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convince us that the only power on earth which can move the bowels is that which is stored in the brain. If a medicine causes the bowels to move it must do so by causing the brain to move them; you understand that I do not say that it is impossible for medicine to do this; I simply say that it is impossible that it should be done in any other way. The vital power which is stored in the brain during aleep is the only power capable of producing functional action any part of the body. Your heart, stomach, liver, kidneys and bowels are not separate and independent machines operated by different and extraneous powers; they are all parts of one machine, which is run by brain-power; and the brain is charged in sleep. Now, if there is defective action, or congestion, or inflammation, or pain in any part of the body, the only possible way to effect a cure is by directing the brain-power to the affected part. If a medicine can do this it is of value, provided its benefit be not neutralized by reactionary or other effects. Local applications produce their curative effect in this manner a mustard plaster cannot increase functional action in the organs over which it is applied, but it is possible that by it a chemical effect upon the tissues may cause the brain to turn its power in that direction, and so increase functional action. This is the only theory of medical action which is in accord with the facts; and we must apply it also in explaining the