and so was the boy. A post mortem examina

EMPIRICISM ENCOURAGED BY THE tion proved the disease to have been an acute

CLERGY.

inflammation of the lungs, which might in all probability have been cured by prompt and efficient treatment.

There are two ways in which clergymen are The second manner in which the clergy aid chiefly instrumental in the propagation and in the production of quackery is by interfering spread of empiricism; and there is yet anoth- with people in their choice of a family physier way in which they ought to contribute to its cian. This is a less direct, but quite as effiec overthrow, and to the establishment of something better in its place.

tual method, as the other; and it not only contributes to the production of empiricism out of The first way in which they aid and abet the profession, but also in it. But the misquackery is by furnishing certificates of the chief stops not here; feelings of ill-will,. efficacy of nostrums, to the inventors, or pro- jealousy, and misunderstandings, which lead to prietors. Their certificates are furnished in open quarrels between different members of good faith, and bear evidence only of the truth, the profession, and between patients and their with a sincere desire to benefit others by rec- friends, not unfrequently result from the unommending the remedy to general use. They wise intermeddling of gentlemen whose profesmay indeed have been cured of some uncom- sion teaches them better. Let us take instance fortable or dangerous disease; but, ignorant to illustrate the position. A member of a as the rest of the world of the nature of dis- family in which a clergyman takes a deep inease and the principles of physiology, they do terest, is sick; they have their physician, in not know that what cures them may kill anoth- whom they have the most implicit comfidence, er with a similar complaint. The certificate who has been for years their firm friend and of a minister is considered, by a quack, as most faithful servant, and to whom, perhaps, invaluable; and when two or three are pro- some one or more are indebted for their lives. cured from distinguished characters, they The clergyman has his favorite doctor also, in insure a great sale of the nostrum, and of whom he has confidence; he believes him to course, a lucrative speculation to its inventor. be superior in learning and skill to all others; When the clergy take the pills or potions of a and besides, he believes him to be particularly quack, the laity have little hesitation in follow- skilful in the very disease with which the patient ing their example; and whoever contributes to is afflicted. By the importunity of the ministhe extension of ignorance and error, or to ter, the physician in attendance is dismissed, their perpetuation, by obstructing the progress and another is called in; and perhaps the paof science in fostering quackery by recom- tient dies in consequence of the change of treatmending secret remedies, does injustice to so- ment; for something different must be attempt ciety, and to society he should be held respon- ed for the sake of appearance, however judisible. If the remedy is one of power, it may cious may have been the previous course; and do hurt; if simple, and lacking in potency, then it may be said that the second physician confidence may be reposed in it, when active was called too late. The minister's doctor may treatment is necessary, till some fatal disease be an ignoramus compared with the other; has made too great progress to be arrested. and if, as is not unfrequently the case, he He who trusts to a secret remedy is like one who places his fortune and his life in the hands of a stranger-not knowing whether or not he may be murdered and robbed at the first favorable moment. A hearty, robust boy, six years old, was seized with an affection of the lungs attended with a violent cough. A minister who frequently visited the family urged the parents to give him a certain syrup that he had known used in 66 many cases exactly like this" of course, and he believed the syrup to be a certain cure-like all other nostrums. The syrup was administered; the boy grew worse; the quantity was increased-and so was the disease; another bottle was used up

takes charge of the patient at a favorable moment, he receives the credit of a cure which rightly belongs to another, and who has been dismissed in disgrace, and who is repaid for his kindness with black ingratitude. Here com mence the quarrels and misunderstandings of all parties concerned, which the exercise of a small share of discretion would have prevented. The cause of all this wrong-doing lies in the ig norance, not the motive, of the minister. And here the author begs leave to repeat that he does not believe all ministers, or even a majority, are guilty of error in this respect; but there are some who are, and they will know when these remarks are applicable to them

Prolific.-Patrick Garrety, living at 48 East Dedham street, was presented by his wife on Saturday night with three fine girls, the aggregate weight of which was 21 pounds.Post.

This "fortunate individual" works for the city, his wages being one dollar per day.

selves. When the author speaks of ignorance this country. Whatever is used or approved of the clergy, he means ignorance as regards by the first chemists in the world, may be had Orders by expressmen matters pertaining to the medical profession; at that establishment. and however unpalatable it may be to gentle- are sufficient to obtain the article required. men who are learned in theology, and who believe themselves to be beyond the reach of im position, it is nevertheless a fact that the most perfect dupes of quackery, those who are loudest and longest in their praises of hobbies and humbugs, are members of the clerical profession. The reasons for their being thus duped are to be found in their ignorance of the principles of medicine, the data upon which to form Heat without Fire.-A scientific proposition opinions and their belief in the honesty of the designing and unprincipled charlatan. In all the for cooking without fire, is in this wise. The interference of ministers with the practice of food is placed in tin dishes of certain described physicians, they may be actuated by the best of forms, one above the other. Quick lime is placed in lowest, on which cold water drips placed in lowest, motives; but inasmuch as they are unacquaint- from a tube. Intense heat is soon generated, ed with the physician whose dismissal they pro-and the various articles are fried, boiled, stewcure, they are unjust towards him. The questioned or toasted, according to the taste of the opthen arises, is it proper for a clergyman in any erator. case to give his advice, or to recommend a change of physician? Certainly it is. But beNear-Sightedness.-The Paris Medical Gafore he insists that one shall be dismissed and zette states that of the 3,295,202 young men another called, let him make himself acquainted examined in France, for military service, durwith the merits of the first, and see if they do ing 19 years, 13,007 were exempted for myopia. not at least equal those of the one whom he pro- Some years since a regiment of recruits, poses as a substitute. He may at all times principally natives of London, where they recommend a consultation; and to this no one concerned would object; and then if the attending physician is in error, he will be most likely to be corrected. Or, if a medical attendant is found to be unworthy of confidence, after a due investigation let him at once be notified that his services are no longer required.

were enlisted, were taken out of the city to practise at a target. To the surprise of the officers in charge, a large part of them were totally unable to see the mark, although within the ordinary shooting distance. This fact led to the discovery that persons whose range of vision is limited by brick walls, are near-sighted in far greater numbers than in the same number of inhabitants residing in the country. The eyes of sailors in continued sea service become almost telescopic. They discover objects at a vast distance which are not even discernible by other eyes.

From the position that the clergy occupy in society, and the necessary influence of that position, we have a right to expect, that they will exert all their influence for good. One means of doing good would be to make themselves acquainted with the human system, to a greater or less extent, and the laws which Progress of Empiricism.-No department of govern it, as well as the principles of physiol- human industry presents a more active field of ogy and therapeutics. They would, thus, be enterprise. Whatever is put on sale as a medenabled to aid greatly in the eradication of icine, is sure to have purchasers, and both the prejudices from the minds of the populace, demand and profit bear a certain relation to the and the overthrow of quackery and imposture. activity and cunning of the proprietors. A A little attention to the temporal habitation of that spiritual existence, whose welfare it is their profession to seek, would prevent dissen sions in the profession which are now the direct result of ill-timed, and injudicious, but well meant advice to their friends.-Tick. Med. Phil. Chemical Apparatus.-J. F. Luhme, at 342 Pantheon Building, New York, is supposed to have the most complete chemical warehouse in

new phase in the trade, redounding largely to the pocket income of interested parties, is to have terribly sick persons wisely dispersed over the country, who are rapidly recovering from terrible diseases, by using the newly advertised antidote. People dressed like respectable clergymen, in white cravats, are found to get off more stuff and gather more money than ordinary agents.

MEDICAL

OFFICERS OF
INSTITUTIONS.

INSANE natic Asylum; Edward Mead, Cincinnati Retreat for the Insane; and S. Hanbury Smith, late of the Ohio Lunatic Asylum, Colum

Among the various scientific organizations bus. for concentrating and diffusing scientific knowledge among men, the Association of the Medical Superintendents of American Institutions. for the Insane embraces a list of names that

EMETICS AND CATHARTICS.

certainly command confidence. It is es- When the question was put to an ancient sential to know who to address, when pursuing orator as to what was most necessary to constiinvestigations, especially under circumstances tute a good speaker, he replied action; when that require scientific information from individ- he was asked what was next most important, uals, and a catalogue of the names of the gen- again he replied action; and when the question. tlemen at the head of those humane establish- was reiterated the third time, the third time he ments in all the States is here given. They replied action. Were a modern Sangrado were all present at the eleventh annual meet- asked what was most necessary in the treatment ing, held at Cincinnati, on the 19th of May of disease, doubtless he would reply, bleeding; last. On the third Tuesday in May, 1857, should the question be repeated, undoubtedly the Association will again assemble in the City he would repeat the same answer; and should it of New York. be reiterated the third, or the thirtieth

Drs. I. Ray, Butler Hospital, Providence, time, the same answer would be as often R. I.; John Curwen, Pennsylvania State Lu- returned, unless, perchance, it should be natic Asylum, Harrisburg; C. H. Nichols, varied to "leeches," "gum-water," "absolute Government Hospital for the Insane, Washing- diet," or "lavements. Were the question, ton, D. C.; John E. Tyler, New Hampshire on the other hand, what he considered the State Lunatic Asylum, Concord; Geo. C. S. most hurtful measure in the treatment of disChoate, Massachusetts State Hospital, Taun- ease, put to his antipode in practice, his ton; D. Tilden Brown, Bloomingdale Asylum, answer would as certainly be bleeding; Manhattanville, N. Y.; John P. Gray, State and were the question repeated any numLunatic Asylum, Utica, N. Y.; M. H. Ran- ber of times, the same answer would be ny, New York City Lunatic Asylum; R. B. invariably made. The error in this case lies Baisley, King's County Lunatic Asylum, Flat- equally with friend and foe; the extravagant bush, L. I.; J. H. Worthington, Friends Asy- praises of the one, and the unconditional conlum for the Insane, Frankford, Pa.; Joseph demnation of the other, are in the same degree A. Reed, Western Pensylvania Hospital, Alle- unmerited, and unphilosophical, and unbeghany City, Pa.; John Fonerden, Maryland coming a member of the medical profesHospital, Baltimore, Md.; W. A. Cheatham, sion.

Tennessee Hospital for the Insane, Nashville, There are also, even in the reign of " gasTenn.; T. R. H. Smith, Missouri State Lu- tro-enterite," ardent friends and admirers of natic Asylum, Fulton, Mo.; W. S. Chipley, emetics; and the instances of patients who Eastern Lunatic Asylum, Lexington, Ky.; An- pass through their hands without a taste of drew McFarland, Illinois State Hospital for the tarter emetic, are as rare as those who come Insane, Jacksonville, Ill.; James S. Athon, from the discipline of a thorough Broussaian, Indiana State Hospital for the Insane, Indian without his fill of gum-water, or without carryapolis, Ind.; E. H. Van Deusen, Michigan ing the marks of the scarificator on his epigasAsylum for the Insane, Kalamazoo, Mich.; trium. Emetics are administered for a pain, Joseph Workman, Provincial Hospital for the and irritation of the stomach, and they are Insane, Toronto, C. W.; Geo. E. Eels, Cen- repeated to remedy the pain and distress which tral Ohio Lunatic Asylum, Columbus, Ohio; they create. Like a mass of fuel thrown Joshua Clements, Southern Ohio Lunatic Asy- upon a fire, which for a time is checked, lum, Dayton; J. J. Quinn, Cincinnati Lunatic and then bursts out with tenfold rage, emetics Asylum, Cincinnati; R. Hills, Supt. Elect, may temporarily smother a disease which will Central Ohio Lunatic Asylum; R. C. Hop- re-appear with increased violence. This is kins, Supt. Elect, Northern Ohio Lunatic particularly the case with gastritis in all its Asylum, Newburg; John J. McIlhenny, grades, and if the disease prove fatal, as it Supt. Elect, Southern Ohio Lunatic Asylum; not unfrequently does, under a repetition of O. M. Langden, Supt. Elect, Cincinnati Lu- this treatment, the doctor does not rec

LOVES OF THE LIONS.

ognize the instrumentality of his own hand in out of existence, without the doctor once susthe production of the final result. He be- pecting a possibility that he may be wrong, lieves, in the innocency of pure intention, or that something else, or some other treatand in the simplicity of his understanding, ment, would be advisable. The error of superthat if his favorite remedy had been employed purgation is quite likely to occur in affections to a greater extent, his patient had been of the skin; cathartics operate as revulsives, saved, and his own skill and the reputation and aided by the close sympathy between the of his medicine had not been questioned. skin and the mucous membrane of the aliAnother, on the contrary, would hardly mentary canal-caused by similarity of tissue administer an emetic, under any circum- and function-they unexpectedly transfer the stances; for he too believes, in all honesty disease. from the surface to the interior of and sincerity, that they must inevitably and the body-an event which is always to be without exception, cause gastritis when it does dreaded, and if possible avoided. We have not exist, and aggravate it when present, and thus seen erysipelas,bya repetition of cathartics, always leave the patient worse than it found transferred from the skin to the bowels, prove him. Not long since a practitioner, who had fatal in twenty-four hours.-Tick Med. Phil. the most inveterate fear of emetics before his eyes, was applied to by a patient who complained of pain, tenderness, weight, and other symptoms, which, to him, clearly indicated gastritis; the usual treatment was, our readers, it is of sufficient interest to be of course, pursued for several weeks-leeches, placed permanently where cultivators of Natupoultices, cupping, starvation, etc., with no ral History can refer to it. good effect. The patient repeatedly urged to Let us first sketch the history of the lion's be allowed to take an emetic, but his physician life, beginning with his marriage, which takes as often placed before him the great danger of place toward the end of January. He has so rash and hazardous a measure. At length first to seek a wife; but as the males are far the doctor was surprised, after the lapse of two days, to find his patient so greatly improved; his disease seemed entirely gone, and he was in fact well. This afforded the doctor a fine opportunity to extol his exclusive theory, and the happy result of his practice, in an oration of half an hour's length; but he was effectual ly silenced when his patient told him that he had clandestinely taken a large dose of tartar emetic and ipecac, and from the moment of its operation he felt himself relieved.

Although this article may not be new to all

more abundant than the females, who are often cut off in infancy, it is not rare to find a young lady pestered by three or four gallants, who quarrel with the acerbity of jealous lovers. If one of them does not succeed in disabling or driving away the others, madam, impatient and dissatisfied, leads them into the presence of an old lion, whose roar she has appreciated at a distance. The lovers fly at him with the temerity of youth and exasperation. The old fellow receives them with calm assurance, Neither have cathartics escaped a due share breaks the neck of the first with his terrible of exaggerated praise and condemnation-the jaws, smashes the legs of the second, tears out love of friends, and ill-will of enemies, prov- the eyes of the third. No sooner is the day ing about equally injurious, as well in relation won, and the field clear, than the lion tosses to medicine, as in regard to most other mat- his mane in the air and roars, and then crouches ters. We have too frequently,-and what can- by the side of the lady, who, as a reward for did man has not?-seen cathartics prescribed his courage, licks his wounds caressingly. when they were decidedly indicated, and re- When two adult lions are the rivals, the enpeated till all the good they could do had been counter is more serious. done, and then continued till the disease they had been intended to relieve had been aggravated, or one of a worse character induced.

An Arab, perched on a tree one night, saw a lioness followed by a tawny lion with a fullgrown mane; she lay down at the foot of the Purging is many times continued till a sub- tree, the lion stopped on his path, and seemed acute entritis is induced, or aggravated, and to listen. The Arab then heard the distant the abdomen becomes painful and distended; growling of a lion, which was instantly replied and then it is still further continued, under an to by the lioness under the tree. This made erroneous impression that a new disease has her husband roar furiously. The distant lion occurred, to remove the very symptoms it has was heard approaching, and as he came nearer caused. Thus the patient is finally purged the lioness roared louder, which seemed to

agitate her husband, for he marched towards per. At six months old they accompany their her as if to force her to be silent, and then father and mother in all nocturnal expeditions. sprang back to his old post, roaring defiance at From eight to twelve months they learn to his distant rival. This continued for about an attack sheep, goats, and even bulls; but they hour, when a black lion made his appearance are so awkward that they usually wound ten on the plain. The lioness arose as if to go for one they kill. It is not till they are two toward him; but her husband, guessing her years old that they can kill a horse or a bull intention, bounded toward his rival. The two with one bite. While their education is thus crouched and sprang on each other, rolling on in progress, they are ten times more ruinous to the grass in the embrace of death. Their the Arabs, since the family does not content bones cracked, their flesh was torn, their cries itself with killing the cattle required for its of rage and excruciating agony rent the air, own consumption, but kills that the children and all this time the lioness crouched and may learn how to kill. At three years old the wagged her tail slowly in sign of satisfaction. children quit home and set up for themselves, When the combat ended, and both warriors becoming fathers and mothers in their turn. were stretched on the plain, she arose, smelt Their places are occupied by another brood. them, satisfied herself that they were dead, At eight years old the lion reaches maturity, and trotted off, quite regardless of the uncom- and lives to thirty or forty. When adult he is plimentary epithet which the indignant Arab a magnificent creature, very different in size, shouted after her. This, Gerard tells us, is an example of the conjugal affection of my lady, whereas the lion never quits his wife, unless forced, and is quite a pattern of conjugal

attentions.

killed.

Poison of the African Toad. The Rev. Francis Flaming's recent work on Southern Africa, has the following in relation to reptiles of that region. There is a monster toad there which has more terrifying celebrity than the

aspect, and disposition from the lions to be seen in menageries and zoological gardens, animals taken from the mother's breast, bred like rabbits, deprived of the fresh mountain air and ample nourishment. As an indication of the Our lion then is married, let us say. He is the size attained by lions in a state of nature, we slave of his wife. It is she who always takes may cite the fact mentioned by Gerard, that precedence; when she stops he stops. On ar- the strongest man in the cavalry regiment to riving at a dour (the collection of tents, what which he belonged, was unable to carry the is called a "village") for their supper, she skin and head of the lion which Gerard had lies down while he leaps into the enclosure and brings to her the booty. He watches her while she eats, taking care that no one shall disturb her; and not until her appetite is satisfied does he begin his meal. When she feels that she is about to become a mother, that is, toward the middle of December, they seek an isolated ravine, and there, without the puffadder. It is about a foot long and eight aid of chloroform or Dr. Locock, she presents her lord with one, two, and sometimes three puppies, generally one male and one female, If the reader has ever seen and handled a puppy lion, he will understand the mother and father. She never quits them for an instant, fact is chronicled. and he only quits them to bring home supper. A pedlar sold a cask of native wine to three When they are three months old their weaning Dutch boers who lived together on a farm in commences. The mother accustoms them the district of Clanwilliam, in old Cape Colony. gradually to it, by absenting herself for longer Two of them died soon after drinking a cup and longer periods, and bringing them pieces full. The third brother, returned from a huntof mutton carefully skinned. The father, ing excursion,and on discovering the melancholy whose habitual demeanor is grave, becomes facts of their death, accused the pedlar of mur. fatigued by the frivolous sports of his children, dering them with poisoned wine. He declared and for the sake of tranquillity removes his lodgings to a distance, within reach, however, to render assistance, if required.

At the age of four or five months their children follow their mother to the border of the forest, where the father brings them their sup

inches broad, with a spotted green back, yel low belly, and large red eyes, which the Kaflirs say spirt fire. All animals, as well as man, abhor this loathsome and most skocking looking creature. To show its poisonous qualities, this

his innocence, and to show that the wine had no agency in the death of his brothers, drank of it himself, and in a few minutes was a corpse! On opening the cask to discover the nature of the poison, one of those awful African toads was found at the bottom.