June 8, 1896.
To the Editor:
—I have been much interested in the discussion of the "Woodbridge" treatment of enteric fever, and I am greatly pleased to see that many realize the necessity for fulfilling what I have long considered the essential requirements in not only this, but most, if not all, intestinal disturbances, viz.: Rid the digestive canal, promptly and thoroughly, of all offending or decomposing matter, together with the products of decomposition, thus preventing their absorption; render the contents of the entire tract aseptic as far as possible, and lastly—this and the first being, to my mind, the prime consideration—inducing decided alkalinity, as it is in acid media that most, nearly all, the obnoxious microörganisms thrive best. The degree of alkalinity should be positive and sufficient, and as, within reasonable limits, there is no danger of overdoing the matter, large quantities of alkali, preferably bicarbonate of sodium, should