It is in these complaints that water, in the form of the warm bath, shows its remedial powers most advantageously. in most spasmodic and convulsive affections it is used either as the main remedy, or as an adjuvant. its relaxing influence gives it peculiar efficacy in these cases. While therapeutically not less applicable probably to adults than to children, it is yet much more frequently employed in the latter, in consequence of the greater facility of its administration. in croup it is almost universally employed, more especially in the common or catarrhal variety. in all the different forms of colic; in strangulated hernia; in spasm of the stomach, gall-ducts, ureters, bladder, urethra, and uterus; in cramps of the external muscles; even in tetanus, it may be resorted to with hope of benefit, and often affords great relief if continued sufficiently long. in all convulsions of a mere functional character, it is an excellent remedy. in infantile cases it is often the one first thought of, and most efficient. its calming, soothing, and relaxing influence renders it highly beneficial in the treatment of mania, and the multiplied disorders of hysteria. in short, in any case of nervous disorder, of whatever nature or origin, provided it be dependent upon irritation, and not upon debility or depression, the warm bath may be regarded as a suitable measure, when not forbidden by circumstances concerning rather the application of it, than its proper effects.

One caution, however, must always be observed in the employment of this remedy, whether in nervous or inflammatory affections. if there is any existing cerebral congestion, or tendency towards it, too high a temperature should be carefully guarded against, and the water never allowed to be so hot as in any degree to stimulate the circulation, even though for a few minutes. it should, under such circumstances, never feel more than warm to the body of the patient.