t,
excessive activity and thereby excessive nutrition of the tissues
involved in the morbid process. But sphincter ani gymnastics have been
suggested by some one who thinks chronic constipation is owing to a
lack of muscular activity of the lower bowels; and the following reason
is given:

"Physiological experiments have shown that rapid voluntary movements of
the external sphincter ani and the levator ani produce very active
peristaltic movements of the large intestine. This effect is produced
by the mechanical excitement of the plexus myentericus of Auerbach.
This curious automatic center lies between the two muscular coats of
the intestine and controls the peristaltic movements. A person
suffering from constipation should make powerful movements of the
sphincter ani, and of the levator ani, in as rapid succession as
possible, continuing the exercise for three or four minutes or until
the muscles are fatigued. The time chosen for this exercise should be
either before breakfast or an hour after breakfast, according to the
natural habit of the individual in respect to the evacuation of the
large intestines."

There are surgeons who recommend stretching and paralyzing the external
sphincter muscle; and if they are correct in their diagnosis and
treatment, those who prescribe _bile-bouncers_, and those who prescribe
"_nutrient suppositories_," and those who prescribe the use of _rubber
bougies_ and _candles_, should call a convention (to meet in, say, New
York City) to discuss the subject and see if they cannot agree to
inform the people that constipation is a sign of, or a factor in, the
evolution of the human race. Those who believe in the gymnastics of
man's ears and of his sphincter ani and the therapeutic merits of this
and of that could readily assent to the same glorious conclusion.

Strange to say, there are in New York physicians who are in the habit
of inserting a rubber bougie up their patients' rectums two or three
times a week for the cure of constipation. Some, more bold, intrust the
bougie performance to the patient in order that a daily dilatation and
stimulation may be kept up until "recovery from the disease is
effected." Others, more original, order the patient to insert a candle
some six inches in length up the rectum and allow it to remain ten
minutes, with the hope of a "rapid cure."

A Mrs. P----, who had used the candle treatment for a great length of
time by order of her distinguished physici