INFECTIONS OF THE DIGESTIVE TRACT 333 



cent, to about two per cent, of hydrogen peroxide, were 

 employed in different experiments. The solution of 

 hydrogen peroxide was slowly introduced and in large 

 volume, half a liter or more being injected in the course 

 of an experiment extending over many hours. In these 

 experiments no distinct decline in the indican was 

 observed. It is possible, of course, that different re- 

 sults may be obtainable with other oxidizing agents or 

 with oxidizing agents brought into the intestine in a 

 different way. The results might have been more con- 

 clusive had the peroxide been introduced into the ileum. 

 It is well known to clinicians that the use of laxatives 

 is followed by great temporary benefit in many cases 

 of excessive intestinal putrefaction associated with con- 

 stipation, sometimes even if this is not pronounced. Some 

 advise the use of salts, others of cascara preparations, 

 and still others are partial to the employment of calomel. 

 That there is an actual reduction in the excretion of 

 ethereal sulphates and of various individual products of 

 putrefaction after the use of a laxative is certain. The 

 explanation is of course very simple. The reduc- 

 tion depends on diminished absorption from the intesti- 

 nal tract owing to the acceleration of the contents of 

 the digestive tract. A similar phenomenon is witnessed 

 in cases of even severe diabetes in which the sugar may 

 drop very much during the period of action of a dose of 

 calomel, or some other cathartic. Notwithstanding the 

 immediate benefit to be obtained from cathartics I be- 

 lieve they must be employed with much discrimination 

 and caution. It is easy to render the digestive tract 



