neum from the outside
into the bladder. A catheter was inserted into the bladder, tied in
place and left in position for about eight weeks. After eight or nine
weeks the catheter was removed, but it was four or five weeks before the
wound in the perineum healed. After a few months I began to have a
urinary difficulty, and symptoms of urethral stricture. This condition
continued until the urethra was entirely closed, and it was impossible
to make water. A physician attempted to pass a catheter, but could not
do so. He continued to treat me by the process of dilation for five or
six months. I began to feel more comfortable, but the symptoms of
stricture would manifest themselves again. I then went to a hospital at
Toronto. There I was treated also by the dilating method. The treatment
was continued for about four weeks, but became so very painful, and
there was so much irritation in the urethra, that it was impossible to
endure it longer. They then called an electrical specialist and he began
treatment by electrolysis. In about three weeks I went home, but in a
short time the stricture again manifested itself; the contraction was
very marked, and micturition very difficult. It grew gradually worse and
I could not receive any comfort or benefit. I returned to Toronto to
take further treatment from the electrical specialist. During the
operations of dilation of the urethra, I passed some gravel. After four
weeks treatment I returned home, but in about two months was as bad as
ever, and last October went back to Toronto and was again treated by the
electrical method. The doctor had much difficulty in inserting the
smallest catheter, and it caused intense pain and suffering. The last
time he attempted to insert a catheter, there seemed to be something
give way, and a large amount of pus and fluid passed from the rectum.
The physician told me an abscess had formed. I returned home and tried
to keep as comfortable as possible, but could not micturate with any
degree of satisfaction or comfort. I gradually began to grow worse and
there was a return of the stricture with inflammation of the bladder. In
March, 1892, there began to be formed gravel in the bladder. They would
at times obstruct the flow of urine entirely. I kept going from bad to
worse, until the urethra appeared to be entirely closed. The physician I
called found it impossible to pass a catheter Into the bladder, and
advised me to go to some hospital where I could rec