We wish for once that our province was not restricted to methods of treatment, in order that we might say something of the exquisite coloured plates in this fine volume; for the work is essentially one to aid in diagnosis rather than to detail means of cure. The Atlas, which Dr. Bumstead has not only translated, but very materially added to from his own stores of knowledge, is in every respect a most useful work for the practitioner, who is often called on to diagnose an affection which in the absence of a truthful history may appear either syphilitic or not in nature. With the aid of these handsome plates, there need be little difficulty in the identification of a syphilide. It must not be supposed, however, that therapeutics are neglected, or sacrificed to etiology. Both author and editor give us a very full account of the remedies now in vogue, and of their own clinical observations. We have not seen anything on the subject of the hypodermic employment of mercury, but the internal administration of the salts of mercury and iodide of potassium is of course enjoined. Indeed, the chapters on the treatment of syphilis are not the best. The section devoted to the remedial measures to be attempted in gonorrhœa strikes us as being copious and well arranged, and contains some sound, practical commentaries by the editor, who disapproves of the porte-caustique and other heroic modes, and recommends the use of an extremely weak injection of nitrate of silver (gr. ⅙ to the ℥j.) every three or four hours. His suggestions as to general treatment are equally judicious. In every respect this Atlas will be found most useful for reference by the busy practitioner. _The Medical Formulary, &c._ By B. ELLIS. Twelfth Edition, revised by ALBERT H. SMITH, M.D. Philadelphia: Lea, 1868. The aim of this work is to supply the young physician with the means of writing “elegant and judicious” prescriptions; and if we may judge by its success, the book must be one which meets a want. But we cannot help saying that the habit of writing “elegant and judicious” prescriptions is one of the barbarisms of the practice of ancient times which we should gladly see consigned to oblivion. It fosters charlatanism, and utterly retards all efforts to found a rational system of therapeutics. How can any logical induction, or any generalization of the slightest value be drawn as to the remedial effect of drugs administered after the mode laid down in such books as the “Formulary?” Without pausing to consider a recipe for pills which are “elegantly” and alliteratively styled “Chapman’s peristaltic persuader,” let us ask what can be the judiciousness of the following marvellous concoction of substances?— _Elixir of Cinchona._ ℞ Quiniæ sulphatis, gr. xxv. Quinidiæ sulphatis, Cinchoniæ sulphatis, āā gr. x. Sacchari, ℥xx. Olei anisi, Olei fœniculi, āā gtt. ij.