Ralph's bowels had let go.
Where the stomach and bowels are irritable, all food likely to cause mechanical irritation should be avoided, such as skins, bones, fibres and seeds.
It is in most instances traceable to exposure to cold or damp, to overuse of the limbs in walking, &c. Any source of pressure upon the nerve within the pelvis, such as may be produced by a tumour or even by constipation of the bowels, may excite an attack of sciatica.
It possesses the advantage of exercising but little irritant effect upon the bowels.
In consequence of the absence of mechanical stimulant the bowels act more slowly, and constipation is the result.