OF THE GRAVEL AND STONE.

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the patient's strength will permit, is necessary, espe-cially where there are symptoms of topical inflam-mation. Bleeding in this case not only abates thefever, by lessening the force of the circulation, hot, byrelaxing the solids, it takes off the spasm or strictureupon the vessels, which occasioned the obstruction.

After bleeding, fomentations must be used. Thesemay either consist of warm water alone, or of decoc-tions of mild vegetables; as mallows, camomile flow-ers, &c. Cloths dipped in these may either be appliedto the part affected, or a large bladder filled with thedecoction may be kept continually upon it. Some putthe herbs themselves into a flannel bag, and applythem to the part, which is far from being a badmethod. These continue longer warm than clothsdipped in the decoction, and at the same time keepthe part equally moist.

In all obstructions of urine, the body ought to bekept open. This is not, however, to be attempted bystrong purgatives, but by emollient clysters, or gentleinfusions of senna and manna. Clysters in this case notonly open the body, but answer the purpose of aninternal fomentation, and greatly assist in removingthe spasms of the bladder and parts adjacent.

The food must be light, and taken in small quantities.The drink may be weak broth, or decoctions and infu-sions of mucilaginous vegetables, as marsh-mallowroots, lime-tree buds, &c. A tea-spoonful of the sweetspirits of nitre, or a drachm of Castile soap, may befrequently put into the patient's drink; and if therebe no inflammation, he may drink small gin punch.

Persons subject to a suppression of urine ought tolive very temperate. Their diet should be light, andtheir liquor diluting. They should avoid all acid andaustere wines, should take sufficient exercise, lie hard,and avoid study and sedentary occupations.

OF THE GRAVEL AND STONE.

When small stones are lodged in thekidneys, or dis-charged along with the urine, the patient is said to be