on takes place, the abdomen
gradually increases in size, or becomes smaller than is natural. There
is pain, attended by soreness upon pressure, and the patient becomes
emaciated.

Inflammation of the peritoneum is frequently an accompaniment of
_puerperal fever_, which is a disease peculiar to childbirth, and which
may arise from cold, or be communicated from one parturient patient to
another by midwives.

TREATMENT. In the remedial management of acute peritonitis, it is
obviously necessary to use some agent which will at once influence and
change the congested state and inflammatory condition. One of the best
agents employed to make a decided impression upon the vascular system,
subdue inflammation, and modify its action, is the fluid extract of
veratrum viride, administered in full doses, and repeated until the
system shows its effects in a decided manner. Warm fomentations applied
to the abdomen are sometimes very serviceable, and are objectionable
only because of their liability to dampen the bed-clothes. When the
abdomen will bear a thick, warm poultice, apply it, and then cover the
entire surface with oiled silk. The tincture of opium, in doses
sufficient to relieve pain and quiet the peristaltic action of the
intestines, is generally necessary.

EPIDEMIC CHOLERA.

This is an epidemic disease, supposed to be due to an impalpable
specific poison, but as to the exact nature of this poisonous matter
nothing definite is known.

This plague first made its appearance on our continent in 1834. Owing to
its great fatality, it is a disease much to be dreaded.

SYMPTOMS. These are well defined. It is characterized in its earlier
stages by pain in the stomach and bowels, especially in the umbilical
region, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; later, the purging is excessive, and
the matter dejected resembles rice-water, and contains white, solid,
curd-like matter. The patient loses strength, and sinks rapidly. The
secretory organs fail to perform their functions normally, the skin is
sometimes moist, but oftener cold and dry; but little if any bile is
found in the excretions, and the urine voided is very scanty. There is
general nervous derangement, as indicated by the spasmodic contraction
or cramping of the muscles. This first attacks the extremities, but soon
affects the entire body, and gives rise to excruciating pains. The head
is affected by singing, roaring, disagreeable noises in the ears, the
pulse is feeble, but