NEW8 AND SUNDRIES. 
93 
an epidemic of diphtheria in a flock of liens. It was caused by the 
slops from a room in which two children had been sick with diph¬ 
theria, being thrown upon the dung heap in the yard where the 
fowls were kept .—Medical Record. 
Precaution Needed.— The recent discussion in the agricul¬ 
tural papers concerning the sale of sheep at the Fat-Stock Show 
in Chicago, said to have been affected with foot-rot, shows pretty 
clearly the dangers attending these stock shows, and the means 
they may prove for spreading contagious diseases. No such shows 
should admit animals of any description without a veterinarian’s 
certificate attesting their perfect health. 
Inoculation of Scarlatinal Virus as a Prophylactic 
against Scarlet Fever.— Dr. Stickler of Orange, N. J., is mak¬ 
ing some investigations in the use- of equine scarlatinal virus to 
test its value as a prophylactic against human scarlet fever. The 
results will soon be published .—Medical Record. 
An Instantaneous Light. —Such in a word is the unique ap¬ 
paratus on exhibition at the rooms of the Portable Electric Light 
Co., 22 Water Street, Boston. It occupies the space of only five 
square inches and weighs but five pounds, and can be carried with 
ease. The light, or more properly lighter, requires no extra 
power, wires or connections, and is so constructed that any part 
can be replaced at small cost. The chemicals are placed in a 
glass retort; a carbon and zinc apparatus, with a spiral platinum 
attachment, is then adjusted so as to form a battery, and the 
light is ready. The pressure on a little knob produces an electric 
current by which the spiral of platinum is heated to incandescence. 
The Portable Electric Light Company was recently incorporated, 
with a capital of $100,000, under the laws of Massachusetts. 
The usefulness of the apparatus and the low price ($5) will no 
doubt result in its general adoption. Some of the prominent busi¬ 
ness men of the State are identified with this enterprise. In ad¬ 
dition to its use as a lighter, the apparatus can also be used in 
connection with a burglar-alarm and galvanic battery.— Boston 
Transcript. 
