Index to Top War News From Battle Sectors UNDATED U. S. bombers join R A F in smashing attack on main Italian fleet in Mediterranean; several Italian warships sunk or heavily damaged. Story page 1, column 8. MOSCOW Russian defenders of Sevastopol and the Ukraine inflict terrific casualties upon nazi armies. Story page 1, column 5. CAIRO German drive in Libya appears stalled despite nazi claims. Story page 1, column 5. CHUNGKING Chinese call for immediate large scale offensive by allies in Pacific. Story page 1, column 6. NORFOLK Enemy submarine torpedoes two large American merchant ships off Atlantic coast. Story page 1, column 6. COSTUME AND EMBLEMS IN MEDICAL HISTORY Sorcery and black magic were the stock in trade of the early primitive healers. Their weird garbs of animal skins, gruesome masks and strange amulets were obviously intended to frighten off and excoriate the evil spirits of disease. A curious atavistic survival of this barbaric custom is seen in some of the protective garments worn by doctors in the late middle ages during the black plague. In later years, when medicine had shed the shackles of superstition, the physicians costume, while reflecting the dignity of the profession, conformed in the main to the contemporary dress of his social class. The frock coat, silk hat and gold headed cane were traditional with the successful physician up to the turn of the century. Today, the phrase, Men in White, perhaps best portrays the modern physician and at the same time epitomizes the great advances in the art and science of medicine. Sunday, October 18. Beautiful weather. Fifth Ward Conference. Dr and I attended two sessions. I was called from the audince to speak for a few minutes. A real surprise. Because of sickness Dr and I have not attended church since June so we enjoyed the day and evening very much. We had a nice dinner with Cleone and family. The Tide Of Battle Solomons American forces continue to hold the important airbase on Guadalcanal Island in the Solomons despite increased Jap attacks to recapture the entire isle. (Page 1, Col. 8.) Aleutians U. S. Army bombers blast three ships in Kiska, last Jap stronghold in the Aleutians; Nip destroyer believed included in toll of enemy losses Page 1, Col. 8.) Russia Defense of Stalingrad appears doomed in the fifty fourth day of siege of the important city. Reds retreat; face annihilation. (Page 1. Col, 5.) Egypt Bucking heavy storms, U. S. bombers blast Axis shipping in Bengasi. (Page 1, Col. 6.) An Axis submarine near the Gulf of St. Lawrence sinks the Newfoundland steamer Caribou, killing 137 men, women and children. (Page 1, Col. 4.) Canada Lavals armed forces kill 55 Frenchmen and wound 400 during riots of the French protesting shipment of workers to aid Hitler. (Page 1, Cols. 2 and 3.) Europe Nazis warn Switzerland and Sweden the attitudes of their publications must change. (Page 2, Col. 3.)