ined by a continuation of the
mucous membrane which covers the throat and nasal passages. The
catarrhal inflammatory process, by continuity of surface, follows the
mucous membrane, thickening its structure, until the eustachian tube is
closed, and the beautiful mechanism of the internal ear is rendered
useless. While the thickening of the mucous membrane is going on, and
the passage is gradually becoming closed (and the process sometimes
extends through several years), the patient will occasionally, while
blowing the nose, experience a crackling in one or both ears, and
hearing becomes dull, but returns suddenly, accompanied with a snapping
sound. This may be repeated many times, until, finally, hearing does not
return, but remains permanently injured. In other cases the hearing is
lost so gradually that a considerable degree of deafness may exist
before the person is really aware of the fact. Either condition is often
accompanied with noises in the head of every conceivable description,
increasing the distress of the sufferer. The delicate bones of the ear
are sometimes detached from their articulations, the drum is ulcerated
and perforated, and through the orifice thus made, the bones or small
_spiculae_ may escape with the thick, purulent, and offensive discharge.

CLOSURE OF THE TEAR DUCT. The lachrymal duct, or passage (tear duct),
which, when in a healthy condition, serves to convey the tears from the
eye into the nose, may be closed by the same inflammatory and thickening
process which we have already explained. This condition is usually
attended with watery and weak eyes, the tears escaping over the cheeks,
and sometimes producing irritation and excoriation. The nasal branch of
the ophthalmic nerve sometimes participates in the ulceration going on
in the head, so that the eyes are sympathetically affected. They
sometimes become congested or inflamed, and sharp pain in the eyeballs
may be experienced.

INDIGESTION, DYSPEPSIA, ETC. A large portion of the acrid, poisonous,
purulent discharge, which drops into the throat during sleep, is
swallowed. This disturbs the functions of the stomach, causing weakness
of that organ, and producing indigestion, dyspepsia, nausea, and loss of
appetite. Many sufferers complain of a very distressing "gnawing
sensation" in the stomach, or an "all gone," or "faint feelings," as
they often express it.

SYMPTOMS. Dull, heavy headaches through the temples and above the eyes;
indispo