f bacterial poisons. Bacteria find a ready medium in
fetid feces, and are absorbed by the excited glands to the degree in
which these glands have time and power for absorption. Of course the
extent and character of the intestinal irritation have a good deal to
do with the severity of the diarrheal symptoms. This irritation is not
infrequently intensified by a catarrhal process, or by a lesion of an
ulcerative nature. All these forms of irritation bring on "excessive
intestinal peristalsis"--which, accordingly, is our definition of
diarrhea. The normal peristaltic action of the intestines propels the
nutritive as well as the effete material through the canal at a rate
that allows of both proper absorption and timely elimination. But when
excessive peristalsis occurs, neither absorption nor elimination will
be normal or suited to the requirements of the system.

Undigested foodstuffs may become an irritant, or increase, as is
usually the case, the established irritation, and thus bring on an
acute attack of diarrhea. The immediate consequence of the acute attack
may indeed be, and often is, comparatively beneficial, inasmuch as the
diarrhea removes the undigested material that occasioned the
irritation. When this removal is accomplished, the diarrhea usually
subsides without treatment. This is the case, however, only when the
patient has committed an infrequent error in diet. When such errors are
habitual the burden on the glands of the intestinal mucous membrane
becomes intolerable, and the chronic inflammation once established has
a tendency to proceed from bad to worse. It will then be observed that
digestion becomes more and more impaired. In such a case diarrhea will
no longer serve a good end, but will on the contrary debilitate the
system. A change to better dietetic habits will then aid, but will not
suffice for cure. Only treatment and time will restore the inflamed
parts to a healthy tone. When, however, the digestive tract is invaded
by any of the many forms of bacteria, treatment will avail little and
serious consequences follow rapidly.

Too much cannot be said or done to secure intestinal cleanliness in
infancy, childhood and maturity. Mothers and nurses cannot give this
subject too much thought and care, since the welfare of future
generations depends largely upon intestinal cleanliness, in view of the
rich and racy life of our hothouse civilization. We are a people
poisoned through constipation and diarrh