We advise our Friends--never to call in even the gentle aid of Peristaltic Persuaders,--but when Instinct absolutely insists upon it--some of the Indications of which are, "A disagreeable taste in the Mouth--Eructations--Want of Appetite--Sensations of distention in the Stomach and Bowels--Pains in the Stomach or Head--Vertigo--Feverishness--Restlessness--Peevishness," &c.--but these will often disappear by taking a liquid meal, instead of a solid one, or using more exercise, will often answer the purpose.--Mr. Jones very sensibly observes, "if people will by no means rest from constantly tampering with laxatives, instead of using exercise, the habit of using the _Lavement_ every evening cannot be so destructive, as it irritates only _twelve inches_ of intestine, and spares raking down the other _thirty-nine feet_."--_See Med. Vul. Errors_, p. 44. RELAXED BOWELS[102] are often extremely unmanageable, and difficult to regulate--and are the principal cause of that _Chronic Weakness_ which is so generally complained of, and of many other distressing Nervous Disorders. If the Bowels are unfaithful to the Stomach, and, instead of playing fair,--let go their hold of the "Pabulum Vitæ," before the Absorbents have properly performed the process which that grand organ has prepared for them--Nutrition will be deficient; and Flatulence, &c. &c. Giddiness,--Spasms,--Head-ache,--and Back-ache,--and what are called _Bilious and Nervous_ Disorders,--and all the Diseases incident to Debility, will attack you on the slightest cause. Those who are afflicted with a relaxation of the Bowels, are advised to a _Dry diet_, rather than a _Liquid one_, and must submit to a Regimen diametrically contrary to that we have recommended to cure Constipation. "Since I lessened my Drink I have been much more costive than I was before, and have for two years past freed myself from a Diarrhœa. Costiveness generally attends dry food in other animals as well as men."--B. ROBINSON, _on Food and Discharges_, p. 82 and 64. Live principally upon Animal Food sufficiently cooked, and Stale Bread, or biscuit;--instead of Malt liquor (unless it be very mild and good Homebrewed Beer, which is the best of all Beverages) drink Beef-Tea, (No. 563), or well made Toast and Water[103] (No. 463*), with about one-fourth part of Wine, and a little Sugar and grated Nutmeg or Ginger in it;--if the Stomach be troubled with Acidity, or great Flatulence, one-eighth part of Brandy may agree with it better:--_whatever You eat and drink should be Warmed_.--See page 94 on _Siesta_, and page 158. Be watchful of the effects of the Food which you take,--avoid whatever appears to irritate, and _eat only that which experience has proved acceptable_. IRRITABLE BOWELS are excited to inconveniently increased action by any thing that the Stomach has either not the ability, or the inclination, to prepare for them,--and _Diarrhœa_ is the consequence.