On page 1475 of this issue of The Journal, is an article on "Colostomy for the Cure of Amebic Dysentery," which again forcibly illustrates the value of physiologic rest in the treatment of a diseased organ. Amebic dysentery is a serious disease. Harris, in an excellent article1 on the subject, says that out of 78 cases reported in this country there have been 30 deaths, and that after it becomes chronic the chances of recovery, even with the best treatment, are always bad.
In view of such an unfavorable prognosis under medical treatment, temporary colostomy, as practiced by Barbat for Sullivan with such excellent results, is certainly to be commended in suitable cases. The formation of an artificial anus at the ileocecal valve in amebic dysentery was suggested some years ago by Corson,1 but it is not shown that he ever put his suggestion into practice. His object was