pity only upon one inhabitant of earth! SPASM OF THE URETHRA. This affection is commonly designated =spasm of the neck of the bladder=. The part named, however, has no fiber capable of excitation; and it is difficult to understand how the elastic tissue at the opening of the receptacle can display a condition which is inherent only within the contractibility of muscle. The compressor urethræ muscle, however, being morbidly excited, is more than capable of preventing all discharge of urine. The causes which provoke the spasm are not thoroughly understood. The affection is mostly attributed to some acridity existing in the food or water; else the supposed agent is said to be developed during the process of digestion. The symptoms are: a widely straddling gait; total suppression of urine, or small portions forcibly ejected at distant intervals. The suffering attendant on distention of the bladder is sometimes so violent that the affection has been mistaken for phrenitis. At other times the horse has been imagined to be griped. Both these blunders are unpardonable. The haggard countenance, copious perspirations, and the frequent glances toward the flanks, joined to the straddling gait and to the desperate but at the same time guarded struggles, are all opposed to such conclusions. Were a proper examination instituted, the real nature of the affection would at once be made apparent, beyond the possibility of error. [Illustration: MODE TO ASCERTAIN THE DISTENTION OF THE BLADDER.] Insert the greased arm up the rectum, and, when fully advanced, make pressure downward; the dilated bladder will then be under the hand. The best remedies are sulphuric ether and laudanum, which should be given in large quantities. Four ounces of each should, in a quart of cold water, be administered by the mouth: the like quantities, blended with three pints of cold water, ought to be thrown up as an injection. The last being given, the hand should be placed over the opening and pressed upon it for ten minutes. Should one dose not succeed, in a quarter of an hour the injection may be repeated. Again and again it must be had recourse to; till the spasm is vanquished or till the urine flows freely forth.