month. Much may be done in a month," thought | cumspect, would be engaged to be married to-day Mr. Morgan, as he crossed the road to Dr. Mer- to a man she had not then seen, she would have ton's house.

believed it impossible. It's your quiet, wise people, who always do these extraordinary things in love."

The dinner on Monday at the Mertons was very successful. Tom Wilson, having called there in the morning, took Mr. Morgan off with him to pay a round of visits together; by this means they knew each other pretty well before dinner time. "The new vicar is a first-rate man, Lizzy," said Tom when he came home to dress," and he has no very great feeling of aversion to Mrs. Mer-loves Morgan," he said gravely. ton, I fancy."

Lizzy felt uncomfortable, and could not persuade herself it was all for Mrs. Merton's sake.

"I can tell, though," said Lilla in a whisper to her husband, "Mr. Morgan has won-Lizzy. Well! for prudent, sedate people, I call that quick work. If anybody had told Lizzy this day week, that she, who thinks herself so very wise and cir-iday.

From Chambers' Journal.
POPULAR MEDICAL ERRORS.*

I

WHEN I commenced practice as a surgeon, found that popular notions on medical subjects exercised a considerable influence on the minds of many well-educated people, and to some extent interfered with their ready concurrence in the views of their medical advisers. In some cases I took pains to explain what are considered the more correct and scientific views; but I was not always successful in combating notions which seemed to have the authority of ages, and the suffrages of all mankind in their favor. Thus I had frequently the mortification of finding my explanations received with incredulity and distrust, and at times even with an open denial, when an experienced nurse or aged matron conceived her wisdom to be called in question. At length the idea suggested itself of noting down the common ideas entertained on many of the subjects in question, with a view to inquiring how far they may be deserving of credit. It could not well escape me that many doctrines, which had long been regarded as vulgar errors, have again been received into favor, or have been found to contain the germs of valuable dis

coveries.

There could not be well a more striking instance of this than the introduction of the vaccine inoculation. Dr. Baron states that whilst Jenner was a young man, engaged in pursuing his professional education at the house of his master at Sod

of the undertaking in a style which is both quaint
and amusing. "We hope," says he, "it will
not be unconsidered that we find no open track or
constant manuduction in this labyrinth; but are
ofttimes fain to wander in the America and untrav-
And therefore we are often-
elled parts of truth.
times constrained to stand alone against the strength
of opinion, and to meet the Goliah and giant of
authority with contemptible pebbles and feeble ar-
guments, drawn from the scrip and slender stock
of ourselves." Some of the errors which this

grave writer set himself about exploding with so
much appearance of erudition, would only make
us smile in these days of science and learning.
Thus be controverts the absurd idea that a bear
licks her cubs into shape, and endeavors to show
"that a man becomes
how it is to be explained
hoarse or dumb if a wolf have the advantage first
to eye him."

It seems, however, that Sir Thomas Browne was himself by no means superior to the prejudices of his own day. "It is singular," says one of his biographers, "that notwithstanding his zeal to detect all errors, he seems not very easy to admit new positions; for he never mentions the motion of the earth but with contempt and ridicule, though the opinion which admits it was then growing popular, and was surely plausible, even before it was confirmed as an established truth by later observations."'*

Many of the expressions commonly made use of bury, a young countrywoman applied for advice. in speaking on medical subjects might be changed The subject of the small-pox was casually menwith advantage to suit more rational views. Some tioned in her presence, when she immediately of them, it is true, are only used metaphorically, remarked, "I cannot take that disease, for I have and it would not therefore be fair to censure them had the cow-pox." Now it was a popular notion too rigidly. We hear of the seeds of a disease in the district that those who had been the subjects of the cow-pox were not liable to the small-pox. The idea, ridiculous as it might seem to superficial thinkers, engaged the attention of Jenner, and he set himself about inquiring into the truth of the matter, and by his persevering and patient inquiries, accomplished the greatest discovery which has perhaps ever benefited mankind.

lurking in the system-of a complaint flying about, and finally settling upon a particular organ; and these phrases, though for the most part used vaguely, have to a certain extent a bias over the thoughts. There can be but little doubt that very many of the vulgar opinions were in reality at one period the established doctrines of the day; for in this, as in many other cases, it has happened that In one of Jenner's note-books of 1799, he says, the doctrines they promulgated by the time the the better-informed part of mankind have forsaken "I know no direct allusion to this disease in any ancient writer, yet the following seems not very people became familiar with them. It is the distantly to bear on it. When the Duchess of same with the fashions of our dress, and the proCleveland was taunted by her companions, Moll nunciation and choice of our words, the generality Davis (Lady Mary Davis) and others, that she of mankind being of necessity more slow both to might soon have to deplore the loss of that beauty adopt and reject particular usages and customs. which was then her boast, (the small-pox at that. To a certain extent, therefore, they furnish a sort time raging in London,) she made a reply to this of salutary drag on the more volatile part of effect, "That she had no fear about the matter; society. Some of the old notions which have for she had had a disorder which would prevent already become sufficiently exploded are still emher from ever catching the small-pox."+ balmed, as it were, in our language and common In 1646, Sir Thomas Browne, the author of the forms of expression. We speak of a Religio Medici," wrote his work called "In-heart" and a "true-hearted friend," as though quiries into Vulgar and Common Errors." In organ were the seat of the mind. the preface, the author speaks of the difficulties read in Scripture of "bowels of compassion;" and the words "melancholy choler," and the

66

* Communicated by Mr. James Bower Harrison, surgeon, of Broughton, near Manchester.

+ See Baron's Life of Jenner, vol. i., p. 122.

Op. cit. p. 263.

this

"tender

Then we

* Lives of British Physicians, Family Library, p. 72. They are the fossil words and phrases which show us the vestiges of decayed opinions.

1

"spleen," when used for ill-temper, are further | cantly to the full of the moon-"Poor Mr. So examples of words taking their origin in the theo-and-so," they will say, "is a little off the cock ries of a former day

just now-a little wrong in the upper story; but Much ingenuity and learning might be displayed then it is the full of the moon next Thursday.” in searching out and collecting into a focus the There does not appear to be any real ground for peculiar notions of former times; but this would the belief that the moon exercises this baneful be a work of considerable extent, and more cu-influence on the human mind, although it is acrious and entertaining than useful. For my part knowledged that insane people are usually someI wish to comment upon the opinions which now actually influence the minds of the public, or give a coloring to their views of disease. Simple as many of them may seem, they are the secret springs which determine the views of people, often in opposition to the dictates of their professional advisers. On this account, therefore, they must be treated with respect a respect which they deserve from their influence, if not from their justness.

what more than ordinarily restless at the full of the moon. The celebrated French writer, Esquirol, attributes this to the effect of the increased light, and states that the break of day occasions a similar agitation. "Light,” he asserts, frightens some lunatics, pleases others, but agitates all."*

66

OF SEASONS.

There is a very common, and very old notion, that what are called cooling medicines should be I have purposely, then, brought forward the taken at particular periods of the year, especially opinions which I have found to be the most preva- in the spring. Every practitioner will occasionlent and the most influential, without any reference ally be consulted on this subject, and very often a to their plausibility or ingenuity, and in preference great disposition is shown by medical men to fall to the discussion of others which might have ad-in with popular views. Many a poor child has mitted of more scope for entertainment or for professional research. On this account I must be excused for speaking of many things which are simple, and perhaps ludicrous and common-place, and also for passing by many subjects which are rich in matter for curiosity and entertainment, as well as the display of such literary industry as might be devoted to them.

I shall now proceed to the consideration of the several common errors which have presented themselves to my mind, making on each a few very brief remarks, but such as I imagine may be sufficient, without being tedious.

I am quite aware that there are very many (not to speak of professional readers) to whom all these explanations may be altogether unnecessary, but I am sure I shall have their indulgence if the comments which I make are only acceptable to others. To all, notions which are common must, as such, be of some interest, whatever may be their absurdity, and the remarks made on them may at least serve to connect them together. In the course of this paper, then, I shall have to introduce many commonplaces; but this, it must be remembered, is inseparable from the subject. I may also state that I have purposely chosen to treat the subject in a plain, and somewhat colloquial style; for it seems to me that common ideas are best explained in a familiar manner, and that popular notions are best embodied in the language in which they are usually delivered.

LUNATICS.

There is a common notion that lunatics are in

fluenced by the moon. The term lunatic was no
doubt given to insane people from the supposed
influence of the moon in producing madness. This
opinion is in some degree preserved by the con-
tinued employment of the term lunatic, as well as
by that fondness for the marvellous which is so
common to mankind. Even at the present day,
people will shake their heads and allude signifi-

been condemned to a pot of brimstone and treacle
merely because it was spring-time. I imagine
parents are not always ready to carry out these
views in their own cases. Hippocrates advocates
such a system in his 47th aphorism, section vi.
"If bleeding or purging be requisite," says he,
"" spring is the most convenient time for either."
He repeats the same view in other places. There
was a great deal of importance attached to seasons
in the treatment of diseases by the old medical au-
thorities; but we find very little on this subject
in our best modern works. For my part I don't
see why we should take physic unless we are ill.
The public have very curious, and, I should think,
very ill-defined ideas of cooling physic, and of
medicines for purifying the blood. That the an-
cients set considerable importance on seasons, will
appear from the most casual inspection of their
works. Thus Ætius, in his directions for the cure
of the gout, laid down a distinct regimen for each
month. "In September, the diet should be wholly
milk; in October, garlic must be eaten; in No-
vember, bathing is prohibited; in December, cab-
bage; in January, the patient should take a glass
of pure wine every morning; in February, he
must not eat beet; in March, he must mix sweets
both with his eatables and drinkables; in April,
he must refrain from horse-radish; and in May,
from the fish called polypus; in June, he must
take cold water in the morning; in July, absti-
nence must be practised; in August, he must not
eat mallows."t

HAIR.

That hair turns gray in a single night.

In a popular but able treatise on diseases of the skin (by Erasmus Wilson), this subject is alluded to in the following terms: Mach less can I give credit to the bleaching of the hair in a single night

*Beck's Medical Jurisprudence, p. 425.

+ Hamilton's History of Medicine, vol. i., p. 174. + Wilson on Healthy Skin, p. 94.

or a single week.

The first step in the change ical man of his own acquaintance that objects apmay have been made in a single night, and on that peared colored to him in his own experience of night week the whole of the hairs of the head may the complaint; also that Dr. Mason Good saw have become white at their roots; this is perfectly things yellow when he was jaundiced. Dr. Elliotpossible, and the only reasonable explanation of son also relates one or two cases. In 1826 he had the circumstance. Thus we learn that Marie- a case ia St. Thomas' Hospital, where there was Antoinette became gray in a short period, as did a slight opacity of the transparent part of one eye, the unfortunate Mary Queen of Scots." He al- through which ran two large vessels, and with this ludes to the passage in the "Prisoner of Chillon," eye the patient saw yellow; but with the other eye showing that the error has the weight of poetical he saw things of their natural color. In 1827 he authority in its favor:had a patient who saw things yellow with both eyes, but he had inflammation of the eyes. In 1831 he had another case. He further mentions that Dr. Pemberton saw this occurrence twice; but sufficient has been said, and the explanation seems to me satisfactory-namely, that in the cases where objects appear yellow, there must exist some inflammation of the cornea, or some opacity with enlarged vessels.

My hair is gray, though not with years,
Nor grew it white

In a single night,

As men's have grown from sudden fears.

OF CONSTITUTION.

After proceeding to relate several amusing cases of this reputed bleaching of the hair, he goes on to speak of another common error with respect to the hair: A prevalent belief, strengthened by the opinion of several modern French writers on this subject, is, that the hairs grow after death. Fortunately people are in general more disposed It is true that they lengthen, but their lengthening to consider their constitutional powers good than results from the contraction of the skin towards otherwise, and this in a degree that would indeed their roots, and not from the continuance of a vital be amusing, if it were not for the gravity of the process after the death of the individual. But the subject. A patient will say to you, "Really, docolder writers outstrip the moderns in invention; tor, I have never known what it is to have a mofor in the Philosophical Collections,' Wulferus ment's entire ease these many years: I must have gives the account of a woman buried at Nurem- had an excellent constitution originally; and, do burg, whose grave being opened forty-three years you know, it is my firm opinion that I'm sound after her death, there was hair found issuing forth yet. If I could only get rid of this cough, I should plentifully through the clefts of the coffin, insomuch be quite well." Speeches of this sort are made that there was some reason to imagine the coffin had some time been covered all over with hair. Mr. Arnold gives 'the relation of a man hanged for theft, who in a little time, while yet he hung upon the gallows, had his body strangely covered over with hairs.'"'

JAUNDICE.

There is a common saying (I will scarcely venture to call it an opinion) that jaundiced people see things yellow.

over and over again by people who have every possible appearance of having the worst constitutions imaginable, and in fact have had every possible evidence themselves of such imperfection of physical power. Some of the most confirmed forms of scrofula show themselves by a succession of slow, diseased actions-inflammation of the eyes, enlargements of the glands in the neck, abscesses, diseased hips, and perhaps finally consumptionand these are the people who must have had originally excellent constitutions! The more they have suffered, and do suffer, the more they praise their constitutions; they imagine that the diseases have come, one after the other, like the ghosts in Macbeth

Another-and yet a seventh: I'll see no more-and yet the eighth appears.

How common to hear of the jaundiced eye, as another word for prejudice! it being of course implied that the subject sees through a colored medium. It occasionally does happen that a person having the jaundice sees objects yellow, but this is rather the exception than the rule, and seems to be dependent on some enlarged and tortuous vessel crossing the transparent part of the eye when the It never enters their minds that a poor constitution vision has been previously impaired by some dis- is the cause of all these visitations, rather than Dr. Watson mentions this subject in his the bulwark against which they are impotently divaluable lectures on the Practice of Physic.frected. "You are aware," says he," of the vulgar notion

ease.

OF CONSUMPTION.

that to a jaundiced eye all things appear yellow. That consumption is catching is a popular opinIt is an old notion, for we find it expressed by Lu-ion, which, in this country at least, is not recogcretius-Lurida præterea fiunt quæcunque tuentur nized by the profession. I believe such an opinion, arquati.' Heberden was disposed to regard this however, to be generally entertained in some parts as a mere poetical fiction, but certainly it is some- of the continent, especially in Spain, Portugal, times, though very rarely indeed, a fact." He and Italy. They even burn the clothes of those goes on to say that he has been assured by a med- who have died of the disease, to prevent risk of contagion. It is true that a husband and wife will

*Op. cit., p. 100. +Watson's Lectures on the Principles and Practice every now and then die consecutively of this comof Medicine, vol. ii., p. 522. plaint; but this is not more than we should have

been led to expect à priori; for it not unfrequently | figurative term for a luxuriant or forward growth. must happen that consumptive families will inter- There is nothing really bad or malignant, as it is marry. I think, indeed, the frequency of these called, in the elevation, but it is rather indicative cases of apparent contagion is not greater than what of a complete and rapid repair. There are, it is might be supposed likely to occur from mere co- true, complaints which are attended with what are incidence in a disease which is so widely diffused. named malignant fungous growths; but they are It must be admitted, also, that the anxiety and happily very rare, and quite unconnected with the grief experienced by the survivor in case of the healing of common sores. I shall not dwell, howfirst death will do much to hasten the complaint; ever, upon the latter, as it would carry me on to and thus the appearance of contagion will be the description of a disease which is out of my heightened by the rapidity of the succession. Fur- present province, and would only be tedious or unther, there is an idea prevalent that a consumption intelligible to unprofessional persons. It is per

BROKE A BLOOD-VESSEL.

The phrase "broke a blood-vessel" is very comin the case of spitting of blood, that a large bloodmon; and I imagine that it is commonly supposed, vessel has given way in the lungs. Blood-vessels do sometimes become diseased, and give way; but in the great number of instances in which spitting of blood arises, the blood is exuded from the surtion after death of the greater part of the bodies of On inspecface, as it is in bleeding of the nose.

is cured by an asthma: I conceive this to be alto-haps, after all, almost a pity to disabuse the public gether erroneous. Asthmatic people are no doubt mind of the idea of proud flesh; for it is friendly often considered by the public as consumptive, and to the doctors, and may tend to induce the people it then becomes a matter of surprise that these to have their sores better looked after. people continue to live year after year. Sometimes these asthmatic people do die in the end consumptive. Supposing, indeed, that a few asthmatic people are found after death to have had tubercles in the lungs, it is scarcely logical to infer that the consumption would have been more rapidly developed if the asthma had not existed. Because those who have asthma in its most marked form do not necessarily become consumptive, is no proof that the asthma prevents consumption. I think the great bulk of consumptive people would be found free from gout; but are we therefore to try to in-those who have lost large quantities of blood by spitting, no trace has been discovered of any rupduce gout in order to prevent consumption? My tured vessel, so that the term is not to be considown idea of this opinion about asthma curing con- ered literal in its application to the ordinary cases sumption, is not only that it is an error, but that of spitting of blood. In apoplexy, however, it is it is one calculated to do much mischief. There found that a blood-vessel has actually given way in the brain, and the clot is discovered after death; so that if we spoke of this latter complaint as the breaking of a blood-vessel, we should be more likely to be correct.

is also a notion that an ague cures consumption.
This is equally ridiculous. There are, in fact,
many cases of consumption in the aguish districts.
The ague has indeed been often reputed as a cura-
tive agent.
An attack of the ague may probably
have put a stop to some nervous and other com-
plaints. Dr. Elliotson states, "that ague has been
thought so capital a thing, that some writers con-
tend it never should be cured;" and a proverb once
prevailed that-

An ague in spring
Is fit for a king.

He mentions that Dr. Gregory saw a case of palpitation cured by it, and that Dr. Fordyce had known many cases cured by it. However, I should myself be very sorry to try it; and I should be very sceptical of its doing real good in any

case.

PROUD FLESH.

CORNS.

That a corn has roots. The common idea, I take it to be, is, that a corn grows from its roots as a tree does, and therefore it is necessary to extirpate the roots before a cure can be accomplished. The advertisements of corn-cutters are often a good deal amusing. I saw one the other day in a Manchester paper, which took a different view from that commonly adopted. The advertiser began by stating that corns had no roots, but he went on (by inadvertence, I suppose) to add that there list of charges for removing them. were no such things as corns, and concluded by a When a part

is a good deal exposed to pressure, the cuticle bePatients will frequently come to us to know if fingers in those who play on the violin; comes hardened, just as it will at the ends of the besides there is any proud flesh in their wounds. The this, the papilla of the subjacent true skin become fear of proud flesh is very general, and brings enlarged, and give the appearance of roots when a many patients to the doctor whom he would other-section of a corn is made. This is all the myswise never see. When a wound is attended with loss of substance, it is gradually filled up by the growth of the surrounding parts-a process which is called granulation, from the grain-like surface it presents. The granulations sometimes rise above the level of the surface; and I suppose the term "proud flesh" was given to this appearance as a

*Elliotson's Lectures on the Practice of Physic, p. 274.

tery. So that, let us cut as deep as we will, if we continue to wear tight boots and shoes, the corns will speedily reappear. The kind of shoes which ladies are in the habit of wearing, which merely cover the toes, and therefore make all the pressure bear on that part, are exceedingly objectionable, especially where the shoes are pointed, and the leather strong.