capable of being readily fashioned to any convenient
form. The form which it seems would be best adapted to the
part, is that of an almond, or of the variety of bean called
scarlet bean; but at least an inch and a half in length.]

Could it have been imagined that such considerable benefit: indeed,
that such astonishing cures, could have been effected by issues in
cases of Palsy of the lower extremities from diseased spine? although
satisfied with ascribing those cases to scrofulous action, we are in
fact as little informed respecting the nature of the affection,
inducing the carious state of the vertebrae, as we are respecting the
peculiar change of structure which takes place in this disease.
Equally uninformed are we also as to the peculiar kind of morbid
action, which takes place in the ligaments of the joints; as well as
that which takes place in different instances of deep seated pains and
affections of the parts contained in the head, thorax, and abdomen,
and in all which cases the inducing of a purulent discharge in their
neighbourhood is so frequently productive of a cure. Experiment has
not indeed been yet employed to prove, but analogy certainly warrants
the hope, that similar advantages might be derived from the use of the
means enumerated, in the present disease. It is obvious, that the
chance of obtaining relief will depend in a great measure on the
period at which the means are employed. As in every other disease, so
here, the earlier the remedies are resorted to, the greater will be
the probability of success. But in this disease there is one
circumstance which demands particular attention; the long period to
which it may be extended. One of its peculiar symptoms, Scelotyrbe
festinans, may not occur until the disease has existed ten or twelve
years, or more; hence, when looking for the period, within which our
hopes of remedial aid is to be limited; we may, guided by the slow
progress of the malady, extend it to a great length, when compared
with that within which we should be obliged to confine ourselves in
most other diseases.

But it is much to be apprehended, as in many other cases, that the
resolution of the patients will seldom be sufficient to enable them to
persevere through the length of time which the proposed process will
necessarily require. As slow as is the progress of the disease, so
slow in all probability must be the period of the return to health. In
most cases, especially