This is characterized by violent purging and vomiting of bilious matter, attended with griping, sickness and a constant desire to go to stool. The attack is usually abrupt, but it is sometimes preceded by loss of appetite, nausea, headache, chilliness, colicky pains, etc. It occurs generally at night, and the vomiting and purging occur in quick succession. The evacuations are usually copious, consisting of the ingesta first, but afterwards of a sour, acrid, serous liquid, causing a scalding sensation in the throat; there is slight tenderness over the abdomen, hiccough, anxiety, restlessness and exhaustion. The pulse is quick, small and feeble, the skin cool and moist, or bathed in clammy perspiration. It is quite a serious disease and runs a rapid course -- death often occurring within twenty-four hours.

TREATMENT. -- If the stomach is overloaded with indigestible food a lobelia emetic should be given in connection with warm ginger tea. Hot packs or mustard plasters should be placed on the abdomen, and bottles of hot water to the feet. Lumps of ice should be placed in the mouth to allay the patient's thirst. Opium is a very good remedy, and may be given by mouth or by injection. A tea made of chamomile flowers or columbo often succeeds well. Where great exhaustion is felt, a brandy toddy should be given.