TREATMENT OF HÆMORRHOIDS.—Mr. J. Christophers, of Wadebridge, Cornwall, sends us the following note:—“The pain and risk attending operations for the removal of hæmorrhoids, whether by knife, ligature, cautery, or caustic, render valuable any less heroic mode of treatment, whereby the necessity for using the means alluded to may be dispensed with, or even rendered less frequent. The term hæmorrhoid or pile being used to signify a tumour caused by enlarged or varicose veins at the lower part of the rectum, the definition of the disease would seem to indicate its treatment—pressure and support. The benefit resulting from pressure on tumours, and from pressure and support applied to varicose veins situated on the surface of the body, is manifold and manifest. The same good results often attended pressure internally applied in cases of hæmorrhoids, and frequently in cases of prolapsus also. Occasionally after having introduced the finger into the rectum, in cases of hæmorrhoids, for the purpose of exploration, I have heard with surprise the patient affirm that the examination had temporarily relieved the severity of his pain. Continuous pressure exercised by means of the rectum plug, of a size, form, and material suited to these cases, in many instances, affords immediate relief, and often effects ultimate cure; the rectum plug being nothing more than a simple cone or peg, terminating in a short stem or disk, having a hole bored through its long diameter formed of metal, ivory, wood, membrane, or of other material capable of inflation. Any of these substances answer the purpose, some being suited to one kind of case, some to another. Those formed of wood have in my hands answered well, and have often achieved a success that has exceeded my expectations. The shape and size best suited to individual cases experience soon teaches. A not unfrequent obstacle in treating cases by the rectum plug will be found to consist in the intolerance by the rectum in some patients at first of its presence; perseverance in its use gradually and surely overcomes this difficulty. After a short probation all discomfort ceases, and the plug can be worn by day and by night, sitting, riding, walking, or standing, with the best results, and that not only in cases of hæmorrhoids, but in bad cases of prolapsus also. So much is this the case that many who have worn a rectum plug, though with difficulty at the beginning, give up its use, even when the malady that demanded its application is cured, with reluctance and regret, saying that they derive comfort and support from its presence. These circumstances induce me to think that this safe and simple means of treating hæmorrhoids has been too much neglected, and for this reason I venture to bring it under the notice of the _Practitioner_.” Bibliography.[14] Les Eaux thermales de Mont-Doré dans leurs Applications à la Thérapeutique médicale. Par M. Mascarel.