from the body and examined, both internally and externally, but without discovering the least vestige of a gallbladder. In short, we are all perfectly convinced that, in this person, the gallbladder never existed.-Gazette de Santé, October, 1826. tion. Meckel, in his Handbuch a mistake, the liver was removed der Pathologischen Anatomie, Bd. I. p. 607, mentions cases of the total absence of the gallbladder in the human subject. Habert and Tiedemand saw cases of this kind, where there was not the slightest trace of a depression in the liver for the gallbladder. The following case may also be quoted in proof of the point, thus showing that the gallbladder is not absolutely necessary to life, and that without this organ a person may enjoy a good state of health. The subject of the following case, a soldier, aged 26, on the 10th of last September, fell from a height whilst in a state of intoxication, and was killed on the spot. He was immediately carried to the Amphitheatre of the Military Hospital of La Rochelle. The inspection of the body was soon afterwards made in my presence, and the medical men belonging to the regiment. On opening the abdomen, I was immediately struck with the absence of the gallbladder, and that the yellow appearance of the arch of the abdomen, which usually exists, was not present. We then proceeded to a more minute examination of the part, and found that there was not the slightest tint of yellow in the concave surface of the liver, nor any vestige of a fossa. Surprised at this phenomenon, two able assistants were directed to dissect the hepatic duct with care. Its size was double that of the natural state.* No trace of a cystic duct could be discovered. Lastly, to avoid the possibility of In most of the cases on record of absence of the gallbladder, a similar dilatation of the hepatic duct has been observed. -ED. L. PHYSIOLOGY. M. Andral, jun., a gentleman well known as one of the first pathologists in France, has lately announced a discovery which he has made, concerning the circulation of the spleen. The splenic artery, at its termination, is perforated by numerous small holes, which pass immediately into the spongy tissue of this organ. A similar structure exists in the veins. These opinions are substantiated by anatomical tions. prepara BOSTON, TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 1827. Two days ago, we saw a fine infant, four days old, dressed in an ornamented, not ornamental, cap-and asked the mother for what reason she chose to put a cap on her son. She answered, because he looked prettier with it than without it. This should lead parents to reflect how far this motive does or ought to influence them in the management of their children. It seems to be no better than making the temporary gratification of the parents' pride, habit, or prejudice, the rule of con. duct, without any regard to the wellbeing or suffering of the child. Thus infants are fed, and clothed, and exercised preposterously and hurtfully, merely to please whim, or fancy, without any reference to conse quences. For ourselves, we see not how anyone, having the care of an infant, can offer to himself or any one else, any excuse or defence of conduct like this. We invite those concerned to reflect a little on this subject, and to be sure they act innocently and safely at least, if not beneficially, for their charge, before they act at all. As to caps for infants, for an example, they are in the first place useless, and in the next, injurious. If any mother or father denies this, and will state, in his view, any consequent advantage, we will reply by stating our wellfounded objections to this superfluous and pernicious appendage of the infant wardrobe. The good mother, who discharges all her duties to her infant, will find enough to do without taxing herself with useless labor. Not having been able to complete an article on Beds and Bedsteads, intended for this week, we submit to our readers, in the meantime, the following recipe for securing "solid comfort." Solid comfort may be copiously derived from the following Sources: a quiet conscience; health; liberty; one's time one's own, or, if not, usefully, innocently and moderately employed by others; a freedom from inordinate passions of all kinds; a habit of living within one's income, and saving something for extraordinary occasions; an ability arising from rational economy to defray all necessary and expedient expenses; a habit of good humor, an aptitude to be pleased rather than offended; a preparation for adver sity; love of one's family; sincerity to friends; benevolence to mankind; and piety to God. MR. ABERNETHY. A lady very much afflicted with sult the celebrated Surgeon Abnervous complaints, went to conernethy. The rough and caustic manner in which he catechised her so discomposed the fair one's weak spirits, that she was thrown into a fit of hysterics. On parthis hands, in the form of a sove ing, she put the usual fee into reign and a shilling. Mr. Abernethy pocketed the sovereign with one hand, and with the other presented the shilling to her, saying, gravely-" Here, Madame, take this shilling, go to the next toyshop, buy a skipping rope, and use it every day it will do you more good than all my prescrip ADVERTISEMENTS. A NEW EDITION OF THACHER'S MILITARY JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY WAR. OTTONS & BARNARD have just have one made agreeably to the exact measurement of his body.. French Elastic Catheters. Just received, from France, a few gross of the most approved Catheters, used by the first physicians and surgeons in the French metropolis; they are sold at a very low rate. Bay Rum. A few dozen bottles of this excellent embrocation in cases of hysterical and COTTONS & BARNARD JOU in cases. DURING THE AMERICAN REVOLU TIONARY WAR, from 1775 to 1783; describing interesting events and Transactions of this period; with numerous Historical Facts and Anecdotes, from the Original Manuscript. To which is added an Appendix, containing Biographical Sketches, of several General Officers. By JAMES THACHER, M. D. late Surgeon in the American Army. Second Edition, Revised and Corrected. "As Americans we hail with delight any attempt to rescue from oblivion the words or actions of those whose names we have been taught to revere." April 10. ATHENEUM: OR, SPIRIT OF THE ENGLISH MAGAZINES, Also, Whitwell's Original and Genuine MEDICAL LECTURES IN HARVARD THE HE Medical Lectures in Harvard University will begin at the Medical College, Mason Street, Boston, on the THIRD WEDNESDAY IN OCTOBER NEXT ; the time having been altered from the Third Wednesday in November, at which time they formerly commenced. WALTER CHANNING, Dean of the Medical Faculty. Summer Course of Midwifery Lectures. Dr. Channing's Summer Course of Lectures in Midwifery will begin on the first Wednesday in June next. For Terms, apply to Dr. C. at his house in Common Street. tf UST published by John Cotton, 184 JWT. ly Piety The Chamois Hunter. Part II. A be had at any proper hour of the CONTENTS.-On the Importance of Ear -The Gentleman in Black-A Christmas Party-A Song-The Blue Man-Luck and Ill Luck--Varieties-Winter food for Cows--Marriage--Rockets without Wings or Sticks. J. VAPOR or SULPHUR BATH can The proper day, at 3, Central Court. hours are before breakfast, dinner, and tea. The best time is between 11 and 2 o'clock. A portable bath may be taken to the patient's house, if ordered by the attending physician, and administered under his direction. GREAT TRUSS MANUFACTORY. P. WHITWELL, Druggist, corner of Milk and Kilby Streets, has in his employment one of the first artists and HOOPER'S MEDICAL DICTIONARY. most ingenious mechanics in the United Dictionary; containing an ExplanaEXICON MEDICUM; or Medical States, for the purpose of manufacturing Trusses. At this great depository may be found every sort of Truss, manufactured either in Europe or America, made in the most elegant style, and warranted to accomplish every object which a good Truss can effect. To medical men it is needless to state the important advantages which arise from having the instrument well adapted to the part to be relieved. Here the patient, if unable to suit himself with those on hand, may tion of the Terms in Anatomy, Botany, Published weekly, by John Cotton, at 184, Washington St. corner of Franklin St., to whom all communications must be addressed, postpaid.-Price three dollars per annum, if paid in advance, but, if not paid within three months, three dollars and a half will be required, and this will, in no case, be deviated from.-Advertisements, $1 a square. EULOGY ON THE DEATH OF JOHN DOANE WELLS, M. D. LATE PROFESSOR IN THE BERKSHIRE MEDICAL INSTITUTION, DELIVERED BEFORE THE FACULTY AND MEDICAL CLASS, SEPTEMBER, 1830. BY HENRY H. CHILDS, M. D. PROFESSOR OF THE THEORY AND PRACTICE OF MEDICINE. [PUBLISHED BY REQUEST.] PITTSFIELD : PRINTED BY PHINEHAS ALLEN AND SON. |