A married woman, 60 years of age, who, upward of a year ago, was for some time under my care, gave the following history: The disease from which she suffered began four years and three months prior to her first visit. The first manifestation occurred in the form of red patches situated upon the back. They were accompanied by intense itching. They were rather bright in color. From the back the lesions gradually spread to the breast, abdomen, neck and limbs, attacking even the soles of the feet. Some, after a certain degree of development, healed. According to her statement, the skin had been more seriously affected than it was at the date of the examination. Itching had throughout been a prominent symptom. The lesions were also the seat of considerable pain. They often bleed when rubbed or scratched.
The patient's appetite was poor, she was habitually constipated, and had