The question of "when" or "how often" the solid excreta should be
voided or released is one that immediately presents itself when the
subject is under discussion. The common opinion is that "once-a-day"
periodicity is the proper and only healthy thing, and should a day pass
there would be immediate fear of "constipation."
Under the best test conditions, before referred to, the ash accumulated
in sufficient quantity to demand release only at the end of six,
eight, or ten days, the longer periods of rest being the evidence of
the best economic and health results.
Under ordinary conditions of carelessness and strenuous environment,
say an exciting and exacting city occupation, twice a week is as often
as one should accumulate a deposit of digestion-ash and feel sure
that the strain on the system is not excessive and dangerous. Young
people seem to thrive even when delivering daily a large quantity of
smelly excreta; but it is an abuse of the "ten-horse reserve"[10] with
which the human engine is supplied; and along in the "forties" or the
"fifties" or the "sixties" the body shows signs of premature wear when
it should be but in its prime.
[Footnote 10: Dr. Meltzer's estimate of human reserve strength and
resistance which must be out-worn or over-strained before death calls a
settlement.]
Another important matter should be mentioned in this exchange of
sanitary confidences. When the ashes of digestion are dumped the body
should assume the shape of the letter Z. It is the natural position of
primitive man (squatting on his heels), and the body was originally
constructed on that plan. If otherwise poised (sitting erect) the
delivery of digestion-ash is performed with the same difficulty as
would be experienced when trying to force a semi-solid through a bent
or a kinked hose.
The publication of the observation of Dr.----, here following, is
a breakaway from the prudery of a diseased and disgusting age,--a
protest jointly shared by the scientific observer and the voluntary
test-subject, whose only aim in the pursuit of the study to "a finish"
is the ultimate benefit of the human race.