thusiasm of the biographer, and we concur with him in the noble sentiments which on every occasion flow from his pen. The portrait which he has given of his hero is a moral painting of great merit: it is a study for private Christians and public characters; and we should be happy to find that it ob tained general admiration, because such an admiration must be hailed as the prelude to imitation.

MONTHLY

CATALOGUE,

For NOVEMBER, 1814.

MEDICINE, &c.

Art. 12. Remarks on Mangel-Wurzel, or Root of Scarcity; with an Exposition on its Utility, and Directions for its Culture. By Thomas Newby. 8vo. is. 6d. Sherwood and Co. 1813.

The plant which has obtained the name of Mangel-Wurzel is a species of beet, frequently called, from the colour of its root, the white beet; and it has lately become very well known on the Con, tinent, in consequence of the attempts that have been made to procure sugar from it, as a substitute for the sugar of the West Indian cane. It appears, indeed, from the quantity of saccharine matter which it contains, and from its general composition, to be of a highly nutritive nature, and to possess many qualities that intitle it to the notice of the agriculturist. It was accordingly very strongly recommended about 20 or 30 years ago, particularly by Dr. Lettsom, as valuable food for cattle; and much pains were taken by individuals to promote its cultivation. It has, however, failed to get into general use; while, during the same period, other plants, and more especially the Swedish turnip, have become articles of prime importance to the farmer, in almost every part of the island.

In the pamphlet before us, a few examples are given of the extraordinary produce of the white beet, and we have occasionally heard of others of a similar kind: but we suspect that there is something peculiar in the habit or economy of the plant, which renders it not applicable to general use, possibly depending on soil or climate. One of the author's friends gives an account of his having had a produce of above 47 tons per acre, and says that he could never obtain more than two thirds of this weight of Swedish turnips. Another cor respondent speaks of it as equal to oil-cake for fattening cattle; and another is particularly partial to it as the best substance for feeding hogs. Mr. Newby thus sums up its virtues :

The extraordinary produce on several farms in this (Cambridge shire) and adjoining counties will appear wonderful to those who have never seen it cultivated. The average quantity of food produced on several farms is fifty-four tons, or 2650 bushels per acre. Suppose an acre of land divided into rows 18 inches asunder, and the plants of Mangel-Wurzel to be 12 inches apart, it will on computation contain about 30,000 roots, and suppose cach root to weigh REV. Nov. 1814.

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on an average about 5 lbs. it will produce near seventy tons; by this it will be proved that an acre of Mangel-Wurzel will more than double the weight of that of turnips, and by distillation will produce nearly half a ton of good grained sugar, and 150 gallons of rectified spirits, exclusive of the herbage it affords for cattle and the refuse for pigs after distillation. I have been favoured with many evidences of the nutritive qualities the Mangel-Wurzel possesses in the feeding and fatting of bullocks, sheep, deer, horses, and swine, as well as the great weight produced on an acre, which leaves no doubt of its superior excellence to any other vegetable ever offered. Cows will fatten at the time they are giving milk, and produce butter of superior flavour and in greater quantity; all kinds of stock will be found to give the Mangel-Wurzel a decided preference to either turnips, pulse, oil-cake, or any other food that can be offered them." Art. 13. An Account of a successful Method of treating Diseases_of the Spine; with Observations, and Cases in Illustration. By Thomas Baynton, of Bristol, Author of a Treatise on Ulcers. 8vo. 58. 6d. sewed. Longman and Co. 1813.

Every body will agree with this author in the remark with which he commences his treatise; There are very few diseases that occasion greater individual distress than the one which is about to be considered; it deprives the afflicted of the advantages of exercise, and the enjoyment of the locomotive faculty, it is painful in its progress, and fatal in its results.' Its importance has accordingly attracted the notice of many eminent practitioners: and, no doubt, considerable advantage has often been obtained from the curative means that have been adopted: but, at the same time, it must be admitted that the treatment consists in a severe and painful process, and that it too often entirely fails of success. An effectual method of removing this complaint, and one which should also prove of easy application, would afford a most valuable addition to the art of surgery.

Mr. Baynton first gives an account of the principles and practice of the celebrated Pott; who is generally regarded as the first that entertained any just opinions respecting the nature of the disease, and whose method of treatment, with some modifications, is still adopted. It is well known to depend on the continued application of caustic issues to the neighbourhood of the spine, and in opposing the employment of any species of machinery. Sir James Earle, however, is as confident in the recommendation of machinery as Mr. Pott in its condemnation; and he, as well as Mr. Pott, appeals for the ultimate decision of this question to a very extensive range of practice, and to considerations drawn from a supposed knowlege of the nature of the complaint. In this remarkable discordance of opinion, between two persons so well qualified to judge on the subject, the general sentiment of the public seems to have taken a kind of middle course; or, rather, to have endeavoured to unite the supposed advantages resulting from both plans, by combining the issues of Mr. Pott with. the mechanical contrivances recommended by Sir James Earle.

Diseases of the spine are observed to occur in young persons, and especially in such as exhibit symptoms of a delicate habit of body,

when

when either a deficient deposition of osseous matter exists, or perhaps some excess of soft parts; so that the whole bony fabric is unable to support the weight of the body, becomes deformed, and in consequence produces a variety of morbid effects on the different functions. Mr. Pott was farther of opinion that maladies of the spine are generally occasioned by a scrophulous habit; and many of the phænomena seem to justify this conclusion.

By proceeding on the principle that the circulating and absorbing systems are in a weakened state, in those persons who are subject to diseases of the spine, Mr. Baynton is led to form a new idea respecting the method which should be adopted for their relief; and to consider that the advantage, which has hitherto been obtained, has depended on very different causes from those to which it has been ascribed. He observes that

Though many cures have been ascribed by Mr. Pott to the effects of drains alone, which were certainly accomplished while drains were in use, there are forcible reasons for believing that many of those cures are ascribable to causes that were more efficient, though they were deemed at the time so unimportant, as to have been passed over without even the slightest recommendation.

Could it have been expected that any persons, whose circulating and absorbent systems were not sufficiently healthy to preserve a proper consistency in the bony parts of the system, when general circumstances were favourable, would recover by the mere assistance of caustic issues, or by the mere removal of pressure, or even by the combined effects of each of those means, when the bones were in a state of ulceration, and the general health destroyed? surely it could not; as the effects of drains have no known tendency to improve the health of the vascular systems; or the removal of pressure, to obviate any of the causes of this disease.'

While, however, the author deprives us of the hope of obtaining relief from the use of issues or machinery, he gives us the most flattering expectations of curing the disease by a more simple and efficacious treatment; merely, by resting the body in the horizontal posture.

That a system of resting in the horizontal position, regulated by scientific principles, will accomplish the cures of diseases of the spine after the failure of drains, and machinery, steadily continued a considerable number of years under the direction of skilful surgeons, will be hereafter proved.

Fortunately for this class of the afflicted, it will appear that, the means which are best calculated to prevent, or remove the causes of their diseases, are also the best calculated, and the most effectual, for the alleviation of their symptoms.

Resting, in the horizontal position, is as effectual in improving circulation, favouring the deposition of bone, and promoting absorption, as it is in preventing pressure, and allaying pain."

To recommend this plan of persevering in continual rest, and to give the necessary directions for the management of the patient and the construction of the most convenient apparatus, constitute the essential part of this treatise. The objections that have been urged

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against the practice, more indeed from theory than experience, are answered; and a number of well related cases are detailed in its support. We have derived great pleasure and satisfaction from the perusal of Mr. Baynton's essay, and are disposed to bestow very decided approbation on the plan of treatment recommended by him. Art. 14. The Art of preserving the Sight unimpaired to an extreme old Age; and of re-establishing and strengthening it when it becomes weak; with Instructions how to proceed in accidental Cases which do not require the Assistance of professional Men, and the Mode of Treatment proper for the Eyes during and immediately after the Small-pox. To which are added, Observations on the Inconveniences and Dangers arising from the Use of common Spec

tacles, &c. &c. By an experienced Oculist. 12mo. 4s. 6d.

Boards. Colburn. 1813.

Although this treatise is professedly popular, it seems to be composed by a person who has a knowlege of the subject on which he writes, and it accordingly contains some useful information and many salutary admonitions. It has, however, a fault which is too common in books of popular medicine; that of being in many parts desultory and trifling so that we cannot recommend it to the perusal of our readers without warning them of this circumstance. It is divided into three sections; the first consists of General Observations on the Mode of preserving the Eyes in a healthy State;' the second, Of the best Mode of Treatment for weak Eyes;' and the third informs us how the eyes ought to be treated in cases of unforeseen accidents, but which are not of such immediate import as to require any professional operation.' Each of the sections is subdivided into a number of chapters; and, in order to give our readers an idea of the manner in which the subject is treated, we shall enumerate the titles of the chapters which compose the second

section.

Chap. 1. Of the Care continually necessary for the Preservation of weak Eyes. Chap. 2. On the Regulation of Exercise for weak Eyes, both in general and in particular Cases. Chap. 3. On the Choice of Labour or Employment most judicious for weak Eyes. Chap. 4. On the Species of Relaxation most proper for weak Eyes. Chap. 5. On the Conduct which ought to be observed both by the long and near-sighted. Chap. 6. On the Treatment proper for the Eyes after severe Illness.'

The author's plan is to lay down certain specific rules for each head, and these are to be considered as a species of aphorisms, on which the remaining part of the chapter may be termed a commentary. The following are the rules for enabling the near-sighted to determine when it is absolutely necessary for them to use glasses.

First, when the whole of the pupil of the eye, and, above all, the transparent tunic, is so much elevated, that it can easily be perceived when the eye is looked at horizontally.

Second, when the patient writes very small and very close, and, particularly, when wishing to write a larger hand, his letters are ill formed, unequal, and his lines uneven.

Third, when in the evening, at the close of day, he can distinctly read the smallest print, whilst those of a sound eye-sight can scarcely distinguish capitals.

Fourth, when he can scarcely recognize any person, though. only ten paces distant.

And, fifth, when, to fix his view on any distant object, he is obliged to half close his eye-lids.'

We shall farther observe that, if this work cannot rank high as a literary performance, it will be found not unworthy of a perusal. Art. 15. An Essay on Medical Economy, comprizing a Sketch of the State of the Profession in England, and the Outlines of a Plan calculated to give to the Medical Body in general an Increase of Usefulness and Respectability. 8vo. 6s. Boards. Underwood. 1814.

Most persons agree that the present state of the medical profession requires some reform, or alteration, in its economy and arrangement: but the greatest differences of opinion prevail respecting the nature of the change which is to be attempted. In the treatise before us, the subject is discussed with candour, and not without ability; many of the remarks deserving the serious attention of those who are interested in the welfare of the important class of society which constitutes the body of medical practitioners.

In the first chapter, the author describes the medical establishment as regulated by law, and its defects;' in the second, the exist ing establishment, or that which has arisen gradually out of the former, and which may now be considered as authorized by custom, and its imperfections ;''in the third, he gives a sketch of that establishment, which, from the foregoing review, seems to be the desirable one, comprehending a statement of its comparative advantages;' and in the fourth he institutes an inquiry into the practicability of the desirable establishment, or into the extent to which its principles admit of application, under existing circumstances.'

The existing legal establishment is described as consisting of physicians, to whom alone belongs the duty of prescribing for diseases. of surgeons, who are to act under the physicians, whenever manual assistance is required; and of apothecaries, whose office is to prepare the prescriptions of the physician. This system, which we agree with the author is the one contemplated by the laws, is however found to be impracticable; and a different order is now established by general consent, and is every where brought into practice. this the actual state of things, the physician is commonly considered as merely a counsellor, called in when the urgency of the case requires unusual skill; while the ordinary care of the sick is engrossed by the apothecary, or rather by a new description of men, styled general practitioners, who profess equally all departments. The branch of surgery is nearly in the same state with that of medicine; the pure surgeon being in like manner almost superseded by the same class of general practitioners. This order of things the author conceives to be in many respects objectionable, as probably every man will do who seriously reflects on the subject: but he thinks that it has almost necessarily grown out of the former, in consequence chiefly of the

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