with these, they readily empty themselves of their accumulated contents, and soon regain their calibre under the employment of bandaging. When the varicose veins are numerous, as is generally the case, the potass is to be applied to the healthy point of the larger trunk in which they terminate. But the practice is not unattended with danger, for the coats of the vessel may ulcerate in consequence of the application, and violent hemorrhage ensue; the degree of inflammation excited may be greater than that intended, and extend so as to give rise to suppuration in the vessel and the most alarming constitutional disturbance. These unfavourable results, however, must be of rare occurrence. Success has, however, followed the practice in innumerable instances. A much preferable method, as being less painful and unattended with risk, is that of passing needles under the vessel, and twisting a piece of thick and strong silk round them. Two needles should be applied together, at an interval of about half an inch, at whatever points it is thought right to close the vein. Coagulation takes place in the included part, and also frequently for some distance below it; the coats of the vessel are thickened, and its canal closed. The needles are withdrawn before they begin to cut their way out by ulceration,—say at the end of from three to five days,—according as the parts become condensed. The needles suited to the purpose are soft, but tempered at the point, which is spear-shaped; the ends are cut off with pliers after the thread is fixed. Other operations have been performed on the veins, to procure a radical cure of varix; one or more ligatures have been passed round the vessel, as in the operation for aneurism; and the vessel has been divided, or a portion of it dissected out, and its cut extremities afterwards either compressed or secured. Such proceedings are now almost entirely abandoned. OF TUMOURS.