“These diseases, which are called diseases of the skin, are not so in reality. They belong more or less to the entire organism, revealing themselves upon the external integument with visible and palpable peculiarities which enable us to form an opinion as to their true nature. Considering the subject from this point of view, dermatology is therefore one of the most important branches of pathology; it is the torch which throws light on many morbid conditions which otherwise would remain obscure, vague and unsettled. But dermatology is more than this; it is the index, the external manifestation of disturbances which may be physiological or pathological, superficially or deeply seated. It is still more, for it is the visible expression of certain psychological emotions and moral states which are reflected upon the skin, there to be interpreted by the observing student.” This part of the work ends with a chapter on dermatoses of local origin, which includes parasitic affections. The book concludes by taking up the treatment of the different diseases one by one. In the treatment of syphilis the author says: “The preparation of mercury to which we give the preference is the proto iodide. It is less dangerous, more soluable in the stomach and more easily assimilated. It should never be given to exceed three centigrammes a day.” Time forbids further details. I will simply say the book is a good one, and will well repay careful study. Arrangements have been made with the author and his publishers to translate the work into English. W. T. CORLETT. * * * * * “OFFICIAL FORMULÆ OF AMERICAN HOSPITALS” is the title of a 16-mo manual of 238 pages, published by the _Medical World_ of Philadelphia. It contains the formulæ of some twenty-nine American hospitals, collected and arranged by C. F. Taylor, M. D. Price $1.00. * * * * * “ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA AND THERAPEUTICS,” in accordance with the sixth revision of the United States Pharmacopœia. By James Young Simpson, M. D., of Orange, New Jersey. Book of 337 pages, well printed and very neatly bound. Published by J. H. Vail & Co., New York. THE ASTRONOMIC DOCTOR. By request we take pleasure in reprinting this poem from the CLEVELAND MEDICAL GAZETTE of April, 1860. A modest country practitioner discovered a planet. The medical and scientific world prepared to give him a public dinner at the “Hotel du Louvre.” But word was sent from the modest doctor he would rather “stay at home in his wooden shoes” (it is his own expression). I.