Vermiform Appendix.--At the point where the small intestine widens to form the large intestine, a baglike pouch is formed. From one side of this pouch is given off a small tube about four inches long, closed at the lower end. This tube, the rudiment of what is an important part of the food tube in the lower vertebrates, is called the _vermiform appendix_. It has come to have unpleasant notoriety in late years, as the site of serious inflammation. Constipation.--In the large intestine live millions of bacteria, some of which make and give off poisonous substances known as toxins. These substances are easily absorbed through the walls of the large intestine, and, when they pass into the blood, cause headaches or sometimes serious trouble. Hence it follows that the lower bowel should be emptied of this matter as frequently as possible, at least once a day. Constipation is one of the most serious evils the American people have to deal with, and it is largely brought about by the artificial life which we lead, with its lack of exercise, fresh air, and sleep. Fruit with meals, especially at breakfast, plenty of water between meals and before breakfast, exercise, particularly of the abdominal muscles, and regular habits will all help to correct this evil. Hygienic Habits of Eating; the Causes and Prevention of Dyspepsia.--From the contents of the foregoing chapter it is evident that the object of the process of digestion is to break up solid food so that it may be absorbed to form part of the blood. Any habits we may form of thoroughly chewing our food will evidently aid in this process. Undoubtedly much of the distress known as dyspepsia is due to too hasty meals with consequent lack of proper mastication of food. The message of Mr. Horace Fletcher in bringing before us the need of proper mastication of food and the attendant evils of overeating is one which we cannot afford to ignore. It is a good rule to go away from the table feeling a little hungry. Eating too much overtaxes the digestive organs and prevents their working to the best advantage. Still another cause of dyspepsia is eating when in a _fatigued_ condition. It is always a good plan to rest a short time before eating, especially after any hard manual work. We have seen how great a part unpleasant emotions play in preventing peristaltic movements of the food tube. Conversely, pleasant conversation, laughter, and fun will help you to digest your meal. Eating between meals is condemned by physicians because it calls the blood to the digestive organs at a time when it should be more active in other parts of the body.