ty, and the sides of the cavity _dry_
and red, though perhaps not properly in a state of inflammation.

The natural condition of the cavity as it can be seen by straining the
ear outwards and backwards a little in a strong sun light, is moist, the
surface covered slightly with a yellowish, greasy, soft substance (the
cerumen) "earwax." When this is wanting or in excess, or its character
changed, it is evidence of disease, and pain is likely to occur. The

TREATMENT

for this condition is to remove the accumulation when that exists, as
the first step. But this must be first softened by pouring some warm
oil, pure olive oil, or good pure sperm oil, into the ear, and repeat it
two or three times a day for several days, until it is so far softened
as to be easily removed with the probe end of common small tweezers,
having a spoon-bowl point.

When there is dryness, moisten the surface with oil. In either case, it
is best, for a while, to protect the delicate surface from the air, by
putting oiled wool into the external ear.

If the ear was filled, give _Mercurius_ once a day until there appears a
natural secretion. If dry, use _Belladonna_.

Toothache.

It is difficult to determine the cause of toothache, and more difficult
to select the remedy. It often depends upon decay of the tooth, and
exposure of the nerve to air, and contact with food or drinks, or even
saliva, which irritate and produce pain.

_Pulsatilla_ will as often relieve such cases as any other remedy, yet
if it has been aggravated by a recent cold, _Bell._ and _Nux V._ may be
better. If the nerve is not exposed, and there is a disposition to a
return of the pain on exposure to cold air, or a change of weather, the
pain being of a _rheumatic_ character, give _Rhus_ and _Macrotin_ in
alternation. These will relieve many cases. For decayed teeth, the pain
being dull aching, with soreness, use _Chamomilla_. The body of the
tooth, that is the dentine, sometimes becomes very sensitive when there
is no decay or cavity, the pain being experienced when some hard
substance hits, or the air or water, either cold or hot, comes in
contact with the tooth. The temporary pain will generally yield to
_Arnica_, and in most instances, the daily use of _Arnica_ at the first
decimal dilution, applied to the surface, and upon the jaws, will effect
a cure.

The _chloride of Zinc_ applied to the surface of such teeth for a few
moments will destroy the sensitiveness o