The first thing to do is to obtain a well-fitting dilatation belt.  This must have leg straps and firmly support the lower half of the abdomen.  The next thing is to promote skin action so as to encourage the clearing out of poisons along this line of elimination.  Vapour baths, wet-sheet packs or alkaline hot baths can effect this purpose.  An alkaline hot bath should be of a temperature of 105 degrees Fahr. or more, and to the bath should be added 1/4 lb. of bicarbonate of soda and 1/4 lb. packet of “Robin” starch.  She should remain as long as possible in this so as to well clear the acids from the skin and induce as much skin action or perspiration as possible.  The first baths must be of very short duration, and she should be careful to avoid chill after the bath; it is best to lie prone and completely relaxed for half-an-hour at least after the bath.  Finally massage and Swedish movements directed to the entire back will help to disencumber the central nervous system, which is evidently very badly depleted of its vital force.  It is, of course, a pity the correspondent cannot get away to a properly organised Nature-Cure home and have the continuous attention and treatment which her condition really necessitates.

 H. VALENTINE KNAGGS.

 CORRESPONDENCE.

    AMANZIMTOTI, NATAL.

    To the Editors.

    SIRS,

You will see that your little magazine finds its way even to this out-of-the-way corner of the globe, and you may be sure that it is appreciated.  I am specially interested in Dr V. Knaggs’ contributions and should like to ask him a few questions.  May I say that I have some knowledge of chemistry and that I try and take an interest in the scientific aspects of food reform.

(1) P. 237.  What grounds has Dr Knaggs for speaking so definitely about human magnetism and that of vegetables?  How would he recognise or test for either, and where can I get further information (scientific) on the question of food magnetism.

    (2) Same page.  Dr Knaggs says salt added to cooking vegetables
    converts organic salts into inorganic.  I cannot follow that. What
    organic salts are so converted?  One or two examples would suffice.

(3) I have been reading Dr Rabagliati’s Conversations with Women Concerning their Health and that of their Children.[8] In it he says that food is not the source (cause) of body energy, but is used merely to replace waste material.  Elsewhere I read that “Professor Atwater’s investigations into nutrition have shown in a most convincing manner that the body derives all its energy from the food consumed.  This may be regarded as established.”  Which of these definite and contradictory assertions does Dr Knaggs