1 88 PHYSIOLOGY. 



colon), and descends the left side (descending colon), and, 

 after curving somewhat like a letter S (sigmoid flexure), 

 terminates in the rectum. It is well to know the course of 

 the lower bowel, as pressure may be so applied as to push 

 the contents along in case the bowels become torpid. 



The Work of the Large Intestine. Most of the ab- 

 sorption is accomplished in the small intestine ; but as the 

 food passes on into the large intestine the work of digestion 

 and of absorption are carried somewhat farther. If the 

 residue be not soon expelled, there may be absorption of 

 some of the results of putrefactive changes, and a sort of 

 general poisoning of the whole body. Hence the great 

 importance of regularly and thoroughly emptying the 

 lower bowel. The matter thus expelled is largely made 

 up of indigestible material, with some real waste substances. 



Taking up again our comparison of the body and a 

 furnace, we see that the feces are not true waste products, 

 but are rather clinkers, or material that has not been 

 burned or oxidized in the body. The real wastes of the 

 body are the carbon dioxid, urea, water, etc., that are 

 thrown off by the lungs, kidneys, and skin. 



Constipation. This is a very common disorder, and the evils at- 

 tendant upon it are many. Of course, if any trouble is long continued 

 or severe, a physician should be consulted. But it is well known that 

 certain foods tend to bring on such a condition, and that other foods 

 have the opposite tendency. Thus, cracked wheat and oatmeal are 

 generally considered as somewhat laxative in their effects. The fruits 

 generally are laxative. The coarse particles of graham flour are irri- 

 tating to the mucous lining of the stomach and intestines, and for many 

 persons serve well to stimulate the action of the bowels. But in many 

 persons the mucous coat is so sensitive that it cannot bear such irrita- 

 tion. For these the " entire wheat flour " may serve the same purpose. 

 Of course each person finds out by his own experience what is best for 

 him, and no rules can be laid down that will apply to all cases. But it 



