The slightest torpidity of the bowels results in retention of residual matter, which becomes reabsorbed into the system, acting as a foreign and poisonous substance. Other organs of elimination must, on this account, be overtaxed, in the vain attempt to overcome the obstruction. The urine becomes thick, turbid and highly colored, if not offensive. The skin emits an offensive odor and sooner or later becomes dry and scaly. The surface, from obstruction of the pores and venous capillaries, is alternately hot and cold, making the person sensitive to drafts and changes in temperature. The lungs must do double duty and the breath is loaded with offensive exhalations. Here is the beginning of most cases of catarrh, bronchitis and phthisis. Indeed, there is no disease of the human organism which may not be traced to constipation. What are the principal causes of constipation? Mainly sedentary habits, errors in diet, overtaxed brains, the use of cathartics, and in women _errors in dress_. Many persons, even some authors upon the subject, consider that constipation is the result of torpidity of the liver only, causing a lack of bile furnished for diluent purposes. While this is frequently the case, still there may be a diminution in the pancreatic juice as well as in the secretions peculiar to the intestines, causing a lack of moisture in the excrement. There may, too, be lack of bulk in the residual matter to be acted upon by the fluids and impelled by the muscular coats of the intestines; which, again in their turn may want power to perform their peculiar function. In a _sedentary life_ the weakness of these muscles is enhanced and respiratory power is lacking. All processes of digestion depend upon deep breathing, which stimulates action in the abdominal viscera. Any exercise that tones or develops the involuntary muscles of breathing is an incalculable adjuvant to all the functions of the body. The person of sedentary habits not only loses the advantage of exercise, but is usually engaged in some occupation that gives great strain upon the nervous organization. This takes away the nerve stimulant so essential to assimilative processes. Dr. James H. Jackson, in his admirable treatise upon constipation, in speaking of the effects of _occupation_, says: