INFECTIONS OF THE DIGESTIVE TRACT 337 



sulphates and in the excretion of indican by the urine. 

 Coincidentally there has been definite relief from pro- 

 nounced symptoms such as headache, mental depression, 

 irritability, intestinal flatulence, etc. In several instances 

 of advanced ansemia (including some showing the blood 

 changes of the pernicious form) there has been a very 

 rapid improvement in the haemoglobin and red blood 

 cells, together with a prompt disappearance of megalo- 

 blastic and other pathological forms of red blood cells. 

 There is no room for doubt that the intelligent practice 

 of high intestinal lavage leads to considerable improve- 

 ment in many cases of chronic saccharo-butyric putre- 

 faction. The beneficial effects have been pronounced 

 and prompt in some cases where an extreme indolic 

 putrefaction was associated with the saccharo-butyric 

 type. If the lavage be practiced cautiously with respect 

 to the avoidance of an excessive volume of fluid, the 

 method may be applied for a considerable period of time 

 without discernible harmful effects. It is perhaps better 

 to employ lavage two or three times in the week than to 

 use it each day. Where excessive quantities of fluid 

 are used, distension of the colon occurs and may be 

 followed by troublesome atony. 



In some persons who are victims of a chronic infection 

 of the intestine with putrefactive anaerobes the intelli- 

 gent application of the foregoing measures suffices to 

 bring about a high grade of improvement. The chances 

 of obtaining a rapid amelioration of symptoms are 

 greatest in those persons in whom the process has not 

 been one of long standing. The factor of duration of the 



