is often accompanied
by a general disrelish of life. For this condition nothing is so good
as a very hot sitz-bath, if properly adjusted to the parts and
continued for about an hour at a sitting. The alleviation afforded is
so decided and the local and prolonged application of hot water so
restorative that it may be left to the sufferer to determine how often
this bath is to be repeated. It may be taken as often as there is an
inclination to do so. The sitz-bath apparatus should be scientifically
adapted to the parts so that the bather will not sit lower than ten or
twelve inches, thereby avoiding a straining position. During the bath
there should be more or less pressure against the anal tissues, which
assists the hot water in expelling the blood from the inflamed parts.
From the beginning to the end of the bath the water must be as hot as
the tissues will tolerate. Only a small portion of the buttocks need be
immersed in the hot water.

_Spring Water the Ideal Beverage._

Those who suffer from disease of the rectum, with rare exceptions, are
constipated or semi-constipated, which condition in turn aggravates or
disturbs the inflamed parts. To overcome this constipated condition all
sorts of laxatives are taken, which will in the end do grave harm not
only to the whole system, but especially to the inflamed parts,
irritating them still more. There is a valuable therapeutic agent
seldom taken by the constipated; in fact, it is never thought of;
unfortunately the remedy is not easily to be had in its pure state by
most of us, boxed as we are in cities. Sold under various names as
mineral water, it is too often adulterated. 'Tis a simple remedy, and
yet it has a wider range of healing power than any other; a universal
solvent, applicable to all diseases and all states of health. I would
write it at the head of all remedial agents: pure spring water! We do
not drink enough water. If we were to imbibe at least two quarts of
pure water daily we would be healthier and have better movements of our
bowels. Water may be taken freely during mealtime; not, however, for
the purpose of washing down half-masticated food. Alcoholic drinks,
coffee and tea would better be dispensed with, also tobacco. The
nervous system has enough to bear without the use of avoidable
irritants.

_Other Hygienic Agencies._

Too much cannot be urged as to the advisability of a proper amount of
exercise, sleep, rest, food, breathing, cleanliness