T HE use of heat by physical means is not new. However, during tho last two decades, thcrr: have been evolved many newer methods of its application. The chief physiologic effect of applying heat to the vagina and pelvis is to produce: changes of temperature. The reaction following such application GilI result in muscle ~claxation, decreased arterial tension, increased and more rapid circulation, dilat.ation of peripheral vessels with subsequent decongestion of the deeper vessels. Gellhornr has shown that the vaginal ~~ICOY~ will tolerate much higher temperatures than the skin of the vulva or perineum. Cherry2 found 72 per cent improvement or cures in pelvic infections with the use of diathermy. Gcheffey and Schmidta confirmed the results of Cherry, and felt that the results were not due to actual destruction of the organisms, but to the increased circulation incident *to the prolonged heat in the vagina. Furthermore, that the latter caused an enormous local increasy of a phagocytic leukocytes, increased cellular metabolism, and absorption of exudates. Vagina! diathermy is an effective means of heat therapy, but, because of costly apparatus, special attention, and accidental burns of the vaginal mucosd, its use is not widespread. Another objection4, is that the electrode ‘does not distend the vagina and will create uneven heat in the thickened and increased vaginnl rugae. A distinct advance in the use of heal over the preceding methods was achieved by Elliott,s who devised a rubber bag which is inserted into the vagina, Ihrough which heated water is circulated by means of an electric motor. Holden and GurnreJ have shown that. a temperature of 130” I‘. in the ragiua for an hour will produce a temperature of 106“ I?. in the pelvic peritoneal cavity and rectum and a tempcraturo of 104’ F. within the bladder without any disturbances of general body temperature. Furthermore, there is aecompnnying pronounced hyperemia in the pelvic tissues, Icukocyto&, and inerensed cervical vaginal discharge. C!ounseller,r in a series of forty-three cases, found that intravaginal hydrotherapy (Klliott) is very effective, bot.h preand postoperatively. Postoperatively, it short.cns coil. .valescence, stimulates the absorption of the exudate, and, on the whole, ail1 reduce mortality. Cosgrove and Watcrs,g reported eases in uhich severe cervical and vaginal bs parametria! und’ pelvic eellulili~, either nctivc or residual. Many require heat therapy postoperatively: others, preoperatively. For nlanp years wo have iiscil tha El1iot.t uurchiac for such therapy. Iiowever, bccauac of. the volume of pat.ients, the appointmcnts’for such treatments are deferred, sometimes for several weeks, nnd t.he patient does not receive the desired benefit.