In short, this greatly extolled colon tube subjects the region of proctitis and colitis, as well as the healthy section, to just such objectionable procedure until the amount of water injected becomes so extremely large that a means of escape is irresistibly produced by the great pressure above. Is it wise treatment to irritate the diseased portion of the bowels, and to distend still further the healthy portion above, in order to get rid of distention due to feces and gases? Without increasing the danger by injecting water into the already unduly distended colon by the use of the tube, the imprisoned feces and gases of themselves alone have been known to exert sufficient pressure to occasion prolapse of the sigmoid flexure into the rectum or undue displacement of the organ. Surely it were better to get rid of the imprisoned contents by removing them from near the vent and working one’s way gradually upward than to add more to the store and burden, which only causes unendurable excitement and fierce demands for relief. The rectal enema, taken in the rational way, simply dilates the portion of the gut that is morbidly contracted--a procedure that is very beneficial and should be continued just so long as any remnant of the inflammation remains in the tissues. Kindly treatment is essential, because ulcerative inflammation is an irritable condition and tends to contract the muscular tissue at the slightest touch of a foreign substance. What, I repeat, is more kind and soothing than antiseptic water mixed with oil? Advocates of the colon tube assert that water entering the lower portion of the rectum will occasion ballooning of this portion of the gut. After an experience covering twenty or more years, I am in a position to say that there is absolutely nothing in this objection--that water used in this way cannot produce such a pathological condition. Ballooning of the lower portion of the rectum is occasioned by _impaction of feces_, which remain lodged often for weeks or months at a time in this locality. Whatever dilatation the use of the enema may transiently produce would be only healthy exercise for the diseased organ. An instrument is frequently used properly to dilate the more or less contracted canal above and below the distended pouch for a distance of from six to ten or more inches. Nothing but good results can follow the proper use of the enema two or three times a day in all forms of local disease of the anus, rectum, and colon. CHAPTER XI. THE INTERNAL FOUNTAIN BATH. THE AUTHOR’S UNIQUE INVENTION.