d degrees. It should be taken at least twice daily, preferably on
retiring at night and soon after breakfast, at regular times, if
possible. Such practice obviates the need of large injections.

In beginning the use of the enema it is well to inject from a half to a
pint of water, and expel it. This constitutes a preliminary injection.
Frequently it is desirable to take another preliminary injection before
taking the large one, which latter is variously called "flushing the
colon," "taking an enema," "taking an internal bath" or "a washout,"
etc. It is essential first to get rid of the feces and gases in the
rectum, so that they be not sent back when you proceed to flush the
colon.

NO. 2.

OBJECTIONS TO THE USE OF ENEMA ANSWERED.

The privilege of raising objections belongs to the ignorant as well as
to the intelligent. But the objector is under as great obligations to
state his reasons as the advocate.

The _first_ plausible objection to the use of the enema is that it is
not natural.

Admitting this charge, I should say that, inasmuch as proctitis,
colitis, and constipation are unnatural, the use of a preternatural or,
in other words, a rational means to overcome the consequences of these
diseases is imperative. The enema is such a means.

Can any one that suffers from proctitis, etc., have a natural stool?
Unnatural conditions require preternatural aids, as we all know. The
injected water dilates the constricted portion of the gut and arouses a
revulsive impulse to expel the invading water. In obeying this impulse
the imprisoned feces, gases, etc., are ejected with the water.

It may be unnatural to put water into the rectum, etc., but once there
its expulsion from healthy bowels would be quite natural. No natural
action can be expected from unhealthy bowels; they do the best they can
under the circumstances. Eye-glasses, false teeth, crutches, etc., are
unnatural but invaluable aids, but no more so than is the enema as a
means of relief from overloaded bowels. The enema, moreover, be it
noted, not only aids the system by relieving it of its loads; it
cleanses and soothes an organ that must be kept at work and perform its
functions even when invaded by disease.

Surely it is unhygienic and irrational to ignore the valuable service
of the enema in cases in which the bowels are in an unnatural
condition.

The _second_ objection is that the water will wash away the mucus from
the mucous membrane of