On Benevolent and Provident Societies*

THE fourth general meeting of the members of this useful and prospering Society was held at Martock, October 7th. Letters apologising for absence were read from Dr. Woodforde, Taunton; Dr. Sydenham, Yeovil; Dr. Pope, Somerton; Mr. Crouch, Bruton; Mr. Valentine, Somerton, &c., &c. The alterations made in the Draft of the new Medical Reform Rill, published in the Journal of May 12th, were read. The members considered that there are some clauses which may be greatly improved, and confirmed the resolutions of the last meeting, published in the same number of the Journal. A very interesting " Case of Strangulated Hernia" was brought forward by Mr. HENRY NORRIS (and is sent for publication). Much discussion ensued on the various modes of relief and methods of operation, and from several cases brought forward the members considered that in this part of the country the results of operations are highly favourable, a fatal termination occurring almost entirely in those cases where recourse to the knife has been too long delayed. Mr. HUGH NORRIS communicated a case in which pleuro-pericarditis instantaneously came on without previous illness or exposure, and early prostration terminated fatally on the 7th day, an autopsy revealing a cretaceous deposit of the size of a large walnut surrounding the right bronchus and pressing on the pulmonary artery, the substance being in the pulmonary texture. The subject of placenta pra3via caused much discussion, and elicited many illustrations of success in practice from early recourse to evacuation of the uterus, the method of previously detaching the placenta finding little advocacy. Some medico-legal cases were discussed, the members deriving much information from the medical Coroner for West Somerset, who was one of the visitors. The HONORARY SECRETARY urged the necessity of a good example being set by medical gentlemen in subscribing to the support of the new Benevolent College. It was resolved that the next meeting of the Society be held at Crewkerne.