made at once, and portions used as required.— 
Scientific American. 
Foreign Matter in the Lye. 
‘“A Doctor of Medicine,” writing to a popular journal, says, 
with the sole exception of mortar and lime, it is well to remember 
that, no matter what it is that has got into the eye, the eyelids 
should be kept closed for as long a time as possible, without 
being rubbed or even touched. ‘The reason for this is that there 
exists in the outside corner of each eye, and just under the upper 
eyelid, a little gland, which is constantly secreting and pouring 
forth a fluid which we call ¢ears. This fluid lubricates the eyeball, 
and then runs down a little tube from the inner corner of the eye 
into the nose. ‘This little gland always secretes more fluid, and 
fills the eyelids more quickly, under the influence of emotion, 
grief, or pain. In such cases, the eyeball will quickly be tho- 
roughly washed, and the foreign body will flow with the Zeav to the 
bottom of the inside of the lower lid, and so pass out of the eye, 
through the little tube, into the nose. ‘Then, on opening the eye 
cautiously, it will be found that the pain has gone, if the eye has 
not been touched or rubbed to prevent this natural action of the 
overflowing of the tear. Of course, when a speck of lime has got 
into the eye, this passive treatment will not do. The eye then 
should be immediately washed with a lotion composed of a tea- 
spoonful of vinegar to two ounces of warm water. After this has 
been done for some little time, a drop or two of oil of sweet 
almonds should be dropped into the outer corner of the eye, 
which should then be allowed to rest in the dark. 
