c and
invigorating effect upon the lining membranes of the stomach will
generally overcome the indigestion. Some people are afraid to take it,
when suffering from indigestion, because it has a sweet taste. But the
sweet is not saccharine, or sugar sweet, but an entirely different sweet
principle which prevents fermentation instead of promoting it.

Acidity of the stomach and the attendant irritation may be allayed by
the following mixture: Calcined magnesia, one drachm; refined sugar, one
drachm; subnitrate of bismuth, one-half drachm; oil of cajeput, ten
drops. The dose is half a teaspoonful an hour after every meal. Any
dispensing druggist can put it up.

It is frequently difficult to prevent the patient from over-distending
the stomach, and thus impairing the tone of the muscular coats and
prolonging the process of digestion.

In consequence of debility, over-exertion, anxiety, or chronic
inflammation of the stomach, there is not a proper secretion, in
quantity or quality, of digestive solvents, and it matters not whether
it be a deficiency of the fluids of the stomach, or of the intestines,
or of the pancreas and liver, the result is indigestion. The question of
what important agent is lacking, naturally presents itself to the
physician. Is it _pepsin_, the active principle of the gastric juice,
which converts proteids into peptone, that is wanting, or is there a
deficiency of _pancreatin_? Of course the principle which is lacking
should be supplied; but has the physician the remedial agents properly
prepared, and ready for prescribing? The specialist, having more cases
of dyspepsia to treat than the general practitioner, is more likely to
have the latest and most approved remedies applicable to loss of
appetite, indigestion, impoverished blood, imperfect assimilation, and
all diseases arising from faulty nutrition. In ordinary practice, the
physician's time is divided in his consideration of acute, chronic,
surgical, and obstetrical cases; in fact, much of it is occupied in
riding to reach his patients. His attention is continually diverted from
one class of cases to another, effectually preventing investigation in
any particular direction. His patronage does not warrant him in the
outlay of time required for the investigation of particular diseases,
and the expense necessary to obtain the latest and best remedial agents
for their treatment. In the multiplicity of his cares and arduous duties
by night and by day