The experiments of Donne on animals demonstrated the harmlessness of the intra-venous injection of milk. Hodder, of Canada, was the first to employ this expedient on man; and, of three cases of cholera collapse which he thus treated, two recovered. Thomas, of New York, has also transfused milk with success in post-partum haemorrhage; and Wagstaff has failed twice with the same method in traumatic haemorrhage. Within the present year (1880) Mr. Arthur Meldon has published an account of three cases in which the transfusion of milk was performed with success.

When milk is used for transfusion, it should be fresh and directly from the cow if practicable, and its temperature should be that of the blood itself—100° Fahr. Not more than four to six ounces should be injected at one time, lest the heart be paralyzed by over-distention. The effects which follow the intra-venous injection of milk are very much the same as those produced by blood, except that they are probably less permanent, and that albuminuria is a frequent result. That this expedient is as useful as blood transfusion by the immediate method has been strongly maintained, but the most recent experience does not justify this opinion. Indeed, it is probable that the chief value of blood transfusion, in functional diseases, is to gain time for the operation of other and more permanent measures (Pepper). We also agree in the estimate of Dr. Pepper that transfusion in any of its forms is without utility in important organic diseases.

In an experimental inquiry into the methods of transfusion, Schafer has examined anew the question of the substitution of some other fluid for blood, deciding with Landois, of Germany, and Howe and Dupuy, of America, that the introduction of any other fluid does injury to the corpuscles, and that a fluid without haemoglobin can not functionate as blood. As respects the substitution of the blood of some other animal—lamb's blood, for example—the conclusion of Schafer is in accord with the previously expressed judgment of Landois, that only human blood should be used in transfusion on man. Schafer has also made some important observations on the best mode of performing the operation. He finds that the best results are obtained on animals by arterial transfusion, and recommends that the dorsal artery of the foot be used for receiving and furnishing the blood in the operation on man. When the artery is used the blood is received into that part of the vascular system where it is most needed, and only an elastic rubber tube and glass canula are required, the force of the donor's circulation being sufficient to propel the blood. There is no danger of the supply from the donor becoming excessive, as the pressure in the arterial systems of the donor and of the recipient soon acquires the same force. Usually, and indeed unless the circulation in the donor is feeble, no other medium of communication is necessary besides the flexible tube and glass canula, as the elastic pump of Aveling's instrument does not contribute to the force of the flow. The tube and canulae should be filled with carbonate-of-soda solution, both to exclude air and to prevent clots forming. It is not necessary to measure the quantity of blood, as the condition of the recipient furnishes the true indications to be followed.