A MONOGRAPH UPON ACONITE: its Therapeutic and Physiological effects together with its use, and accurate statements dented from various sources of medical literature. Translated from the German of Dr. Reil by Henry B. Millard, A. M., M. D. 8vo. pp. 168. New York. Radde. 1860.

Physicians are always glad to get hold of Monographs, of treatises devoted to the discussion of special and individual subjects, and not of “glittering generalities” — and the profession owe a debt to both the compiler and translator of this volume of 168 pages, for the labor and care bestowed upon its preparation. Its size, as well as an inspection of the table of contents, will show that it was intended to exhaust the subject, as far as the present state of medical literature can throw any light upon it — for it gives first the history of Aconite, from the first mythological accounts of its origin down to the present day: then details at length its physiological effects upon men, animals and vegetables, whether ascertained accidentally or intentionally, with the result of post mortem investigations: next presents a detail of its pharmacodynamic action and of its therapeutic employment by physicians non-homoeopathic as well of homoeopathic; and sums up the whole by a chronological list of works and treatises upon this drug, extending from 1732 to 1856: among which are 16 Monographs: an alphabetical list of the diseases, (94 in number!) in which Aconite has been employed and recommended by physicians of both schools: and also an alphabetical list of the authors, 147 in number, who are quoted or whose opinions are given in this work.

Notwithstanding the large number of writers and authorities quoted, we do not find the slightest mention of Dr. Hempel in the book; nor indeed does Dr. Reil seem to have consulted our American journals and publications for any facts and cases to embody in his Monograph, although Drs. Peters and Marcy's “New Materia Medica,” and Dr. Hempel's works, passim, embody many observations on this drug. We trust that this book will be so successful a contribution to our literature as to demand the issue of a second edition, and that Dr. Millard will then include in it all points and facts of interest which have been recorded by American “physicians”. k.

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HOMOEOPATHIC MATERIA MEDICA: Being a Summary of the Curative Action of the Principal Remedial Agents Employed in the Homoeopathic Practice. Compiled from Hahnemann, Jahr, Boenninghausen, Hull, Teste, Hempel, Hering, and others. By M. FRELIGH, M. D., pp. 201. New York, Charles T. Hurlburt, 1859.

To rid our Materia Medica of many of its useless symptoms, and render it more easily comprehended and studied, has been the aim of many authors; but so far, however, but little or no improvement has been made on the voluminous works of Jahr. That this should be sifted of its worthless symptoms is certainly the wish of all. Teste and Hempel have tried their arrangements whereby they hoped to facilitate the efforts of the student in acquiring an insight, at least, into our intricate system of symptomatology. Dr. Freligh has now published what he states to be the curative action of our remedies compiled from all the homoeopathic authorities.

He treats of some hundred and sixty different remedies, none at very great length, and some are passed by with scarcely a notice. Many of the new remedies are spoken of.

As to the completeness of the compilation we do not at present judge, but leave it to those who “have become sage in medicine” to point out the symptoms which the author has failed to note; and for the especial benefit of these, we may here observe that, the publisher has interleaved copies in which physicians may record the result of their clinical experience, or omissions of the compiler. On opening this new work of Dr. Freligh's, we cannot fail to notice the excellent manner in which the book is got up. The excellent paper, the clear and distinct type, are enough almost to predispose any one in its favor.

REPLY TO DR. COE'S ESSAY ON THE MODUS OPERANDI OF CALOMEL. BY JAMES W. PRICE, M D. Atlanta, Georgia.

We have received a small pamphlet of sixteen pages with the above title, being a reply to an attack on Homoeopathy in the Atlanta Medical Journal, but which is scarcely worthy of the attention given it by the Doctor.

THE HOMOEOPATHIST'S VISITING LIST. Book of Engagements and Pocket Repertory for 1860. Compiled and arranged by HENEY MINTON, M. D. Brooklyn, published by J. T. P. Smith.

These works are indispensable to the physician, and the one before us pleases us better than any we have seen.

We have in a previous number spoken of the first edition of this very useful diary. There have been several alterations made which we think add much to the usefulness of the work. We have first a calendar; then a table of signs, some of which are new and very ingenious, which will very much assist the physician in its use; a table of poisons and their antidotes in connection with the Repertory, and then follows the Diary proper. Here the arrangement is simple an i convenient; a number of pages are devoted to daily visits, with headings for name of patient, date of visit, prescription, fee charged or collected. Then an obstetrical record with the name of the patient, age, time of expected confinement, date, no of pregnancy, presentation, sex of child, hours in labor, natural or artificial, and remarks. Vaccination engagements, with places for name and dates; address of nurses, patients and others; bills and accounts rendered, well arranged with a debit and credit column; list of things loaned and a memorandum of wants are the headings for the rest of the pages.

For those who do not wish the Repertory, the publisher has had some bound without it.

The work is very well got up, considerable improvement having been made in this respect on the one of last year. Another desirable change has been made in reducing the price, as will be seen by reference to the advertisement.

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LECTURES ON SURGICAL PATHOLOGY, Delivered at the Royal College of Surgeons of England. By JAMES PAGET, F. R. S. Second American edition, 8vo. pp. 700. Philadelphia, Lindsay & Blakiston. 1860

These Lectures of Dr. Paget deservedly rank among the first as authority in Surgical Pathology. They were first published in this country in 1854, and so popular have they been that a second edition is now called for.

The author speaks of nutrition, its nature and necessary condition; growth, hypertrophy and atrophy; reproduction, the repair of the various tissues, of fractures, &c.; phenomena of inflammation, its nature and causes; tumors, general and special; and illustrates his remarks with a number of very well executed engravings. Most of our readers are doubtless familiar with the work, and therefore, anything more than a notice of the publication of another edition is scarcely necessary in this connection.

We take pride in the addition to our medical literature of works of this character, as we do in works on anatomy, physiology, surgery, chemistry, and all others on general medical science, belonging as they do to the medical profession, to the Allopath no more than to the Homoeopath. We acknowledge our obligation to all those, who by giving us the results of their study and observation advance the healing art, and enable as to apply the therapeutic law discovered by Hahnemann to the facts ascertained by them.

ALLOPATHY AND HOMOEOPATHY CONTRASTED. Medicine: its Origin and Early History. Allopathy: what it is. Homoeopathy: what it is. By JOHN WILLIAMS HAYWARD, M. D, M. R. C. S. pp. 33. Manchester, Eng. H. Turner & Co.

In the above pamphlet we have the pleasing evidence that our trans-Atlantic brethren are engaged in spreading before the public the facts relative to our method of cure in contrast to that of the old school. We know not, from the number of tracts published in England, whether, the laity of that country are difficult to convince, or have their appetites sharpened and desire more.

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BOOKS IN PRESS.

Messrs. Blanchard & Lea, Philadelphia, announce: —

THERAPEUTICS AND MATERIA MEDICA; A Systematic Treatise on the History, Description, Actions, and Uses of Medicinal Agents. By ALFRED STILLE, M. D. In two large and handsome octavo volumes, of over 1,500 pages.

A COMPLETE PRACTICAL TREATISE ON FRACTURES AND DISLOCATIONS. BY FRANK H. HAMILTON, M. D. In one very handsome octavo volume, with about two hundred and fifty illustrations.

AN INTRODUCTION TO PRACTICAL PHARMACY. BY EDWARD PARRISH. Second edition, thoroughly revised and extensively enlarged and improved. In one large and handsome octavo volume, with several hundred illustrations.

A PRACTICAL TREATISE ON INFLAMMATION OF THE UTERUS, its Cervix and Appendages; and on its connection with Uterine Disease. By HENRY BENNET, M. D. New and much enlarged edition. In one octavo volume.

Messrs. S. S. & W. Wood, New York, announce: —

CLINICAL LECTURES ON THE PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE OF MEDICINE. BY JOHN HUGHES BENNET, M. D., F. R. S. E. 1 vol. 8vo. 1005 pages. With 500 illustrations on wood.

Mr. William Radde, New York, will shortly publish a new edition of HAHNEMANN'S ORGANON; and also HULL'S JAHR, vol. 1 or Symptomatology.

Messrs. Strong & Co., St. Louis, will publish early in January a HOMOEOPATHIC DIRECTORY OF THE UNITED STATES.

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OBITUARY.

HENRY TURNER, Manchester, England. We are pained to learn of the death of this well-known homoeopathic chemist, which occurred on the 4th of October. at Northampton, England. Mr. Turner was well known as a careful and reliable pharmaceutist; and although not personally acquainted, we have had considerable correspondence with him, and can attest to his honesty, truthfulness and fine business qualities.

He was the publisher of several works and tracts on Homoeopathy, and his loss will be felt in this country as well as in England. For some year past we believe he was the proprietor and publisher of the British Journal of Homoeopathy and also publisher of the New Repertory. He was 47 years of age.

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