danger until too late.
The rupture often gives so little trouble at first that they think it
nothing to worry about. Or perhaps-- also due to ignorance-- they are
ashamed to ask anyone's advice. So they go to a drug-store and get a
worthless makeshift; and, of course, wearing the cheap contraptions
sold by drug-stores, they soon find themselves in a serious state.

There are six conditions of rupture.

When the rupture can be pressed back into the abdomen by the ordinary
manipulation of the fingers, it is a Reducible Rupture. This is the
first condition, but without a proper truss it soon grows worse.

When only a part of the contents of the lump or rupture sac can be
pressed back into the opening, it is known as a Partly Reducible
Rupture. This condition is generally the result of neglect of the
Reducible Rupture or the use of an improper truss.

When at times the contents of the lump or sac cannot be pressed back
into the body with the hands, it is known as a Temporarily Irreducible
Rupture. This temporarily irreducible condition can often be cured and
always prevented from growing worse if the proper truss is fitted and
worn.

The foregoing condition sometimes becomes so bad that it is known as
Permanently Irreducible. But even then it can usually be controlled--
prevented from growing worse-- if the right kind of truss is worn.

The condition bordering on strangulation is known as Incarcerated
Rupture. The only help for a person in this condition is an immediate
operation.

The worst condition of rupture is the strangulated form. This is a
condition where mortification has already set in. If an operation is not
immediately resorted to, the sufferer will die.

* * * * *

[Illustration: Fig. 1]

[Illustration: Fig. 2]

[Illustration: Fig. 3]

[Illustration: Fig. 4]

[Illustration: Fig. 5]

[Illustration: Fig. 6]

These illustrations show Groin Rupture as it first appears, and how it
gradually grows worse and descends into the privates (both male and
female) when neglected or not properly protected, as when a worthless
truss or other appliance is worn which frequently or occasionally lets
the rupture come out.

Figures 1, 2, and 3 show the first three stages of Groin Rupture.

Figure 4 shows Groin Rupture descended only to the privates.

Figures 5 and 6 show the rupture _after_ it has descended _into_ the
privates.

[Illustration: Fig. 7]

[Illustration: Fig. 8]

[I