Calculi or stones.—­Calculi or stones are removed from the gall bladder, gall ducts, kidneys, ureter and bladder by operations, when it has been ascertained that the patient cannot “pass them.”  Many physicians prefer to locate the calculus by use of the X-rays before deciding to operate, and there can be no doubt as to the wisdom of this.  In these, as in all operations, success depends largely upon the general condition of the patient.  They are not considered dangerous operations, but the final decision as to their necessity should rest, in each case, with a competent physician or surgeon.

Kidneys, stomach, prostate, etc.—­Little can be said in this brief paragraph concerning the many operations that are now performed upon the different organs.  What applies to one applies, in general, to all.  Operations are now performed, and successfully, for pus in the kidney, floating kidney, etc.  Ulcers and cancers are removed from the stomach and reproductive organs.  In some cases it has been necessary to remove the organs in their entirety.  Pieces of the intestines have been removed with gratifying results in cases of ulcers and injuries.  Enlarged prostate nearly always necessitates an operation before relief can be expected.  It is impossible here to say much concerning the chances for recovery in each individual case, since they are decided by the strength and temperament of the patient, the care and skill of the surgeon and nurses, and whether the patient has submitted to the operation soon enough in the course of the disease.  Let it suffice here to say that the majority of the above-mentioned operations are successful and result in the relief and often the complete recovery of the patient.

[666 Mothers’ remedies]

The hot springs of Arkansas.

Government Ownership.—­The ownership and control of the Hot Springs of Arkansas by the United States Government is absolute, and its endorsement of them for the treatment of certain ailments is unequivocal.  After due investigation, congress took possession of the springs in the year 1832, and it retained around them a reservation ample to protect them from all encroachments, It was the first National park reservation of the country.  They are set apart by this act as “A National Sanitarium for all time,” and “dedicated to the people of the United States to be forever free from sale or alienation.”

The Army and Navy Hospital at Hot Springs.—­In the year 1883 the United States Government built a hospital known as the army and navy hospital at Hot Springs, Arkansas, on the Southwestern slope, near the base of Hot Springs mountain, since which time the soldiers and sailors of the army and navy have been sent there for treatment for such ailments as the waters may reasonably be expected to cure, or relieve.  In his circular for the guidance of the officers of the army in sending the sick there,