﻿68 REVIEWS. 



for the right kidney we are left in the dark as to where the pad is to be 

 placed in case the left kidney be displaced. 



The table of differential diagnosis between epithelioma and chancre 

 states that the microscopical examination of the latter is negative, jet 

 we are told in the foregoing that the Spirochaeta pallida is the most prob- 

 able infecting agent cansing the manifestations termed syphylis and that 

 it may be demonstrated in the initial lesion of the disease. 



The intramuscular injection of mercury as a means of treatment in 

 syphilis is not given as much prominence as its increasing popularity 

 among syphilographers would seems to warrant. Bichloride of mercury 

 is given first place. It is well known that this is the most irritating of 

 all salts of mercury when so used. 



The book contains about 150 typographical errors. An example of 

 some of the most glaring is the use of the term "nephrectomy" for 

 "nephrotomy" under "Cysts of the kidney," page 193. 



We never approved of medical compends. They must necessarily 

 omit much that is essential and can not take the place of more thorough 

 reading when they fall into the hands of students, as they usually do. 

 When carelessly printed they are a real evil. 



F. W. D. 



A Compend of Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Prescription Writing, with 

 Especial Reference to the Physiological Action of Drugs. Based on the 

 eighth revision of the United States Phamacopceia. By Samuel O. L. Potter, 

 M. D., M. R. C. P., Lond. Seventh edition, revised and enlarged. Cloth. Pp., 

 xii + 292. Philadelphia : P. Blakiston's Son & Co.. 1906. 



The book fulfills the objects of a quiz-compend in that a large amount 

 of information is presented in a systematised and greatly condensed 

 form. Discussions are avoided, and the style is one of short, dogmatic 

 assertion, which is possibly more suitable for a student cramming for 

 examination and memorizing automatically. It is difficult to share the 

 optimism evidenced by the author as to the therapeutic value of certain 

 drugs, and greater discrimination in this regard would increase the 

 accuracy of the book. Thus, the thyroid gland or its extract is described 

 as specific against psoriasis, obesity and certain forms of insanity; anti- 

 diphtheric serum is noted to have benefited typhoid fever, pertussis and 

 asthma. 



The printing and binding conform to the rest of the series. The 

 dosage is given according to apothecaries' measure, without metric 

 equivalents. 



H. T. M. 



