of society which, without the aid of benevolence, would languish in ignorance, idleness, and despair, or prey upon their more opulent and less unfortunate countrymen, was it not natural that the Prison Society, many of whose members have diligently laboured for its intellectual and moral advancement, should attempt the correction of that system pursued in prisons, so inimical in its general tendencies and deteriorating in all its results? It constituted a large portion of the glorious scheme which many of them were engaged to promote, and without which portion that scheme could have but a restricted operation and partial influence. of seclusion have received a fair trial; and it is stated, upon authority entitled to credit, that although from the closeness of the cells and the consequent idleness of the prisoners, their situation was far more inauspicious than it will be in the new penitentiaries-no instance occurred of mental alienation, and such only as underwent this treatment ultimately reformed. I might here quote the various and very cogent arguments adduced by the Prison Society in their numerous remonstrances, and refer to their several acts to exhibit the strength of conviction on one side, and the respectful deference paid by the legislature on the other. But The Prison Society date their existence from the it is unnecessary. At their instigation the Pittsburgh year 1787, but an effort was made so early as 1776 to Penitentiary was built, and that on Francis street, near organize an institution to promote those objects which Philadelphia, has been begun, for the purpose of desince have been partially effected. What was the con- monstrating to the world the soundness of a theory, the dition of the prison of Philadelphia at these periods, practicability and moral influence of which neither the may be seen in Mr. Vaux's "Notices," and indeed it is society, when they solicited the erection of the buildgratifying, by a reference, to obviate the necessity of ing, nor the legislature when it made its several apgiving the description. The labours of the society propriations, entertained a doubt. After the lapse of which form the subject of these "Notices," allow me upwards of forty years, during which this theory has to say in passing, great as they are, scarcely transcend been maturing-when great and wearisome labor had those of the benevolent author, to whose writings and been devoted to it by its benevolent adherents-when personal exertions Pennsylvania is largely indebted for conviction of its utility seemed to have become univeraiding the diffusion of education through the state; for sal-when all the expense had been incurred necessaher House of Refuge; and for the present footing of her ry to its trial, and the houses almost ready for the retheory of solitary confinement. Nor will it be necessary to ception of the convicts-distrusts for the first time are trace with chronological nicety the many improvements heard, and objections for the first time started. Before from time to time introduced at the instance of the asso- I leave this branch of the subject, it may be proper to ciation; suffice it to say, that their enlightened and in-request the legislature to observe the points distinctly defatigable philanthropy was acknowledged, and that exhibited by the previous facts: 1st, That the theory their representations were always listened to with the of solitary confinement so called, has been abundantly utmost respect and attention by the legislature, who tried, and its beneficial influence proved; and 2d, That never authorized innovations in the prison police, unless though it may be novel elsewhere, it has the recomat their suggestion, or with their concurrence. The mendation of age in Pennsylvania. If, however, the practice of public labour in the streets-the abomina-acquiescence of enlightened men in other parts of ble law of flogging—and innumerable other abuses, the globe be desirable to sustain the opinions of our were rescinded on the authority of their memorials. own philanthropists, it may be mentioned that the celeIndeed a cursory retrospect of this portion of our pe- brated Lord Mansfield was favorable to the adoption nal history, will evince the existence of a clear under- of a scheme of solitude: and that in 1779, Judge Blackstanding between the legislature and the society, whose stone framed an act on the very principle now contemimpressions of the efficacy of solitude the former had plated in Pennsylvania, at the instance and with the imbibed, and were determined, in despite of every im- approbation of the benevolent Howard. pediment, zealously to promote. The opinion of the The reasons urged in opposition to it by its enemies, latter in reference to the moral virtue of seclusion with and insisted upon by your respected Commissioners in labour, was early expressed-their various measures their report, are--1st, the impracticability of the plan have all been directed to the attainment of this object-itself; 2dly, the unfitness of the prison at Pittsburgh; and their more recent movements only manifest an increased anxiety and stronger conviction. In an address to the legislature in 1787, they say, "they are fully convinced that punishment by more private or even solitary labour, would more successfully tend to reclaim the unhappy objects," &c. In the following year, when they are solicited by the Supreme Executive Council for information and advice, they make this unequivecal declaration; "that from a long and steady attention to the real practical state, as well as the theory of prisons, they are unanimously of opinion that solitary confinement and hard labour, and a total abstinence from spirituous liquors, will prove the most effectual means of reforming these unhappy creatures." As the resources of the state were not adequate at that period to the expense of constructing a gaol on the theory of separate imprisonment, the society had only a restricted opportunity of proving its effects under the authority of the act of 1790, which permitted the solitary confinement of the more hardened and atrocious offenders. The trial, however, was productive of such beneficial consequences that the subsequent act of 1794 authorized the detention of all prisoners in solitude for certain periods of their sentences. From that time to the present, solitude has been administered either at the discretion of the inspectors, for stated periods, or as a portion of the prisoner's sentence; but in some instances, of latter times, the prisoner has been confined to a cell from his induction to his discharge. It is in these cases that the moral effects 3dly, the vast expense; and lastly, the impossibility of enforcing the requisite discipline. I undertake to des patch each in its order. The impracticability of the theory arises in their estimation from the various circumstances of want of sufficient light, the incompatibility of pursuing other kind of labor besides those of art and skill, and the sedentary character of the employment. These several objections are triumphantly answered by the construction of the Francis street Penitentiary. Each cell has annexed to it an uncovered work yard, where light, air, exercise, and room for every species of toil, may be had in abundance. Those prisoners who are without specific occupations may engage at sawing stone, the employment advantageously pursued in prisons where the labor is joint; and a certain portion of that kind of labor may be daily exacted from those whose trades are sedentary, for the purpose of healthful exercise. Without condescending to notice the cavils contained in the Boston Report, I may proceed to observe of the Pittsburgh Penitentiary, that the annexation of courts or work-yards to the cells will render it very similar to that near Philadelphia, and that they can be supplied without any alarming increase of expenditure. The item of expense has received the grave consideration of your commissioners, whose calculations, however, by the way, are far from possessing the commendable merit of accuracy. In the first place the expense of construction already incurred (and, though great, is attributable not to the theory, but to the expensive character of the buildings, is, with singular ingenuity, brought in to swell the amount to be abstracted from the public coffers. If the expenses in the first instance have exceeded the original estimates, ample consolation arises from the considerations, that, so far from continuing, they will probably diminish, when the system is in full operation, below those of Auburn-that the buildings are more than ordinarily permanent—and that the public benefit constitutes a plenary return. If indeed the financial argument be worthy of serious regard, that absolute profit ought to arise to the statethat the system should be “pecuniarily" productive to merit adoption,-it may be averred with confidence, that the prisoners will perform more labor alone than in conjunction; and that fewer superintendents (a part of which will be females at reduced wages,) will be requisite than at Agburn. disease? Individuals have been confined for many months in succession, and it is believed for years in the Walnut-street prison, at Philadelphia, and in no instance has alienation of mind ensued. If then stupefaction or delirium does not follow seclusion where labor is withheld, is it likely that the mental powers will be injured when they have an uninterrupted daily employment? Corporal detention and the absence of colloquial pleasure are the only differ. ence of the prisoner's situation from the rest of the world, and, in these respects, he is precisely in the condition of the prisoners of Auburn, according to the representations of the advocates of that theory. Does the prisoner at Auburn become insane? As that will hardly be admitted, they are reduced to the dilemma. either of conceding that actual conversation among the prisoners prevents the dreaded consequence, or of relinquishing the imputation as totally unsustainable. Having now answered, and I hope conclusively, all the arguments suggested by your Commissioners and others, against the theory of seclusion with labor, the question arises, whether the representatives of the people of Pennsylvania, being convinced that opposition to it was cavil-that the prejudice against it arose from ignorance, inexperience, or inattention, will forego the positive benefits it promises? Will they render abortive the benevolent designs, the arduous endeavors of the Prison Society-that society whose advice they have so frequently solicited, and hitherto so strictly pursued? Will they abandon the grand scheme of Pennsylvania improvement, and leave unfinished what they have so nobly begun? I cherish the hope that a scheme of discipline-not wild, chimerical, and indefensible-not built upon visionary ideas and speculative theory-but resting upon the basis of philosophical truth, ascertained by repeated experiments will receive the unanimous support of an enlightened legislature. The evils of association are so numerous and diversified, so glaring and monstrous, that it is unnecessary to dwell upon them. The common reply of criminals, who, on their release, are admonished to become useful members of society, is, that the door to respectability is closed by the publicity of their punishment; that their comrades in prison would penetrate into their most retired haunts, and either defeat their purpose by bad counsel, or destroy their characters by the proclamation of their infamy. Numerous are the instances which might be cited of hardened offenders taking a malicious pleasure in ruining the prospects of such of their former companions as were endeavoring to acquire a reputation for probity and honor. I come now to the final objection, whose reservation for the last place, shows that it was intended to be triumphant and unanswerable. But why do those gentlemen who anticipate a difficulty in enforcing the discipline, overlook the expedient they themselves have suggested to avoid the necessity of flagellation on the Auburn plan? The police of the prison according to the Pennsylvania theory, is intended to be very simple; those prisoners who labor and finish their tasks, are to be fed upon wholesome and nutritious diet, and to have the benefit of suitable books; but obstinacy or laziness, the only vices of which they have it in their power to be guilty, can be cured by inactive confinement to the cells, abstraction of books, and subjection to food of the lowest description. Resort to severe measures will be wholly unnecessary, for this mode of treatment has been found to relent the most stubborn and refractory spirits. As the deprivation of natural enjoyments will constitute the only infliction for misbehaviour, very little oversight will be required; as attempts at escape will be hopeless, and injury to the prison impracticable. The other grounds of opposition are equally untenable; indeed some are calculated to provoke a smile rather than a serious argument. Respect, however, for every sincere scruple, and a desire to meet every objection honestly urged, induce me to give them a passing notice. It is insisted that all the convicts of the state, cannot be accommodated in the two penitentiaries at Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, and that mental alienation must inevitably result. Now it is well known that an abbreviation of the present terms of imprisonment is contemplated by your honorable body, and it is equally certain the friends of the system believe a diminution to be necessary. If the periods are reduced one half, or as some suggest, two thirds, (and here I am hypothetical and give no opinion,) the number of prisoners is diminished in proportion, and accommodations can be furnished for many subsequent years. Add to this, that fewer will return than under the existing mode; for if reformation will not be produced, at least an accession of depravity will be prevented. When the population shall have doubled the present amount, a third prison in the interior of the state may be wanted; but, it is only a subject of anticipation to meet future exigencies, and needs not be taken into consideration. Let us now advert to the terrible consequences, which, in the estimation of many, are to follow separate confinement. Insanity is predicted with the utmost confidence; but it is proper to remark that the apprehension was first engendered by the prevalence of an ACCOUNT OF THE SCHUYLKILL PERMANENT error which, before it could be arrested, had unfortunately obtained the widest currency. It has been supposed that the prisoner is to lie totally unemployed during the period of his sentence; and to this impression a class of enemies to the Pennsylvania theory, with an ignorance or malice truly pitiable, has, I am sorry to say, largely contributed. That idleness and poor diet might render the prisoner useless to himself, and ultimately drive him upon the public for support, may be plausibly argued, but did they ever produce mental By adopting the scheme of solitude, the legislature will be just to the enlightened philanthropy of their own citizens - pay a proper tribute to Howard and the other illustrious worthies who have labored for the moral elevation of mankind-and give to this state the distinguished eminence of leading in the stupendous work of prison reform. I now take leave of your honorable body, and commit, with confidence, to its wisdom, the disposal of a question, which, in any aspect in which it may be regarded, is as intrinsically great as any that ever agitated Pennsylvania. A PENNSYLVANIAN. BRIDGE. Description of the Bridge. The masonry is executed on a plan suggested to the mason, uncommon, if not new. The walls of the abutments and wings are perpendicular, without buttresses, and supported by interior offsets. These are found completely competent to support the pressure of the filling (which gravitates in perpendicular lines) without battering or contreforts. The abutments are 18 feet pine, three inches thick, is permanent, and well spiked thick. The wing walls nine feet at the foundations, retir-and secured. The upper course is of sap pitch pine, ing by offsets, till at the parapets they are only 18 slightly attached (2 1-2 inches thick) to be renewed as inches. The eastern abutment and wing walls are often as worn, either partially or generally, and with founded on a rock. Those on the western side are built this the joints are broken. This mode of planking has on piles. The inclined plane of approach to the bridge been found, on the floating bridges, highly advanis elevated at an angle of 3 1-2 degrees. tageous and economical. The under course admits of two or three removals of the upper, which wears before it decays. The floorings of wooden bridges are generally of single planks. Although the western pier has attracted most attention, that on the eastern side of the river was first erected; and was attended with difficulties appearing often insurmountable. It is from 21 to 24 feet deep, below the tide, to the rock on which the lower course is laid and bolted. The coffer dam was on a bad plan, though constructed as well as that plan admitted. Its materials were too slight and incompetent. Constant exertion, and repeated remedies for defects, were incessantly called for by frequent accidents. Every thing was new to all employed; but it was a school to teach experience. The footing of the piles was secured, and the dam saved from impending destruction, by an embankment of stone and sand, thrown around the bottom on its outside; and the latter washed in and consolidated by the current. The same means were used at the western dam, and their utility decidedly proved. Both piers are of course similar in their general configuration and composition. The first stone of the eastern pier was laid September, 5th, 1801. That of the western pier, December 25th, 1802. The time preceding was occupied in procuring plans, gaining information, and procuring materials. These precautions, (always essential in great undertakings,) forwarded the work, and ensured against delay and disappointment. The frame is a masterly piece of workmanship; combining in its principle that of king posts and braces, or trusses, with those of a stone arch. Half of each post with the brace between them, will form the vous seur of an arch; and lines through the middle of each post would describe the radii or joints. There are three sections of the frame, all similar. That in the middle divides the space into two equal parts, so that passengers in opposite directions, are prevented from interfering with each other. The exterior of the cover is handsomely ornamented and painted. The under work imitative of stone is well executed, by dashing the paint while fresh with sand and stone dust. This is performed with so much ease and cheapness, that it is hoped it will introduce a like mode of ornamenting and protecting the surface of other wooden elevations. All apprehensions of scaling by frost are proved to be imaginary. A number of conductors, properly disposed, secure the superstructure from danger by lightning. All that could be spared for ornament was expended on the exterior; as the interior neither admitted nor required it. The pediments of the entrances were intended to be finished with emblems of Commerce on the east; and of Agriculture on the west. They are designed, and were to be executed, by that eminent American naval sculptor, William Rush, of Philadelphia, whose works as an artist are admired in whatever part of the world they are seen. It is desirable that this finish, the expense whereof will be small, should yet be added. The pediments require it to complete the design. General Observations. The Schuylkill bridge plan may be varied according to circumstances, and its principles preserved. In whatever varieties, projectors of other designs may indulge themselves, it is confidently believed that Mr. Palmer's plan will be found on long experience to be the best. It is an unit in symmetry and movement; and all its parts support each other, like a phalanx in tactics. In some instances Mr. Palmer has placed the platform for travelling over the cap pieces and cross ties; or rather these latter become part of the frame of the platform. The great body of the frame is of course below. But this was not found eligible, where ice and floods were likely to assault the haunches, when the frame was thus depressed. The elevation of the abutments would re The platform for travelling rises only eight feet from an horizontal line, and the top or cap pieces are parallel to this. Of the sections the middle one has the most pressure, owing to the weight of transportation, being thrown nearer to that section than towards the sides, to which the foot ways prevent its approach. These foot ways are five feet in width, elevated above the car-quire, for this plan, immense weight and expense of riage ways, and neatly protected with turned posts and chains. It has been conceived that the foot ways would have been more advantageously placed on each side the middle section, to throw the weight of transportation to the sides of the bridge. filling, and expose the walls to dangerous pressure. Nor would it be so well calculated for heavy transportation. More important than all-it would be unfit for covering to such advantage. Notwithstanding this great improvement was highly approved by Mr. Palmer, it Mr. Palmer (who is believed to be the original inven- was not in his contemplation, as to mode, until the outtor of this kind of wooden bridges) permitted with line of the present cover was shown to him; although much candour, considerable alterations in the plan, he said he had repeatedly but fruitlessly, urged the accommodatory to the intended cover, the design measure of covering their bridges in New England. It whereof is original. These were so much approved by is hoped this example will be followed in all pontifical him, that he considers the Schuylkill bridge superstruc- wooden structures of magnitude hereafter. Bridges ture the most perfect of any he has built. It was finish-may, for most situations, be less expensive in the frame; ed in one season; and declared open for passengers and transportation on the 1st day of January, 1805. The Schauffhausen bridge (which is now destroyed) much eulogised in Europe, was by no means equal to that on the Schuylkill. Any candid and intelligent architect, on inspecting the drafts of the one, examining the other, and the principles of both, would give a decided preference to the latter. The design of this is more simple, its strength greater, its parts are better combined, and more assistant to each other: and there is no useless timber in any part. The timber of which both the frame and the cover are composed, (the roof, of cedar excepted,) is of the best white pinc. The flooring of the platform is doubled, and in the whole 5 1-2 inches thick. The under course of white the middle section may be omitted above the flooring; nor need they be more than 30 feet wide. This width was deemed sufficient by Mr. Weston, for bridges in general; though he considered that over the Schuylkill to require more than common space, for its constant and burthensome transportation. The Easton bridge, built under Mr. Palmer's directions, is 28 feet wide; and the frame of the middle section does not rise above the platform. Its situation does not demand a plan, or call for dimensions on a greater scale; and it is erected according to the improved work of the frame of the Schuylkill bridge. Although the cover of the Schuylkill bridge compelled ornament and some elegance of design, lest it should disgrace the environs of a great city, these would not be necessary in such a degree in other situations. Neatness of elevation and taste in design, may be shown at a small expense; and the workmanship and materials need be no more costly, than those for roofing and weather boarding common frame buildings. The Schuylkill bridge roof required one hundred and ten thousand shingles, of three feet long and six inches wide; and other materials in proportion. Much of these may be saved in narrower frames. The painting or coating, with the durable composition, in imitation of stone, which appears on the exterior of the work, below the platform, (for which a recipe is subjoined) may be done at a small expense. Mineral paints are the worst for coating exposed to the weather. The oil does not combine with the mineral, as it does with absorbent earths: and being extracted by the sun leaves the mineral particles without adhesion, and they drop, or are washed away by rains, dews, and moisture. All oils or fats are known, chemically, to be alike composed; and are better or worse as they are or are not mixed with foreign matter. Linseed oil may be had every where, and fish oil is common. Ochres for colouring, (far preferable to minerals) abound throughout the country, and only require judicious exploration for their discovery. Clarified turpentine is a good substitute for oils; but a mixture of both is best. The less forcing to accelerate drying, the better. Though inconvenient in some respects, the composition will be more durable, the longer it is drying; but care should be taken, that it be not so thin as to run; or not retain the sand and paint. Sea sand, or earth mixed with marine salt, should be avoided, as being hostile to compositions or cements; and particularly when calcareous substances are combined. Some of the Delaware stone-cutter's sand, used with the Schuylkill bridge coating, was found to be liable to this objection. We have daily before us proofs of this fact in our plastering, where the hair of salt hides is used. Every moisture of the room, or atmosphere, brings out stains and damp spots on our walls; to which papering will not adhere, as it does on other plastering, into the composition whereof salt hair does not enter. Chemists may account for this: but to them it is not yet clearly ascertained from whence the muriatic acid is derived; nor are its nature and properties accurately known. Long and frequent experience has evinced, that the least mixture of this acid, or common salt, with gypsum produces a tertium, which renders it unfit for a cement; and also destroys its agricultural uses and properties. Recipe for composition to imitate stone. The work should not be primed; though part of that at the bridge was so done, before it was determined to coat it with composition. The paint used was common white lead and oil; as the painters preferred their own way, and the scaffolding could not remain at risk, while experiments on other paints were tried. It was conceded afterwards, that if there had been time to prepare and use other paint, and the urgency of despatch had not precluded delay for drying, fish oil and clarified turpentine with ochres would have been more eligible. As fast as the painter proceeded in his work, an adroit hand dashed on the sand and pounded stone dust. This was mixed in proper proportions, as to colour and consistency, which is only to be known by * Common salt is compounded of the muriatic acid and soda. The latter substance abounds in the ocean, and other places, where common salt is found. The vitriolic acid of gypsum, meeting with the muriatic, in the salt, expels it from the soda of the salt; and having a predominant affinity forms sulphat of soda, or glauber salts. Good common salt should contain two-thirds of soda, and one-third of muriatic acid; and is seldom pure in its combination as to proportion; or absence of foreign matter. preparatory experiments, easily accomplished. It was thrown on with a common tin dust pan. The sand and stone dust must be free from moisture, or any tincture from marine salt. It was dried in the sun, or a large iron kettle over a slow fire. A small proportion of plaster of Paris was mixed with the sand and stone dust. A long trough containing the sand and dust, was placed under the work, and caught what did not adhere, so as to be thrown up again and prevent waste. The despatch with which this operation can be performed exceeded expectation, both as to facility and economy. With marble dust, it may be made to imitate that stone. As soon as one coat is dry the other must be laid on. Two coats, well attended to, are sufficient. But this is left to the choice of those who think another coat is required. The joints are imitated by convex strips, sprigged on the weather boarding, and after the coating is put on they are penciled off with white paint. The following is a recipe much followed, and with invariable success, for barns and other buildings in the country: and being particularly applied to roofs, it is called "fire proof." Take 20 gallons of fish oil; boil it four hours over a slow fire, and skim it as the feculence rises. Put in it 12 pounds of rosin, or an equivalent proportion of clarified turpentine. Before taking off the fire, mix ten gallons flax seed oil, boiled in the common way. Grind and mix with the oil a sufficient quantity of ochre (of what colour you please) to make the paint thick as can be well brushed on. As you brush on the paint, have your composition ready to sift or dash on. It is thus made. Take one bushel of ground plaster, calcined over a fire in a dry pot or kettle. When cold, mix with it three bushels of stone dust or fine sand, dry, and the more gritty or siliceous the better. Sift, or dash on as fast as the paint is laid on. When dry, the second coat is applied in the same manner. Live coals, in quantities, have been thrown on roofs thus coated, without injury. It does not scale with frost, or melt with the hottest sun. The above is sufficient for a large roof. The whole expense of the preceding composition,including labor and laying on, will not exceed $50. Feet. In. It is highly creditable to those concerned in the direction and executive branches of this work, that no delay ever occurred through want of supplies or prompt payment. Yet one million and a half of feet (board measure) of timber, and above 22,000 perches of stone, with all the subordinate and auxiliary materials required, were employed in this structure. The labour, the cost whereof was a great proportion of the expenditures, was obtained below the common rate, in most instances; owing to the regularity and certainty of pay ment, Depth of water to the rock at the western pier Feet. 41 21 to 24 ditto at the eastern pier, Amount of toll when the work began for 1799, Present rate, (1805.) $5000 13000 The company have established commodious wharves, which were necessary for the safety of the abutments; and add greatly to the improvement of that front of the city. President and Directors at the close of the Work. Directors. John Dunlap, John Perot, Ebenezer Hazard, Treasurer. John Dorsey. INVESTIGATION OF THE EPIDEMIC CHOLERA. (Concluded from page 170.) B. The Forming Stage or Commencing Symptoms of the Disease. This stage or period varies in duration from a few hours to one or two days. It is most generally induced by some of the exciting causes enumerated, especially errors in diet, vicissitudes of the weather, exposure to wet and cold, and fear. This stage is to be considered, 1st, as to the organs affected; 2d, the condition of the organs; 3d, the treat ment. 1st. The stomach and bowels still take precedence, as is evinced by the symptoms, in the most decided manner. The stomach is nauseated and vomiting is urgent. The discharge from the stomach is at first, very frequently the food which had last been taken. Often the meals of the last twenty-four hours are ejected, having remained undigested. The general character of the fluid evacuated is a clear thin fluid, resembling rice water-it is sometimes bilious or greenish. of supply is enfeebled-the pulse becoming small, frequent, and feeble. The organic or capillary circulation presents opposite states. The surface of the body loses its temperature, the extremities begin to cool and to diminish in bulk, showing the movable element, the organic fluid of their tissues, is forsaking them. The head in the same manner has a diminished temperature. The features begin to shrink, the eyes look hollow. The colour of the whole exterior is of a duller hue, the nails and lips are livid, the eyes are surrounded with a darkish zone, the fingers, hands, and feet exhibit a lividity that is unnatural. The pulmonary or respiratory organs in this stage exhibit signs of disorder. The breathing is anxious, laboured, oppressed, in some ex. ceedingly distressing. In this state then, the organs affected are the stomach and bowels, the glandular organs, the nervous organs of muscular contractility and sensibility, the organs of the general circulation, the capillary vessels of the external surface, and the respiratory organs. 2d. The condition of the organs is to be determined from the symptoms and a knowledge of their functions. The symptoms are the outward sign or manifestation of the disturbance in the natural function or condition of the organ. They are the language of the suffering organ. The natural function or condition must first be known before the meaning of the symptom can be understood. The symptoms emanating from the stomach and bowels are those of a most wide spread, and most active irritation of the gastro-intestinal mucous tissue. It is not a single compartment of this extensive surface, greater than that of the whole exterior, that is affected, but every point is involved at the same moment. Hence the simultaneous discharge upwards and downwards. Neither is it one element of this complicated tissue which is the subject of this morbific impression and suffers in its mode of being. The capillaries are highly injected, as shown in post mortem examinations, when death ensues in a few hours, and previous to copious discharges, that relieve the congested organ. The exhalents pour forth a copious watery or serous perspiration. The mucous follicles and cryptæ, and the glands of Peyer and Brunner invariably enlarged, and in protracted cases mostly ulcered, are irritated, inflamed, and furnish the vitiated mucoid secretion, constituting the whitish, creamy, and albuminous matter discharged from the bowels and found in them so constantly after death. The nervous expansion of tissue forming an element of this membrane experiences a violent irritation, provoking the contractions of the muscular tunic. quently torturing the patient with agonizing sufferings. Diarrhoea is a very constant, though not universal attendant. The discharge at times resembles thick gruel, or is very similar to that yielded by the stomach--often as clear nearly as spring water, but having a sediment of a mucous or albuminous character settling after stand-Hence the spasms, tormina and griping pains so freing. Violet tormina often exist, sometimes tenesmus, with spasms of the stomach and intestines, with so much torture to the suffering patient as to cause him to scream with the agony he endures. The discharges both upwards and downwards in this period are mostly of two kinds and usually mixed together. The one a very thin, clear, serous fluid, the other albuminous matter, either in floculi, or the form of a white, thick, and creamy fluid. In this stage disorder of nervous function is manifested. Cramps affect the extremities, most commonly commencing in the feet and attacking the muscles of the legs, then the thighs-the upper extremities suffer, and in very desperate cases the whole body is seized with spasm. Neuralgic pains or morbid sensibility is also very common. In some instances they prevail in a most excruciating manner, without the slightest contraction of the muscles; at other times both affections exist together. The glandular secretory apparatus has its functions deteriorated. Bile is not secreted, the urine is deficient, the tears are dried up. No mental emotion calls forth this natural witness of the internal grief of the soul. The circulation in this stage is under the influence of the morbid condition. The general circulation or that Dissec The condition of the nervous organs, giving rise to the cramps, spasms, and neuralgic pains, it is not easy to determine. These symptoms have their origin in the columns of the spinal marrow, but the precise pathological state of this stricture is very obscure. tions do not demonstrate any remarkable alterations of structure, nor is the coloration so generally affected, or injection of vessel frequent, as to lead to a supposition of any very intense action having existed. Besides, the cramps and spasms in most cases are a symptom so easily controlled, that they cannot be considered a very im. portant feature of the pathological state. A tourniquet, a tight ligature, cups to the spine, or even to the abdomen, frictions, are often sufficient permanently to dissipate and almost always to relieve them. The suffering of the patient is then abated, but no material improvement is effected in his condition. The neuralgic pains often yield to frictions or cups on the spine, or to a few drops of laudanum, without, however, the patient being placed in a less hazardous position. From the symptoms, it is evident there is disorder of the nervous functions of sensibility and muscular motili. ty. But we find these functions to manifest disorder under two opposite conditions-an inflammatory excite |