The stomach should be emptied of all irritating matter to prevent recurrence. VARICOSE VEINS In varicose veins there is a dilatation of the calibre of the veins and their valves are insufficient. The walls are irregularly thinned, lengthened and tortuous. =Osteopathic Etiology= and =Pathology=.—The =internal saphenous= is the vein most frequently affected, although any vein throughout the body may become varicose. Commonly, varicose veins occur in the lower extremities and occasionally in the arms. The =valvular insufficiency= is caused by stretching of the wall of the vein, thus separating the thin, free edges and leaving an interspace that allows regurgitation of the blood. The valves becoming insufficient, the column of blood in the veins has no support against gravity, and being interrupted in its course does not flow normally into collateral channels. The walls of the veins become thin, as does also the adjacent skin, thus increasing the danger of a rupture, either external or subcutaneous. Varicose veins are most frequently found in females, following uterine enlargements. The condition may be due to any obstruction or constriction that prevents the free return of blood from the veins, such as dislocations of the hip, either slight or complete, dislocations of innominata, contractions of adductor magnus muscle affecting femoral vein, prolapse of diaphragm obstructing vena cava, tissue constrictions about the saphenous opening, garters, and, in fact, anything that might impede the free venous flow. The tendency to varicose veins increases as age advances, and many cases are found among people of middle life who have been accustomed to standing a great deal. Injuries to the pelvis, thigh or leg, lessening the nutrition to the leg, or injuries to the nerves, as vertebral dislocations in the lower dorsal or lumbar regions (the fourth lumbar especially) may be causes of varicose veins. Pregnancy or tumors in the abdomen or pelvis, causing pressure upon the iliac veins, are occasionally causes. Distention of the sigmoid flexure, causing pressure upon the left iliac vein, or distention of the cecum; pressing upon the right iliac vein, are fruitful sources, as are also diseases of the heart and lungs. Varicose veins of the upper extremities are due to occupations requiring overuse of the arms. =Complications.=—Varicocele, hemorrhoids, labial varix in the female, varix over pubes, ulceration and eczema due to disturbances of nutrition, edema and thrombus.