Those who suffer from disease of the rectum, with rare exceptions, are constipated or semi-constipated, which condition in turn aggravates or disturbs the inflamed parts. To overcome this constipated condition all sorts of laxatives are taken, which will in the end do grave harm not only to the whole system, but especially to the inflamed parts, irritating them still more. There is a valuable therapeutic agent seldom taken by the constipated; in fact, it is never thought of; unfortunately the remedy is not easily to be had in its pure state by most of us, boxed as we are in cities. Sold under various names as mineral water, it is too often adulterated. 'Tis a simple remedy, and yet it has a wider range of healing power than any other; a universal solvent, applicable to all diseases and all states of health. I would write it at the head of all remedial agents: pure spring water! We do not drink enough water. If we were to imbibe at least two quarts of pure water daily we would be healthier and have better movements of our bowels. Water may be taken freely during mealtime; not, however, for the purpose of washing down half-masticated food. Alcoholic drinks, coffee and tea would better be dispensed with, also tobacco. The nervous system has enough to bear without the use of avoidable irritants. _Other Hygienic Agencies._ Too much cannot be urged as to the advisability of a proper amount of exercise, sleep, rest, food, breathing, cleanliness (internal and external), as well as and above all, pure, high-minded thoughts and serene temper--the outcome of the habit of viewing life philosophically. Care should be taken to protect the feet and body from sudden climatic changes, thus avoiding catarrhal troubles, especially of the lower bowels. As to the wise and proper use of nature's pharmacopoeia, nothing need be said here. However, I may be within my limits when I advise patients to use a little sense and not neglect disease of the lower bowel any more than they would neglect that of the eye, ear and throat. In the latter case they submit at once to an examination. Why not in the former? Let them bear in mind that the cure of chronic proctitis is no holiday job; that it is, on the contrary, a task which requires constant attention. To merely relieve the annoying symptoms that accompany it cannot be called a cure. But on the other hand relief may be the commencement of a cure. Of course the true way of looking at the subject of this disease is to regard the cure of proctitis as necessarily leading to the disappearance in time of all the other troubles that were the outcome of that ailment. Through the harmonious efforts of patient and physician, marvellous results are often obtainable. CHAPTER XXVII. THE BODY'S BOOK-KEEPING.