slower and slower. In diphtheria
the heart muscle is very weak, the temperature falls, the
lessened nervous energy but feebly animates the muscular fibres,
and so actual paralysis ensues, death closing the scene almost
instantaneously. Now, in such a state of imminent danger,
brought about by such causes, what could be worse than to
administer an agent which notably reduces temperature, and at
the same time enfeebles muscular power? May I add, what could be
the remedy in such a condition? and I answer, _External heat
freely applied to the whole surface of the body_. This will
prevent the cardiac paralysis whenever it is preventable."

The _Medical Pioneer_ of Dec., 1892, contained an editorial article upon
"The Toxine Alcohol," which deals with leucocytes and their functions.
The following is the article:--

"Dr. Broadbent's introductory address at the opening of the
session at Owen's College, Manchester, deserves more attention
than most of these formal deliveries. He dwelt on the
intellectual interest which attaches to the study of medical
science, and illustrated it, among other ways, by the interest
excited by recent observations on the action of bacilli and the
combat which goes on between these invading hosts and the
guardian cells or leucocytes of the living body. Inflammation
surrounding a wound is regarded as caused by the influx and
multiplication of leucocytes to engulf and destroy septic
bacilli which have gained entrance from the air, a 'local war'
of defence. The issue of this pitched battle will depend on the
relative number and activity of the respective hosts.
Inflammation round a poisoned wound is an evidence of vital
power and a means of protecting the system at large from
invasion and devastation. If this first line of defence is
broken through, the bacilli pass through the lymphatic spaces
and ducts to the glands, and another battle ensues which
produces glandular swelling and inflammation and possibly
abscess. This second line of defence may be insufficient and
then we get general septicaemia. It is now well proven that the
injury is done, not by the bacilli themselves but by the toxines
which they secrete or excrete. Dr. Broadbent very properly
points out that the action of the bacilli of fever in the body
is strictly comparable to the action of yeast in a