The diseases of the stomach and other digestive organs are so nearly universal in this country, and so closely related to each other, it may not be amiss to call attention to a few general facts as a prelude to a more specific discussion of the causes which produce them, and the maladies incident thereto. Primitive man lived much more in harmony with his stomach than our modern, so-called highly educated being. Civilization, with its inventions, has done much to elevate man and produce external comforts, most of which react on his physical nature; and this is especially true of his digestive organs. The stomach might aptly be called the boiler of the body; and when we think of what its owners compel it to endure, the question naturally arises, "Had man's stomach been constructed of aluminum, would he still have found some way to destroy it in the gratification of his perverted tastes?" As man now lives, his stomach is totally inadequate for the uses which he makes of it. Had it been constructed of some material that would not corrode, that would stretch to unlimited proportions and then set on springs, it might have met the requirements of modern usage.

Modern man is a creature of boastful progress; but his very progress has brought him habits of self-destruction. Nature demands activity; whereas, the constant effort of man is to contrive some way to avoid work, and increase his luxuries - the highway robbers of health. Our savage ancestors were giants in strength and stature, and we, their dwarfed descendants, resemble them only as a shadow resembles its substance, and the best that can be said of us is, that we are a badly executed miniature, painted by the cramped, nerve-racked hand of modern civilization. There are several ways of using a candle. In olden times they lighted many candles, at one end, which made a bright light and burned long. Modern man is nothing if not ingenious, and seemingly economical. He lights both ends of his candle, saves candles and candelabra; but alas, how quickly burned out! We forget that pain and disease is the base alloy that makes our lives a counterfeit of Nature. If we would be free from physical infirmities or cure them, we must study their causes.

Causes of Disease. The source of disease is sometimes obscure, but generally speaking, its causes may be divided into two general classes: (1) Those that come from extraneous sources, which are called contagious or infectious diseases. (2) Those that come from within, from poisonous products generated in the body, or some form of mal-nutrition. It is a great mistake to suppose that most of our ailments are unavoidable. A few of the more virulent diseases, such as diphtheria, are probably not dependent on the ill health of those whom it attacks for a starting point; but most germs have little or no effect on those who are in perfect health, while those who are already diseased, are easy victims. Some physicians say that nine-tenths of the ordinary diesases are caused by auto-intoxication self-poisoning. This estimate may be too high, but all physicians of high attainments agree that a very large per cent, are so produced. To put it another way: we allow effete matter to accumulate in the system, or take substances into the body which form poisonous compounds, and disease, or at least weakness, results. Now, as good health is the armor of Nature, the system is defenseless without it.

It is our purpose to show how disease originates by pointing out the most common errors in our habits of living, and the characteristics of the diseases produced. The immediate sources of contagious diseases are beyond the scope of this book, for they are all dependent upon bacteria or other organisms. We therefore pass them by. Modern investigation has thrown much light upon self-inflicted diseases, and how they originate. This has come from a better knowledge of chemistry and the use of the microscope. Our bodies are real laboratories. We eat food and it is converted into heat, muscle, nerve, fat and bone. The processes are many, and none can be safely omitted. This fact seems to be generally overlooked. We eat to live, but most people exist (not to live) to eat. There is no teamster so dull but that he knows there is a limit to the capacity of his vehicle; no miller that does not know that he cannot put two barrels of flour in one; but how many people have ever given any thought as to the capacity of their digestive organs or the needs of the system? In this respect they have far less regard for themselves than they have for any piece of machinery they possess. To do good work a machine must not be fed beyond its capacity, and it must be kept clean. Just so with the human body.

If properly fed, and kept clean, free from effete matter, there will be no disease. A good many attribute their illness to overwork, or the weather - sometimes to la grippe or malaria. Old people who are rheumatic, gouty and stiff, are certain that it was the hard work done in early life that makes them so. Is it any wonder that the rising generation is not on good terms with work? There is an occasional person who gets sick from overwork; but the overwork that causes most sickness is that done at the table. Very few people injure themselves by physical labor; but a small number do from mental work. Overwork is usually a nice-sounding name for over-stimulation from tobacco, alcoholic liquors, tea or coffee, which disturb digestion and prevent the relaxation and rest that is essential to good health. Injudicious diet, lack of exercise, and stimulants, "overwork" thousands of people. Any well-nourished person can work nine to twelve hours a day without injury, but the people want to be told that it was overwork, rather than bad habits, that causes their illness. Work is not a curse, but a blessing - though most people don't want to be blessed that way.

Some "overworked" people so seldom use their feet and legs to move themselves, if it were not for uncomfortable foot-ware they would forget they had such useless appendages. "Nervous exhaustion" might often appropriately be named pedal inanimation. The other supposedly great cause of disease - the weather - is also only a small factor. And then only in connection with one of the real causes - the imperfect elimination of waste.