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No. 17.

L. CLARKE, ESQ. Chairman, Ice Committee,

&c. &c. &c.

The advantages we have lately enjoyed in Calcutta, by obtaining ice at all seasons of the year, must be obvious to every medical practitioner. For my own part, I regard this article as important in the highest degree as a remedial agent, none have had so much reason to rejoice in the benefits afforded by the use of ice, as the sick whether we consider it, as a comfort beyond all price to the sufferer, or as a powerful aid in promoting the cure of disease.

It is unnecessary to detail the particular instances wherein ice is valuable in medical treatment, but I have no hesitation in saying, that in fever, in various forms of inflammation, in many cases of external injuries, and in the practice of midwifery, there are numerous instances, in which the life of the patient may depend upon the internal administration, or the external application of this substance. In cases of impaired digestive powers also, I believe it to be highly useful, as a stomachic tonic. Indeed, so much do I value it, that apart from every consideration of individual comfort, I consider it to be the duty of every medical practitioner, to use all his endeavours to ensure a never-failing supply of ice in this city.

II. H. GOODEVE, M. D.

much more than as a means of cure either in fever OT any other disease.

I am, Sir, your obedient servant,

WM. BELL, Surgeon, H. M. 26th Regt. To L. CLARKE, Esq., &c. &c. Esplanade Row.

No. 20.

Calcutta, 24th July, 1837. SIR, I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the date of the 20th instant, requesting my opinion on the subject of the importance of ice to the public health, and more especially in cases of fever so incidental to this climate.

I have now the pleasure to communicate through you, for the information of the committee, that I regard ice as subordinate to no other agent, in the prevention or treatment of disease, and as a remedy in controlling fever, in its various applications, the power of which is second only, if, under some circumstances, it be not even superior, to that of the lancet; a remedy which can never supersede the lancet, nor dispense with it, but which, when added to it, forms by the combination a treatment so powerful and efficacious, that it will reuder death from the acutest cerebral inflammation, as rare, as recovery is at present. Employed as a remedy (known by the name of the ice cold dash) there is no degree of burning heat which the animal economy is capable of producing, no intensity of vascular action,

Professor of Anatomy and Medicine, Medical College. and no violence of pain, that can resist its continued Calcutta, July 20, 1837.

No. 18.

pre

Medical College, Calcutta, 8th August, 1837. SIR,-In reply to your circular of the 6th instant, I have much pleasure in expressing my conviction, that the successful importation of ice, and its constant servation in Calcutta, place within the reach of the humblest member of the community, a remedy of the highest efficacy in the treatment of many varieties of tropical disease. Considering ice solely as a medical substance, I would deem all the subscriptions we have made and all the support you now seek to encourage the importation, as well and cheaply bestowed.

Yours sincerely,

W. B. O'SHAUGHNESSY. L. CLARKE, Esq.; Chairman, Ice Committee.

No. 19.

Calcutta, 28th August, 1837. SIR,-I beg to apologize for having so long delayed answering your circular of the 20th July, and your note of the 13th instant, on the subject of ice, and its importance to the public health. This arose in the first instance, from my considering myself unconnected with, and unknown to, the inhabitants of Calcutta, and that my opinion consequently, could not be regarded by them as of the slightest importance, and since the ceipt of your last note, I have been much occupied.

application. The cold evaporating lotions, which were in former days applied to the head, proved useful in mild cases, but to hope to control the more formidable cases of the fever of Bengal, by their aid alone, is to expect to coerce a giant by twisting around his arms a spiders thread, the impression which the one makes upon the brain, compared with the effect produced by this remedy, may be said to be, what the application of six leeches to the temples, is to the abstraction of thirty ounces of

blood.

With the earnest hope that Government may be induced to listen favourably to the appeal of the committee, and thereby secure to the iuhabitants of this city so powerful and so blessed a remedy in the hour of sickness. I have the honour to be, Sir, your faithful and obdt. servt. WILLIAM GRAHAM, M. D.

No. 21.

There are few in this country who will not concer in the opinion, that the importation of ice is a valuable auxiliary to the comfort of an Indian life. But if we completely lay aside the notion of its forming a part of the luxuries of the East, we shall find numerous reasons to hail its introduction as highly subservient to the preservation of health.

I will not take up your time by referring to any theoritical opinions on the subject, but will merely adduce a few instances in which my personal experience, can bear testimony to its salutary effects. I have found it essentially useful in cases of dyspepsia, which is a very prevailing disease in this climate, and a slight re-acquaintance with its tonic powers will sufficiently elucidate the cause.

There can be no doubt, that ice is an article which I have likewise proved its beneficial effects, in cases contributes largely to the enjoyment and the health of of retention of the placenta, when all other remedies those, who can afford to purchase it, and, were it cheap have failed, though administered to the utmost extent, enough, and procurable at all times, it might be turned and in the following cases of hæmorrhegia eutonica, I to various uses in medical practice. But at the same have used it with great success, viz. Nasieum or bleedtime I must express my opinion, that the committee ng at the nose, hæmosstysis or spitting of blood, uterina have not taken up the true ground for soliciting the or uterine hemorrhage, in certain cases of fever too, its bounty of Government on this occasion, the real im-powerful aid has frequently been proved especially

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utility of ice in the treatment of some of the diseases of
India, I beg to state that I consider it one of the most
valuable auxiliaries, the medical man has at his com-
mand, for the alleviation of suffering, and cure of the
most dangerous diseases of this country. In fact I look
upon it, as one of the greatest blessings we possess, and
I have reason, I think, to consider it as such, since to
ice, I feel I am indebted for the restoration to health,
from nearly fatal illness, of one of my nearest and dearest
relatives.
I remain, yours very truly,
R. O'SHAUGHNESSY.

Hurkaru, June 12.]

BANK OF INDIA.

CALCUTTA, JUNE 11, 1838.

It was also resolved, that the honourary secretary do address Messrs. Kearsay, Hughes and Thomas, of LonAt a meeting of the provisional committee of the don, authorizing them to register applications for shares, Bank of India, held this day, it was resolved, to recom- provided that the parties making such applications shall mend that the bank be opened on the 1st of January; not be considered to be proprietors, unless the instal and that a meeting of the subscribers on the 15th Sep-ments on their shares shall be paid in Calcutta, within tember, be convened for the purpose of considering that six months, after notice in England of the same having Fecommendation, and for fixing a day for payment of been called for in India. the first instalment; the committee expecting to receive before the last mentioned date, communications from EngJand, respecting the co-operation of parties in that country interested in the formation of a new India Bank.

JOHN BOYLE, Hon. Sec.

Hurkaru, June 13.]

MEDICAL AND PHYSICAL SOCIETY.

Proceedings of a meeting of the medical and physi cal Society of Calcutta, held at the Asiatic Society's apartments, on the 2d of June, 1838.

Letters from the following gentlemen were read :
From J. Graham, Esq., assistant surgeon, and
Johnstone, Esq., surgeon, requestiug to withdraw from
the Society.

From Mr. Bouchez, requesting to be appointed librarian to the Society, stating, that he had for some months past acted in that capacity. This request was referred to the committee of management.

4th. An interesting case of placental presentation, also by Mr. Colledge.

These two cases were presented by Dr. D. Stewart, on behalf of Mr. Colledge,

5th. A report upon cholera, which prevailed in the 3d troop, 1st brigade, horse artillery, by W. McGregor, Esq., M. D.

6th. Two cases of traumatic tetanus, successfully treated by tartar emetic, by Dr. Bowron.

7th. Dr. Goodeve read an extract from a letter he From H. T. Prinsep, Esq., secretary to the Govern- had lately received from Mr. Cumberland, of Poeree, ment of Bengal, forwarding a copy of Copland Hutchin-containing an account of a hot spring at Khoordab, in son's "Practical observations on Surgery," which was presented to the Society's library by the Hon'ble Court of Directors.

J. G. Vos, Esq., M. D., was proposed as a member of the Society by Dr. O'Shaughnessy, seconded by Dr.

McClelland.

The following communications were then presented: 1st. A case of lithotomy terminating fatally on the 5th day after operating, with remarks on the causes of failure in extracting large calculi, by Dr. D. Stewart,

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that district. The temperature of this spring, varied
from 112° to 128° of fahrenheit, when the water in a
neighbouring tank stood at 64°, the air being 56°. The
water appears to be impregnated with sulphureted hy-
drogen. Mr. Cumberland sent a specimen of fish, seve-
ral of which were swimming in the spring, where the
These fishes died when
thermometer stood at 112o.
they came in contact with the water at 128o.

8th. Mr. R. O'Shaughnessy, presented a magnificant and unusually large specimen of calculi which he had removed from the urethra of a native.

A long discussion upon various topics followed, chiefly upon matters connected with the obstitric art in connexion with Mr. Colledge's second paper. H. H. GOODEVE, M. D.

Hurkaru, June 13.]

Sec. Med. and Phy. Society.

BATHING IN THE ACQUEDUCTS.

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SIR, I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated the 12th ultimo, with its enclosures and to acquaint you in reply, that the Deputy-Governor does not think it necessary to pass any order on the subject to which it refers.

His honour, however, desires me to convey to you his opinion that whilst unusually indecent exposure of the person should be prohibited, it would be objectionable to prevent natives from resorting to the aqueducts for the purposes of bathing when clothed to the extent cus. tomary with them on such an occasion.

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AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OF INDIA.

A general meeting of this society was held at the Townhall on Wednesday, the 13th June, 1838.

PRESENT. The Hon'ble Sir E. Ryan, President, in the chair.

Dr. Wallich, v. P.; Dr. Spry; Col. McLeod; Messrs. W. Storm; C. K. Robison, v. P.; J. Guilding; R. Watson; A. Grant; A. Colvin; W. Ainslie W. Earle; Jos. Willis; G. A. Prinsep; E. Preston; F. T. Fergusson; W. F. Fergusson; A. Porteus, Thomas Bracken; M. S. Stautton; W. K. Ewart; C. Dearie; Dwarkanath Tagore; Ramcomul Sen; R. Walker; C. A. Dyce; D. Hare; J. Allan; W. Mackenzie; H. Cowie; D. W. H. Speed; G. T. F. Speed; J. W. Masters; A. McArthur; Thomas Leach, and John Bell, secretary.

The proceedings of last meeting were read and confirmed. After an alteration had been made by the President, on Dr. Spry's suggestion, viz.

In motion No. 1, of last meeting, for the words " Dr. Spry, moved as an amendment," read "Mr. G. A. Prinsep, moved as an amendment."

The following gentlemen proposed at the May meet. ing were duly elected members of this Society, viz.

Captain H. Macfarquhar, Dr. Jas, Hutchinson, Thos. Lane, E. Mackintosh, G. T. Cockburn, E. G. Mackintosh, C. S. F. Kirtchhoffer, C. M. Hunter and G. Austin, Esquires, Rajah, Nursingchunder Roy, and Baboo Keenut Singh.

The following gentlemen were proposed as members,

viz.

Major H. Cox. 58th regiment, N. I., proposed by Dr. Wallich and seconded by the secretary.

Henry Freeth, Esq., assistant surgeon, Nowgong, proposed by Captain Jenkins, and seconded by the Se

cretary.

H. J. Leighton, and Colin Camphell, Esqs., proposed by W. F. Fergusson, Esq., and seconded by the Secretary.

Brigadier General Sir Thomas Anbury, K.c.B., proposed by F. T. Fergusson aud seconded by the Se cretary.

W. R. Logan, Esq., Mymunsing, and Baboo Peary Mohun Day, proposed by D. Hare, Esq., and seconded by A. Grant, Esq., and Dewan Ramcomul Sen.

W. F. Dowson, Esq., proposed by John Allan, Esq.

Major J. D. Parson, D. c. G., proposed by the se cretary, and seconded by Dr. Wallich.

Col. L. R. Stacy, 32d N. I., proposed by the secretary, seconded by Dr. Wallich.

Motions of which notice was given at last meeting. Strong, was brought forward and carried, nem con. Motion No. 1, by the secretary seconded by Dr.

Storm, Esq., was next brought forward and carried nem con. Motion No.2, by C.K. Robison, Esq., seconded by W. Notice of motion.

Proposed by G. A. Prinsep, Esq., seconded by C. K. Robison, Esq. "that the sum of 500 rupees be appropriated for procuring cotton-seed of every variety in estimation from South America, and that a correspondence be opened with Rio Janeiro, for the purpose of obtaining it."

Reports.

The President drew the attention of the meeting to the subject matter of motion No. 1, of April meeting which was brought forward at the last meeting, and carried by an amendment on the original motion, being at the same time referred to the general committee, for consideration. He (the President) would read the re port of that committee, drawn up at a meeting held on

the 9th instant, as follows:

"The committee having given the subject of reference to them their best consideration, are of opinion that upon the account of the state of the funds laid before them by the Secretary, the means of the society at present are inadequate to admit of its offering any sufficient rewards, for the four practical treatises on cereal grain, sugar, silk, and cotton; and the committee have there. fore abstained from entering into any further detail, conceiving that the general operations of the society will be endangered if the preseut ascertained surplus be applied to these purposes."

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Proposed by G. A. Prinsep, Esq., seconded by W. Earle, that the above report be confirmed. Carried

The President read the report of the silk committee, on three samples of yellow and white raw silk, sent in for competition, with reference to the prizes offered by a resolution passed at a general meeting of the society held on the 12th April, 1837.

Gives a favorable account of an experimental plantation of Otaheite sugar cane in Deyrah Dhoon.

From the same, dated May 18, forwarding for the opinion of the committee, samples of Upland Georgia and Sea Island cotton, the produce of his garden at that The Committee are of opinion that the samples sub-station, as alluded to in his former letter of the 8th. mitted by Mr. W. G. Rose, of Ramnaghur factory, near Coolbariah, are the best and entitle that gentleman to the society's gold medal.

From R. Lowther, Esq., dated Allahabad, May 20 advising despatch of two cases containing samples of the produce of four varieties of cotton-seed forwarded by the society for distribution in that and the neighbouring

That the sample of yellow silk sent in by Mr. Lay, superintendent of Mr. Larruletta's fillatures at Jungy-districts. poor, is the second best, and entitles that gentleman to the society's silver medal.

Moved by C. K. Robison, Esq., seconded by the Secretary, that the silk committee's report be confirmed: carried.

The President also read the sugar committee's report on a sample of sugar submitted by Mr. Blake of Dhoba, who was the only competitor for the prizes awardable under the same resolution as those for silk.

"The committee are of opinion that the sample before them, does not come within the meaning of the Society's intention, as expressed in the printed conditions, the sugar in question having been made from goor by a double process, and not by a single boiling, as practised in the West Indies, &c.

The committee recommended that the premiums shall be open to competition till the 1st May, 1839, and that a specific advertizement be published and transmitted to all known cultivators.

Moved by C. K. Robison, Esq., seconded by G.T.F. Speed, Esq., that the committee's report be confirmed: carried.

The following communications were submitted to the notice of the meeting:

From II. Pidlington, Esq., dated May 10, enclosing copy of a letter written by him to Col. James Young, in February, 1831, on the subject of cake cochineal, prepared from the Sylvestre insect.

From J. Guilding, Esq. dated May 23, forwarding a sample of cake cochineal, made by him from Sylvestre insect, abounding in Midnapore, and asking for an opinion upon its quality, &c.

Enclosing a memo. received from Mr. Lambert regarding these samples.

From Dr. Hufnagle, dated May 30, forwarding a bale of cotton, being a portion of the second crop produced from 400 plants grown at Cossipore, raised from Upland Georgia seed imported by the society in 1836.

Suggesting that the bale of cotton be sent to England for a competent opinion as to quality. Forwarding also two bottles of oil pressed from the seed of this cotton.

From T. O. Crane, Esq., Secretary Agricultural Society of Singapore, dated May 11, acknowledging receipt of Secretary's letter of the 17th March, together with the Seychelles' cotton-seed, and transactions of the Society vol. 5.

Enclosing a small sample and a few seeds of a description of cotton resembling Sea Island.

From Major Syers. Secy, to the Agricultural Society of Cuttack, presenting samples of Upland Georgia cotton and Virginia Tobacco, grown on that district from seed received from the society referred to in his letter of the 4th May.

Note. All these samples of cotton ordered to be referred to committee for reports.

From Mr. A. Harris, dated 24th May, forwarding three cuttings of cane (variety unknown, but resembling the China cane) together with a large cane, retained from

the small stock.

Mr. Harris states, that the original cuttings from which these three average canes were produced, did not exceed the thickness of a common ratan, shewing a vast improvement on the plant canes; but the most extraordinary imFrom Professor O'Shaughnessy, dated May 31, giv-provement is upon the ratoon, which is nearly four times ing his opinion on the cochineal paste prepared by Mr. Guilding. Having submitted it to chemical test, the Professor speaks in very favorable terms of this dye. "This I think completes the proof that between the fina and Sylvestre insects there exists at least no chemical difference." The conclusion at which Mr. Piddington and Professor O'Shaughnessy arrive are very similar, the only difficulty appearing to be in obtaining a complete absorption of all moisture from the paste, immedi ately after the process of manufacture.

(Referred to the cochineal committee.)

From Major W. H. Sleeman, dated Jubbulpore, May 7, conveying much interesting information on the mode of cultivating the lac insect.

(Referred to the committee of papers.)

From the Revd. C. E. Driberg, dated May 9, annexing a paper on the "culture of the cocoanut tree in Ceylon," received from a friend in that island.

(Referred to the committee of papers.)

From Col. Dunlop, a parcel containing varieties of hill forest trees, referred to in his letter to the Secretary, on the 25th March.

From G. H. Smith, Esq. dated Delhi, May 8, promising to forward, shortly samples of cotton of the first and

the thickness of the plant or parent stock,—a fact which is at variance with the course of ratooning in general, since ratoons are invariably smaller, and can only be accounted for, in the extraordinary fertility of the Soonderbund soil, and holds out fair prospect of ultimate remuneration to those grantees who are now laboring to convert a rank pestilential morass, into a highly cultiva ted sugar country."

A full length sugar cane was submitted, said to be produced in the Island of Ceylon by Mr. Henly, from Mauritius plant,-of four months' growth.

From A. Harris, Esq., dated May 28, offering a few remarks on a trial made with a plough recently received by the society, made at the Porto Novo foundery from an American model.

From Major J. A. Moore, dated Hydrabad, May 18, grown in a friend's garden a few miles from the station. advising despatch of three apples of the nonpareil species,

From Colonel Stacy, dated Dacca, May 20, forwarding a bag containing the roots of a plant, common in that part of the country, called "Suth Moolee," or the sixty radishes, also a few bags of a climber termed "Tiel'h, Gulah,"

From Captain Cautley, dated Saharunpore, May 11th, advising the despatch of a quantity of bansmutii seed

From Dr. W. Montgomerie, dated Singapore, April! 23, acknowledging the receipt of Secretary's letter of the 17th March, intimating a resolution of the Society for awarding him a silver medal.

The Madras Journal of Literature and Science from January, 1837, to March 1238, 5 numbers, has been received through Messrs Thacker and Co.

From Captain F. Jenkins, dated Gowhatti, May 31, In reply Dr. Montgomerie returns his best thanks intmating his intention of forwarding by a different mode to the society for this mark of its approbation, but re-to that hitherto pursued, which has proved unsuccessful, grets that circumstances should render it necessar y some eggs of the Fria worm to try if by this means they to decline the intended honor." can be received in a living state.

From Signor G. Mutti, dated Kootroor Bagh, Poonah, 7th May, acknowledging receipt of Secretary's letter of April 15, and returns his best thanks to the society for the resolution therein conveyed of awarding him the society's gold medal.

Promises to afford further information to the Society on the cultivation of the standard mulberry trees, &c. From Major Parsons, dated Cawnpore, May 4, acknowledging receipt of Secretary's letter intimating despatch of cotton seed.

Mentions having raised a quantity of fine Guinea grass from seed forwarded by the Society in 1836.

From Major Gawtkin, dated Coel, May 2, acknowledges receipt of cattle committee's pamphlet, but regrets his inability to give any information on the subject in question.

Advises despatch of sample of four growing of oats, and promises to send seed of the " Prangoo" if success ful in raising plants from a few seeds lately received.

States that the Guinea grass seed has vegetated, and alludes to trials made with the French oat seed, and Italian rix grass seed received from the society.

From Captain Jenkins, dated Gowhatti, May 13, advising despatch of two parcels of fresh Fria cacoons. From W. Prinsep, Esq., dated May 19, reporting on musters of raw silk forwarded by the committee for his opinion as to the market price.

From James Anderson, Esq., M. D., secretary to the Agricultural Society of Beer bhoom, dated June 5, giving cover to a copy of the proceedings of a late meeting of the Branch Society and calling the attention of the parent institution to a few of the resolutions contained therein, viz. for the supply of sugar-cane, fruit trees, seeds, &c. Encloses also a copy of the proceedings of their society since its formation up to the present time.

From W. Rushton, Esq., dated May 12, offering to print the transactions of the Society on the same terms as the Bishop's College or Baptist Mission-Press,

Memo.-The question had been settled before the receipt of Mr. Rushton's letter, and the 6th volume is now printing at the Baptist Mission Press.

From James Anderson, Esq., M. D., secretary Agricultural Society, Beerbloom, forwarding the samples of cotton alluded to in his letter of the 5th instant.

From Miss Peacock, a pod of a large species of tamarind the produce of Mhow.

Dr. Wallich stated, that it was not a tamarind, but the adansonia digitate or boobab of the West Coast of Africa.

From Dr. Wallich, dated June 13, annexing extract of a letter from Mrs. Captain Milner, presenting a basket of beautiful and perfect bunches of purple and white grapes, with some interesting details as to the mode adopted by that lady in treating the vines. Proposed by the presi dent, seconded by the meeting, that the special thanks of the society be offered to Mrs. Milner, for her highly interesting and beautiful present, which clearly proves as fine grapes and as plentiful in and about Calcutta, as that nothing but taste and attention is wanting, to secure in the finest vine countries.

last week, a spendid bunch of grapes from Col. James Memo. The Secretary had also received within the Young,the produce of the vine planted by C.K Robison, Esq., in the Union Bank compound, and a bunch from Mrs. Smith, the produce of her garden in Short's Bazar. If every householder in Calcutta would plant but two vines, he would secure at once a cool retreat, and delicious fruit by simply planting cuttings in a svorkey corner.

Mr. George Prinsep presented a fine specimen of cotton grown from Peruvian seed, valued by Mr. Hill at fifty per cent. more that Surat. It has the advantage of black seed which are easily detached.

Mr. Masters presented a fine graft of the Ficus Elastica, of 48 day growth, 10 feet in length and 6 inches in circumference.

Mr. G. T. F. Speed presented a specimen of hemp grown from the purple Hibiscus, grown at Patna. The thanks of the meeting were ordered to be given for all the above cummunications and presentations. JOHN BELL, Secretary.

Town-hall, Calcutta, 13th June, 1838.

[Hurkaru, June 14.

DARJELING.

CALCUTTA, TOWN HALL, 15TH JUNE, 1838.

At a meeting held this-day, J. W. Grant, Esq. in the chair, the following report, drawn up by two gentlemen, to whom the public are greatly indebted, was read to a rather numerous and most respectable assemblage.

meeting, that unless active steps are now taken, another year will be lost to the community. Many parties are anxious to build bungalows, and expressed their determination to do so; but the difficulty of procuring builders to direct and superintend these operations, has been already experienced by the whole of them.

Under these circumstances, the idea of starting a The present meeting has been called by a few of the hotel on the scheme of a tontine has been suggested, applicants for sites, with the view of promoting such as likely to induce respectable builders to undertake measures, as may be likely to insure comfortable accommodation to all parties, who propose to visit the

its erection, while, at the same time, the opportunity thus afforded to settlers of procuring competent persons

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