In cases of chronic constipation and semi-constipation, the kidneys, lungs, mucous membrane, and skin eliminate a daily accumulation of feces from the system equal to two-thirds or three-fourths of the amount of normal feces. This accounts for the frequency of chronic disease of these organs. To establish a new régime in the mode of fecal and gaseous elimination requires much time and patience in the use of the enema. Nearly all persons can take the enema with comfort and satisfaction. Now and then, however, there is a person who finds it a little troublesome to inject over a quart of water at one time, while most persons can inject over four quarts without inconvenience. I would advise patience and perseverance on the part of those who find it irksome to inject a sufficient amount thoroughly to cleanse the colon, or the portion thereof involved in undue accumulation. Enough water should be injected to bring away what would constitute the normal amount of feces to be passed at a regular stool. Gradually, as the practice is established by the use of the enema twice or thrice daily, it will be easy to determine the proper amount of feces to pass. And note this fact: it is just as easy to establish the habit of three evacuations in twenty-four hours as of two or one. Whenever the amount of water injected proves sufficient at any time to bring away all the feces that should pass, it is not necessary at that sitting to repeat the dose, except it be for subsequent cleansing, as a sort of gargle. No possible harm can come from the generous use of the enema during a lifetime; indeed, its constant use will prolong life and make it more comfortable. CHAPTER XII. BENEFITS OF THE INNER BATH. I speak from clinical observation with the use of various rectal and colon specula, of which I have over fifty. I have watched the progress of cases that were using the enema twice or thrice daily, and of cases that were also using the intestinal recurrent douche, which latter required an hour’s continuous application of hot water, and I know, therefore, whereof I speak when I affirm its salutary effect both on the local organs and on the general system. Many that write about the use or abuse of the enema have never seen the mucous membrane of the rectum and colon. Most of what is written on the subject is worthless. The author of this book writes from the accumulated experience of daily examinations with specula for a period of over twenty-three years. Had he merely used his fingers or hand for making rectal examinations, or had he contented himself with prescribing for symptoms reported by the sufferer, his views and opinions as to the use and benefits of the internal bath would have been on a par with those that, by the old methods, make futile efforts in diagnosis and treatment.