the life and character of the author, we were pained to find so much to condemn and so much to deprecate in his career. From his own confessions he must have been a man of vanity, ambition, acerbity, vindictiveness and violence. These dominent feelings led him to assail the very best men of the profession of that day, because, it would appear, they would not, because they conscientiously could not favor his mad schemes of ambition and self-aggrandisement. The next step was disorganization, and this feature which makes itself manifest upon a perusal of the work, was an unfortunate one in his character.

Many years ago, after perusing his notes upon Cullen's work, we formed this opinion of the man. He attacked the work with such a ferocity, and so severely exposed its fallacies, that we thought he would consider it an easy task to furnish some better system instead. But although he proved competent to the work of destruction, he did not essay even to rebuild. To wipe out Cullen was to leave the ground unoccupied; to annihilate his opinions and doctrines, was but to leave a blank.

But if he was ambitious, and if indeed it proved a ruling passion with him, he was a man of talent and acquirement. Unlike many others, then and now, who were and are drunk with an ambition so powerful as to still all conscientous scruples of honor or principle, and are at the same time skimming along on a smooth surface but without a single substantial claim to talent; he was, however, a learned and accomplished physician. He had claims to prominence, because of his ability as a teacher and writer; but his vaulting ambition for still higher positions and power, overwhelmed him in difficulties and thwarted his designs. His was no modest merit, but so anxious was he for distinction, that he was not satisfied with a silent acknowledgement, but required an open public avowal of it. But amid all, he was a high-toned gentleman, whose aspirations were too lofty for the perpetration of a low, dishonest, or dishonorable act, however much it might result to his own benefit. Ilis aim was high and his spirit lofty, if indeed he manifested too much of anxiety to attain to the mark and secure the prize.

The work should be read by every medical man, so that his virtucs should be remembered to be imitated, and his follies avoided

and forgotten. It is published by Lippincott, Gambo & Co., Philadelphia, and is neatly executed.

WE have been furnished, by the author, with a table of Urinary Deposits, with tests Microscopical and Chemical. This is a very useful table, and is the result of much labor and close observation. It will be useful for reference, and particularly valuable to the student. Dr. King, of Cincinnati is the author and deserves much credit for this valuable contribution to medical science.

CASES OF POLYPUS OF THE WOMB. By WALTER CHANNING, M. D., Boston. This is an interesting little pamphlet in which are found thirteen cases, with details of treatment. He maintains that "polypus is not a milignant disease," and not necessarily fatal. He maintains that the division of polypus into concealed and extra uterine is very important, as it would necessarily modify the practice. Dr. C. is a fine writer, is peculiarly racy and highly descriptive in his style. This pamphlet should be in the hands of every medical man who aims to keep himself posted on this department, and there is no one in general practice who should not.

Rand's Medical Chemistry.

This little volume, of 250 pages, has been received, and upon examination we find it to be what its author, B. H. Rand, A. M., M. D., Philadelphia, claims for it-an "outline of Medical Chemistry, which outline is to be filled up by aid of text-books or of lectures."

He first treats of the principles of chemistry: proceeds then to to the discussion of Inorganic Chemistry; following this is a chapter on Organic Chemistry, which is valuable to the student in his physiological enquiries and of general reference. Then follows an appendix, embracing a toxicological table, a list of the more common incompatibles, and concludes with a glossary, containing terms and synonyms, making plain what are often to students very difficult to comprehend.

Beginners would find this multum in parvo offering a highly useful and valuable auxillary in the progress of their studies, and we take this occasion to recommend it to their considerate attention.

It is very neatly exccuted, and published by Lindsay & Blackiston, Philadelphia.

American Medical Association.

This Association commenced its eighth Annual Session on the first day of this month at Philadelphia, in the spacious Musical Fund Hall of that City. We have received a sketch of the first day's proceedings, for which we are indebted to the Delegate from the College, Prof J. E. Sanborn.

The Association was called to order by the President, Chas. A. Pope, M. D., of St. Louis, Mo.; Dr. West, of Philadelphia, and Dr. LeMoine, of St Louis, Secretaries.

Dr. Hays, on behalf of the profession of Philadelphia, welcomed the members of the Association to that city in a very cordial

manner.

The roll was then called, and, from the length of the list, the Convention was a very full one.

The President, by invitation, addressed the Association. We rcfrain from any remarks upon the merits of this address, as we shall publish it entire in a future number.

Dr. Hays invited the members to the Pennsylvania Hospital, omnibuses being then in readiness.

A nominating Committee, consisting of one from each State, was then chosen.

VISITATIONS.

They visited Independence Hall, where they were received by Hon. R. T. Conrad, at 4, p. m., of the Fairmount and Girard College. Invitations were given to visit other public Institutions.

A resolution, to go into the election of officers, was laid upon the table.

Invitations were tendered to meet next year at Chicago, Detroit and Nashville.

The Prize Essay was awarded to Dr. J. Trask, N. Y. Subject, "Statistics Placenta Previa."

Committee on Epidemics of Missouri, Iowa and Wisconsin, reported. Ordered to be printed.

A report on the "Hydrometrical state of the atmosphere in varıous localities and its influence on health," was made by Dr. Hunt. Adjourned to meet to-morrow.

The evening was spent at the houses of Drs. IIodge, Norris and Bacho, where repasts were prepared.

The Iowa Mecical and Chirugical Society

Will hold its next Annual Meeting at Keokuk, on Wednesday, the 14th of June, 1855, commencing at 10 o'clock, A. M.

J. HOWES, R. S. Sec'y.

Medical men, who have interesting cases in Surgery, will pleasc report them to the undersigned, Chairman of the Committee on Surgery.

Please address

April 27th 1855.

J. C. HUGHES, M. D.,
Chairman Com. on Surgery,
Keokuk, Iowa.

We hope to see a large assemblage of medical men of the State at our State Medical Convention, to be holden in this place in June next. We are glad to perceive that in other States, there is a growing interest in these State organizations, and we are the more and better pleased that the transactions are so fruitful in their results to the cause of medical science. When we receive these printed reports of their doings, we infer that the profession of those States is in the line of progress, and that the members are determined not to be behind the age of science. It is a true test of an emulous spirit, and an evidence of their prominence when these reports come laden with an assemblage of facts. Those States without an organization of the kind are looked upon as under some dark cloud which obscures them from the sun light of science, for we hear nought of them, and per-consequence conclude they are dragging behind and far in the rear. Such is the natural and inevitable conclusion.

Since the organization of our State Society, several reports have been made of our doings, which have been extensively noticed in the journals, and in a manner highly flattering to the profession of this young State. Recently the "American Journal of Medical Science," of Philadelphia, noticed them at length, preceded by some pertinent remarks upon the advantages of such organizations.

We say to our friends come up to the next meeting laden with the fruits of your labors of the past year and contribute to the richness of the repast which we hope is in store for us all. Come one and all and renew to our medical friends abroad the assurances of our continued efforts in the great work of improvement, and that

here west of the Mississippi, medical science is being cultivated with an ardor and devotion which wili entitle us to a prominence and conspicuity in proportion to the number and value of our contributions to its advancement.

Let us then come together animated by considerations of respect for our exalted calling, compare opinions and give to each other the results of our experience. It is said there is strength in union, but how can we be united unless we meet one another and by that means arrive at a knowledge of each other. There is zeal among the members of the profession of our State, talent too of a high order, and acquirements extensive and liberal. Come then and swell the society in numbers, and give it character by substantial contributions to its transactions.

Dr, Kirtly Ryland.

This gentleman has permanently located in Moline, Rock Island County, Illinois, where we hope his talents and fine acquirements will be properly appreciated by the citizens of that thriving town and of the surrounding country.

Dr. R. is a young man of as much scientific promise as any young gentleman with whom we have the pleasure of an acquaintance. During his stay with us he exhibited talents of a superior order, and acquirements thorough and extensive. He instructed the class of the College in practical Anatomy during last winter, besides delivering a series of lectures on Medical Jurisprudence to the satisfaction of the Faculty, at whose request the task was undertaken, and also to the edification and gratification of the class. He is a fine writer, several of his communications having appeared in this Journal, and copied extensively in our eastern and southern medical periodicals.

We ask of the profession in that region, that attention, respect and confidence in his favor, which a learned and accomplished young physician merits and should receive, when he launches his bark in strange and unknown waters. He has our best wishes for his snccess.