Dr. Tiipper thus describes its effect: "Within a short time, ordinarily within one-half hour, there has been a free passage of flatus accompanied, not infrequently, with a fecal evacuation. Apparently the salt acts directly upon the rectum and lower sig¬ moid, causing relaxation of the muscular coat without producing peristalsis of either the large or the small intestine. Because of this the therapeutic measure is safe and especially serviceable soon after operations upon the intestine where

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... cuation of flatus is necessary for the patient's comfort and safety and where active peristalsis might produce serious results. " Magnesium sulphate thus applied apparently is more effective than the enemata ordinarily used and is apparently free from the discomfort and danger accompanying their use."