For 1871 (the eighth volume) we have promised to print OVER six hundred pages without increasing the subscription price. Some have wondered how we could afford to print as many pages as 600 for two dollars. After the type setting is paid for, additional copies cost only the charges of press work, paper, folding, etc. and if there is an adequate increase of subscription for the new year, we will print 56 pages per month, or 672 pages for the year, and hope there will be an increase which will warrent still further enlargement. We rely upon our present subscribers and friends for assistance in extending the present subscription. Medical students and others who will aid in this work, shall be remembered by a liberal commission in cash or books as preferred.

On our part, with a better state of health then we have enjoyed for years, we think we can safely promise a more energetic devotion to the interests of the profession in the general conduct of this journal.

DEVOTED TO HOMEOPATHY.

The American Observer is not the representative of any individual, of any clique, party or faction but of the homeopathic

profession of America. It is not devoted to the local interests of any one State but will be national. It furnishes a platform upon which every member of the profession, who adheres to the doctrine of SIMILIA SIMILIBUS CURANTUR, may appear from time to time and present his views, and relate his experiences at the bed-side of the sick. As our national organization" The American Institute of Homœopathy," does not hold itself responsible for every utterance that is made by its members at its meetings, so the American Observer does not demand that every one who writes for its columns shall chime in with the views of its editors, and cannot be expected to endorse the views of every correspondent. We believe that the cause of truth will be best served by a large measure of liberty. True this may be abused, but the application of a gag rule would work greater mischiefs. A few object to our requirement of adhesion to the homœopathic principle, saying that we are thereby sectarian when we should be catholic and eclectic. But we conceive that the law of cure furnishes a banner under which we can wage war and yet be liberal in the best sense. We do not want an irregular guerilla warfare, and we will not open our pages to the vagaries and uncertainties of indefinite allopathic therapeutics.

CONTROVERSIES.

We know that we have a multitude of friends and it has been manifested that we have a few enemies. We wish these to understand that we do not bear them enmity. Perhaps we should express our obligation to them for the good we have received at their hands although it was not intended. In some places special efforts were made to weaken the influence of our journal and reduce its subscription, and in each of these points we now have a much larger subscription list than we had before. We have not noticed a tithe of their detractions and expect to pay still less attention to them in the future.

We do not propose to exclude controverisal papers but to limit their number and the space to be occupied. We desire that the Observer for 1871 shall be, more than ever before, practical, spirited and earnest.

CORRESPONDENCE SOLICITED.

The prospects of our journal for the new year are most encouraging. We invite all of our readers to contribute to our pages and add to its interest. We are not in the habit of

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addressing special requests to writers for contributions. When visiting a medical friend a few days ago we asked why he never wrote for the Observer. He replied, "You never asked me!" Let it be understood by every subscriber that whenever he has a contribution to make, it will be acceptable: a report of a case treated, a remark-even if it is only a hint in relation to the right application of a remedy, a suggestion, a friendly criticism, an inquiry, a request, a word of advice, all such are always welcome. Items of interest that are found floating in the newspapers, that are worthy of preservation, and which a subscriber would like to have reprinted in the Observer will be received with pleasure. Newspapers containing reports, or local items relating to homoeopathy, are always acceptable, as they assist in making up intelligence which is of general interest. Correspondents will be kind enough to always mark the portions to which they desire to direct attention.

SURGICAL DEPARTMENT.

BUSHROD W. JAMES, M. D., our Surgical Editor, furnishes for the present number a very interesting and instructive account of his recent illness under the heading of " Surgical Poisoning." We are much pleased to learn of his recovery, and that he will be able to furnish a series of articles for this journal which will be appropriately illustrated. His surgical contributions have added much to the interest and value of our publication.

PATHOLOGY AND MICROSCOPY.

Professors JONES and COLTON will devote their attention to these branches of Medicine: and scientific papers of practical importance may be expected from month to month.

MATERIA MEDICA DEPARTMENT.

Prof. HALE's interest in the advancement of Homœopathic Materia Medica, and desire for the prosperity of this journal (of which he was one of the first contributors), will be manifest by his regular editorials.

CLINICAL DEPARTMENT.

W. S. SEARLE M. D., will continue in charge of the Clinical Department which he has improved so much, and which he will make still more valuable if our readers will take the trouble of

reporting all their cases of interest. We invite attention to the request for contributions which appears from him in this number.

DISEASES OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN.

THOMAS NICHOL M. D., (whose removal to Montreal in the Province of Quebec we notice), will retain charge of this department and finish the series of papers on the Respiratory affections of Childhood which was commenced some months since. His services to our journal have been very acceptable to the profession and are greatly appreciated by us.

PHYSIOLOGY AND PRINCIPLES OF MEDICINE.

This department will remain under the editorial charge of Prof. H. P. GATCHELL, who has been prevented by impaired health from devoting as much attention to it during 1870 as he desired.

We hope for his complete restoration and that we shall have a series of excellent papers from his scientfiic pen.

FOREIGN TRANSLATIONS.

S. LILIENTHAL, M. D., of New York city, has placed us under special obligations for the excellent translations from the foreign journals which he has furnished for our pages. We are pleased to announce that these will be continued. One of our most thoroughly educated German physicians told us a few weeks ago that he had discontinued the foreign periodicals, because he found the best papers, well translated, in the Observer.

THE LAUGH CURE

May occupy one-fiftieth part of our pages.

"When I come in from a long ride much wearied, and not able to give attention to any scientific subject, I am often enlivened by 'The Laugh Cure.' Give us more of it."

We are glad to find that this page has been acceptable to so many readers. As the host furnishes his table with little trifles as well as with substantial viands so we have endeavored to spread our board with a variety to suit all tastes. Here are meats, and there relishes; for some a little sauce; now breadstuffs, and then a little fruit. Not all delicacies and not all strong food. We will try and avoid those things which are particularly indigestible, (some M. D's. however have very strong stomachs), and tender only those which shall tend to the true nourishment of the body-HOMEOPATHY.

ORIGINAL MATTER.

Our contemporaries must not think because we do not copy from their pages that we do not recognize the value of their publications. We wish to encourage our physicians to purchase all our homœopathic journals. and think that every physician in active practice will find a decided benefit in subscribing for every homœopathic journal published in the United States. No one will be annoyed at finding in the Observer the same articles that he has read in the other magazines. We shall endeavor to furnish not only original matter but the best. The present number is thought to be better than previous issues, and we expect to print as many pages, of equal value, every month.

PUBLISHER'S REGULATIONS.

1. ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS COMMENCE with January number of each year, so that each subscriber receives a complete volume of over 600 pages. Subscriptions are not taken for parts of volumes. (Single numbers 25 cents each.)

2. ALL SUBSCRIBERS ARE CONSIDERED PERPETUAL in the absence of notice to discontinue. Discontinuances should be notified by return of numbers not paid for, marked across them "Declined," with name. If name is not given distinctly, mistakes cannot be avoided.

3. THE PRICE TO THOSE WHO PAY IN ADVANCE IS TWO DOLLARS. If payment is delayed for six months, $2.50 will be charged, and $3.00 at end of year. Advance payment of Two Dollars preferred.

5. Missing numbers (lost in the mail or otherwise) will be supplied as far as practicable to regular subscribers at half the retail price, adding postage--(14 cents each, net.)

6. REMITTANCES ARE NOT AT PUBLISHERS RISK, unless sent by postal orders, or in registered letters.

7. POSTAGE. The postage on the OBSERVER is twelve cents per year, to be prepaid quarterly by the subscriber at the Post Office where it is received.

8. PREMIUM OF SEVENTY-FIVE CENTS in Books or other goods will be paid for each NEW CASH SUBSCRIPTION at $2 00 obtained by any old subscriber or student.

9. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent by the tenth day of the preceding month. Transient advertisements must be accompanied by Cash, (One Dollar and a half for each hundred words.)

Each subscriber old or new who remits his subscription of two dollars for 1871, by postal order or registered letter, before the 1st of February, 1871, will receive by mail a receipt therefor,