AN EXPLANATION, 
THE PUBLISHER, OF THE 
Nature, Scope, Form and Method of Preparation 
OF THE 
Index Medicus. 
EDITORS, 
Dr. JOHN S. BILLINGS, Surgeon U. S. Army, 
Dr. ROBERT FLETCHER, M. R. C. S., Eng 
AND 
Subscription Price, $lO,OO a Year. 
GEORGE S. DAVIS, Publisher, 
DETROIT, MICHIGAN, U. S. A, AN EXPLANATION, 
BY THE PUBLISHER, OF THE 
Nature, Scope, Form and Method of Preparation 
OF THE 
Index Medicus. 
EDITORS, 
Dr. JOHN S. BILLINGS, Surgeon U. S. Army, 
AND 
Dr. ROBERT FLETCHER, M. R. C. S., Eng. 
SUBSCRIPTION PRICE, $lO,OO A YEAR. 
GEORGE S. DAVIS, Publisher, 
DETROIT, MICHIGAN, U. S. A. INTRODUCTION. 
The publisher of the Index Medicus has been and is in daily receipt of many enquiries 
regarding the nature of the work, and of frequent requests for specimen copies. Owing to the 
expense of publication, a limited edition only is issued—merely sufficient to meet the demands 
of bona fide subscribers—so that it has hitherto been impossible to send out sample copies. 
To satisfactorily answer these enquiries, however, and to supply the demand for sample 
copies, it has been thought expedient to issue an explanatory pamphlet which would give 
a complete description of the character of the work and its mode of preparation, and which 
would contain an exact reproduction of pages taken from the work itself, and a miniature 
photographic illustration of the cover, thus conveying to possible subscribers, and to all 
interested in the Index Medicus, an accurate idea of its appearance and contents. 
As indicative, also, of the high esteem in which the Index Medicus is held by the 
medical press, and the most eminent members of the medical profession of this country and 
Europe, a few extracts from press notices and letters have been appended. SKETCH OF 
THE ORIGIN AND MODE OF PREPARATION 
OF THE 
Index Medicus. 
'T'HE scope and purpose of the journal, now in the seventh year of its career, 
* is well known to the prominent members of the medical profession at 
home and abroad, but even to them, as well as to those who may desire to be- 
come subscribers, a statement of the method of its production may be of 
interest. 
FORM OF INDEX MEDICUS. 
The Index Medicus is a royal octavo journal, each number containing 
48 double column pages, handsomely printed from clear type on superior 
quality of paper—especial care being taken to secure typographical accuracy 
and perfect finish. 
LIBRARY OF THE SURGEON GENERAL’S OFFICE. 
The library of the Surgeon General’s office in Washington, one of the most 
important medical libraries in existence, obtains, by subscription or exchange, 
all the medical journals, and transactions of medical societies, published in any 
language in any part of the world. It has required years of diligent enquiry 
and research to ascertain the names, merely, of these publications, and to per- 
fect the system by which they are obtained, and it is safe to say that there is no 
such complete collection of current medical literature to be found elsewhere. 
As fast as these journals are received the titles of all original articles are copied 
to form part of the Index-Catalogue now being issued under the authority of 
Congress. 6 
This extensive work, of which the sixth volume (extending nearly through 
the letter I) is now completed, is a catalogue not only of authors, but of all 
subjects of medicine, the latter being arranged under a very comprehensive 
classification. For example, the first six volumes of the work contain under 
these subject-headings 64,142 books and 219,154 journal articles. This is in 
addition to the author-titles, which amount to 58,886.* 
All the works thus indexed are to be found in the library, and are, there- 
fore, available for consultation. 
When the Index Medicus was projected in 1878, the Surgeon General, 
desirous of making the valuable library under his control as useful as possible 
to the medical profession, consented to permit the titles, written from the 
current periodicals as they arrived, to be copied for publication in the new 
journal. 
It is obvious that no publisher could undertake to subscribe for, or procure, 
such a vast quantity of periodical literature, which comprises over 600 journals, 
beside a large number of transactions and reports. It is only in a great public 
institution that such a collection could be formed, and be thus utilized for the 
benefit of the medical profession. 
The permission to copy titles merely, would have been of comparatively 
little use to the publisher, however, but for the fact that Dr. Billings, who has 
charge of the library, and his assistant. Dr. Fletcher, consented to undertake 
the editing of the new journal. Upon the thoroughness with which the work 
has been done it is needless to dilate. The scholarly members of the profession, 
the writers, the teachers, both in the United States and in Europe, regard it as 
an indispensable aid to their studies and work. 
SCOPE OF THE INDEX MEDICUS. 
The Index Medicus not only comprises the titles copied from the daily 
indexing of the current literature received at the library of the Surgeon General’s 
office, but those of all new medical works, or new editions, which may not form 
part of that collection, are added, making it, therefore, as far as possible, a com- 
plete bibliography of medicine. The value of such a record, the only one of its kind 
* Index-Catalogue of the library of the Surgeon General’s office. VoI.VI. Introduction. 7 
in existence, can hardly be over-rated, and as the edition is small and not 
stereotyped, the volumes are certain to become scarce and enhanced in price. 
THE ANNUAL INDEX. 
The Annual Index of authors’ names which accompanies each volume of 
the Index Medicus covers over thirty pages of solid type in triple column. In 
future, in order to facilitate reference to this index, a separate line will be given 
to each author’s name, the latter being in heavy faced type. 
THE SUBJECT INDEX. 
Frequent wishes have been expressed that a subject-index should accompany 
each volume. The enormous labor, and, consequent expense, of re-classifying 
over 40,000 titles is rather appalling, but in order that the Index Medicus shall 
be complete in all respects, it has been decided that a copious subject-index 
shall accompany the present and future volumes. 
WHEN PUBLISHED. 
The Index Medicus is issued on the last day of each month, and, as far 
as possible, contains the literature of that month; but it must be remembered 
that journals from remote places require a long time for their transit. For 
example, the medical journals from Japan are received but four times in the 
year, and Spanish, Portuguese, and South American journals arrive about every 
two months. Nearly two weeks are required for printing and proof-reading, so 
that each number of the Index Medicus may be said to represent the medical 
literature that has accumulated from the fifteenth of the preceding to the fif- 
teenth of the current month. 
WHY THOSE DESIRING THE WORK SHOULD SUBSCRIBE AT ONCE. 
As previously stated, owing to the great expense entailed by the publica- 
tion of a work of this nature, the publisher begs to announce that a limited 
edition only will be issued. It will not be possible, therefore, to supply future 8 
subscribers with back numbers, and those wishing their subscriptions to date 
from the beginning of the present volume should send in their orders at once. 
HOW THE SUBSCRIPTION PRICE MAY BE REDUCED. 
The Index Medicus has heretofore been published at a very considerable 
pecuniary loss. Many suggestions from those interested in the welfare of the 
enterprise have been received by the publisher to the effect that a material re- 
duction in the subscription price would, by making the work popular and its 
possession by the mass of the profession possible, establish it on a permanently 
self-sustaining basis. In view of these facts the publisher begs to announce 
that while the loss resulting from the continuance of the enterprise at the pres- 
ent time which must necessarily be assumed by him, will not admit of a reduc- 
tion in the subscription price at once, he proposes to reduce the price as soon as 
the support received from the medical profession will warrant such action. It 
is thus to the advantage of every subscriber to use his influence in behalf of the 
Index Medicus in the circle of his professional friends, and it is hoped the re- 
quisite support may be speedily secured. 
Especial attention is called to the fact that the Index Medicus is in no 
sense a money-making enterprise. Its publication is undertaken with the pur- 
pose of continuing a work of the greatest importance to this age and to poster- 
ity, which had been virtually abandoned. 
It can be established on a permanent basis only through the aid of the 
medical profession, which it chiefly benefits, and this aid is earnestly solicited, 
and it is sincerely hoped for the sake of the perpetuation of so lasting a monu- 
ment of the medical work of the age, if for no other reason, it will be cordially 
supported. 9 
WHO USE IT. 
Among the eminent members of the American profession who warmly 
commend the work may be mentioned: 
I). Hayes Agnew, M. D, 
John Ashhurst, M. D. 
Frank H. Hamilton, M. D. 
Wm. H. Draper, M. D. 
Fessenden N. Otis, M. D. 
J. Solis Cohen, M. D. 
Robert Battey, M. D. 
A. Jacobi, M. D. 
E. G. Janeway, M. D. 
Geo. A. Peters, M. D. 
T. A. Mcßride, M. D. 
Eouis A. Sayre, M. D. 
Robert F. Weir, M. D. 
E. C. Seguin, M. D. 
T. Gaillard Thomas, M. D. 
Frances Delafield, M. D. 
Henry B. Sands, M. D. 
J. N. DaCosta, M. D. 
H. Marion Sims, M. D. 
S. W. Gross, M. D. 
Wm. Goodell, M. D. 
Hunter McGuire, M. D. 
T. M. Markoe, M. D. 
S. Weir Mitchell, M. D. 
Wm. Pepper, M. D. 
A. J. C. Skene, M. D. 
H. C. Wood, M. D. 
Prof. C. F. Chandler, 
And many others of equal eminence, at home and abroad. 
The two following pages, which are taken from a recent number of the work 
will show the method of indexing adopted, and make apparent the ease with 
which any one pursuing a special line of investigation may familiarize himself 
with all the recent literature of the subject being studied. Medicine. 
meningitis, taken from a boy aged eleven. Lan- 
cet, Lond., 1885, i, 845. 
De Renzi (E.) Sul colera di Napoli (1884). 
Riv. din. e terap., Napoli, 1885, vii, 57-73. 
Ekk (N. Y.) O resultat. komandirovki v Egipte 
na cholernuju epidemiu 1883 i 1884 g. Trudi 
Obsh. Russk. vrach., St. Petersb., 1885, ii, 
275-297. Ferran (J.) El microbio del colera; 
su morfogenia, accion patogena y profilatica. 
Independ. raed., Bared., 1884-5, xvi, 217-222. 
Fiorani (F.) Colera di Spezia. Gior. di 
med. mil., Roma, 1885, xxxiii, 230-242. Gio- 
elli. Studi sul colera fatti nelP ospedale di 
marina di Spezia durante Pepidernia colerica del 
1884. Ibid., 18-25.—Green (A.) Asiatic chol- 
era, its etiology and treatment. St. Louis M. & S. 
J., 1885, xlviii, 283-294.—Gulliver (G.) On 
the etiology and pathology of cholera. Tr. Epide- 
miol Soc. Lond., 1883-4, n. s., iii, 65-75. 
Hanot (V.) et A. Gilbert. Note sur les altera- 
tions histologiques du foie dans le cholera a la 
periode algide. Arch, de physiol., norm, et 
path., Par., 1885, 3. s., v, 301-308, 1 pi. He- 
ricourt (J.) Sur la nature indifferente des 
bacilles courbes ou bacilles-virgules (comma- 
bacillus), et sur la presence de leurs germes 
dans Patmosphere. Compt. rend. Acad. d. sc. 
Par., 1885, c, 1027-1029. . Les germes 
atmospheriques des bacilles courbes (bacilles- 
virgules, Komma-bacillus). Rev. d’hyg., Par., 
1885, vii, 279-288. Hollister (J. H.) Cholera 
J. Am. M. Ass., Chicago, 1885, iv, 564-571. 
Hunter (W. G.) Remarks on the epidemic of 
cholera in Egypt. Tr. Epidemiol. Soc. Lond., 
1883-4, n. s., iii, 43-64. lnstrucciones de 
profilaxia individual contra el colera asiatico. 
Aprobadas por la Sociedad de ciencias medicas 
de Lisboa, en las sesiones de 26 y 28 de Julio de 
1884. (Trad, del portugues por M. Rocha.) 
Voz de Hipocrates, Mexico, 1885, iii, 12; 34. 
Johnson (G.) On the aAiology, pathology, and 
treatment of cholera. Proc. Roy. Soc. Lond., 
1882-5, n. s., i, 368-401; discus., 407-420. 
Johnston (W. W.) Cholera morbus. Syst. 
Pract. Med. (Pepper), Phila., 1885, ii, 719-725. 
Klebs (E.) Ob aziatisk cholere po nablioude- 
nijamvGenue. Mejdunar klin., St. Petersb., 
1885, iv, 227-246. Koch (R.) II cholera. 
Gazz. med. ital. lomb., Milano, 1884, 8. s., vi, 
353; 417; 465. Latimer (T. S.) On the 
origin and diffusion of cholera. Maryland M. J., 
Balt., 1885, xiii, 46-48.—Maestre y Solano 
(D.) Observaciones sobre el colera y reglas 
higienicas en el caso de su invasion. 801. de 
big., San Fernando, 1884-5, iii, 235-240. 
Maggi (L.) A proposito dei protisti cholerigeni. 
Gazz. med. ital. lomb., Milano, 1885, 8. s., vii, 
82; 102. —Maragliano (E.) Sulla misura di 
pubblica preservazione contro il cholera, e spe- 
cialmente sulle quarantene rnarittime e terrestri. 
Salute: Italia med., Genova, 1884, 2. s., xviii, 
385-392. Martelli (A.) Il cholera in Castel- 
nuovo di Carfagnana. Gazz. med. di Roma, 
1885, xi, 49-54. Micro-organismo colerigeno 
de Farran; informe redactado por los Sres. 
Careras, Bertram, Gine, Roig y Bofill, Soler y 
Rodriguez Mendez (ponente). Gac. med. catal., 
Barcel., 1885, viii, 161-191, 1 pi. Also: Rev. 
med. de Sevilla, 1885, vi, 225-232. Monte- 
fusco (A.) Sulla temperatura nel colera. Gior. 
internaz. d. sc. med., Napoli, 1885, n. s., vii, 243- 
248. Negri (A. F.) e G. Cassone. Contribu- 
Cholera. 
Cuningham (J. M.) Cholera: what can the 
state do to prevent it? Calcutta, 1884. 171 p., 
1 map. B°. 
Hayem (Georges). Traitement du cholera. 
Par., 1885, G. Masson. 168 p. 12°. 
Lecocq (G.) Le cholera a Toulon en 1884, 
notes d’un etudiant. Peronne, 1885, Quentin. 
B°. 
Netter (A.) Remarques sur le dernier rapport 
de M. Le Roy de Mericourt touchant le traite- 
ment du cholera. Nancy, 1885. B°. [Repr. 
from : Rev. raed. de I’est.] 
Oldoni (S.) Comunicazione preventiva sulla 
epidemia di cholera-morbus nel comune di 
Spezia. Firenze, 1884. B°. [Repr. from; 
Idrol. e climat. med.] 
Pepper (William). Precautions suggested in 
the event of the existence of cholera as an epi- 
demic. Phila., 1885. 31. 12°. 
Almquist (E.) Om studiet att hamma vilra 
farsoter och sarskilt Koleran. Eira, Goteborg, 
1885, ix, 143-158.—Amat. L’epidemie de 
cholera dans I’armee de Paris, cn 1884. Gaz. 
raed. de Par., 1885, 7. s., ii, 223. —Beretta (A.) 
eG. Minola. Annotazioni cliniche e terapeu- 
tiche sul cholera. Gazz. med. ital. lomb. Mi- 
lano, 1884, 8. s., vi, 499; 539; 1885, vii, 15; 25. 
Bertenson (I. V.) [Asiatic cholera and its 
propagation in the empire.] Soobsh. i protok. 
S.-Peterb. med. Obsh., 1885, ii, no. 2, 113-157. 
Biermer. Ueber die Entstehung, Verbrei- 
tung und Abwehr der asiatischen Cholera. 
Breslau, aerztl. Ztschr., 1885, vii, 77-80.— 
Bochefontaine. Effets produits chez I’homme 
et les animaux par I’ingestion stomacale et Pin- 
jection hypodermique de cultures des microbes 
du liquide diarrheique du cholera. Compt. rend. 
Acad. d. sc., Par., 1885, c, 1148-1151.—Cam- 
part et Saint-Martin. De I’etat de I’oeil chez 
les choleriques. Bull. din. nation, opht. de 
Phosp. de Quinze-Yingts. Par. 1885, iii, 35-39. 
—-Caro (0.) A. Montefusco eF. Bifulco. Re- 
soconto terapeutico dell’ ospedale cholerico della 
Conocchia. Morgagni, Napoli, 1885, xxvii, 157- 
169. Ceci (A.) SulP etiologia del cholera 
asiatico; sommario delle ulteriori ricerches. 
Salute : Italia med., Genova, 1885, xix, 6-16. 
Ceci (A.) eE. Klebs. SulP etiologia del 
cholera asiatico. Arch, per le sc. med., To- 
rino, 1884-5, viii, 417-420. Cheyne (W. W.) 
Report on the cholera-bacillus. Brit. M. J., 
Lond, 1885, i, 821; 877.—Cholera confer- 
ence at Berlin. Lancet, Lond., 1885, i, 911- 
913.—Colin (L.) L’epidemie de cholera de 
I’armee de Paris en 1884. Arch, de med. 
et pharm. mi., Par., 1885, v, 285-305.— 
Crespi (M.) Mezzi terapeutici per la profilassi 
e cura del cholera morbus, dalla considerazione 
che il microbio cholerigeno sia un organismo 
vegetale. Gazz. med. ital. lomb., Milano, 1885, 
8. s., vii, 35-38.—Cuneo. Del tratamiento del 
colera en los hospitales de la armada en Tolon. 
Corresp. raed., Madrid, 1884, xix, 307; 322 Index Medicus. 
[June, ’B5. 
zione alio studio della genesi e mododi diffusione 
del colera. Sperimentale, Firenze, 1885, Iv, 40- 
45. Patroni (D.) Processo dell’ acido fenico 
e del contagio colerico. Guglielmo da Saliceto, 
Piacenza, 1884, vi, 253; 281; 309. -—Petrone 
(L. M.) Terapia specifica del colera usata in 
Napoli in oltre 300 casi; sua cura profilattica; 
igiene internazionale; igiene e disinfezione lo- 
cale. Spallanzani, Modena, 1885, 2. s., xiv, 53- 
61. Picot. Les recherches reccntes sur le 
microbe du cholera. Gaz. hebd. d. sc. med. de 
Bordeaux, 1885, vi, 178-182. Rodriguez 
Mendez. Mas datos sobre el micro-organismo 
colerigeno. Gac. med. catal., Barcel., 1885, viii, 
191. Schottelius (M.) Zum mikroskopischen 
Nachweis von Cholerabacillen in Dejectionen. 
Deutsche med. Wchnschr., Berk, 1885, xi, 213. 
Skvortsov (I. P.) Ob epidemii choleri 
cholera vEurope v 1884 g. Russ. Med., Voskre- 
sensk, 1885, i, 196; 215; 236; 258. —Spatuzzi 
(A.) La teoria di Max von Pettenkofer sul 
colera e le epidemie del 1873 e del 1884 in 
Napoli. Morgagni, Napoli, 1885, xxvii, 137-154. 
vom Sydow (F. E.) Ora den indiska 
koleran. Eira, Goteborg, 1885, ix, 107-126. 
Torres Munoz de Luna (R.) El acido hiponi- 
trico considerado como desinfectante, agente pro- 
filactico y curativo del colera morbo asiatico. 
Siglo med., Madrid, 1884, xxxi, 675 ; 694 ; 708. 
Trevisan (Y.) II batterio del cholera eun vi- 
brione, non un bacillo ; e agente esogeno e causa 
occasionale della malattia, non agente endogeno 
e causa assoluta. Gazz. med. ital. lomb., Milano, 
1884, 8. s., vi, 417; 427. Vitone (V.) L’ente- 
roclisi tannica calda ed i clisteri di acido tannico 
nella cura del cholera. Morgagni, Napoli, 1885, 
xxvii, 43-46. 
145, 1 diag. Piltz. Die Diphtherie vom 
Standpunkte des praktischen Arztes. Prakt. 
Arzt, Wetzlar, 1885, xxvi, 25; 49.—Stumpf 
(L.) Entgegnung auf die Bemerkungen Prof. 
Rossbach’s iiber die Wirkung des Papayotins 
bei Diphtherie etc. (Dieses Arcbiv. 81. xxxvi, 
S. 339 if.) Deutsches Archf. f. klin. Med., 
Leipz., 1884-5, xxxvi, 586-588. 
Erysipelas. 
Allan (R. T.) Case of infantile erysipelas. 
Australas. M. Gaz., Sydney, 1884-5, iv, 164. 
Discussion sur Ferjsipele et la methode an- 
tiseptique. Bull. Acad, de med., Par., 1885, 
2. s., xiv, 565-575. Dubrueil (A.) Une 
epidemie d’erysipeles a la clinique chirurgicale. 
Gaz. hebd. d. sc. med. de Montpel., 1885, vii, 
181.—Lardier. L’erysipele en province. Union 
med.. Par., 1885, 3. s., xxxix, 615-619.—Mar- 
cacci (G.) Di una eresipela sequita da pioemia. 
Gior., internaz., d. sc. med., Napoli, 1885, n. s., 
vii, 238-242. Nieden (S. A.) Zwei Fiille 
von spontaner Heilung von Affeetionen des 
Uvealtractus nach Ueberstehen eines Gesichts- 
erysipels. Centralbl. f. prakt. Augenh., Leipz., 
1885, ix, 80-84.—Romiti (G.) Sulla cura 
della eresipella traumatica epidemica colla vase- 
lina borica. 8011. d. Soc. tra i cult. d. sc. med. 
in Siena, 1884, ii, 275. 
Sax (M.) Zur Kasuistik der Hydrophobic. 
Wien. med. Presse, 1885, xxvi, 401. 
Hydrophobia. 
Diphtheria. 
See, also, Croup; Tracheotomy. 
Loisel (Louis). Du traitement des fievres 
paludeennes a Sainte-Marie de Madagascar; 
emploi simultane de la quinine et de Farsenic, 
notamment en injection hypodermique, dans 
les formes pernicieuses. Par., 1885. 75 p. 
4°. No. 151. * 
Malarial Diseases. 
Darier (F.-John). De la broncho-pneumonie 
dans la diphtherie. Par., 1885. 11l p. 4°. 
No. 166. * 
Alderton (H. C.) Report of eight cases of 
diphtheria. Brit. M. J., Lond., 1885, i, 835. 
Bassols Prim (A.) Casos de difteria. Rev. 
de cien. med., Barcel., 1885, xi, 185-191. 
Dreier (V. I.) Papayotin pri difterite. Yrach, 
St. Petersb., 1885, vi, 229-231. Emmerich. 
Ursache der Diphterie des Menschen und der 
Tauben. Deutsche Vrtljschr. f. off. Gsndhts- 
pflg. Brnschwg, 1885, xvii, 224-226. Gille (P. 
E.) Chinolinbehandling i difteri. Hygiea, Stock- 
holm, 1885, xlvii, 281-284. Heusinger. Die 
Diphteritis-Epidemie in Raguhn 1883-84; ein 
statistisch-therapeutischer Beitrag. Deutsche 
med. Wchnschr., Berk, 1885, xi, 237. Hovell 
(M.) Apparat zur Entfernung diphtheritscher 
Membranen aus der Trachea. [Transk from : 
Lancet, Lond., 1884, ii, B.] Illust. Monat- 
schr. d. arztk Polytech., Bern, 1885, vii, 89. 
Lee (H. H.) A successful case of tracheotomy 
for diphtheria in a young child. Med. Rec. 
N. Y., 1885, xxvii, 514.—Morrison (F. A.) 
Sulphur insufflations in the treatment of intra- 
laryngeal diphtheria. Indiana M. J., Indianap., 
1884-5, hi, 191-193. —Parsons (H. F.) Some 
observations on the etiology of diphtheria. Tr. 
Epidemiol. Soc, Lond., 1883-4, n. s., hi, 124- 
Theophalos (I.) IT pay par da n epi 'EAuSuv 
Trvpsruv. A&yvaij 1885. 
Andrjevski (I.) [Malaria-inflammatory pro- 
cesses and their importance in the pathology of 
marshy poisons and in the pathology of inflam- 
mation.] Voyenno-med. J. St. Petersb., 1884, 
cli, pt. 3, 109; 1885, clii, 1; 45. —Fazio (E.) 
II decotto di limone nella infezione palustre. 
Riv. internaz. di med. e chir., Napoli, 1885, ii, 
83-86.—Field (E. E.) “Yellow chills,” a 
comparatively recent manifestation of malaria. 
Tr. M. Soc. Virg., Richmond, 1884, xv, 126- 
133. Granizo Ramirez (F.) Estudios sobre 
la infeccion paludica. Gac. med. de Granada, 
1885, iv, 3; 33; 97; 129. Griswold (R. M.) 
Malaria in its relations to other diseases. N. 
Eng. M. Month., Sandy Hook, Conn., 1884-5, 
iv, 313 ; 363. Improvement (The) of malari- 
ous countries. Med. Times & Gaz., Lond., 
1885, i, 625. Malarial fever; subject for 
general discussion. Tr. M. Soc. Yirg., Rich- 
mond, 1884, xv, 162-173.—Mariotti (U.) e 
G. Ciarrocchi. Sulla trasmissibilita dell’ infe- 
zione da malaria. Sperimentale, Firenze, 1884, 
liv, 623-630. Minella (F.) Storiadi un caso 
d’ematuria parossistica d’origine miasroatica. 12 
Before presenting the opinions of the press and profession, we may be per- 
mitted to emphasize a few points which the history of the Index Medicus has 
proven: 
It is a work absolutely indispensable to medical writers, teachers and prac- 
titioners. 
It renders practicable ready reference to every article■ on a medical subject 
published in any part of the world, and thus greatly lightens the labor of re- 
search and makes accessible to every subscriber the latest information bearing on 
any medical topic he may be interested in investigating. 
Its convenience, utility and value as a means of acquiring the most recent 
and advanced views from the centres of medical learning cannot be overesti- 
mated. 
It constitutes an imperishable monument of the progress of medical and 
surgical science. 
It is the only complete work of the kind published in the world, and is 
universally commended by the medical press and by the most ■eminent medical 
men of all countries. 
The following expressions of approval which have been selected from the 
many commendatory letters and press notices in the possession of the publisher, 
will sufficienly indicate the position the Index Medicus holds in the estimation 
of those best able to judge of it. PRESS AND PROFESSIONAL NOTICES. 
“Truly a chef-d’oeuvre of medical bibliography and unique of its kind.”— 
Journal d' Hygihie (Paris). 
“ No author or writer can, without great loss of time, dispense with the aid 
of this useful monthly.” Deutsches Archiv fuer Geschichte der Medizin 
(Leipsic). 
“We have no hesitation in saying that this journal is the most valuable 
contribution to medical science of the present century.”—Glasgoiv Sanitary 
Journal. 
“Its discontinuance would be almost a calamity for every intelligent stu- 
dent and practitioner of medicine. . . . It is a marvel of accuracy and 
completeness.”—Lancet (London). 
“An index of inestimable value. . . . We tender our best thanks to 
the editors and the enterprising publisher for opening up so valuable a literary 
mine.”—Medical Press and Circular (London). 
“We do not see how any one can afford to be without this journal. It is a 
necessity, not only to those who are teachers, but to the busy practitioner every- 
where.”— The Medical Record (New York). 
“It is the result of great and continuous labor and research, and supplies a 
very valuable and useful index to the current medical literature of all the 
departments of medicine.”—Med. Times and Gazette (London). 
“We consider the ‘lndex-Catalogue of the Surgeon-General’s Library,’ as 
well as the Index Medicos, absolutely indispensable to every person interested 
in medical literature.”—Gazette Hebd. de Med. et de Chir. (Paris). 
“ The amount of information to be derived from a mere perusal of such a 
periodical can hardly be realized by one who is not familiar with the refine- 
ments to which this business of cataloguing has been carried. It is useful and 
interesting to everybody, whether he be a ‘bookworm’ or not.”—Boston Medical 
and Surgical Journal. 
“The magnitude of the plan arouses our admiration. No medical opinion 
can now escape notice, no published analogous cases be overlooked. Let us 
welcome the gigantic enterprise which, in presenting a universal survey of med- 
ical study, must necessarily further the general progress of medical science.— 
Corresp.-Blatt. f. Schweizer Aerzte. 
13 “Although Germany has, for forty years, been in possession of two similar 
publications (.Schmidt's Jahrbiicher, and Canstatt's, now Virchow 6° Hirsch's 
Jahresberichte), they cannot be compared with the Index Medicus, which, in 
bibliographical completeness, has far surpassed both. What heretofore has 
been presented by our German bibliographers as current medical literature in 
toto, embraced in reality only the principal publications of France, Germany, 
and England. . . . The work is, indeed, indispensable to every conscien- 
tious and truly scientific writer in every branch of medicine.”—Med.-Chir. 
Centralblatt (Vienna). 
“ If such a publication of signal utility to inquirers in all parts of the world 
is allowed to collapse for the want of the few hundreds necessary to secure its 
continuance, an opportunity will be lost not very likely to recur. All our ener 
gies should be turned toward securing the continuation of the Index Medicus. 
—Lancet (London). 
“To the literature of the profession the Index is an immense necessity—a 
necessity which has never before been met, so that our medical force has been 
wasted, and our medical literature has been left weak and imperfect. Surely 
every prosperous doctor can afford ten dollars a year for the development of his 
science, for the building up of the greatest charity in the world—the medical 
profession. . . . Let all physicians, who can, subscribe; let them see that 
their societies aid in the work; let them insist that the public libraries of their 
respective towns and cities take each a copy; and the enterprise will move 
hereafter easily and steadily along the grooves of habitual prosperity.”—Medical 
Times (Phila.). 
“ One of the most useful enterprises of the present day is the Index Cata- 
logue of the library of the United States Surgeon-General’s office. The first 
volume was published in 1880, and it is still in progress. The library itself is 
remarkably complete, and Dr. John S. Billings, its chief, and editor of the cata- 
logue, is most energetic and successful in filling up the vacancies. The 
Catalogue is remarkable for the fullness of the subject index it embodies. Not 
only is each work indexed under the author’s name, but its subject matter is 
carefully registered in alphabetical order. In addition to this, in subsidiary 
type, references are given to articles in periodical publications, both under 
subjects and authors’ names. When completed, the Index Catalogue will be an 
invaluable work of reference to all students of medicine. Of course such a 
publication could never be undertaken as a private enterprise, and to the pro- 
tective tariff of the United States must be awarded the honor of making it 
possible to persuade Congress to grant the large annual sum necessary to carry 
it onr. If the Treasury had not been embarassed with enormous sums for which 
it was hard to find legitimate outlets, we can scarcely imagine that any collec- 
tion of ordinary citizens could have been brought to see the benefit of a cata- logue and index of medical books long out of print and obsolete. Dr. J. S. 
Billings originated another scheme, which has been progressing side by side 
with the Index Catalogue. This is called the “ Index Medicus: a monthly 
classified record of current medical literature of the world; compiled under the 
supervision of J. S. Billings and R. Fletcher.” This has been published for 
about five years, as a private speculation, by Mr. Frederick Leypoldt, an Amer- 
ican publisher, whose enthusiam for the project survived constant losses, and 
failed only at his death. To the shame of the profession throughout the world 
it must be recorded that the amount received from subscribers to this most 
valuable work never paid the cost of production. At Mr. Leypoldt’s death it 
was naturally feared that the publication of the “Index Medicus” must cease. 
No publisher was likely to take it up unless the subscription-list was largely 
increased, and urgent appeals were made to this end, though, we fear, with little 
result. At this juncture we are glad to see that Mr. George S. Davis, publisher 
of the Therapeutic Gazette, and other medical journals and books, and closely 
connected with the well-known firm of Parke, Davis & Co., came to the rescue, 
and has undertaken to continue the publication. The first issue under the new 
auspices will comprise the literature of January, February, and March, after 
which it will appear monthly as usual. Such a work is an honor to the country 
in which it appears, to the originator, the compilers, and to all concerned with 
it—certainly not least to the publisher to whom it owes its continued existence. 
Its chances of immortality are a thousand times greater than those of the most 
successful publications of the day, many of which are likely to be known to 
future generations only by the three or four lines it devotes to them. To those 
who use it it saves countless errors and much valuable time. To those who 
study it with attentive minds it is profoundly suggestive. To the imagination 
it presents a most interesting spectacle. In all lands human beings are suffer- 
ing from disease an ) accident, which others are endeavoring to alleviate. To 
assist in this task innumerable observations are published in languages as diverse 
as English and Hungarian, in places as distant as Washington and Hong-Kong, 
London and Melbourne. The same truth is discovered and forgotten again 
and again, for no human being unassisted can keep mastery of this immense 
and scattered host. WThere this index is compiled trained men are busy day by 
day marshalling the details in compact ranks, and subordinating them to the 
control of any man who can spare an hour to investigate the subject which is 
engrossing his attention. We only wish that the enterprise had originated in 
Great Britain, and had been pecuniarily successful from the first. We trust 
that in its new circumstances it will be better supported, and that there will be 
no future cause to fear that it may cease.”—London Chemist and Di'uggist. 
With its December, 1884, number, the Index Medicus closed its sixth vol- 
ume, and with that number its publication was suspended. The six years of its life was a most precarious existence, and had it not been for the generous liber- 
ality of certain members of the profession, it must have gone under at the end 
of its second year. Its publisher, Mr. F. Leypoldt, of New York, had invested 
quite heavily in the enterprise, with the hope that his efforts would, within a 
reasonable period, be rewarded with commensurate returns. At the end of the 
second year, however, he found not only that the balance was on the wrong 
side of his ledger, but that the financial outlook was far from encouraging 
enough to justify further outlay. In this emergency a sufficient number of vol- 
untary pledges were made to induce him to continue. With the aid thus given 
him he w.as able “ to make ends meet,” and at the end of three years more, when 
the pledges expired, he hoped by increasing the subscription price to ten dollars 
to make the publication self-sustaining. During the past year, however, Mr. 
Leypoldt died, and his estate felt compelled to suspend the publication. This 
suspension was a misfortune, the greatness of which those most active in the 
higher professional work were best qualified to comprehend. It was felt to be 
all the greater because of the contemplated difficulty of securing anyone who 
would be willing to take hold of a publication whose history presented such an 
indifferent financial showing. In this emergency, Mr. George S. Davis, 
whose reputation for enterprise and intelligent liberality in professional matters 
is so well known, was requested to come to the rescue, and it gives us pleasure 
to announce that he has consented to assume the publication. 
The Index Medicus is a monthly classified record of the current medical 
literature of the world; and, in view of the immense volume of this literature 
which is being given from the press in these latter days, it is absolutely indis- 
pensable to those who desire to extend their researches in any particular direc- 
tion. The only place where such a record is now kept is at the office of the 
Surgeon-General, at Washington; but while this is open to all who wish to con- 
sult it, it is clearly impracticable for all who may desire so to do, to make a trip 
to Washington for that purpose. Through the publication of the Index Medi- 
cus this record becomes available to practitioners everywhere. Dr. John S. 
Billings, U. S. A., and Robert Fletcher, M. D., M. R. C. S., generously donating 
duplicate copy, as fast as it is prepared, for this publication. 
The addition of the annual Subject Index, as announced, will greatly add 
to the usefulness of the work. It will enable the reader at a glance to discover, 
at the end of the year, the journals containing articles on the particular subject 
in which he is interested. The additional labor and cost of preparing such an 
index is very considerable, but Mr. Davis has, nevertheless, acceded to the re- 
quest of the editors that it be published. This addition will make the Index 
Medicus simply perfect for the use for which it was intended. Its non-appear- 
ance heretofore, has been due to the fact that the cost deterred the previous 
publishers from making it. 
Now that the publication of the Index Medicus has passed into new hands, it is confidently expected that the difficulties which have heretofore beset it 
will be overcome. Mr. Davis is one of the class of men who count on no pos- 
sibility of failure in any enterprise in which they engage; and if success is 
among the possibilities in this new venture, it is safe to predict that he will 
achieve it. This success must, however, necessarily depend on the extent to 
which he can interest the profession, and it is confidently hoped that there will 
be no lack in this regard. The publication is one which it is the duty of the 
profession to cordially support; and while the subscription price (ten dollars) is 
rather high, except for those on whom fortune has smiled, there are, fortunately, 
a sufficient number of the latter in this country and in Europe, to make the 
venture a financial success. No live, working practitioner, having anything 
more than a mere pecuniary interest in his calling, can afford not to have the 
Index Medicus conveniently at hand for reference. If he feel that the cost is 
more than his means will justify, he should insist on his medical society sub- 
scribing for a copy. Certainly not a single medical society in this country 
should be without it. The indifferent support which has heretofore been ac- 
corded the Index Medicus is not creditable to the medical profession of this 
country; it has, indeed, been the subject of remark abroad. We believe this 
stigma is in a fair way to be removen.—Medical Age. 
The importance of this work to all real medical scholars, young or old, 
cannot be too highly estimated. As the several volumes stand upon our library 
shelves, they furnish a complete index to all the medical journals that have 
been issued during the years that they cover. To one who has undertaken the 
task of looking over all the medical journals to get some short article, the ad- 
vantage of this index will be at once apparent. Formerly it required days to 
ascertain whether said article was in the journals, but by the aid of the Index, 
five minutes will fully settle the question. Further, if it is desired to learn all 
the articles which have been written during the year upon a certain subject, a 
very few moments will give us the complete list, also page and date where we 
may find these several articles. Again, if we desire to ascertain all the contri- 
butions of any one man, the information is ready at our hand. 
As a whole this index catalogue is the supplement of the index catalogue 
of the library of the Surgeon-General’s office at Washington. Where this leaves 
the work of indexing medical literature, the Index Medicus begins. Taken 
together these volumes will index all medical libraries in the United States 
with but slight exceptions. That must be a very small library which can be 
kept indexed as to the articles and authors for the sum of $lO.OO per year. 
Besides, most men cannot, for lack of time, or lack of knowledge, index their 
own libraries. This work is a specialty in itself. Hence all would contribute 
to their own advantage by at once subscribing to this publication. 
A new feature will be added to the work, viz: at the end of each volume there will be a subject index of the entire volume. This has not been intro- 
duced in former volumes owing to its expense. But the present publisher, with 
his accustomed liberality and enterprise, undertakes the work knowing full well 
the past bad financial record of the publication, and the additional burden of 
this new feature. 
The cost of this publication is $lO.OO a year. This at once precludes the 
possibility of the young practitioner devoid of capital from subscribing for the 
work. But it does not interfere with the subscriptions of all men in middle life 
of well established incomes. Nor does it interfere with such younger men of 
scholarly tastes as have other funds than their professional incomes upon which 
to depend. Above all, it does not interfere with the ability of every medical 
society, local, state or national, from taking one or more copies. If even this 
latter list should subscribe for this work, its permanance would be at once 
assured. If to this was added the subscriptions of the well-to-do-doctors of 
scholarly tastes, the list would be large and creditable to all concerned. Then, 
what is of far more importance,the possibilities of American medical scholarship 
would be vastly elevated. This is the end aimed at by the editors, publisher, 
and all friends of the enterprise. They confidently appeal to all lovers of the 
medical profession to lend them a helping hand. 
In order that this may be most effective, let every reader of this article at 
once set about doing all that lies in his power to add one or more to the list of 
subscribers to the Index Medicus.—Detroit Lancet. 
It is not often that an editor is justified in praising the publisher of his 
journal; but we trust our readers will understand our motive when we speak 
words of strong approbation of Mr. Davis for undertaking the republication of 
the Index Medicus after the history of pecuniary failure which has attended 
the enterprise. It is but a trite saying that the highest and most valuable work 
never brings pecuniary reward. The worker in abstract science must be satis- 
fied with a harvest of approbation from his fellows and from himself. The 
Index Medicus is a journal which is to ordinary literature what abstract is to 
popular science. It furnishes the working material for the workers of the pro- 
fession, and furnishes this material too, in a shape in which it cannot be pro- 
cured elsewhere. Modern medical literature has become so gigantic in its ex- 
tent, so multiplied and scattered, that it is impossible for any ordinary physician 
without aid, to keep even a moderate knowledge of its more remote regions. 
The Index Medicus is to the medical thinker and writer a chart of medical liter- 
ature. Its publication can never pay as a financial enterprise. With all the 
efforts which have hitherto been made, the publishers have sunk in it about 
a thousand dollars a year, and it is this responsibility which Mr. George S. 
Davis has assumed, simply because he has believed the good to be achieved 
was well worth the sacrifice of money. We hold, however, that the medical profession ought to bear the burden at 
least in part. The subscription price to any one individual is a trifling matter, 
and no man who desires either to know what is being done throughout the world 
in his own -special line of work, or to write matter that is worth reading, can 
afford to be without access to the Index Medicus. 
We earnestly urge our readers to sustain Mr. Davis in his undertaking by 
their subscrptions: 
First: Out of love to their profession, and to that humanity for which the 
profession exists. *. 
Second: Because it will pay the individual physician to subscribe.— Thera- 
peutic Gazette. 
This is one of the most valuable works of reference ever offered to the 
medical fraternity. In compact form will be found a thorough and very com- 
plete index of every work which appears in print and has any relation to the 
subject of medicine—whether brief monograph or ponderous volume. It 
classifies them in subjects, and its admirable arrangement shows the reader at 
once the scope and character of any work he desires to know about, and when 
and where published. The previous publisher undertook its issue as a matter 
of enthusiasm and devotion to the cause of bibliography; to him it was a source of 
large pecuniary loss, and its threatened stoppage of publication was feared and 
greatly regretted. 
Fortunately, however, another enthusiastic publisher has come to the front; 
and while it is with no anticipation of realizing a profit that he undertakes the 
publication, yet it is not unreasonable to expect that the medical profession, 
who have in the past derived much benefit from it, as well as many new friends, 
will sustain it better in the future. 
We urge our readers who have interest in the maintenance of this exceed- 
ingly valuable publication to correspond with the publisher, Mr. George S. 
Davis, Detroit, Mich.—Pharmaceutical Record. 
In another column we call attention to the announcement, by Drs. Billings 
and Fletcher, that the Index Medicus will resume publication under the man- 
agement of Mr. George S. Davis, of Detroit. 
This is a matter of congratulation to the whole medical profession, not 
only in America, but wherever medicine is regarded as a science. Medical men 
everywhere, write; and in order to write with comfort to themselves they must 
have a means of ready reference, and the Index Medicus is, par excellence, 
the reference work of the world. It is due the generosity and liberal mind of 
Mr. Davis that the profession should support him—with money, not advice.—■ 
Jour. Amer. Med. Association. 20 
The announcement of the suspension of the publication of the Index 
Medicus, made at the close of last year, occasioned no little regret and disap- 
pointment to the warm friends and supporters of this valuable journal. 
The utter failure of its publisher, Mr. Leypoldt, to make it a financial suc- 
cess, after several years of earnest effort and serious pecuniary loss, was accepted 
as its final discontinuance. We are now pleased to announce that arrange- 
ments have been made by that enterprising and well-known publisher, Mr. 
Geo. S. Davis, of Detroit, to continue the publication. 
When it is borne in mind that Mr. Davis has determined to carry on this 
enterprise in spite of the fact that thus far it has not been pecuniarily remuner- 
ative, we feel sure the friends and patrons of the Index, and the profession at 
large, will give a more liberal and generous support to his disinterested efforts 
in behalf of higher medical literature. 
The present publisher should not be allowed to carry on this work without 
a cordial support and liberal aid upon the part of the profession, in whose be- 
half the enterprise has been undertaken.—Maryland Med. Jour. 
Der Index Medicus ei'n den Interessdn der medizinischen Wissenschaft 
gewidmetes Journal, wird laut Mittheilung der Redaktion, Dr. John L. Bil- 
lings und Dr. Robert Fletcher, von Herrn Geo. S. Davis, Detroit, und zwar 
nach demselben Plan und Prinzipien wie friiher wieder herausgegeben werden. 
Die moderne medizinische Literatur hat derartige Dimensionen angenommen 
und is so fiber die ganze Erde verbreitet, dass es dem strebsamen Praktikanten 
nur willkommen sein kann, sich dieses zerstreute Material, welches im Index 
Medicus in gerdrangter und fibersichtlicher. Form zusammengefasst ist, 
anzueignen. Die Zeit, welche erforderlich war, um die nothwendigen Arrange- 
ments zur treffen, hat nattirlich eine Verzogerung in dem Erscheinen desselben 
hervorgerufen, so das in Folge derselben die erste Nummerdie Monate Januar, 
Februar und Marz umfaisen wird; nach dieser Zeit wird der Index regelmassig 
monatlich erscheinen. Am Ende des Jahres wird dem Namensverzeichniss 
noch ein Register der wahrend dieser Zeit behandelten Themata beigeffigt 
werden. Ohne Rficksicht auf den Preis des Journals, sollte jeder Arzt, der 
seinen Beruf liebt und im Interesse der Humanitat sich mit den neusten 
Errungenschaften auf dem Gebiet der Medizin auf dem Laufenden zu 
erhalten wfinscht, das Unternehem des Herrn Davis unterstfitzen.—Apotheker 
Zeitung. 
Last week we had the pleasure of stating that Mr. George S. Davis, of 
Detroit, with considerable liberality and enterprise, had undertaken to continue 
the publication of the Index Medicus, the announcement of the suspensian of 
which, from a lack of a sufficient number of subscriptions, had been received by 
the profession with expressions of profound regret. 21 
In undertaking this work, Mr. Davis incurs the same responsibility which 
has resulted in an annual loss during the past six years to its former pub- 
lisher, Mr. Leypoldt, and he feels that a publication which is of such inestim- 
able value to the profession, and which is so highly appreciated by all who 
consult it, should not be allowed to cease if further endeavor can make it self- 
supporting. In his public-spirited effort, Mr. Davis should receive the cordial 
encouragement and support of the profession throughout the world, for the 
value of the Index Medicus is not limited by geographical lines. We trust 
soon to learn that sufficient new subscriptions have been received to render its 
publication as permanent as it is indispensable.—Philadelphia Medical News. 
We heartily commend the journal to our readers, and hope they will all 
subscribe for it.—Kansas City Medical Index. 
The thanks of the profession are certainly due Mr. Davis for his disinter- 
ested kindness in assuming the pecuniary risk of the Index, and it will be little 
to the credit of American Medicine if in this risk he finds a loss.—Louisville 
Medical News. 
The medical profession will hear with pleasure that the publication of 
the Index Medicus will be resumed by George S. Davis, of Detroit, Mich. 
The enterprise merits a better support than it has heretofore received, and 
we trust the medical profession of the United States will vindicate the claims 
of medicine to high rank among the progressive sciences of the age by 
supporting thi-s enterprise.— The Drugman. 
The Index Medicus, constituting as it does a complete catalogue of every 
book, magazine article, or other publication, on medical or allied subjects, is 
one of the most valuable medical journals of the world. Although not appeal- 
ing to the rank and file of the profession, it is an absolutely indispensable 
work of reference to all medical writers, editors and workers in special fields, 
and altogether one of the most useful books to be found upon the shelves of 
any medical library, private or public. 
Owing to the peculiar nature of the journal, it has not heretofore been 
remunerative to its owners, but with rare and commendable disinterestedness 
Mr. Davis has, in spite of this fact, undertaken its publication in all of its former 
accuracy and beauty of form. 
The editors of this journal congratulate Mr. Davis upon his public-spirited 
resolve, promise him their warm support and sympathy in the undertaking, and 
call upon all workers in the field of medical knowledge to lend them their 
prompt support.—New Orleans Med. and Surg. Jour. 22 
Many were the expressions of regret at the discontinuance of the Index 
Medicus, the value of which publication could hardly be estimated, and now 
we are sure that the profession will be glad to learn that it is to be continued. 
Mr. Geo. S. Davis, of Detroit, the well-known medical publisher, has undertaken 
the task, and it is to be earnestly hoped that he will be heartily supported. A 
few more subscriptions only were needed to put the enterprise on a self-sustain- 
ing basis, and these certainly ought to be obtained without much trouble.-r- 
Pacific Med. and Surg. Jour. 
It was with profound regret that every one interested in the advancement of 
medical science, and especially the welfare and standing of the profession in 
America, learned of the suspension of the Index Medicus. The very great 
value of this work has been sufficiently attested, both in this country and 
throughout Europe, and Mr. Davis is certainly worthy of all praise for his 
generous offer to carry it on. May it not be hoped that it will receive in the 
future a more cordial support than it has hitherto done ?—Gaillard’s Medical 
Journal. 
In former years we have repeatedly called attention to this valuable peri- 
odical, the publication of which was undertaken by the late Frederick Leypoldt, 
New York. We learn that thus far the enterprise has not been pecuniarily 
remunerative; but it is to be hoped that the support from the medical profession 
will be such as to make the publication self-sustaining; its importance cannot 
be over-estimated, containing as it does the subjects of all papers relating to 
medicine, appropriately classified, which are published throughout the civilized 
world, thus making an invaluable repository of all investigations and observa- 
tions on the science and practice of medicine in its widest application.—Amer- 
ican Journal oj Pharmacy. 
We are glad to learn that this useful work is again to be published, under 
the management of Mr. George S. Davis, of Detroit. The general plan of 
the book will remain the same. It is to be hoped that the new publisher will 
meet with better success in his enterprise than fell to the share of his 
predecessors.—Brit. Med. Jour. 
Nous sommes heureux d’apprendre que la publication de 1’ “ Index Med- 
icus,” de Washington, revue mensuelle de bibliographic, fondee par Leypoldt, 
et dont les travailleurs deploraient 1’ interruption, va etre reprise par M. 
George S. Davis de Detroit (Michigan).—L' Union mddicale, Paris. 
Abbiamo appreso con , vivo piacere la notizia che Mr. George S. Davis, di 
Detroit si e accinto a continuare la pubblicazione di quell’ importantissimo 
periodica che era 1’ “ Index Medicus.” II primero numero, che apparira fra bene, conterra le pubblicazioni avvenuti nel prime trimestre di quest’ anno.— 
Gazetta medica italiana lombardia, Milano. 
* * * Que disait-on, ces jours-ci, 1’ Index Medicus se meurt! 
L’ Index Medicus est mort! L’ Index Medicus, le complement du cata- 
logue de Washington ! Cela n’est pas possible, ce serait une perte irreparable. 
Les journaux Americains arrives bier annocent que le recueil mensuel, dirige 
avec tant de sagacite et de perseverance par M. M. Billings et Fletcher, ne 
tardera pas a reparaitre. Espe'rons en cette bonne nouvelle et renouvelons nos 
abonnements. * * * * —Dr. A. Bureau, in Gaz. med. de Paris. 
Diese Rundschau der medicinischen Literatur aller Culturlander wird 
monatliche, nach Materien geordnete Uebersichten der neuen Erscheinungen, 
seien es Bucher, oder Abhandlungen in Zeitschriften und Publicationen medi- 
cinischer Gesellschaften geben. Am Ende jeden Jahrgangs soil ein Autoren- 
und ein Materienregister hinzugefligt werden, welche eine vollstandige medi- 
cinische Bibliographie des vergangenen Jahrs bilden werden. 
Das i. Heft, publicirt am 31, Januar, trifft in Kiirze ein und steht Hand- 
lungen, die Aussicht auf Absatz haben, gratis in massiger Anzahl zur Verfligung. 
Als sichere Abnehmer diirfte man die Redactionen medicinischer Zeit- 
schriften, medicinische Lesegesellschaften, Bibliotheken, Professoren und mit 
der Wissenchaft fortschreitende Aerzte betrachten. 
Die anerkannte Tiichtigkeit der Redacteure, die hervorragende Stellung 
derselben unter amerikanischen Aerzten und die erprobte Leistungsfahigkeit 
des Verlegers sichern dem Unternehmen Erfolg und Fortgang. 
K. F Kohler. 
Leipzig, Februar, 1879. 
Der “ Index Medicus ” von John S. Billings und Robert Fletcher war in 
Gefahr, einzugehen. Wer den ausserordentlichen Wert dieses grossartig ange- 
legten Unternehmens, das alle literarischen Erscheinungen auf dem Gebiete 
der medizinischen Wissenschaft verzeichnete und mit dem Verzeichneten auf 
dem Laufenden zu bleiben bestrebt war, das fur alle iibrigen bibliographischen 
ahnlichen Unternehmungen Muster und Anreger gewesen ist, kennt, wird den 
Verlust zu ermessen wissen, der der Literatur drohte. Derselbe ist abgewandt 
durch die Bereitwilligkeit des fur die medizinische Publizistik Amerika’s sich 
ausserordentliche Miihe gebenden und wohlverdienten Buchhandler’s George S. 
Davis, Detroit, Mich,, welcher mit den bisherigen Herausgebern das Weiter- 
erscheinen des Index ankiindigt. Die letzteren bitten, alle Tauschexemplare, 
Bucher, Separat-Abdriicke und sonstige Notizen an “ The Index Medicus, 
Washington, D. C.” zu senden.—D. Med.-Zeitung. PROFESSIONAL NOTICES. 
“I have found the ‘lndex’ of infinite assistance in my work.”—T. M. 
Markoe, M. D., New York. 
“In every way command my name and influence as ardently endorsing this 
scholarly enterprise.”—S. Weir Mitchell, M. D., Philadelphia. 
“ I am delighted with the Index Medicus. The work is very ably and 
faithfully done, and in the best of hands. That it fills a want long and sorely 
felt in the medical profession no one who is engaged in literary work can 
doubt. The regret is that it was not instituted a quarter of a century ago.”— 
T. Gaillard Thomas, New York. 
“I do not find words to tell you how much I value your Index Medicus. 
If I could have had it when I commenced the study and practice of medicine it 
would have saved me several years of labor, and have added so much to my 
life. To any medical student it is economy of time and of money, nor can I 
see how it can be improved.”—Frank H. Hamilton, M. D., New York. 
“If any publication in the country deserves well of the profession, the 
Index does. It cannot be that American medical men do not read, nor care to 
keep up with the times. It is difficult to believe that our doctors have so little 
national or professional pride as to let a publication die for want of support, 
which does so much honor to them and to the country.”—W. Sturges Biglow, 
M. D., Boston. 
“ It is simply a necessity for every student of medical literature, for every 
medical teacher, even for every medical practitioner who wishes to keep abreast 
with the progress of his art. We have in it, done once and for every one in the 
most thorough manner, that which heretofore it has been necessary for thou- 
sands to do separately, at a vast expense of time and trouble. I shall be a per- 
manent subscriber.”—William Pepper, M. D., Philadelphia. 
“ It offers on a larger scale, and with more system, a very similar catalogue 
of references to one which I have kept for years to assist me in my own medical 
studies and writings, and without which whatever little I have done as an au- 
thor and teacher would have been impossible. . , . If it shall prove suc- 
cessful, we shall have good reason to form a higher estimate of medical scholar- 
ship in this country than has hitherto been entertained. It will afford me 
great pleasure—indeed, I shall hold it to be a duty—to commend this publica- 
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