NEGLIGENCE.--This is unquestionably the primary cause of almost all cases of bowel inactivity. As has been already noted, the exigencies of modern life are of such a strenuous nature that we do not find the time to devote to this function the degree of systematic attention which it demands in order to preserve a healthy condition of intestinal regularity. The bowel is simply a complex muscle controlled by an elaborate system of nerves of an involuntary type. In order to preserve the highest degree of efficiency of this complicated mechanism, it must be permitted to obey the laws nature endowed it with and which it must obey. When the fecal mass reaches the rectum the nerve centers, acting through the spinal cord, send a message to the rectum something like this: "Empty yourself of your contents, we have made all preparations and everything is ready." The rectum obeys to the extent of notifying you that it wants to be relieved; you feel the desire to evacuate the bowels. If you obey, all is well, nature is appeased, you encourage the systematic regularity necessary to good health. If you do not obey, you upset the delicate mechanism, and frequent negligence of this character will result in the complete disarrangement of this complex machinery so that it will fail to warn you that a bowel movement is necessary and constipation is established. We must therefore retrace our steps and re-educate the bowel systematically to empty itself at a certain time every day. This can be done in nearly every case without artificial assistance. It may take time but it is worth a little methodical persistence. The point is, you must do it; no "ism" or esoteric agency can do it for you. Mothers will recognize from this explanation the necessity of establishing the habit in children at the earliest possible moment.