There are three physiological processes concerned in the menstrual phenomena: first, irritation and congestion of the ovary, rupturing the ovisac; second, congestion of the Fallopian tubes and uterus; third, consequent rupture of the blood vessels of the mucous membrane of the uterus and probably of the Fallopian tubes. There may be one or more supernumerary ovaries without disturbing the normal functions; one or both ovaries may be congenitally absent. The entire absence of both ovaries is generally accompanied by deformities of so serious a nature that the newly-born infant is incapable of living. If the defect is principally limited to congenital absence of the ovaries, then there is an absence of the changes in which puberty is recognized; the mammary glands remain flat; there is not the roundness and fullness of the girl’s figure that signalizes budding maidenhood. The apparently undeveloped form and girlish characteristics are prolonged into the years of adult age, and she remains weakly and small. In an incomplete or rudimentary development, from an arrested or imperfect evolution of the ovaries, there is often a condition that resembles the above very much; neither are these cases nearly so infrequent as those whose organs are entirely absent. The ovaries may persist in their fetal state, or their growth may be arrested at any time before the expected period of puberty. The diagnosis of this pathological condition must be inferred from the undeveloped state of the different organs and from the absence of those signs which the approach of the menses communicate. Displacements of the ovaries are often the cause of suffering and disease, that may excite symptoms quite remote from the seat of trouble. I remember the case of a young woman, who had suffered from obstinate dyspepsia, which subsided at once after the removal of the prolapsed ovary. It has been already alluded to, that these glands are naturally very movable. Anything which increases their weight, whether inflammatory enlargement or a dragging in connection with some inflammatory adhesion to a neighboring organ, may cause their displacement in various directions. It happens that the ovary may form the contents of a hernia or rupture. A prolapse or descent is the most common form of an ovarian displacement. We often find one or the other ovary resting in the pouch between the uterus and rectum, and if the patient should be troubled with constipation, the hardened feces may give rise to painful symptoms in the ovaries, and pain in the rectum, while it also is one of the causes of painful sexual relations. The irritation to which the dislocated ovary is exposed gives rise to inflammatory affections, that may be the cause of continual suffering. INFLAMMATION OF THE OVARIES, OR ACUTE OVARITIS. What inflammation is elsewhere, it is again here in these glandular structures.