e local manifestations of the
disease appear. A red spot develops on the face, the ear, or other part
of the person. Its boundary is clearly marked and the affected portion
slightly raised above the surrounding surface. It is characterized by a
burning pain and is very sensitive to the touch. It is not necessary for
the benefit of the popular reader that we should draw a distinction
between the different varieties of this malady. The distinctions made
are founded chiefly upon the _depth_ to which the morbid condition
attends, and not on any difference in the _nature of the affection_.

Suppuration of the tissues involved is common in the severer forms.
Should the tongue become dark and diarrhea set in, attended with great
prostration, the case is very serious, and energetic means must be
employed to save life. A retrocession of the inflammation from the
surface to a vital organ is an extremely dangerous symptom. The disease
is not regarded as contagious, but has been known to become epidemic.

TREATMENT. The treatment during the initial stage of this disease should
correspond with the general principles laid down for the treatment of
fever. The spirit vapor-bath, with warm, diaphoretic teas, or the
Compound Extract of Smart-Weed may be given to favor sweating. The whole
person should be frequently bathed in warm water rendered alkaline by
the addition of saleratus or soda. The bowels should be moved by a full
dose of the Purgative Pellets. Fluid extract of aconite in small and
frequent doses will best control the fever. The specific treatment,
which should not be omitted, consists in administering doses of ten
drops of the tincture of the muriate of iron in alternation with
teaspoonful doses of the Golden Medical Discovery, every three hours. As
a local application, the inflamed surface may be covered with cloths wet
in the mucilage of slippery elm. Equal parts of sweet oil and spirits of
turpentine, mixed and painted over the surface, is an application of
unsurpassed efficacy.

DIPHTHERIA.

This is an exceedingly grave, constitutional disease characterized by a
rapid breaking down of the powers of life, together with a peculiar
affection of the throat, in which a disposition to the formation of
false membranes is a prominent feature. The formation of these
membranes, however, is not limited to the throat, but may occur on
mucous surfaces elsewhere.

CAUSE. Infection with the specific germ of the disease by con