Слике страница
PDF
ePub

in the thin skinned blond is very soft and pliable, even when he has cancers on the face and hands. The exposed parts of the body, that is, the face and neck above the collar, and the wrists and hands below the wrist band, are subject to the drying processes of air and heat. These tissues become dry, harsh and locally increased in alkalinity because the chemical changes in the colloids are slow and cannot be equalized as rapidly as evaporation removes the water. In the brunetts and in the darker races, this evaporation is not nearly so rapid, and as a result, the exposed surfaces of their bodies are not subject to the drying experienced by the blonds.

The second essential in the etiology of cancer of the skin is chronic irritation. This can be supplied by the rubbing of the collar, by the bridge or bow of glasses, by the irritation of projections of the skin such as warts and moles, and by the rays of the ultra-spectrum. The cancers of the skin in blond persons who lead an outdoor life owe their location to irritation by the rays of the ultra-spectrum. This has been demonstrated clinically and experimentally by the production of epitheliomas by the use of the x-ray.

The rays of the ultra-spectrum are the rays The which cause the irritation called sunburn. natural protection against sunburn is called tanning. Persons of light complexion tan and sunburn readily. Races long accustomed to the higher degrees and longer duration of sunlight are of dark skin. This dark skin, of all shades from yellow to black, is the protection of these races from the irritation of the rays of the ultraspectrum. Heretofore it has been the approved custom for sociologists to regard pigment in the skin as an evidence of racial inferiority. Only a few savants have studied the physiology of skin pigmentation. Since the field of scientific endeavor was preempted by the sociologist, the scientist did not receive a hearing in America. The negro was black, and therefore was of inferior race. The fact that he did not have skin cancers had no relation to the etiology of the malady in blond Caucasians.

The phenomena of life are the expression of vibrations. The vibrations of all individuals differ. As yet, we are only beginning to measure their rapidity and their wave length. The vibrations of living things have not been standardized. We know that the rays of the infra-spectrum up to red are stimulating to the physiological or functional action of organs. We know that blue is sedative, and that the rays of the ultra-spectrum are irritating even to the point of We have not destroying the life of tissue.

learned the vibration death point of tissue as we have the thermal death point. We do not know the difference between the intensity of vibrations causing irritation and of vibrations causing the

death of cells. Hence we do not know the working field of the x-ray and radium as we do know the working field of heat after the criteria of Doyen. But we do know that x-rays and radium rays are rays of the ultra-spectrum and that they irritate tissue. The x-ray specialist knows that blonds are more subject to x-ray burns than are people of dark complexion. Pigmentation of the skin is a protection against the rays of the ultra-spectrum artificially produced, just as it is a protection against the rays of the ultra-spectrum of sunlight.

In the regions of the earth having the maximum amount of uninterrupted sunlight, the aborigines are dark skinned. In the regions of fog and clouds which interrupt the rays of the ultra-spectrum, the aborigines are blonds. When these blond peoples migrate to countries having the maximum amount of uninterrupted sunlight and live out of doors or engage in the outdoor occupations, they become the victims of skin cancer. The skin, after middle life becomes dry and harsh. Senile keratoses and verruca senilis appear. These develop into epithelomas. Since the clothing protects the skin of the body, these growths appear above the collar and below the wrist band.

Only recently I examined a tall thin blond man who had a mass of epitheliomas on the back of his neck and none on his face. On asking his occupation he stated that he was a sexton in a cemetery and for many years had been stooping over digging graves and burning the back of his neck. A clinical study of many thousands of cases leads to the inevitable conclusion that skin cancers prevail upon blond persons who lead an outdoor life. In America, this means the men. I have seen a few skin cancers upon blond women who worked in the fields bareheaded. Blond men who work indoors are seldom the victims of skin cancer. In the clinical observation of many thousands of cases, I have found that the external epitheliomas in blonds are to the same tumors in brunetts as at least 500 to one. The proportion may be 1000 to one.

These clinical findings support in an incontrovertible manner the finding of hyperalkalinity as the true constitutional condition in the etiology of cancer, and the further secondary requisite, chronic irritation at the locus of tumor growth. They further indicate means of prevention and give a clinical history which should encourage early diagnosis and radical treatment of these lesions of the skin.

1320 Main St.

Dr. A. B. McGlothlan, of St. Joseph, was elected president of the Buchanan County Medical Society at its annual meeting, Dec. 4.

316

[blocks in formation]

ASSOCIATE EDITORS

P. I. LEONARD, St. Joseph.
J. M. BELL, St. Joseph.
JNO. E. SUMMERS, Omaha.

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

H. ELLIOTT BATES, New York.
JOE BECTON, Greenville, Texas.
HERMAN J. BOLDT, New York.
A. L. BLESH, Oklahoma City.
G. HENRI BOGART, Paris, Ill.

ST. CLOUD COOPER, Fort Smith, Ark.
W. T. ELAM, St. Joseph.

JACOB GEIGER, St. Joseph.

S. S. GLASSCOCK, Kansas City, Kan.
H. R. HARROWER, Los Angeles, Cal.
JAS. W. HEDDENS, St. Joseph.
VIRGINIA B. LE ROY, Streator, Ill.
DONALD MACRAE, Council Bluffs.
L. HARRISON METTLER, Chicago.
DANIEL MORTON, St. Joseph.
D. A. MYERS, Lawton, Okla.
JOHN PUNTON, Kansas City.

W. T. WOOTTON, Hot Springs, Ark.
HUGH H. YOUNG, Baltimore.

The Editors' Forum

The Reconstruction Period

The reconstruction period upon which we are entering is an era of greater possibilities than the man in the street realizes, and the demand for men of great intellect, wisdom, firmness and tact is apparent as never before in centuries. Should anarchy or lawless socialism gain the ascendency in European states and from there spread to our shores-and it is a possibility-civilization may be well nigh annihilated, and a period of conditions similar to those of the French Revolution become universal. Anarchists under whatever name they rally, represent a movement having no regard for God nor law. Present worldwide conditions must be met by a broad spirit of charity, liberality, christian forbearance, firmness and wisdom. In our own land, problems similar to those met by our continental forefathers, directed by Washington and later by Lincoln a half century ago, are to be faced, and the integrity and patriotism of the citizens may be tried as by fire. Personal preferences must give way to the good of the community, the state, the government. Classes, unions, organizations, if they be made up of true American citizens, will consider the general welfare of our country

rather than that of any particular group of men. Laws will be amended, wage scales adjusted, business methods altered, business and professional relations of classes and masses rearranged, and this all to be adjusted to the newer views and altered temperament of our returning two million fighting men with their larger and broader estimate of life. One factor helpful toward realizing the new order of affairs will be the well balanced, orderly respect of our soldiers for discipline and the Central Government. Doctors as citizens, will have a part to play in reconstruction, they will add balance to the disturbed era of civil affairs with a power equal to the force they exerted in winning the war. May we as a profession realize our influence and with due regard for men and for our grand government acquit ourselves as becomes the American medical profession. J. M. B.

Medical

Demobilization

From the present outlook it would appear that in the demobilization of the army, officers can, if qualified, join the Regular Corps or the Medical Reserve Corps, or they may be honorably discharged. The medical officers of the army and navy constitute a splendid body of some 35,000 physicians, well trained and well equipped. It would be a mistake-in fact, almost a crimeto permit these men to be completely detached from the army and navy and to be absorbed in civilian life. Hence it is to be hoped that the third group those requesting honorable discharge-will be comparatively small.

Lay Press Sarcasm

The health board blames the doctors for the failed to report cases for quarantine. Well, when new outbreak of flu, charging that they have a doctor's practice depends upon his ability to please his patients, giving them operations, quarantines, etc., when they want them and postponing them when they don't, what's the doctor to ought to understand that.-K. C. Star. do? Surely the doctors on the health board

No More Physicians to Be Com-
missioned in the Medical Corps

the War Department discontinued the commisAt 10 o'clock on the morning of Nov. 11th, sioning of physicians in the Medical Corps.

This condition, in all probability, is permanent and no further consideration will be given applicants for a commission in the Medical Corps until further notice.

Rehabilitation of Our Wounded

The United States Government is resolved to do its best to restore every wounded American soldier and sailor to health, strength, and selfsupporting activity.

Until his discharge from the hospital all the medical and surgical treatment necessary to restore him to health is under the jurisdiction of the military or naval authorities, according to the branch of the service he is in. The vocational training, the reeducation and rehabilitation necessary to restore him to self-supporting activity, is under the jurisdiction of the Federal Board for Vocational Education.

If he needs an artificial limb or mechanical appliance the Government will supply it free, will keep it in repair, and renew it when necessary. If after his discharge he again needs medical treatment on account of his disability, the Government will supply it free. While he is in the hospital and while in training afterwards the soldier or sailor will receive compensation as if in service and his family or dependents will receive their allotment.

A wounded soldier or sailor, although his disability does not prevent him from returning to employment without training, can take a course of vocational training free of cost and the compensation provided by the war risk insurance act will be paid to him and the training will be free, but no allotment will be paid to his family.

Every Liberty Bond holder who holds his bond is keeping up a part of this great work of restoring to health, strength, and usefulness the men who have suffered for their country.

Buchanan County Medical
Society Lunch

Wednesday evening, Nov. 20th, St. Joseph doctors and dentists met together at Hotel Francis for a fellowship lunch at 7:30. About 50 of the fraternities were present. After the meal Dr. De Lamater made a report to the combined societies upon the recent influenza epidemic. The report showed out of 2,000 cases there were 195 deaths, including those from pneumonia and other complications. A strong talk upon the necessity of a city hospital was made by the doctor. The society promised its support in every way toward the success of the movement. Moving pictures, operated by W. F. Goetze, illustrating surgical procedures used during the war, took up the balance of the evening. The occasion was enjoyable to all in attendance. The meeting was one arranged by the program committee of the society. J. M. B.

Public Health Expansion

by State University

Expansion in the work of agriculture, mechanical arts and public health will be asked by the University of Missouri when the budget is presented to the next session of the state legislature. The university already has a de

partment of preventive medicine, which, it is hoped, may be enlarged so that a state-wide public health movement may be conducted.

Michigan Defective Law Unconstitutional

A Michigan law, providing for the sterilization of mental defectives or insane persons maintained wholly or in part by public expense in public institutions has been declared unconstitutional by the Michigan supreme court, because it arbitrarily selected for sterilization those confined in institutions. The opinion shows that out of what might be termed a natural class of defective and incompetent persons the legislature selects only those already under public restraint, leaving immune from its operation all others of like kind to whom the reason for the

legislative remedy is normally and equally, at least, applicable.

Owl Drug Company Adopts New Policy.

The profession will no doubt be interested in the recent announcement of the The Owl Drug Co. stating that beginning December 1st, no preparations for the self-treatment of venereal

diseases will be sold in the 29 retail stores of the company, located on the Pacific Coast and in the Middle West.

When such preparations are called for, the salesman is instructed to explain the new policy of the company and give the customer a carefully prepared confidential circular, which explains the seriousness of all venereal diseases and the importance of consulting a reliable physician and a list of such will be furnished upon request.

Standard preparations, recognized by the profession will be carried in the prescription room and sold only upon the orders from a physician.

Some weeks previous to this announcement the laboratories of The Owl Drug Co. discontinued the manufacture of several preparations for self-treatment.

This innovation was decided upon after the management gave due consideration to the report of the Surgeon General of the U. S. Army showing an alarming prevalence of venereal diseases among the civilians who were examined preparatory to entering the army.

The action of other druggists will be awaited with interest.

Keep the Windows Open

Dr. Jos. Grindon, of St. Louis, calls attention to the fact that physicians, like other teachers, sometimes fail in conforming practice to precept. This truth finds illustration during the present prevalence of influenza by a visit to the offices of some of our brethren, where windows are allowed to remain closed in crowded waitingrooms, thus not only exposing their patients to additional ills, but at the same time seriously reflecting upon the doctor's interest in their welfare, or upon his intelligence. Open a window!

Victory, Peace and Glory enough for everyone who was fortunate enough to have been in it at the finish. History will tell us that the 35,000 members of the Medical Corps are entitled to full credit for their valiant and heroic service.

The Medical Review of Reviews announces that it has purchased and will absorb the third oldest medical journal in America-the Buffalo Medical Journal-founded seventy-four years ago by Dr. Austin Flint, and published regularly ever since. The journal was edited for many years by Dr. Wm. Warren Potter, and since the death of Dr. Potter the editorial chair has been ably filled by Dr. A. L. Benedict. The Medical Review of Reviews further announces that it will be greatly increased in size beginning with the January, 1919, issue, but that the subscription price will remain the same, $2.00.

Almost a Fortune-A typographical error in last week's issue of the Atchison Co. Mail made an item in the county court proceedings say that Dr. A. McMichael had been paid $1,995.50 for medical services rendered at the county home and to destitute families. In correcting it to the proper $195.50 this week the Mail exclaims: "Holy smoke! Nineteen hundred and ninetyfive dollars would buy an awful lot of pills, and we couldn't help but wonder what the fifty cents. was for."

And whoever heard of a country doctor receiving $2,000 at one time!

A heart and a dollar-This is what the American Red Cross asks of you; a heart that prompts you to make that dollar do its best work in carrying one more message of mercy overseas; a heart that bids you give, give, give of your comfort to add to that of our boys who are fighting your battles "Over there;" a heart that makes you one with the sufferers who weary through the long nights of pain until dawn breaks over the dark, low mists of Flanders Fields and lights up the row of crosses that stand for those whose lives have slipped away with its coming. Just "A Heart And A Dollar." Few of us indeed who have not as much as that. We have been asked to "Give until it hurts;" let us give until we know it helps as well.

The World Peace News

IN HOSPITAL Hushed and happy whiteness, Miles on miles of cots, The glad, contented brightness Where sunlight falls in spots.

Sisters swift and saintly

Seem to read on grass; Like flowers stirring faintly, Heads turn to watch them pass.

Beauty, blood and sorrow,
Blending in a trance-
Eternity's tomorrow

In this half way house of France.
Sounds of whispered talking,

Labored, indrawn breath; Then, like a young girl walking, The dear familiar Death.

-Lieut. Coningsby Dawson, "Glory of the Trenches." (John Lane.)

A letter from Maj. Oliver C. Gebhart, who is the Director Field Hospital, states that his command has been in the thick of the fight in the last brilliant battles.

Dr. William W. Duke, of Kansas City, now a captain in the Red Cross medical service, is on the way from Paris to Germany to take charge of hospitals left by the retreating Germans.

Dr. B. Belove, formerly orthopedic surgeon of Kansas City charitable institutions, has gone to Fort Oglethorpe, Ga., where he has been assigned to a United States orthopedic hospital for the rehabilitation of wounded and disabled soldiers.

Major General William C. Gorgas will soon resume his work for the eradication of yellow fever in South don temporarily when the United States entered the American countries which he was compelled to aban

war and called him to the office of Surgeon General of the Army.

Physical Training in Schools-While the general staff of the army is working out a plan of universal military training for submission to the president as a part of the permanent army organization, Secretary of the Interior Lane is preparing to ask Congress for legislation extending federal aid to the public schools throughout the country for the establishment of systems of physical education and training.

Influenza Mortality Exceeds That of the WarWith the unfolding of the government statistics, it will be shown that the late influenza epidemic has taken a much greater toll of American life than has the great world war. The reports so far from fortysix large cities, show a total of 82,306 deaths from influenza and pneumonia. A liberal estimate of the death loss in the American Expeditionary forces will not exceed 45,000.

Commissioning of Physicians Ceases-The Surgeon General's office advises that since 10 o'clock of the morning of November 11, the War Department discontinued the commisioning of officers in the various corps of the army, including physicians in the

Medical Corps. This condition, it is stated, is in all probability permanent and favorable consideration will not be given to applications for commissions in the Medical Corps until further notice. At the same time favorable consideration on the recommendations for the promotion of officers was discontinued and no further promotions will be made until this embargo is modified.

Dr. Albert Lieberman, of Kansas City, was commissioned a major and received his orders to report to Fort Riley, base hospital, just a day before the signing of the armistice. Military service is not new to Doctor Lieberman. During the Spanish-American war he was the only physician from Missouri serving in Cuba, being major-surgeon of the Sixth Missouri Infantry. During the Philippine insurrection he was major and surgeon of the 33d United States Infantry, and after the battle of San Jacinto was brevetted lieutenant colonel for bravery in attending the wounded on the field under fire. It was in this battle that Maj. John A. Logan was killed.

A Few Words From Capt. Elam, who at the time the letter was written, was stationed in Evacuation Hospital No. 6, "just back of the lines Somewhere in France."

My Dear Dr. Fassett: A few lines to let you know I have not entirely forgotten my friends. We realize that we are in France, but it is not the same old France it was when you and I took our pilgrimage to the Frog Country, in 1900. We are in the midst of stirring activity. An evacuation hospital, no doubt you know, is located just back of the field of action, and constant communication is maintained by motor cars and balloons. There is, of course, considerable danger here, but to one that is willing to play life's game fast and furious, and to a quick finish, if the cards run that way, the danger only furnishes additional zest. Surrounded as one is, by red-blooded men who have in this great overshadowing epoch, lost sight of individuals, one can hardly pause to consider conveniences, likes or dislikes, or personal comfort. We are standing for something bigger, better and broader than any of our most astute and far seeing ancestors ever conceived to be within the range of human possibilities. In the light of a hope of this kind, is it any wonder that the life of the individual is but as a drop of water compared to the great ocean? The service here is exacting and tiring. The hours long, and ofttimes longer, but we work away to the tune of the aeroplane, the music of which is not unlike the mosquito, and we are stimulated by the sound of big guns when the activities are especially pronounced. I am hoping that when I return I shall have the pleasure of bringing you one of the kaiser's ears as a souvenir.

With kind regards to all my friends, I remain
Yours very truly,

W. T. ELAM, Capt. M. C., U. S. A.

From Maj. Clark

Headquarters 9th Sanitary Train, Camp Sheridan, Ala., Nov. 18, 1918.

Dear Doctor Fassett:

Some time since you have asked me to write you something about "Army Life," and I have been intending to do so but have been rather busy and did not find a suitable opportunity until now.

I presume you want to know something about the "Army Life of a Surgeon." Army surgeon, of course, is the person to whom I refer. I really should refer you for information to one of my junior officers or surgeons who just at this time is said to be writing (when he can steal away from his arduous duties long enough to write a few lines) a treatise upon the

theme "How to be Happy in Hell, or Results of Two Months' Experience in the Army."

This poor fellow read of one thousand bed hospitals and two thousand bed hospitals and at once came to the conclusion that right there was where he belonged; and upon reporting to a certain division surgeon for assignment is said to have given the surgeon to understand that it was a great condescension on his part to leave his comfortable home (as though he was the only surgeon in the army to do this) and because of this he greatly desired that about 90 per cent of the work to which he be assigned be surgical and the remaining 10 per cent medical.

He was given to understand by the obliging and courteous assistant to the division surgeon that "so far as possible" all requests of this nature were always complied with and assigned to a designated field hospital.

Upon reporting to the "field headquarters" he, of course, asked at once that he be shown the hospital and the obliging junior officer to whom he was reporting seeing at a glance that he was a "Rookie," took him across the company street and showed him through the company mess hall and solemnly announced that was the hospital and the row of square tents at the rear in which the enlisted men were quartered as the wards.

The awfulness of the situation was just beginning to dawn on the surgeon, but the worst was yet to come; the following morning before daylight he was ruthlessly aroused from his slumber and informed he had five minutes in which to dress and get ready for mess and then as if to add insult to injury he was ordered at 7:30 to fall in, begin the real work of preparation. By the time he had begun to master the intricacies of four right and right by fours and the soreness was just beginning to fade from his muscles, another trial was added to his already long list by requiring him to equitate one hour daily. It was after his first hour of equitation that he decided to write the book the title of which appears at the beginning of this letter.

Gradually this man is coming to understand what it means to be an army surgeon and possibly at some other time we may have a glance at the other side of the picture. Yours truly, FRED H. CLARK, Maj. M. C., U. S. A.

YOUR PART

What would you give could you see me today-
You of the brown eyes so far, far away?
What would you give could I knock at the door
With a smile and a greeting to you as of youre?

What would you give that our days might be spent
Idling together, just we, quite content;
Knowing no parting, no absence, no tears,
Joyful together through oncoming years?
Could you give courage through days yet ahead?
Patience to deal with disaster and dread?
Happiness wrought from the future's big store?
Love to survive all this absence-and more?

I need not ask this of you, when I know
The courage you had when I left long ago—
Patience to wait and the love to survive
The heartbreaks and all that war days must contrive.

You will give this, and I'll come home some day—
You of the brown eyes, so far, far away.
You will be there when I knock at the door
With a smile and a greeting to you as of youre!

-Leonard Painter, Serg. Artillery, A. E. F., France.

« ПретходнаНастави »