just as they are found all along the neck
of the womb, in a state of inflammation and enlargement, and filled with
a fluid resembling honey, giving rise to ulceration and a thick
discharge, as illustrated in Fig. 23, Colored Plate IV.

Feebleness of the constitution, impoverishment of the blood, a
scrofulous diathesis, want of exercise, uncleanliness, tight lacing,
disappointment, excessive excitement of the passions, the use of
pessaries for displacement of the uterus, overwork, and taking cold, all
predispose the cervical membrane to chronic ulceration.

The inflammation may be so mild, and the discharge so trifling in
quantity, as scarcely to attract attention. But after it obtains a
firmer hold, and, in most cases, it is aggravated by exposure or
neglect, the patient experiences dragging sensations about the pelvis,
and pain in back and loins, accompanied with a bearing-down sensation
and numbness or pain extending to the thighs.

The discharge is thick, starch-like, and generally irritating. The
patient becomes irascible, capricious, querulous, and sometimes moody
and hysterical. She is easily discouraged, her appetite and digestion
become impaired, and she grows thin and does not look or act as when in
health.

TREATMENT. In offering a few hints for the domestic management of these
abnormal conditions, we would at the same time remark, that, while
health may be regained by skillful treatment, recovery will be gradual.
We especially wish to guard the patient against entertaining too strong
expectations of a speedy recovery. Although she may employ the best
treatment known, yet from three to five months may elapse before a
perfect cure can be effected. In persons of scrofulous diathesis, in
whom the recuperative forces are weakened, it is very difficult to
effect a radical cure. It is equally true, however, that under domestic
management alone, thousands have been restored to perfect health and
fruitfulness.

Hygienic management consists in toning the functions of the skin by
daily bathing the surface of the body, and quickening the circulation by
brisk friction. The patient should rise early in the morning, and
exercise in the fresh and invigorating air. Those who sleep in warm
rooms, or spend much of their time in bed, will continue to have
congestion of the uterus, and habitual discharges from this enfeebled
organ. The patient should take daily walks, increasing the length of the
excursion from time to time