COLICS OF THE SOLIPED 27 



iiig may quite frequently be competently applied to the 

 general summary of etiology and symptomatology of en- 

 gorgement of the large intestines. 



Obstruction Colics 



Intestinal colics that it is desired to classify under 

 this heading are grouped by Reeks under "acute intes- 

 tinal obstruction" in contradistinction to engorgement 

 colic already considered, which he styles "sub-acute ob- 

 struction." Experience amply demonstrates that the 

 etiologic factors contributory to the development of these 

 kinds of colicky pains are multiple and, moreover, that 

 they may in many instances, at least, be primarily attrib- 

 uted to overeating. Among the disturbances belonging 

 to this group we include colics due to foreign substances, 

 neoplasms, abscesses, displacement, volvulus, intussus- 

 ception or invagination, stricture, paralysis and obstruc- 

 tion from accumulated ingesta in the floating colon. 



Owing to the tendency of the coarser particles of the 

 food to accumulate anterior to the seat of obstruction, 

 these colics are in a manner, at least, allied to those of 

 the engorgement group, but are, however, distinguished 

 by their acuteness contrasted with the slow grinding pains 

 of engorgement. 



Some of these conditions are rare, not readily dis- 

 cernable unless through rectal exploration, but apparently 

 capable in each instance, of altering the symptoms to some 

 extent, depending upon the character of ingesta and con- 

 sistency of the visceral contents. Little, if any, attempt 

 has thus far been made to clearly distinguish one form 

 of obstruction colic from another. 



