ASTHMA.

A mast distressing complaint, and hitherto imperfectly understood. It has been attributed to innumerable causes, but our contention is that it is due to an engorged transverse colon, which, interfering with the free action of the diaphragm, withdraws that amount of impetus from the lungs, so that they fail to respond to nerve stimulation. Through inaction, the diaphragm becomes practically a fixed instead of a movable partition. This contention is borne out by the fact that in numerous cases where the colon was emptied, the trouble disappeared and no trouble was experienced so long as the colon was kept clean. In all cases of asthma the last meal should be a light one, if taken at all; in fact, it would be well to follow the dietary rules for dyspepsia, and in addition omit the evening meal.