tongue become dark and diarrhea set in, attended with great
prostration, the case is very serious, and energetic means should 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.

URTICARIA. (_Hives, or Nettle-Rash._) This word is derived from
_urtica_, signifying a nettle; it is a transient affection of the skin,
indicated by a fierce, burning, itching sensation and a development of
pustules, or white blotches of various forms. A representation of this
eruption is given in Colored Plate III, Fig. 17. It is appropriately
named nettle-rash, from its resemblance to the irritation caused by the
sting of a nettle. There is the same sharp, tingling sensation and a
similar white wheal or blotch, caused by the muscular spasm of the
corium, a layer of the skin.

Urticaria may be either acute or chronic. Acute urticaria is always
preceded by febrile symptoms and the attack is indicated by a sudden
congestion of the skin, followed by a slight swelling or elevation of
the affected part. When the congestion subsides, the skin has a bruised
appearance. In chronic urticaria, the febrile symptoms are absent.

CAUSES. The exciting causes of urticaria are gastric disorder,
irritation of the mucous membrane, or a sudden nervous shock. The
predisposing causes are conceded to be assimilative and nervous
debility. Hence, it frequently accompanies purpura or land scurvy and
rheumatism. The skin in some persons is so susceptible to irritation
that urticaria can be kindled at any moment by excitement, as an
animated conversation, or by the simple pressure of the hand.

TREATMENT. The proper treatment for simple erythema consists in applying
to the affected parts a little lime-water, or sweet-oil, or glycerine,
with the use of warm baths and mild cathartics. This is generally
sufficient to effect a cure, if followed up with the persistent use of
Dr. Pierce's Golden Medical Discovery taken three times a day.

In _erysipelas_ a hot bath, with warm, sweating teas, or, better still.
Dr. Pierce's Compound Extract of Smart-weed may be given to favor
sweating. The whole person should be frequently bathed with warm water
rendered alkaline by the addition of saleratus or soda. The whole should
be moved by a full dose of the "Pleasant Pellets." Fluid extract of
veratrum viride, in doses of a