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Mar. 1904.]

LONDON LETTER.

107 the University to make other and independent arrangements for clinical education. The posi- tion is somewhat anomalous and cannot ob- viously remain as it is. In the case of the professor of Clinical Surgery, the successor of Syme and Lister, who lectures in the Infirmary and holds the premier surgical appointment, it seems specially untenable. Moreover, the rule if rigidly carried out deprives the sick poor of Scotland of the privilege of obtaining the advice and services of the University professors, which has hitherto been eagerly sought and highly valued. I cannot help thinking and hoping that the new law will not, on reconsideration, be as the laws of the Medes and Persians.

The marvels of radium continue to be the subject of lectures, newspaper and magazine articles, and of general curiosity and interest. A substance so rare and costly, that generates heat and light spontaneously and perpetually emits material emanations, and three descriptions of very penetrating rays, and exercises a de- structive effect on organic tissue, cannot but excite wonder and stimulate imagination. The questions of most interest to medical men are— Can its properties be turned to therapeutical use? Can its emanations and rays be employed for purposes of more exact diagnosis? Or can ita destructive power over living tissues be so ordered that virulent microbes may be killed, while the tissues in which they are situated escape injury ? Or can tissues of low organization and weak stability—embryonic or malignant—be dissolved while more mature and stable struc- tures remain unaffected ? These questions are at present in the stage of speculation, and can only be resolved by experimental research, but they seem to be very pertinent and important.

{{c|{{sc|Surgeon-General Sir William Roe Hooper K.C.S.I.}}

This very popular and efficient officer relin= quished on the 12th of January the office of Pre- sident of the Medical Board at the India Office, to which he was appointed in succession to Sir Joseph Fayrer, Bart., nine years ago after a long and very meritorious career in the Indian Medical Service. The duties of this appointment include not only the examination of sick officers and of candidates for Indian services, but the delicate and responsible task of advising the Secretary of State for India on all questions of medical and

sanitary administration. In both capacities Sir William Hooper was eminently successful. His thorough knowledge of Indian life and tropical diseases, combined with tact and kindliness, fitted him conspicuously for the duties of the Medical Board. The other duties were neces- sarily performed confidentially, and Hooper's share in the settlement of service questions, the selection of doctors and nurses in emergencies, and the disposal of the continual current of refer- ences which come from India regarding medical and sanitary questions, cannot be known outside of the India Office. Without betraying any con- fidences 1 am in a position to state that his advice and assistayce in these matters were highly valued, that he was loyal to his service and lost no opportunity of promoting ita inter- ests, and that his opinions were always well weighed, sound and judicious, He is succeeded by Colonel A. M. Branfoot, c..¥., of the Madras Medical Service—the first Madrassce, as far as I know who has held this office. His Indian reputation is high, and there is every reason to believe that he will worthily fill a position which has been held by Martin and Fayrer, the duties of which, as Indian administration be- comes more complicated and active, are under- going a corresponding increase in weight and elaboration.

K. McL. 20th January, 1904,

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Gurrent Topics.

CEREBRO-SPINAL FEVER,

CapTain ROBERTSON MILN#, 1.4.8, has returned to Kasauli and has resumed his investigation of Cerebro-spinal Fever. It is hoped that all Regimental Medical Officers, Civil Surgeons and Jail Superintendents will do what they can to help Captain Milne in this enquiry. Material from all cases of “Meningitis” whether cerebro-spinal or not, is required, and all officers who are likely to meet with such cases are invited to communicate directly with Captain Milne at the Pasteur Institute at Kasauli, who will send them instructions and the necessary apparatus,

POLYPHARMACY IN PLAGUE TREATMENT.

Tae following is an example of the way in which European medical’ treatment’ gets dis-