OF THE GRAVEL AND STOiYr

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•leek of Hit bladder, clotted blood in the bladder ilseii, a swelling of.he Iwemerrhoidal veins, &c.

Soo.e of these cases require the catheter both to remove the obstruct-ing matter, and to draw off the urine; but as this instrument can onlybe managed with safety by persons skilled in surgery, we shall say no-thing further of its use. A bougie may be used by any cautious hand,and will often succeed better than the catheter.

We would chiefly recommend in all obstructions of urine, fomenta-tions and evacuants. Bleeding, as far as the patient's strength willpermit, is necessary, especially where there are symptoms of topicalinflammation. Bleeding in this case not only abates the fever, by les-sening the force of the circulation, but, by relaxing the solids, it takesoff the spasm or stricture upon the vessels, which occasioned theobsiTuctions.

After the bleeding, fomentations must be used. These may either con-sist of warm water alone, or of decoctions of mild vegetables ; as mal-lows, camomile-flowers, &c. Cloths dipped in these may either be ap-plied to the part affected, or a large bladder filled with the decoctionmay be kept continually upon it. Some put the herbs themselves into aflannel bag, and apply to the part, which is far from being a bad method.These continue longer warm than cloths dipped in the decoction, andat the same time keep the part equally moist.

In all obstructions of the urine, the body ought to be kept open.This is not however to be attempted by strong purgatives, but by emol-lient clysters, or gentle infusions of senna and manna Clysters in thiscase not only open the body, but answer the purpose of an internalfomentation, and greatly assist in removing the spasms of the bladderand parts adjacent.

The food must be light, and taken in small quantities. The drinkmay be warm broth, or decoctions and infusions of mucilaginous vegeta-bles, as marsh-mallow roots, lime-tree buds, &c. A tea-spoonful of thespirit of nitrous aether (sweet spirits of nitre,) or a drachm of Castilesoap, may be frequently put in the patient's drink; and, if there be noinflammation, he may drink small gin-punch.

Persons subject to a suppression of urine ought to live very temperate.Their diet should be light, and their liquor diluting. They shouldavoid all acids and austere wines, should take sufficient exercise, liehard, and avoid study and sendentary occupations.

We know a person upwards of seventy years of age, who, labouringunder this complaint, had the advice of some of the best practitionersin London; but he assured us that he did not derive so much re-lief from their prescriptions, as he does from breakfasting constantlyr a leek-porridge. When leeks are not in season, he takes onionsireely. The expressed juice of onions is a powerful diuretic, andmay be taken in doses of half an ounce to an ounce and a half, in ju-niper-water, or gin and water, sweetened with syrup of marsh-mal-lows.

OF THE GRAVEL AND STONE.

When small stones are lodged in the kidneys, or discharged alongA'ith the urine, the patient is said to be afflicted with the gravel. 1/wie of these stones happens lo make a lodgment in the bladder d»

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