This is the most prevalent of all derangements of the female economy, connected with the uterine system; and from its debilitating effects, induces a train of maladies that tend to embitter personal comfort more than any other human ill. Leucorrhœa consists of a discharge of acrid, or bland, but variously-colored mucus from the vagina, differing in intensity according to the cause and duration. It would be idle to offer the many arguments set up to prove whence it proceeds, or to examine the discussions as to whether it is the produce of the uterine vessels, or the vaginal secretives. That both aid in its formation is doubtless the case (as the employment of the speculum has satisfactorily proved); and equally certain that, according to the amount of irritability existing therein, so depends the quantity and character of the discharge. It exists in the married and single—in the moral and unchaste; and therefore the cause should be cautiously divined, it being evident that other than sexual indulgences establish this annoying and distressing affliction. It may be fairly conceded to be a vitiated secretion, depending upon a weakened state of the local vessels, and, moreover, in particular habits, to be a salutary evacuation. On the other hand, it must not be denied that it is oftentimes, where it occurs to persons living sub judice mariti, the result of sexual intemperance, or disease springing from an indiscriminate indulgence in the same.

However, as my purpose is more with the symptoms and treatment, the following may be received as a summary of what occurs, and what should be done for the removal thereof:—

In addition to the discharge, which at one time is scanty, at another profuse, there are usually severe pains in the loins and lower part of the abdomen: there is a sense of bearing down, as though the womb were descending and even protruding. The general health of the patient is disturbed, loss of appetite, excessive languor, a pale and emaciated look, sleepless nights, dark areola around the eyes, various hysterical and other nervous affections, and numerous disturbances indicating a weakened and impaired state of mind and body. Among other causes beside those alluded to, may be enumerated irregular living, late hours, mental and bodily fatigue, deficient exercise, impure air, and neglect of personal ablution. Among the consequences of a long-continued leucorrhœa, an almost certainty of sterility should not be omitted.

Treatment.—In leucorrhœa, where or where not consecutive to gonorrhœa, depending on loss of tone of the secretive vessels of the internal organs of generation, the chief indication is to impart vigor and restore strength, which it is evident depends much upon an avoidance of those causes that first started the disease.

Although leucorrhœa bears a strong resemblance to gonorrhœa, there are points by which to distinguish the one from the other. In gonorrhœa, the discharge is unceasing, but small in quantity, and is usually accompanied by inflammatory symptoms; whereas in leucorrhœa, the discharge is irregular and copious, often coming away in large lumps.

The treatment of fluor albus is indicated by the degree of severity present. Where the prominent feature is the discharge, the indication is to increase the action of the absorbents by restoring the tone of the diseased surface, and at the same time to strengthen the system. Where the disease is complicated with weakness and relaxation, astringents should be given by the mouth, and also administered in the form of injections. The alkaline solution of copaiba is a very valuable medicament, and may be taken twice or thrice daily. It may also be employed as an injection, by adding one or two ounces to a pint of water, and a teacupful thrown up several times in the day. There are many domestic remedies, which, from their harmless properties, can at least do no injury, if they are not productive of good; as, for instance, a strong decoction of green tea, an infusion of oak bark, or alum-water; or diluted port wine—all to be used as injections, which, if it shall so please the patient, may be tried prior to the annexed:—

The remaining diseases peculiar to the female pelvic viscera and their outlet, are hæmorrhoids, irritability and inflammation of the bladder, disordered uterine functions, urethritis, or inflammation of the urinary passage, and, lastly, internal and external irritation or excoriation. But as these fall within the province of every family practitioner, to the consultation of whom no morbid delicacy should prevent a patient, having such in their confidence, from resorting, I shall conclude this section by appending sundry prescriptions, in order that, should prudence not direct the sick one or her friends to call in the advised assistance, help may not be entirely withheld, and in order that, if the aid offered be not the means of supplying the loss of a more proficient and skilful director, it may at least be found mitigatory of these interruptions of health and comfort:—