PARIS

Relations Between the Sympathetic Nerve and Bone Disorders  Professor Leriche of Strasbourg recently presented before the Société de chirurgie of Paris a series of observations tending to prove that calcium equilibrium in bone is regulated by the sympathetic system and that traumatism or functional disorder affecting the sympathetic nervous system may cause osteoporosis. According to M. Leriche, the mechanism of this action is vasoconstriction, which is regulated by the sympathetic nerves and which controls the nutrition of the bone. In five cases, Leriche was able to hold in check the process in the lower limb by division of the second, third and fourth lumbar rami communicantes, and of the chain between the fourth and fifth ganglions with these measures. Pains disappear in a few days and roentgenography reveals complete recalcification at the end of three months. The process may likewise be checked by injection of procaine hydrochloride or alcohol into