A painful affection of the muscles of the loins and small of the back; a rheumatism, or sub-acute inflammation of the muscular fibres of the part. Lumbago, like other forms of rheumatism, is induced by exposure to cold, moisture, or wet, from over-heating the body, and while in a state of perspiration, being exposed to draughts or cold air. When of long standing, it is not unusual for the kidneys to sympathise with the external inflammation, and complicate the disease. The _symptoms_ of lumbago are too well known to require recapitulation; and as respects the _treatment_, the hot bath, either the complete or hip, is in all cases the first and most important means to adopt, being followed up by a vigorous rubbing in of the following embrocation twice a day, and the exhibition of thirty drops of the spirits of turpentine in a little gin, with a small quantity of water, upon going to bed. Take of Camphorated Oil 2 ounces. Oil of Amber and Turpentine, of each 1 ounce. Spirits of Hartshorn ½ ounce. Mix, and use as an embrocation. Where the pain is excessive, and the rest is disturbed, ten grains of Dover’s powder should be taken at bed-time in a little gruel, and a bottle of hot water placed under the hollow of the back. When the acuteness of the disease is subdued, it is advisable to wear a warm plaster on the loins for some short time afterwards, to keep up the heat, and guard against cold and a relapse. RING-WORM. This is a disease of the skin, and arises most frequently from coming in contact with those already affected by it; in some habits there is evidently a predisposition to it. It is a disease more frequently met with in warm climates than in cold ones, is of an exceedingly contagious nature, and in inveterate cases is very difficult to eradicate. It shows itself in small red pimples, which break out in a circular form, and contain a thin acrid (pungent) fluid. When the body is heated by exercise these itch intolerably, and upon being rubbed, discharge their contents, which by falling on the neighbouring parts, spread the disease to a considerable degree. The original size of the circle formed by the pimples, is usually about that of a sixpenny piece; but in process of time it will become, if neglected, as large as a man’s hand. Numerous are the remedies proposed for this very unpleasant complaint, but none are _certain_ except the following; and if _no other application has been previously used_, its success is sure:—two-thirds of pyroligneous acid to one-third of water; rub the spots carefully for three mornings: if cured, a scurf will appear, which must be softened with cold cream, or lard without salt, but no soap or water must be used.