568 Periscope.

.At the National Hospital for Consumption, Newcastle, Co. Wicklow, the rainfall in October was 4"385 inches on 17 days, compared with 3"175 inches on 13 days in October, 1897. Of this quantity '820 inch was recorded on the 15th, and "660 inch on the 8th. The highest temperature in the screen was 67"0 ~ on the 4th, the lowest was 37"7 ~ on the 20th. At this Second Order Station the rainfall from January 1 to October 31~ inclusive, amounted to 26"476 inches on 139 days.

P E R I S C O P E .

COCA1N HABIT AMONGST NEGROES.

W . SCHEPPEGRELL, M.D., writes (Medical 2Vows, New York, October 1st, 1898)- -" A peculiar phase of the eoca~n habit which has developed in New Orleans, and in a number of other cities in the South, is the contraction of this habit by the negroes. The extent to which this has spread can be easily verified by druggists and in police circles. I t is not used in the manner generally prescribed, but a few crystals of the drug are snuffed into the nostrils, not on account of its contractile effects on the nasal mucosa, as is usually the origin of this habit in the Caucasian, as the nasal passages of the negro are normally quite patulous, but on account of its exhilarating effects. The physi- cal and mental wrecks which soon result from this vicious habit attest to its pernicious effects.

THE STATE PRISONER OF THE ILE DU DIABLE.

I)R~YFUS in his confinement draws up, towards the end of each month, a list of what he requlres~ and it is forwarded to the Maison Bailly, which now furnishes the goods. The list of articles requi- sitioned by the prisoner in the Ile du Diable for the ensuing month's consumption includes chocolate and Camembert cheese, an abundant supply of tobacco, toilet articles, such as soap, and medi- cinal supplies in the shape of a couple of bottles of Hunyadi J~inos water.

SMITH'S PI-1YSICIANS ~ ANn SURGEONS ~ VISITING LIST ~'OR 1899. MESSRS. HAZELL~ WATSON & VINEu L t d . , of 52 L o n g .Acre,

London, W.C., have presented us with a copy of Smith's Physi- cians' and Surgeons' Visiting List for 1899. This is the oldest of the Medical Diaries, and is adapted for different numbers of patients. I t is bound in different styles~ and in every respect deserves its popularity.