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Abstract
other important additions we may mention the chapter on Otoselerosis as such (pp. 310 to 325), a disease which we consider received less exclusive attention in the former edition than it deserved. In that edition we venture to think the author's treatment of the subject was a little behind the time, although some valuable hints were given with regard to it, though not named, in a chapter on chronic adhesive processes in the middle ear. In th 5 p-e=ent volume we have, in addition to an excellent description of the disease and a resume of the history of its study, some most instructive drawings of original microscopical sections made by the author himself. The great progress made in the interval in the knowledge of the dangerous intracranial complications of suppurative inflammation of the middle ear (pp. 574 to 619), is mirrored in the appropriate chapters with the most accurate detail. For the sake of completeness a paragraph on the treatment of purulent leptomeningitis might have had a place although in reality very little of practical value could be added to the remarks on the necessity for removing the source of infection. Serous meningitis receives considerable attention, and many of the cases of recovery from " meningitis" are explained as having been of this nature (p. 584). Lumbar puncture is judicially discussed, and decided to be of no diagnostic value when giving a negative result (p. 588). Even a "positive" result, though accepted as pathognomonic of purulent meningitis, does not absolutely exclude a possibility of recovery (p. 584). Ballance's method of applying a large Thiersch graft to the cavity left after the radical mastoid operation is given in considerable detail (p. 561). We had to refer to some singular mistranslations in the former edition, and are pleased to observe that they are conspicuously absent in the present one. A list of these was placed by the present reviewer at the disposal of the able translators, and we venture to think that it was calculated to be of some value to them. The difficulty'of continuous translation of meaning, as well as phraseology, so that both may produce the intended impression on the monoglot reader, is very considerable, but Drs. Ballin and Heller have met it with the greatest success. Here and there we have come across a few Germanisms, which we feel might with advantage have been rendered differently. Among the commonest is the use of the word " seldom" for the German " selten," which seems to us to correspond more exactly to the English " occasionally." This is, of course, a mere nuance, but when accuracy of comprehension on the part of the reader is the main desideratum, we may be pardoned for referring to it. English readers may consider themselves greatly indebted to the translators for placing at their disposal so admirable a translation of a work which contains in itself all the information which any practitioner can obtain from any book short of the indispensable book of experience. A large demand is certain to afford to the publishers the reward to which the excellence of the production amply entitles them.
Authors
Journal
The Journal of Laryngology, Rhinology, and Otology