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The heads under which Dr. Reid treats his subject are nu-merous, and comprise-Considerations respecting the habitationsof the rich and of the poor; respecting the state of the atmospherein public buildings, churches, and grave-yards; and respectingnoxious gases, vapours, and smoke-An Account of the nature

of ventilation, and of the means by which it is effected-Illus-

trations of ventilation-Remarks on gases-The composition ofthe atmospheric air-The nature of respiration-The amount ofair required for ventilation-The causes which modify the amountrequired for ventilation, such as temperature, moisture, &c.-Ahistory of vitiated air, and the impurities which it contains-Themeans of purifying vitiated air-Artificial atmospheres-On thecommunication of heat-The open fire-The stove-The steam

apparatus-The hot-water apparatus-The ventilation of oil-

lamps, candles, and gas-lamps-A history of the ventilation ofthe present houses of parliament-Remarks on the ventilation ofships generally, of the Niger steam-ships, of slave-ships-Lastly,Remarks on the ventilation of mines.

This brief enumeration will enable our readers to judge howcompletely Dr. Reid has treated the subject on which he writes.The work throughout is illustrated by a profusion of diagramsand woodcuts, which greatly assist the intelligence of the text,rendering the direction of the air currents, and the various pro-cesses resorted to, perfectly clear.As Dr. Reid generally remarks, " the history of ventilation

consisting essentially of an inquiry into the action of the air uponthe human frame, and into the means by which its due influencemay be effectually sustained," the science of ventilation may beconsidered a conquest of modern times. It was not until the

discoveries of Lavoisier and Scheele, demonstrating the consti-tution of atmospheric air, had led to a true knowledge of thenature of respiration and combustion, that the wants of the

human economy could be properly appreciated. Since those

days, our knowledge has ever been on the increase. Not onlyhave the ordinary elements of the atmosphere been accuratelyanalyzed, but the influence exercised on it by animal and vege-table life, by temperature, by moisture, by pressure, and variousother causes, has been attentively investigated. It is on the

information furnished by these various researches that the scienceof ventilation now stands.

According to ordinary calculations, it is considered that a

supply of two or three cubic feet a minute is required for thepurposes of respiration. Dr. Reid thinks that for a proper sup-

ply of pure air to be presented to the lungs, ten cubic inches arenecessary. Not more than half a cubic foot is absolutely inspiredduring the minute, but the carbonic acid which is evolved con-taminates, according to Dr. Reid, at least twenty times thatamount of air. Now when we consider that a room twelve feet

square and twelve feet high only contains 1728 cubic feet of air,it is evident that, were no ingress to fresh air allowed, one personwould vitiate the entire atmosphere contained in the room in lessthan three hours. If Dr. Reid be correct in his calculations asto the amount of air required for respiration,-and we should beinclined to think that he is, from the numerous and delicateexperiments which he has performed, and the very great troublethat he has taken to arrive at correct results,-it must be acknow-ledged, that even in the apartments of the wealthy there is yetmuch to reform in this respect. Indeed, at present, everywhere,ventilation is neglected, and the higher, as well as the lowerorders, seem more intent, especially in cold weather, on shuttingout the atmospheric air by every, possible contrivance, than inproviding themselves with a proper supply of it. There can beno doubt but that vitiated air is the most fertile cause of diseasein large towns, and in all localities and places where large massesof people are congregated. We need scarcely repeat here, that itisthe opinion of our first medical authorities that a vitiated atmo-sphere is a more powerful cause of pulmonary consumption andscrofula, than bad diet, or any other. Some even go so far as to

say that it is the only cause of pulmonary phthisis. The prin-cipal deleterious agent in the vitiated air of dwellings is carbonicacid; and when we recollect how rapid and fatal a poison it is,if pure or but slightly mixed with other gases, we cannot be sur-prised that an accumulation of this gas in the atmosphere whichwe daily breathe should be so injurious to health.We fully agree with Dr. Reid that there is only one means of

propagating such a knowledge of the laws of ventilation as will in-duce all classes of society generally to conform to them, and that is,to make an acquaintance with the fundamental principles of venti-lation a part of the education of youth. In the meantime, how-

ever, the members of the medical profession may do an immensedeal of good by making themselves thoroughly acquainted withthe subject of ventilation, and by drawing the attention of theirpatients to the paramount necessity of conforming themselves asmuch as possible to its laws. In all public buildings the legisla-ture ought to interfere. It is perfectly lamentable to see edificeafter edifice reared, without the slightest attention being paid toventilation. Can we, however, be surprised, when we find archi-tects themselves perfectly ignorant of the first principles of thescience? In a late work on architecture, of a thousand pages,quoted by Dr. Reid, the following is the only paragraph on ven-tilation:-" The continual supply of fresh air to an apartment isa subject which latterly has been considered so necessary-though much neglected, as the moderns seem to think, by theirancestors,-that a volume would not hold the schemes that havebeen provided for that purpose. Generally, it is enough for the ar-chitect to provide means for letting off the hot air of an apartmentor building by apertures at the upper part of the rooms &c., to

which the hot air will ascend, without afflicting with the cur-rents of fresh air that are to be introduced, those that inhabitthem."!!

The ample details given, with reference to the ventilation ofthe temporary houses of parliament, and of the vessels that

formed the ill-fated Niger expedition, are exceedingly curious.and interesting. The supply of fresh air to the House of Com-mons is now so abundant, that, in a crowded house, sixty cubicfeet a minute can be supplied for each member present. The airenters the house through the floor, by nearly a million of aper-tures, and its force is broken by a porous, elastic, haireloth carpet.Although, however, every precaution is taken to prevent the aircarrying dust along with it, that inconvenience has not, we know,been entirely prevented.

In conclusion, we most cordially recommend Dr. Reid’s bookto our readers. They will derive both knowledge and entertain-ment from it; and, moreover, will learn how to protect boththemselves and their patients from one of the most powerful andmost insidious causes of disease.

Observations on the Sanatory Arrangements of Factories, withRemarks on the Present Methods of Warming and Ventilation,and Proposals for their Improvement. By ROBERT R-ITCHIE,Esq., F.R.S.S.A. London: J. Weale, 1844. 8vo, pp. 40.

Tnis is an interesting little pamphlet on the same subject as theabove work, but relating more especially to the ventilation andwarming of factories. It contains much sound, practical informa-tion respecting the sanatory management of factories, and willrepay perusal.

THE GOVERNMENT MEDICAL BILL.

MEETINGS OF THE MEDICAL PROFESSION.

GENERAL MEDICAL PROTECTION ASSEMBLY.EXETER HALL, MONDAY, OCT. 7, 1844.

AT a meeting of the committee, this evening,-W. Nix, Esq. inthe chair, -the minutes of the previous meeting having beenconfirmed, a list of new subscribers was read by the secretary;also various letters from correspondents in the country, dwelling

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on the necessity for united exertion in the cause of medical re-form, and the readiness of the writers, and their professionalbrethren, to support the Assembly to the utmost, in a determinedopposition to the proposed obnoxious medical bill. The followingletter from Mr. Cocks, of Hatfield, containing many valuable hintsand observations upon this subject, it was unanimously resolvedthat the Editor of THE LANCET be requested to publish in anearly number of his journal:-

Hatfield-Broad-Oak, Essex.DEAR SiR,-In my short address to the meeting, last Monday,

I suggested that much good might result from a select committee,or deputation, waiting upon Sir James Graham, and temperately,respectfully, but forcibly, stating to him the numerous evils whichare now so frequently occurring from the practice of unqualifiedpersons, and to how much greater extent these evils will most

certainly be increased should the proposed government measurepass into a law, without sufficient protection against them. Thedeputation should consist of five of the most influential men inLondon and the provinces, or in London only; Mr. Wakley andDr. Grant ought to be of the number. The deputations to thecolleges, I hope, will be productive of benefit, as their councilscannot openly commit so suicidal an act as to support such a bill;for what man would be found to attend lectures, and take theirdiplomas, whilst they support a measure which would counte-nance the vilest quack practising next door to him? Having bythese means ensured the certainty of the present bill being with-drawn, it will be requisite to think of what ought to be substi-tuted. Sir James may ask-What will you recommend in itsstead ? What measures will be satisfactory to the profession ?And this you must be ready to answer at the same time. Now, inconsidering this, the committee should select one paramountgrievance, such as will ensure unanimous support from the wholeprofession. Medical men may be divided into three sections.The first, and the most numerous, are those who would insist onall the evils of which we have to complain being at once remediedand removed; the second, those who are content with things asthey are at present, and would not only accept Sir James Gra-ham’s bill, but would thank him for it, for fear he should not grantany other; the third are those who would pass over all minorabuses and evils, and aim only at destroying the one great and Iuniversally-acknowledged grievance-quackery. It is absolutely

I

essential to success to select one point respecting which there is,there can be, but one opinion among the members of our profes-sion, as well as among the most sensible part of the community. It is,therefore, protection against quackery, in all its ramifications, butespecially the practising and advertising quack, the prescribing,unqualified druggist, and the sale of quack medicines. It is pro-tection against these, and it is efficient protection alone, that theprofession will be satisfied with, and, I trust, will finally obtain.Let us therefore pass over for the present, all other evils, andconcentrate all our energies in obtaining this great desideratum.I would humbly recommend the following as the basis of the sub-stituted bill :-

1st. One uniform standard of education and qualificationthroughout the United Kingdom.

2nd. No one to be allowed to practise any branch of medicine orsurgery unless he has passed through such a curriculum, andbeen declared competent by one of the royal colleges in any partof the United Kingdom; and that the examination shall includemidwifery, and the diseases of women.

3rd. That any one, having been declared competent, beallowed to practise in any part of the United Kingdom, and inany manner he may please.

4th. Any person, not qualified according to the above clauses,found practising, shall, upon conviction before any two magistratesor justices of the peace, at petty sessions, be imprisoned in thecounty house of correction for the space of not less than sixweeks.

This is what I would suggest as the leading features of yourbill. You may very properly add-5th. The prohibition of thesale of all quack remedies; and the thing would be complete. Ifa qualified person should think proper to imitate the practice of anempiric, or practise in any manner he may please, his education&c. will be a sufficient safeguard to the public against any of thoseevils resulting which are now the frequent consequences of thepractice of uneducated and disqualified persons. Such protectiononce obtained, Sir James may repeal all preceding medical sta-tutes ; but until it is obtained we must do all we can to preservethe Act of 1815 entire. Let us bear in mind, that it is only bysome such stringent measure as the above that the public can besafely protected, or with which the profession will be, or ought tobe satisfied. The intricacy, the great expense, and the uncer-tainty of the law, have prevented, and must always prevent,the Apothecaries’ Company from using their powers as they

ought to do, in putting down quacks ; not, as has often been thecase, against graduates in medicine, because they happened not tohave their certificate. All this clearly shews, that nothing shortof a summary conviction and punishment (such as obtains inFrance) can be productive of the end so much to be desired, theentire annihilation of the all-destroying Python-quackery. Tothis end alone must all our efforts be directed; and may Godgrant us complete success. Apologizing for sending you such along letter,

Believe me, dear Sir, your very obedient servant,THOMAS COCKs, Surgeon R.N.

To Wm. Simpson, Esq., 4, High-street, Bloomsbury.

After some important notices had been given, and other busi-ness transacted, the committee separated at a late hour.

NEWARK.

AT a meeting of the medical practitioners of Newark, held atthe Dispensary, Monday, September 23rd, 1844, for the purposeof considering Sir James Graham’s bill on medical reform, Dr.BIGSBY in the chair, it was moved by Dr. CnAWNER, secondedby Mr. LACY, and carried unanimously- ’

" That this meeting, having duly considered the provisions ofa bill submitted to the House of Commons by Sir JamesGraham on the subject of medical reform, is of opinion,that if it be passed in its present form, the greatest evilswould result to the public and to the medical profession."

Moved by Mr. ANDERS, seconded by Mr. SMITH, and carriedunanimously-

" That the subjoined petition be presented to both Houses ofParliament:-

" Your petitioners hailed with the highest satisfaction the an-nouncement of a bill in parliament, the preamble of whichdeclares, it is for the good of all her Majesty’s subjects that theknowledge of physic and surgery should be promoted;’ and yourpetitioners, having duly and anxiously considered the contents ofthe said bill, are of opinion that the provisions contained therein areinadequate to the fulfilment of its declared object. That yourpetitioners gladly approve of a measure of registration calculatedto remove many inconveniences and anomalies which prevail inthe various medical bodies of these kingdoms, to the great detri-ment and hindrance of many competent physicians and surgeons;-and while they would also cheerfully express their approval ofone general council for the government of their profession, theyrespectfully deprecate the formation of such a council without amore considerable representation of practitioners. That yourpetitioners beg humbly, but confidently, to claim the knowledgearising from their daily observation of the benefits derived by thepublic from the present Apothecaries’ Act, so far as it extends,as well as of the disastrous consequences continually resultingin cases where that law is not stringent enough to prevent thetampering of unqualified persons. Your petitioners have likewisefrequent occasion to witness the ill effects of the indiscriminateuse of patent medicines, and to lament that no discouragement isgiven by law to that species of imposition. Your petitionerstherefore view with apprehension and alarm any proposal to lessenthe existing prohibition against the unlicensed administration ofmedicine, and respectfully suggest to your honourable house thata medical reform bill should secure by law, not only for the armyand navy, for workhouses and for hospitals, as already enjoyed,but, as far as possible, for the more numerous public at large, asupply of honourable and well-educated medical men; your pe-titioners feeling assured that a law protective on the one hand, andrepressive on the other, is essential to the advancement of medical-science, and to the safe treatment of every sick and woundedsubject of the empire."Moved by Mr. FOOTTIT, seconded by Mr. THOMPSON, and.

carried unanimously-" That his Grace the Duke of Newcastle be respectfully re-

quested to present the above petition in the House ofLords."

Moved by Mr. DOBBS, seconded by Mr. HoDGKINSON, andcarried unanimously-

" That the petition be forwarded to the Right Hon. W. E.Gladstone for presentation to the House of Commons, withan earnest hope that he will agree in the prayer of thepetition, which is expressive of the general and almostsimultaneous opinion of the profession, and that he willpromote the wishes of the petitioners, his constituents,with all the support which his influential position enableshim. And that Lord John Manners be also respectfullyrequested to co-operate with him in the advocacy of thepetition."