OUR MONTHLY TALK.

I suppose I am expected to continue these "Talks;" but, really, there isn't the occasion for them that there used to be; so whenever you get tired of them, say so, and I will quit. When I began these talks, over ten years ago, we had hard times all over the country. I claimed that something must be wrong when hard times exist in a country so productiv as ours, a country with such boundless resources, and peopled with the most energetic, industrious and ingenious people in the world. I urged that doctors should take a special interest in the prosperity of the masses of the people, for their work is with all classes, and their living must always come from the masses of the people. I urged that it was highly proper and very important that doctors should take an interest in economic, sociologic and political subjects, and that a medical magazine was a highly proper medium thru which the medical profession should be reacht upon such subjects. This idea was then an innovation, and many subscribers "kickt." I knew I was right-I knew that a doctor should be a complete man, and that something more than his scientific interests should be represented in his professional literature; so I kept on, tho many subscriptions were stopt, and many a sassy" letter was received. I patiently took up each such letter, and returned argument and good feeling for the sass," and reason won in most cases. After several years the tide began to turn, and we won more new readers than we lost because of the "Talks"; and now our subscription list is many fold what it was before these Talks" were begun. In the meantime, other medical magazines have burst the old traditional bounds, and it is now no curiosity to see articles in other medical magazines dealing with matters of great interest to physicians, but not medical nor scientific.

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Much that I said in these "Talks" ten years ago was considered radical; now a much greater radicalism pervades the whole country. In fact, some classed me then as among the "dangerous classes" but now, while I have not changed, I find myself very conservativ. If I had said, ten years ago, that the great insurance companies, which were then prating very loudly about honest money,' ""national honor," etc., were themselves honeycombed with graft and fraud, I would have been considered crazy. The idea that the guardians of the widow's and orphan's dependence were anything but the soul of honor and integrity would have seemed absurd. Yet we all know the revelations that have been made recently. Startling? Yes; so much so that nothing, hardly, would startle us now. After those who have been intrusted with the most sacred trusts have been found guilty of grafting-not satisfied with immense salaries, many of them double and more than double the salary of the President of the Republic-we may expect almost anything.

I was the first journalist to boldly throw the light into dark places and show up things as they are; not only in these "Talks," but in other departments of THE WORLD I have thrown the light upon fraud and chicanery in various forms until it has faded away like the poisonous mists before the rising sun. Now, literature of all kinds: books, magazines and newspapers have caught the spirit, and what a showing up there has been! Neither thief nor fraudulent pretender is now safe-but honest people are safer. Men of great wealth used to address colleges, Y. M. C. A's, etc., and advise tireless industry, getting up early in the morning, etc., to the young men, as tho that was the way they made their great wealth. They don't make such speeches any more. The halo surrounding men of great wealth is being pierced; and what do we find? Verily, we find that our gods have feet of clay! We find that other people made the wealth, and that the magnate just pulled it in, by means of some unfair, usually dishonest, and frequently illegal, advantage which he managed to get. With these things known, as they are getting to be known, it is with ill grace that these men can address Sunday-schools. As revelations unfold from day to day, it is becoming difficult

This

to reconcile great wealth with respectability. thing of being apparently a Christian and a gentleman on Sunday and a pirate the rest of the week will not always be tolerated. Those who have read Lawson's "frenzied finance" articles in Everybody's Magazine during the past year and more will understand what I mean Also those who have read the Standard Oil and Rockefeller articles in McClure's Magazine will understand what I mean. And those who have been reading anything at all cannot have escaped the marvelous revelations that have been going on.

Literature, particularly magazine literature, is doing more now to serve the public good than ever before. We used to think that those who were rich were correspondingly powerful, and we were afraid to utter a word of criticism. But when we journalists realized that all wealth comes from the people, and we reach the people, we realized that we were reaching the source of all great fortunes. To make it specific in one instance in my own case, when I realized that the source of Dr. Lawrence's great wealth was the profession, I knew that I could safely show physicians how Dr. Lawrence had been "faking" the profession thru the Medical Brief all these years; and it caused a reform of Dr. Lawrence's management of the Brief. "Old Doc," with his boosting of Dr. Lawrence's proprietaries, subsided; and other objectionable features of the Brief were removed. The profession's eyes have been opened. I haven't access to the general public, but the medical profession is a large public, and it is an important part of the general public. As further examples of periodic literature serving the interests of the public, witness the exposures of the proprietary nostrum business by the Ladies' Home Journal and Collier's Weekly. Preachers and W. C. T. U. women can no longer innocently get on peruna drunks. The article in Collier's for Dec. 2, entitled "The Subtil Poisons" is a notable piece of literature. Acetanilid mixtures head the list of these poisons, the leading ones being "orangeine," antikamina and Bromo-Seltzer. Ignorance is no excuse now-a-days. The factsthe secrets-are being found out and being given boldly to the public.

In politics the old conservatism is giving way to what, ten years ago, would have been considered the rankest radicalism. Imagin how the proposition to give the railroad rate-making power to the Interstate Commerce Commission would have imprest the conservativ elements ten years ago-I mean the corporation magnates, presidents of insurance companies, bankers, etc. Just a few weeks ago, as I was leaving the private office of a prominent banker, a distinguisht looking gentleman came in and I couldn't help hearing the first few words of the interview. They were these: "Roosevelt's idea of taking the rate-making power from the railroads won't do." But now the railroad interests have given up in advance, and rate legislation to suit the President is a foregone conclusion. The people are beginning to demand their own; and with a champion like President Roosevelt to press the people's claims, they are likely to get more of "their own" than they ever got before.

To revert again to the magazines: They are voicing the thoughts and feelings of the people more than ever before in the history of literature; they are divining the needs and wishes of the people better than they ever did. In war times they and the newspapers have always fanned the flame of patriotism; but in times of peace the people have seldom had a champion till now. Napoleons of finance" and "captains of industry" have heretofore received adulations unstinted, and have been given all the credit of advancing civilization, and nearly all the profits; but now the people are beginning to sit up and take notice"; and when they do that, you can be sure that "something will be doing" before very long. For example, something was doing" in the last election. Perhaps the most notable single thing was the election of Jerome as prosecuting attorney for the City of New York, with all the parties against him. This was distinctly a people's victory. But to revert to the magazines: Everybody's for January came to-day, and I notice a scroll on the outside cover bearing three paragraphs, each beginning with "Resolved." I notice

that the first one is headed "My Country." Why should not our country-the good of, and service to our country-come first, in peace as well as in war? The next is "My Neighbors"; and last (properly) comes Myself." As I read them I saw that they were intended as New Year's resolutions. They are different from the usual New Year's resolutions, which concern the quitting of smoking, or some other personal habit. In these resolutions there is not only a regeneration of the individual, but a consecration of the individual to the public good. This is as it should be, for no nation can be great without such consecration. Those who pile up private wealth mountain high for selfish gratification, make a great display, keep extensiv establishments in city, mountain and at the seashore, sail private yachts, live abroad much of the time, and neglect voting and every other civic duty, don't do the country any good. For a people to be great, it must be great collectivly as well as individually. These New Year's resolutions sound this note-that of public as well as private duty. I have not opened the magazine yet, but as I read the Resolutions I resolved to give them to you, so I had a clerk to copy them carefully, for the printer, and-here they

.are:

MY COUNTRY.

Resolved, to become a Soldier in the Army of the Common Good; never to suffer graft in silence, nor endure the acquaintance of grafters; to enforce the Square Deal, and in all my relations with politics and government to remember that I am first of all an American Citizen.

MY NEIGHBORS.

Resolved, to lend my Neighbor in need a helping hand; to be kind; to judge tolerantly; to be patient with affliction or misunderstanding; to extend to others the degree of courtesy and consideration I require them to accord me.

MYSELF.

Resolved, to play fair; to speak true; to hold sacred my pledge, my friendships, and my obligations; not to ask another to do aught I dare not or would not do myself-above all, ever to keep well in mind that wealth is no corollary of worth and success no evidence of character.

Witness my hand and seal (Signed)

How do you like them? Can you sign them? Can you write a better set of resolutions? If so, let us have them.

Ignorance and Oppression Do Not Pay. Ignorance doesn't pay. Oppression doesn't pay. We have all been_horrified by the news from Russia for weeks past. The latest bulletin from St. Petersburg today (December 20) is that "civil war is raging in the adjoining provinces. It is estimated that 1,300 palatial residences have been burned, at a loss of $100,000,000." This reminds us of the awful destruction of life and property during the French revolution. The French revolution had a basis of ignorance and oppression, as has the Russian revolution of today. The ignorant peasantry, enraged by oppression, pillage and burn the mansions of the hated oppressors. Compare this with the recent peaceful revolution in Scandinavia. Norway withdrew from Sweden, and elected a new King, starting a new dynasty, without confusion, or loss, of life or property. How was this possible? Because ignorance and oppression do not exist in Scandinavia, and because the Referendum was used to get the enlightened sentiment of the people of Norway. In this respect they are farther ahead than

we.

We can't have a referendum vote on any question. Our statesmen never think of referring questions to a direct vote of our people. Why? One reason is, that our people don't demand it-they don't seem to know their rights-and they don't know their power-like a horse in harness, responding to every

indication of the driver. Look at the picture of Russia and Norway: Russia burning and bleeding; Norway peaceful, prosperous and happy. Russia in the throes of a bloody revolution, which will continue nobody knows how long, and nobody knows what the result will be; Norway got thru with her revolution in a few months, peacefully and intelligently, and now the new regime is going along smoothly and satisfactorily. Norway used the Referendum.

Ignorance and oppression=Burning and bleeding Russia. Education, freedom and the Referendum=Peaceful and happy Norway.

Throws Partyism to the Winds.

Dr. J. A. Park, of Westminster, O., writes: "I believe you are doing a great work toward getting people to think. You have repeatedly pointed out certain wrongs and referred your readers to both old parties for proof. I was the most radical republican till this fall, when I voted for candidates on three tickets. I henceforth throw partyism to the four winds, and will be an American citizen and vote for what I think is the best for the common people and the country at large. Inclosed find 25c. for which send me your book on Direct Legislation."

Every One Can Be a Patriot.

MR. C. F. TAYLOR-My Dear Sir: I inclose fifty cents postage for two copies of "Politics in New Zealand." Kindly mail one copy to Sam. W. Funk, Pipestone, Minn., and one copy to Hubert Piesinger, LeSueur Center, Minn., and I will write them to accept with my compliments, and to read and get friends to order from you direct.

The work is a good one, and if every voter in our country could have a copy and would read and digest it, there would be no danger in the future of scandals in great corporations or Government departments.

I have spread this book as best I could. Being a traveling man, I have some opportunity to help the good work along; lately, however, I did not have my own copy, and had a friend, Mr. Wentworth, order for friends. I left mine with a high school debating team in my travels, and it has not yet been returned. Unless I get it soon I shall order another copy for myself to show my friends; or, if I feel able, will order the large book you advertise.

Some I pay for myself; others are perfectly willing to pay. I first ordered the book on the advice of Mr. Bryan, in the Commoner. Since then many of my friends have done likewise.

Spring Valley, Minn.

C. F. ROнde.

[This man is as good a patriot as George Washington was, to the extent of his opportunities and abilities. Any country that has such citizens is safeprovided it has enuf of them. Don't you think our country ought to have more like this? Can't you be one? It don't require much time or money; but it does require a real interest in the welfare of the country, and a real desire to promote it. Have you these qualifications of a patriot?-C. F. T.]

cations; and no physician, however gifted, is competent to engage these exacerbations unless he has kept constant and conscientious supervision of the case from its incipiency.

Two routine treatments have been presented, both claiming brilliant results, yet neither has been accepted with any unanimity by the profession at large. The first, the salicylate treatment, originated in Europe; the second, the chloral treatment, had birth in America. In the first, 2 grains of salicylate of sodium are given in suitable menstruum every two hours thru the day and every three hours during the night; this is kept up from the incipiency of the disease until several days have elapsed after defervescence. In the second, 2 grains of chloral, in a suitable vehicle, are given every two to four hours. The European plan would not appear dangerous, but Hare believes that the chloral treatment is not best for most cases "unless the nervous symptoms are very markt."

One feature of treatment, to which no objection can be urged, and to which every practician should devote his attention, is to provide a plentiful supply of pure water thruout the case. This water, for manifest reasons, should contain as little solid matter as possible. In fact, distilled water is the best, since the main object to be secured is the thoro flushing of the kidneys with as little demand as possible upon their vitality. Hare suggests the use of Poland water, or if it can not be obtained, the employment of Vichy; or, in want of both, the use of the granulated Vichy salt obtainable from all large distributing drug houses. If the latter be used, it is added to distilled water as needed, just before drinking. But pure water is better than Vichy or any water carrying salts or other solids in any form.

Beyond this, the practician can only maintain ceaseless vigilance. Any organ in the body may suddenly present a serious complication. The kidney, brain, ear, heart, lung, and eye are the ones which cause the greatest concern; yet hyperpyrexia and angina must frequently be reckoned with. High fever is met best in just the same manner as that universally employed in other diseases, yet the popular prejudice against "driving the rash in" deters many from this method. Acetanilid and antipyrin may be used, but collapse is likely to occur if the high temperature require large dosage. The temperature, in itself, is to be

considered a source of danger if it remains above 102 degrees F. The severe sore throat may be relieved by the application of the ice bag externally, and swabbing or spraying internally with chlorate of potash; but this drug should not be given in medicins which are swallowed, on account of its irritating action on the kidneys. It is of great importance that a "good" rash appear; sudden disappearance of the rash, or an imperfect development of the rash, early in the course of the disease, is always a symptom of grave import. The best method of treating this complication is to place the child in a hot pack, with cold water applied to the head and neck (if the head is very hot), while the body is wrapt in the steaming blankets. In a short time this treatment generally results in a perfect development of the rash, with a drop in the fever, and frequently a disappearance of the delirium. Nothnagel uses a bath at 68 degrees F., whenever the rectal temperature reaches 104 degrees F.

Some clinicians regard the itching and burning of the skin as an important factor in inducing heightened fever thru the nervous irritation, and claim to have induced a fall in the temperature and an improvement in the general condition by anointing the entire body at regular intervals with vaselin, carbolized oil, benzoinated lard, or plain fresh lard.

It is highly important that convalescence should be prolonged. A confinement in bed for four weeks is insisted upon by some of our best clinicians, and their results as regards appearance of nephritis are a complete justification of their plan.

It is not our intention to attempt a résumé of the disease in all its protean manifestations, nor yet to outline the treatment of all the various complications, for these can be found in any modern text-book. What we wish to emphasize is that sleepless vigilance is necessary in every case; that the man who "believes in doing nothing" should never attempt the conduct of a case of scarlet fever; that the proper kind of drinking water is one of the most important factors in handling every case; that cool sponging, at about 68 degrees F., is the very best method of combating high fever; and that while there is no danger of "driving the rash in" by such bathing, there is great danger whenever the rash fades in the early days of the disease; and that finally, many a case succumbs from late nephritis that

probably would have escaped it if the convalescence had been properly managed. And don't forget the anointing. It is a little thing, it can do no harm, and in many cases it apparently does much good; and it prevents the flying of flakes in desquamation. Lard is as good as anything.

Hygienic Management.

Altho the recorded periods of incubation range from less than one day to over 20 days, and the absolute advantages of isolation when undoubted contact has probably taken place between the infected and the non-infected children are considered, such action is the closest approximation we can make to safety. The ill child is to be removed to a separate room as soon as the diagnosis is made, and if this room is on another floor above those occupied by the family, all the better. Once the isolation is made, to be of any value it must be kept. inviolate by nurse, doctor, and every member of the family. Not one particle of anything animate or inanimate should be permitted to pass outwards from the portal of that room without thoro disinfection. The mother, if one there be, is the most difficult party to reckon or reason with; and her position is hard. If she be a true woman, she will not remain away from the sick child, especially if danger threaten imminently. Perhaps she has an infant; or perhaps she feels that she can not abandon other young children absolutely for the required time. In most instances, she will insist upon dividing her attention between the child suffering with scarlet fever and the rest of the family. If this is permitted, there is no use in restricting unlimited intercourse between all members of the family and with any part of the house. To be sure, a complete bath in bichlorid solution, including the hair, and a complete change of all clothing, would be considered safe; yet this is not practicable when it would require performance several times a day. Among the intelligent and well-to-do, such precautions, under the care of a trained nurse, could be imagined as being accomplisht; but among the poor and ignorant, such a condition could never be attained nor maintained. Among the poor, the family must be practically abandoned to their fate, and the welfare of the public protected by an absolute house quarantine.

Where the selected room permits of any adjustment, arrangements for perfect ventilation are to be made; in fact, a continu

ous current of air thru the room, the bed being protected by screens from draughts, is the best plan. The temperature of the room should be kept at 60 degrees F.; no warmer. The bedclothing should be light. The mouth, nose, and throat should be frequently sprayed with an antiseptic solution. If a membrane appear in the throat, consider it diphtheritic until the presence of the Klebs-Loeffler bacillus has been excluded by three bacteriological examinations made on separate days. Peroxid of hydrogen swabbing every hour is the best treatment.

The food should be fluid or semi-fluid; the various cereals, well cookt, are perhaps the best form of nourishment. It is to be remembered that a great drain will be made on the vitality of the patient, and we can not know how long this is to continue, hence we must make an effort to replace a certain proportion of the great amount of albumin lost by the tissues. An excess of food is, of course, to be guarded against. A daily bath at 68 degrees F. is beneficial; it keeps the skin in good condition. If anointing is employed, the addition of soap to the bath is essential. No more than five minutes should be consumed in the bath, and every effort to prevent exertion on the part of the patient is to be made.

If subnormal temperature and markt stupor develop, the head and the neck are to be doucht with cold water while the patient is in a warm bath; this may be repeated in two hours, if necessary. If convulsions are present, the warm bath may be prolonged to fifteen minutes, and the cold douche given at the expiration of that period.

Sometimes in hyperpyrexia the skin is cold; and such a condition denotes considerable weakness. Hypodermic injections of ether, every half hour, followed by hypodermic injections of camphorated oil, every ten hours, are the best measures to combat this condition. The hot bath, at 104 degrees F., is employed by some practicians for a period of ten minutes under such conditions. If high fever is present, both internally and peripherally, prompt cool sponging is imperativ. Leichtenstern, who has had extended experience in the treatment of scarlet fever, and who is enthusiastic in the use of the cold water, says: "My statistics justify me in the conclusion that the cold water treatment of scarlet fever markedly diminishes the tendency to