thesis of the secreting function of the nucleated corpuscles which line these ducts. In a rapid sketch of the results of inquiries since the appearance of Müller's work "De Penitiore Structura Glandularum," and more particularly of the observations of Henle and others on the closed vesicles which are situated at the extremities of certain ducts, Mr Goodsir stated, that no anatomist had hitherto "proved that secretion takes place within the primitive nucleated cell itself, or had pointed out the intimate nature of the changes which go on in a secreting organ during the performance of its function."

Numerous examples were now given of secretions detected in the cavities of nucleated cells of various glands and secreting surfaces. Among these secretions were the ink of the cephalopoda and the purple of janthina and aplysia; bile in an extensive series selected from the principal divisions of the animal kingdom; urine in the mollusk; milk, &c.

The wall is believed by the author to be the part of the cell engaged in the process of secretion. The cavity contains the secreted substance, and the nucleus is the reproductive organ of the cell. A primitive cell engaged in secretion is denominated, by the author, a primary secreting cell; and each cell of this kind is endowed with its own peculiar property, according to the organ in which it is situated. The discovery of the secreting agency of the primi tive cell does not remove the principal mystery in which the function has always been involved; but the general fact that the primitive cell is the ultimate secreting structure, is of great value in physiological science, inasmuch as it connects secretion with growth as functions regulated by the same laws, and explains one of the greatest difficulties in physiology, viz. why a secretion flows from the free surface only of a secreting membrane-the secretion exists only on the free surface inclosed in the ripe cells which constitute that surface.

The author then proceeded to the consideration of the origin, the development, and the disappearance of the primary secreting cell, a subject which necessarily involved the description of the various minute arrangements of glands, and other secreting organs. After describing the changes which occur in the testicle of the squalus cornubicus, when the organ is in a state of functional activity, and in the liver of careinus manas, it was stated that these were selected as examples of two orders of glands, denominated by the author vesicular and follicular. The changes which occur in the first order of glands consist in the formation and disappearance of closed vesicles or acini. Each acinus might be first a single cell, denominated by the author the primary or germinal cell; or, secondly, of two or more cells enclosed in the primary cell, and produced from its nucleus. The enclosed cells he denominates the secondary cells of the acinus, and in the cavities of these, between their nuclei and cell walls, the peculiar secretion of the gland is contained. The primary cell, with its included group of cells, each full of secretion, is appended to the extremity of one of the terminal ducts, and consequently does not communicate with that duct, a diaphragm formed by a portion of the primary cell wall stretching across the pedi cle. When the secretion in the group of included cells is fully elaborated, the diaphragm dissolves or gives way, the cells burst, and the secretion flows along the ducts, the acinus disappearing, and making room for a neighbouring acinus, which has in the mean time been advancing in a similar manner. The whole parenchyma of glands of this order is thus, according to Mr Goodsir, in a constant state of change -of development, maturity, and atrophy, this series of changes being directly proportional to the profuseness of the secretion.

In the second order of glands, the follicular, as exemplified in the liver of carcinus, the germinal cell or spot is situated at the blind extremity of the follicle, and the secreting cells, as they advance along the follicle, become distended with their peculiar secretion.

Among other general conclusions deducible from these observations, it appeared that ducts are to be considered as inter-cellular passages into which the secretions formed by cells are cast.

Finally, the author inferred from the whole inquiry, 1st, That secretion is a function of, and takes place within the nucleated cell; and, 2d, Growth and secretion are identical, the same process under different circumstances.

MISCELLANEOUS MEDICAL NEWS.

TESTIMONIAL TO PROFESSOR REID OF ST ANDREWS.

(Abridged from the Fifeshire Journal of March 31.)

On Saturday morning, a public breakfast was given to Dr Reid in the Black Bull Inn, by the gentlemen attending his physiological class, when an elegant silver pitcher was presented to him in testimony of respect and gratitude for his lectures. About seventy gentlemen sat down to breakfast-W. F. Ireland, Esq., of the Eastern Bank, in the chair; supported by Dr Reid, Professors Gillespie, Alexander, and Jackson, &c.

After thanks had been returned, the chairman rose and shortly stated the object of the meeting.

Mr Sellar, having been called upon by the chairman, expressed his regret that the class had not devolved the task of communicating their views and feelings to some of the more able and experienced. Having taken a glance of the history of the university, he alluded to Dr Reid, who promised to be second to none of his illustrious predecessors. "You are aware, Mr Chairman, that Professor Reid entered on a course of lectures this session on comparative anatomy and general physiology, and threw open the doors of his class-room to all the inhabitants of St Andrews; and so choked was the class-room, that the poor defenceless skeleton was envied its room, and often disturbed in its quiet quarters, and, in spite of all its grisly grins,' was sent rattling hither and thither in search of a resting-place. To many of us this department of science was new-to all it has been rendered exceedingly interesting and useful. Thanks to our respected Professor, there has been produced in all who have enjoyed his prelections, a deep and fondly-cherished relish for a rich, necessary, but too much neglected department of knowledge. It certainly could not fail to strike any one who has had the pleasure of hearing him, that in his clear, masterly, and strictly inductive method of investigating and explaining the phenomena and doctrines of physiology, he bears a most intimate resemblance to his illustrious namesake in the analysis of mind. At the end of each lecture, we found, that instead of having been involved in a mental scramble, and bewildered in a whirl of vague ideas, we had, by the reasonings and illustrations of our teacher, and by the aid of his admirable collection of diagrams, specimens, and preparations, with which he made everything bear on our minds with all the pressure and intensity of palpable facts, found that we had made a sure advance, and felt able and anxious to take another step. Our feelings towards him are not merely those of persons gratified, but benefited. He has instructed us in a branch of science intimately connected with the wants and enjoyments of our species, which enables us to avoid those modes of life which do violence to the intentions of the Creator, and which exalts our conceptions of infinite wisdom, power, and goodness the ultimate end of all sound philosophy, or it fails of its noblest aim." Here Mr Sellar argued at some length, for the introduction of physiology as a branch of national education; and continued-" It is not to this memorial in itself that Professor Reid will look: he will look over the sign to the thing signified-to the feelings which prompted it. Sir, I have been deputed by those attending your class, to express their high opinion of your talents and worth their sense of the indefatigable zeal you have displayed, and their sincere and unanimous thanks. Sir, thanks is a vague term; it is found on every one's tongue, and at the point of every one's pen; but we, as a class, have been feeling ours drawn forth so intensely, that we have been almost wishing they had been visible and tangible. Indeed, we have actually attempted an em bodiment of them; and, if you will allow me, here it is." Here Mr Sellar produced the testimonial, and concluded amid loud and continued applause.

Dr Reid then returned thanks; and, after several speeches from the other Professors, &c., and three hearty cheers for Dr Reid, the company separated.

UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH.-TOWN COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS.

There was laid on the table a report from the College Committee on the propriety of altering the regulations which require attendance at University classes exclusively, as

qualifying candidates for the degree of M.D. In accordance with the suggestion of the Joint Committee of the Fellows of the Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons, and some of the medical and surgical professors of the University, the College Committee recommend that candidates for medical degrees should be allowed to take four out of the fourteen imperative classes under extra-academical lecturers. With respect to the question as to who should be recognised as the teachers whose instructions should qualify candidates for degrees, equally with those of the professors of the University, the Committee think that the proposition of the Medical and Surgical Professors in the University and of the Royal Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons relative to medical education, agreed to in March 1839, with a view to a general legislative enactment, might be accommodated to meet the present exigencies of the University. The report then goes on to say:

"That a fund should be provided for retiring allowances; that a considerable portion of the bequest of General Reid should be devoted to this purpose; and that, in addition to this, each professor should pay into a common fund a small per centage from the amount of his class fees and salary. That this per centage should, upon the calculation of an actuary, be sufficient to provide a retiring allowance equal to a fourth of the annual amount of the professor's income while in actual service; and another fourth should be added from the Reid Fund, so as to provide a retiring allowance equal to half the annual income whilst actively engaged. One advantage of this arrangement would be, that it would ascertain what allowance any one was entitled to receive upon retiring, as it could be accurately calculated by the previous annual income, and the premium arising from the per centage." The report was ordered to lie on the table for a fortnight.

EDINBURGH SCHOOL OF MEDICINE.

In our number for May of last year, we took the liberty of making some remarks upon the constitution of the "Extra-Academical School of Medicine" in Edinburgh, especially intended to point out that the whole body of medical lecturers without the University, were not included in the name of "Queen's College," and that the confounding of the two terms at the distribution of the prizes of that body, was improper. This we thought it right, from the misconceptions which had arisen, broadly to announce and at the same time, to urge the union of all the talented and honourable extra-academical lecturers with which Edinburgh is adorned, in one society. The obnoxious name being now happily abandoned, one of the chief difficulties is reWith common objects and interests, "what no one teacher," we said, in the paper referred to, "could do singly, many united might easily accomplish, thereby materially contributing to the advantage of themselves and their pupils. allude particularly to the formation of a select library of standard works, and a uniform system of certificates. Some might also wish for a museum in connection with the association; and if preparations suitable for teaching could not be had from the Museum of the College of Surgeons, then the formation of one would be another object most desirable to accomplish. To form such a society or association, however, of teachers, it is obvious that community and reciprocity of principle are indispensable."

moved.

We

We think that from recent events we may hope that a union will be formed and consolidated before the meeting of another winter session. One great step in advance was the official list of authorized lecturers published last November by the College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, when all contained in it were distinctly seen to be on the same footing; and a second step is, the publication of a common prize list, by the lecturers themselves, within the last few days. The advertisement in the newspapers, (from which we copy the subjoined list,) is headed, "MEDICAL SCHOOL OF EDINBURGH," but being great sticklers for accuracy, we have ventured to prefix the word "Extra-Academical," lest otherwise it might seem to be a complete prize-list of the Medical School of Edinburgh, or induce English and Irish readers to suppose that it gave a correct view of the strength of the whole school, whereas it does not even contain all the Extra-Academical Classes, and not one of those within the University.

PRIZE LIST OF THE EXTRA-ACADEMICAL SCHOOL OF MEDICINE, EDINBURGH. The following prizes were awarded at the close of the winter session, 1841-2:— NATURAL PHILOSOPHY.-Mr LEES' CLASS. Mr John Goodall. CHEMIS TRY. Dr WILSON'S CLASS. Mr C. A. Robertson. ANATOMY.-Dr KNOX's CLASS. Junior. Mr Henry Douglas. Senior. Mr Robert Lord. Dr MERCER'S CLASS. Junior. Mr Fr. Renaud. Senior. Mr F. Renaud. PRACTICAL ANATOMY.-Mr D. P. M'Lean; Mr S. D. Wells. Dr A. THOMSON'S CLASS. Junior. Mr James Heron;* Mr George W. Lillies.* Senior. Mr Vansomeren ;* Mr J. Struthers. Anatomical Demonstrations. Mr G. W. Lillies. MATERIA MEDICA. -Dr SELLER'S CLASS. Mr William Reid. Dr MACLAGAN'S CLASS. Mr John G. Sandie. PRACTICE OF PHYSIC.-Dr Wood's CLASS. Mr Llewylen Bland. SURGERY.-Dr J. ARGYLL ROBERTSON'S CLASS. Mr John G. Buchanan. Mr MILLER'S CLASS. Mr George Smith. For Essays. Mr G. Smith;* Mr Walter Simpson.* Dr HANDYSIDE'S CLASS. Mr Samuel Edwards. MIDWIFERY.-Dr MARR'S CLASS. Mr George Irons. FORENSIC MEDICINE.-Mr SKAE'S CLASS, Mr William M. Fraser. GOLD MEDAL, for eminence in all the branches of study, Mr Jos. B. Collings.

EDINBURGH, April 16, 1842.

*

Those marked thus being equal, an extra prize was given.

WESTMINSTER HOSPITAL.-On Wednesday the 23d instant, the Westminster Hospital Medical Society held their last sessional meeting, Dr Basham in the chair, when the essay prize was awarded to W. T. Kay, Esq., for an original thesis on the Anatomy and Physiology of the Liver. A testimonial was presented to Mr Williamson, vice-president, on his retiring from office, by the Society, and an oration delivered by Mr Williamson, on the past and future prospects of the Society, in the presence of a number of influential governors and lecturers of the Hospital. The business of the evening was concluded by the announcement of an annual prize of the value of five guineas, from Anthony White, senior surgeon to the Hospital, and vice-president of the Royal College of Surgeons; and another of equal value, by the lecturers of the School. This Society is open to members of all the medical schools

of London.

SOCIETY FOR RELIEF to Widows AND ORPHANS OF MEDICAL MEN.-A half-yearly general court of the members of this Society, was held on Wednesday, at the Gray's Inn Coffee-House, Sir Charles M. Clarke, bart., vice-president, in the chair. It appeared from the auditor's report, that the sum of L.632 had been granted for the past half year, to thirty-one widows, and fourteen of deceased members, and that L.100 had been funded. Certain resolutions of former courts, regulating the amount of subscriptions by the age of members, were finally confirmed, and other resolutions for the registration of the Society, agreeably to the provisions of the Acts of Parlia ment for regulating friendly societies, were, after some discussion, carried unanimously. By this proceeding, the Society will obtain the privilege of arbitration in cases of dispute, and of investing its funds, upwards of L.42,000 stock, with the Commissioners for the Reduction of the National Debt. We beg to call attention to the advertisement of the annual dinner of this Society, to take place on Saturday the 9th of April; His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge in the chair. Dr Bowring has succeeded in making the absurd quarantine laws the subject of further Government investigation. We are glad of this step being gained, for knowledge is really all that is wanted to secure them a thorough revision.

It

UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK.-We are glad to see that the medical department of this rising University has assumed an aspect of great strength and importance. embraces the highly respectable names of Theodore Frelinghuysen Valentine Mott, Granville Sharp Pattison, J. Revere, Martyn Paine, G. Bedford, J. W. Draper, &c. &c. We wish it every success.— -Med.-Chir. Rev., April 1842.

UNIVERSITY OF LONDON. RESIGNATION OF DR ROGET,-A reduction having been made in the salaries, Dr Roget has resigned, conceiving that L.100 a-year is very inadequate remuneration!

PRIZE

MADRID ACADEMY FOR PROMOTING EMULATION IN THE MEDICAL SCIENCES. ESSAY.-The above-named Academy have announced as the subject of a prize essay, -" The influence which medicine ought to have, and is capable of having upon civilization, and the happiness of communities." The competition is open to all excepting members; and the essays (which are to be written in Spanish or Latin,) must be given in on or before the 31st of October 1843. The prize is a gold medal, and the title of member.

STATISTICS OF THE RECEPTIONS into the different MedicAL FACULTIES IN FRANCE DURING 1837-1841 INCLUSIVE.

PATHOLOGICAL SOCIETY FOR THE MIDLAND COUNTIES.-Some medical gentlemen of Birmingham have formed a Society under this name, with rules not dissimilar to those of the London Medical Society. B. Fletcher, M.D., and D. W. Crompton, Esq., are elected Secretaries for 1842.-Medical Times.

DISPENSARY AT CAIRO.-A physician of Cairo, with the consent of Mehemet Ali, has opened a dispensary for the indigent and sick. It is the first ever established in Egypt.-Medical Times.

MICROSCOPE FOR MEDICAL MEN.-At the sitting of the Academy of Sciences, Paris, on the 29th of March 1841, a new microscope was presented by Dr A. Donné, which is specially adapted for medical men, to enable them to examine immediately, and at the bedside of their patients, the nature of a substance, or of a morbid product, which it may be interesting to know. It is in fact a pocket microscope, with nothing peculiar about it, only it is contrived, so as by its simplicity and cheapness, to extend the use of this instrument in medical investigations. It is proposed by the contriver of this pocket instrument, to render the microscope as useful in the observation of disease as it has been latterly rendered in the study of natural history and physiology. Within the last fifteen years, many distinguished French physicians have applied the microscope in the detection of disease, and in studying its character; and any adaptation of the instrument to that purpose like that of Dr Donné, may be the means of extending the application of it in medicine. As soon as the construction of the instrument is known, it will be inserted.-Microscopic Journal.

OBITUARY.

At Kirkee, in the Presidency of Bombay, on the 16th of January, P. H. Lavens, Esq., surgeon, 14th Light Dragoons, of typhoid fever, after a short illness.

Lately, staff-surgeon, Dr Anglin.

Lately, staff-surgeon, Dr D. Wood.

Lately, L. Gillespie, Esq., surgeon, R.N.

Lately, Justin M'Carthy, Esq., surgeon, R.N.

On the 1st March, at Dorchester, H. Plowman, Esq., surgeon, R.N., aged 63.

Lately, Ralph Elliott, Esq., surgeon, R.N.

Lately, Thomas Kidd, Esq., surgeon, R.N.

Lately, Charles Newman, Esq., assistant-surgeon, R.N.

Lately, H. A. Baker, Esq., assistant-surgeon, R.N.

Lately, J. Thomas, Esq., assistant-surgeon, R.N.