This is vulgarily known as clap, so named from the French clappe, a bow-string. It received this name on account of the chordee occurring in the disease. This is caused by the violence of the inflammation, which abnormally expands the cavernous body of the organ and is painfully drawn downwards, so that the urethra occupies the relative position of the string to a bow-gun.

This is a disease of the mucous membrane which lines the private parts of the male and female, and is communicated as is syphilis, by contagion, or actual contact. It commences with itching and uneasiness about the private parts, and a peculiar feeling of soreness in the urethra, or urinary canal. A scalding sensation is also felt when the patient makes water. In a day or two a whitish matter makes its appearance at the orifice of the urethra, and this will soon increase greatly in quantity, and assume a greenish-yellow color. The parts will be much inflamed, and the urethra will become thickened and very sore. The consistency and quantity of the pus-like discharge vary in different persons. It usually makes its appearance in from three to five days after exposure. It may propagate itself upon other mucous membranes after inoculation.

TREATMENT. -- A purgative should be taken at first, and at the same time the parts should be thoroughly packed with cold or hot water. The following are the remedies mostly employed as internal remedies: -- Oil of copaiba and cubebs, matico, gelsemin, oil of erigeron, oil of turpentine, etc. These oils should be taken in medium doses, and in emulsion with acacia, etc. The internal injections are vegetable astringents, sugar of lead, sulphate of zinc, etc. The injections should not be strong, and be carefully made, otherwise orchitis may follow. Applying cold water relieves the chordee.

The treatment is not difficult, and, if properly directed, will soon relieve the patient.