The diagram gives a view of the digestive organs from the ventral or front side, a proper study of which cannot fail to impress every intelligent being with the reverential deduction of the Psalmist that we are “_fearfully and wonderfully made_.” PREFACE TO THE ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTIETH EDITION In presenting to the public the one hundred and seventieth edition of this work, it is a matter for profound gratification to be able to state that the treatment described in its pages has steadily increased in public favor since its introduction. Tens of thousands of grateful people testify to its efficiency, not only as a remedial process, but better still, as a preventive of disease. Truth must ever prevail, and this treatment being based on natural law (which is unerring), must achieve the desired result, which is the restoration and preservation of health. This edition has been completely revised and much of it re-written, and while the essential principles remain unchanged, some slight departures from previously expressed opinions may be noted; for in the years that have elapsed since the first edition saw the light, some notable advances have been made in rational therapeutics and dietetics, and no one can afford to lag behind the car of Progress. The arrangement of the book has been still farther altered, by adding another part, making nine in all, each part being devoted to a special phase of the general subject, thus simplifying it, and making its principles easier of application. Quotations have been freely made from articles written during the past three years by the author, in his capacity as editor of “Health,” and several new formulas for the treatment of important diseases have been added to those that have appeared in previous editions. While painfully conscious that the critically disposed may find something to condemn in its pages, the work is sent forth with the fervent hope, that despite any defects it may possess it may, in the future, as in the past, prove the means of restoring to suffering thousands the possession of their natural and rightful heritage--health. THE AUTHOR. CONTENTS. PART I. DRUGGING PROVED UNSCIENTIFIC. .....PAGE Health is wealth. The truth about “Materia Medica.” Medical opinions on drugs--they do not cure disease. Opinions of British physicians. The most important medical discoveries made by laymen. There is no “law of cure,” only a condition. Drugs do not act on the system, but are acted upon.....13 PART II. THE TRUE CAUSE OF DISEASE. Only one cause of disease. There is only one disease, but many modifications. Digestion and assimilation explained. Evil effects of the retention of waste. The horrors of fæcal impaction. How auto-infection is accomplished. The mysteries of the circulation. Disease shown to be the result of imperfect elimination.....37 PART III. RATIONAL HYGIENIC TREATMENT.