According to Quain, the sensory nerves to the rectum are from the second, third and fourth sacrals. Some of the motor fibres of the circular muscles of the rectum are from the lower dorsal and upper two lumbar nerves; these pass by the aortic plexus to the inferior mesenteric ganglion. Associated with these fibres, are the inhibitory fibres of the longitudinal muscles of the rectum. The sacral nerves contain motor fibres to the longitudinal muscles, and inhibitory fibres to the circular muscles of the rectum. In all cases of rectal trouble, the lower dorsal and upper lumbar vertebræ may be found deranged, and thus interfere with the rectal nerves. Relaxation of the sacral muscles over the sacral foramina has a marked effect in relieving =tenesmus=. In dysentery, where there is a constant desire to defecate, a thorough upward relaxation of the sacral muscles will give great relief. =Proctitis= or inflammation of the rectum is not an uncommon disorder. The disease has been divided into acute, chronic, gonorrheal, dysenteric, and diphtheritic. Foreign bodies, impacted feces, cold, purgatives, prolapse of the sigmoid, and lumbar, coccygeal and innominate lesions are the most important causative factors. The =acute= form is more frequently found in older people. The =symptoms= are tenesmus, frequent evacuations of blood and mucus (possibly pus), prolapse of the mucous membrane, feeling of fullness, and radiating pains. The gonorrheal, diphtheritic and dysenteric forms are of rare occurrence, with the exception that the dysenteric may be somewhat frequent. The =treatment= is to remove all local irritations, cleanse the bowels, and put the patient in bed. All irritating foods are to be prohibited. Use milk, soups, beef juice, soft boiled eggs and similar foods. Correct all osteopathic lesions; especially will inhibition over the sacral foramina relieve the tenesmus. Cold water in the rectum and applied to the anus will be beneficial. If abscesses occur, employ surgical measures.