~Food Used for Forced Feeding.~--The food in these cases consists of reenforced soups, milk gruels, or nutrient beverages, not more than six or eight ounces given at one time. Finely chopped meat and vegetable purees have been given in this way when the digestion of the patient was not impaired, but when conditions rendered it necessary to resort to this method of feeding. ~Technique of Gavage.~--The apparatus used in gavage consists of a moderate sized soft rubber tube to which is attached a rubber or glass funnel and a "pinch cock." The tube should be filled with water to prevent air entering the stomach and causing pain or discomfort. In certain cases the patient refuses to swallow the tube and it will be found necessary to use some means to force the passage if the throat is shut off. By closing the nostrils the patient will be obliged to breathe through the mouth, thus opening the passage into the throat through which the tube may be quickly slipped. In certain abnormal conditions the gastric organ is so badly impaired as to render it impossible for the patient to retain food taken in by way of the mouth. It is often found that food introduced into the stomach by means of the "stomach tube" will be retained and utilized which otherwise would be rejected. It is disagreeable, however, and should only be used when it is impossible to feed otherwise. ~Rectal feeding~ is used when the other organs of digestion are impaired to such an extent as to render the need of more food obligatory. Many investigators believe that rectal feeding is absolutely useless, while others have firm faith in its efficacy. ~Technique of Rectal Feeding.~--The rectum should be cleansed by flushing with a soapsuds enema one hour before the nutrient enema is given. This should be done once a day, in the morning. The cleansing enema may be either soapsuds, a solution of bicarbonate of soda, or boric acid (1 teaspoonful to the pint), or a saline solution. When there is much mucus, or if the rectum is inflamed, the soda or boric acid solution may be more soothing than the saline or soapsuds enema. After one hour's rest the patient should be given a nutrient enema. The method of administering nourishment through the rectum is important. A nutrient enema injected only into the lower bowel not only does no good, but may actually cause a good deal of unnecessary discomfort to the patient.