DYSENTERY

is the name of a group of diseases, not yet fully understood, which present inflammation and ulceration of the large bowel with diarrhea; and in which blood and slime are oar frequently and much painful straining is induced. The disease is most common in the Tropics, but a form of dysentery, known as “ Asylum dysentery,” occurs in Europe from time to time, when over-crowding and other forms of bad hygiene exist in institutions. Tropical dysentery is apt to be followed by tropical absce of the liver. The treatment formerly ad Be was the free use of ipecacuanha, but recently repeated doses of Epsom salts have been given, and it is said with benefit, but the whole subject is still sub judice. Some forms of dysentery are due to an amocba or animal parasite, but other forms are due to a bacillus or germ. Against the latter form of dysentery the Jenner Institute has recently obtained an anti-toxin. [s. 357]