TIVE ACTS.

Nature's method is simple and easily comprehended in delivering
purgative medicines, with their softening powers to dry constipated
fecal matter. For instance: We would give a purgative in the shape of
salts, rhubarb, calomel and other substances of choice. The first
question of the physician is how is this to pass through so densely
packed substance or fecal matter which is in the bowels? At this time we
will be short in the statement. The purgative poisons are taken up by
the the secretions conveyed to the lymphatics. To soften and wash out is
the object of nature. The lymphatics begin the work of washing out by
starting action of the excretories and furnishes the water to soften,
which is injected into the bowels from the mouth to the extremities by a
system of salivation.

FLUX (BLOODY DYSENTERY.)

Flux is common in all temperate climates. It generally shows its true
nature as dysentery after a few hours of tiresome feeling, aching in
head, back and bowels. At first nothing is felt or thought of more than
a few movements of the bowels than is common for each day. Some pain and
griping are felt with increase at each stool, until a chilly feeling is
felt all over the body, with violent pains in lower bowels, with
pressing desire to go to stool, and during and after passage of stool a
feeling that there is still something in the bowels that must pass. Soon
that down pressure partially subsides, and on examination of passage a
quantity of blood is seen which shows the case is bloody flux, as the
disease is called and known in the southern states of North America, or
bloody dysentery in the more northern states. It generally subsides by
the use of family remedies, such as sedatives, astringents, and
palliative diets. But the severity in other cases increases and the
discharges have more blood, greater pain, mixed with gelatinous
substance even to mucous membrane of bowels, high fever all over except
abdomen, which is quite cold to the hand. Back, head and limbs suffer
much with heat and pain, and much nausea is felt at all motions of
bowels. Bowels change from cold to hot, even to 104, at which time all
symptoms point to inflammation of the bowels. The colon in particular,
at which time discharge grows black, frothy and very offensive from
decomposition of blood. Soon collapse and death close out the case,
notwithstanding the very best skill has been employed to save the life
of the patient. The doctor h