atheter and the water allowed to run
out.

[164 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]

DISEASE OF THE PROSTATE GLAND. The prostate, which both in structure and
in function is rather a muscle than a gland, is situated at the neck of
the bladder and around the first inch of the urethra. It is divided into
two lateral (side) lobes (parts) by a deep notch behind and a furrow at
the upper and lower surfaces. The so-called middle or third lobe is the
portion which is between the two side lobes at the under and posterior
part of the gland, just beneath the neck of the bladder. The urethra (the
channel for the urine to pass through from the bladder out through the
penis) usually passes through the gland at about the junction of its upper
and middle third.

HYPERTROPHY OF THE PROSTATE.--This is a general enlargement of the gland
in all directions. All the three lobes may enlarge and in about one-third
of the men who have passed middle life some enlargement takes place, and
in about one-tenth of all men over fifty-five this enlargement becomes of
importance in regard to the size. The middle lobe may enlarge so much that
it may extend up into the bladder and block the opening into the urethra;
the side lobes may compress the urethra into a mere slit, or may lengthen
it so that the prostatic portion measures three or four inches, or may
twist and distort it so that the most flexible instrument can only be made
to pass through it with difficulty.

Symptoms.--The earliest symptom may be increased frequency in passing
urine, especially at night. Soon some urine is retained in the bladder,
and this may increase so much that only an ounce or two can be passed
spontaneously, although the bladder contains one pint or more. The stream
of urine is feeble, and will drop perpendicularly towards the feet of the
patient. In some cases an inflammation of the prostate and bladder is set
up, and then the symptoms felt are very distressing. There is an almost
constant desire to pass urine; there is much pain and straining with it; a
slight bleeding may follow and night rest is broken; the general strength
fails from the continual suffering; the urine becomes foul, smells like
ammonia, and is reduced in quantity; inflammation of the kidneys develops
also; general poisoning occurs; and the patient dies of uraemia and in a
"coma" condition.

Treatment. Preventive.--The patient should avoid taking cold in this
disease. Light and easily digested diet is necessary