Similar experiences have been recorded by Eisenberg (Berlin Med. Woch., No. 35, 1886), and Meyer (Centralblatt f. Chirurgie, No. 46, 1887). Of greater importance, because of a probably greater frequency, is the transmission of syphilis in this manner. A group of cases of this kind were recently collected and made the subject of study at the London Hospital. TRANSPLANTATION OF THE SKIN. Baratoux and Dubonsquet (Progres. Med., No. 15, 1887). D. treated two extensive wounds caused by burning, in which no attempt at cicatrization seems to have been made, although granulation was progressing well, by transplantation. Simultaneous auto-transplantation, and pieces of skin from a frog’s back the size of a thumb-nail, was practiced. Most of the latter lost their pigmented aspect after ten days, and adhered well, taking on the natural color of the human skin. The wound where the frog’s-skin transplantation had been performed healed more rapidly than the other where human skin was used, the cicatrix being softer as well. B. treated cases of ulceration of the nose, and also perforations of the membrana tympani, successfully by transplantation of frog’s skin, healing taking place in from one to two weeks. In three old cases of perforation of the drum membrane, the margins were freshened by touching them with nitrate of silver, and a piece of frog’s skin attached. In three days a cicatrix had formed, with considerable improvement in the hearing. Transplantation must be practiced with a healthy granulating wound, hæmorrhage being avoided. According to the authors, the wound should be irrigated with a strong solution of carbolic acid, and dried; the pieces of skin should also be washed in a weak solution of carbolic acid. It suggests itself to the abstractor that still better results would be obtained by substituting a sterilized solution of chloride of sodium, say of the strength of 6 to 1,000, for the strong carbolic solution recommended, to be used just prior to the operation. The changes produced in the vessels and their contained blood by the use of strong disinfecting solutions are calculated to prevent early adhesion of the new skin. At least such is the general experience of recent observers. Reliable disinfection of the ulcerated surface may be obtained by keeping the parts covered with gauze wrung out of a 1 to 12,000 solution of potassio-mercuric iodide for a day or two previously. OBSTETRICS. BY CHARLES JEWETT, A.M., M.D., Professor of Obstetrics and Diseases of Children, and Visiting Obstetrician, Long Island College Hospital; Physician-in-Chief to the Department of the Diseases of Children, St. Mary’s Hospital, Brooklyn. THE IMPROVED CÆSAREAN SECTION.