al
interest to me:

CASE FIRST.--In 1874, while in the mountains on the Trinity river,
Dr. ---- was kicked by a mule in such a manner as to rupture the
ligamentum patellae. The tendon of the quadriceps femoris, at once drew
the patella at least two inches above its normal position. Of course he
was unable to walk, but was taken to a house near by. With some assistance
from a brother physician the patella was brought down to its place, but it
would not remain. I suggested the use of a gutta percha mould or covering
for the knee. Without much difficulty, a piece one-fourth of an inch
thick, softened in hot water, was applied, and kept in place by means of
compresses and bandages until it hardened. This made a perfect and firm,
splint fitting all the inequalities of the knee, covering all but the
posterior part of the leg, and extending three or four inches above and
below the patella. With this bound moderately tight to the leg by a roller
bandage, it was simply an impossibility for the patella to move from its
proper position. At the end of about a week the patient left the bed, and
could walk about, but, of course, with a stiff leg. He wore this splint or
cap for the knee for about four weeks, when I found he could leave it off
at night without much pain. Continued to wear it during the day for
perhaps a fortnight, when I found he could leave it off entirely.

I mention this case partly for the purpose of calling the attention of
the members of the society to the use of gutta percha as a material for
splints. It is not adapted to all cases of fracture; but in very many
cases I find nothing else so satisfactory. I have thought that in fracture
of the patella it would be peculiarly valuable, as it is so readily
adjusted to all the inequalities of the knee joint.

CASE SECOND.--Jerome De----, aged fifty-four years, native of France,
single, was admitted to the Santa Clara County Hospital, July 20th, 1878.
He was suffering from rheumatism, or at least complained of pains in
various parts of the body, more particularly the long bones of the arms
and legs. These pains were worse at night, pulse varying between 80 and
90, temperature natural. Suspecting a specific origin for this malady, I
put him on the use of iodide potassium, with increasing doses. He slowly
improved with the exception of a pain in the left humerus, anteriorily,
and in the upper part of the middle third. This became localized to a spot
no larger than