Note 16 — PROLAPSUS OF THE RECTUM.

The convertibility of India-rubber to so many useful purposes has not escaped the attention of surgeons, and it is found to be an excellent material for trusses, pessaries, bougies, &c., and consequently much used for them. I find them in my own practice far preferable to metallic or any other description. Many cases of hæmorrhoids, as well as of prolapsus, that have been given up as incurable, on account of the parties objecting to wear metallic instruments, or submit to the operation of excision or ligature, have speedily yielded to the application of the same manufactured of India-rubber; indeed, every day’s experience so convinces me of their superiority and efficacy as a remedy in these disorders, that a patient afflicted with the most formidable form of either disease need not despair of a prompt and certain recovery.