When rectal infusions of NaCl are not retained it is possible by adding CaCl_{2} to the solution to stop the movements of the rectum which cause their expulsion. Enemata of NaCl containing CaCl_{2} are retained much better than those of pure NaCl. The marked action of calcium on the kidney suggests that certain conditions might arise where it could be made use of. In nervous polyuria it can be given with benefit; and although we know practically nothing as to the etiology of diabetes insipidus, it is possible that calcium might be employed with advantage to stop the abnormal flow of urine. With regard to general conditions such as the muscular and nervous irritability accompanying hysterical and neuraesthenic disturbances little can be said as to the possible value of calcium. Loeb drew attention to the possibilities of its being of use in these diseases, but there is not sufficient evidence to make any statement concerning it. The extreme irritability which is present in some types of insanity might also be tested in this respect. Calcium might also be of benefit in asthma where the two distressing symptoms are spasmodic contractions of the bronchioles and a hypersecretion from the mucous membrane of the larger and smaller bronchi. Judging by analogy from the experiments described above, calcium should not only relieve the muscular contractions but also inhibit the secretion. These suggestions are made simply in the hope of stimulating clinical research in this direction. Wright has recently stated that calcium relieves urticaria, a circumstance which he refers to the influence of calcium on the coagulability of the blood, which he says is diminished in this condition. It seems more probable from the above experiments that the calcium inhibits the secretion or passage of fluid from the lymph vessels to form the vesicles. CHAPTER XI. The Action of Purgatives of Vegetable Origin. This group of purgatives, as far as its general properties are concerned, is so well described in many text-books that it is unnecessary here to go into the details of their preparation and the commoner characteristics of each. Certain points which have come up in connection with my own experiments, however, may be briefly described here.