PURPURA, or THE PURPLES, is a malady which is often erroneously placed among the diseases of the skin. It is in reality a blood disease. and is characterized by the appearance of small round spots, of a deep purple color, which are seen first and most abundantly on the legs, and afterward extend to the arms and trunk. They are accom panied by no local pain, are not effaced by pressure theingdne to a drop of blood extra vasated beneath the cuticle, or in the structure of the skin itself), do not rise above the surrounding surface, and are sometimes intermixed with livid patches resembling bruises; and, before disappearing. Both the' round spots and the patches undergo the same change. of color which a bruise undergoes. These'spots are not peculiar ta the skin, but occa, sionally occur upon internal surfaces, and in the tissues of viscera. Passive hemor rhages from the mucous membranes frequently accompany the external symptoms. There is usually much debility, and often a great tendency to faintness. The duration of the disease varies from a few days to a year or more. Slight cases are devoid of danger, and even the hemorrhagic cases' usually recover, unless the bleeding has been excessive, or the blood has been extravasated into a vital organ.
The causes of this disease are obscure. The mode of treatment varies in different cases, but the main indication always is to correct the condition of the blood. When there is reason to believe that the disease is dependent upon depressing influences. a nutritious diet, tonics, and stimulants,are required; and ehalyheates, or the mineral acids, and quinine, with plenty of exercise in the open air, should be prescribed. When, how ever, there is no evidence of the operation of any debilitating cause, and the pulse is hard, the most efficient treatment consists in abstinence, venesection. and purgatives. In cases of a mixed nature, a mixture of the oil of turpentine and castor-oil, iu free doses (2, drams of the former to 5 or 6 drains of the latter), and iced drinks, or the suck ing of small pieces of ice, have been strongly recommended. If the hemorrhage is not stopped by the oil of tuepentine, gallie acid, or acetate of lead and opium, must be pre scribed; and if it proceeds front accessible parts, local measures, such as the employment of ice or strong astringents, should also be employed.