MEDICAL HINTS. 
199 
measuring less than half an inch in length; it inhabits the lower end 
of the bowel and causes great heat and itching about the outlet, especially 
;at night. 
Treatment .—Wash out the lower bowel and inject into it about a third 
of a pint of tea, or a similar quantity of water containing one teaspoonful 
of salt, tannin, or alum; then apply a little mercurial ointment around 
the outlet, to diminish irritation. This should be done every third day 
till the worms have disappeared from the motions. 
The Guinea Worm— The guinea worm measures about one foot in 
length; it chiefly causes trouble in the feet, ankles, and legs, where 
in order to obtain an exit from the body it penetrates the skin, causing 
a small ulcer at its point of exit. 
Usually the presence of the guinea worm is attended with in¬ 
flammation and the formation of matter. When the worm can be seen 
-at the base of the little ulcer, it may be secured to a piece of match and 
a small portion may be wound on to the match daily. If attempts are 
made to forcibly draw it out, it will probably break and violent in¬ 
flammation will result. During the time that the worm is being wound 
out, the part should be kept very clean and an antiseptic ointment 
applied. 
Eujpture or Hernia. 
A rupture or hernia is a protrusion of some portion of the bowels 
under the skin, and is usually found in the groin. It is generally 
reducible, i.e. } it can be pushed back into the belly. It reappears 
when the pressure is removed, especially if the patient coughs or 
strains. When reduced, a properly-fitting truss should be applied and 
worn during the day, it can be taken off at night, after lying down, 
but should be re-adjusted in the morning, whilst the patient is still 
in bed. 
The great danger of any rupture is that it may become irreducible—a 
condition which is very likely to be followed by constriction or ff strangu¬ 
lation ” and subsequent death of the ruptured part of the bowel. If 
unrelieved, this constricted condition is always fatal. The existence of 
strangulation is known by local pain and tenderness, development of 
severe colicky pains in the belly (especially about the navel), absolute 
constipation, vomiting, hiccough, and symptoms of collapse. When this 
