ITALY

The Congress of Orthopedics  The nineteenth congress of the Società italiana di ortopedia was held in Rome at the Policlinico di Roma. Professor Cornisso of Trieste presided, and in his introductory address he urged the conventionists to take initial action toward the organization of courses in differential gymnastics for those school children who cannot, for reasons of health, take part in the normal courses in gymnastics.

THE ETIOLOGY OF SCOLIOSIS  The official paper on the first main topic, "The Etiology of Scoliosis," was presented by Professor Lavermicocca of Turin. The speaker distinguished "absolute" from "relative" scoliosis. Absolute scoliosis signifies essential deformation of the vertebral column, and relative scoliosis the variation that the spinal column itself may present in relation to the static and dynamic functions of the whole organism. To measure these conditions of the spinal column, he makes use of special apparatus invented by himself. From the etiologic point