r tea, etc., is a pernicious practice, for
these irritants inflame the mucous membrane of the stomach and
intestines. Hot lemonade or hot water will afford the same
relief without leaving an inflamed surface behind to be
irritated by the next meal.

"There are some cases of great constriction of the uterine canal
which have reflex irritability in the stomach. Those having the
stomach affected cannot take food, the least thing is rejected.
It is best for such to remain quiet in bed, applying heat to the
stomach and abdomen and to the feet until relief is experienced.
Those suffering from headache should also remain quiet in bed.
Some resort to anodynes and form the habit of using codeine,
morphine. All these are bad and should be avoided. I have never
found it necessary to give one dose of either to relieve pain at
such times. Hot applications with the enema, vaginal douche, or
foot bath, has usually been all that was required.

"I recall many cases of severe pain where the extremities were
cold and clammy and the entire body was in a hysterical
contraction that were immediately relieved by a hot vaginal
douche. The muscles relaxed, the patient warmed up and recovered
nicely.

"For securing sleep in insomnia, a hot toddy is often used, but
a quicker and better effect can be gained by a hot, or neutral
bath. The latter given at 99 deg. or 100 deg. for twenty minutes will
produce sleep and refreshment, as it equalizes the circulation
by bringing the blood to the surface.

"It is safer under all circumstances to do without alcohol or
other dangerous drugs in treatment of these diseases."--DR.
LAURETTA E. KRESS, Washington, D. C.

NOTE--An experienced nurse says that prompt relief in painful
menstruation may often be found by sitting upon a toilet
water-jar half full or more of hot water. The steam rises and
the heat relieves.

TOTAL ABSTINENCE AND LIFE INSURANCE.

Nothing shows more clearly and convincingly that alcoholic
liquors have a tendency to shorten life than the figures
published by life insurance companies. A most interesting and
valuable paper upon this theme was read before the Actuarial
Society of America, in 1904, by Mr. Joel G. Van Cise, actuary of
the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States. In it
he gives the experience of differ