A new cellulose gum, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, is described which can be used advantageously in the successful treatment of a majority of chronic constipation cases. Over 250 patients, with various degrees of constipation, picked at random from a general practice, were all markedly benefited by the use of small amounts of sodium carboxymethylcellulose. Five to ten tablets daily for the first few weeks, then one or two tablets three times daily thereafter proved to be an effective dosage schedule. We found this new colloid to be effective in tablet, granular and encapsulated powder form, but our patients expressed a decided preference for the tablets. In cases of severe, chronic constipation, the harsh laxative used by the patients should be gradually reduced until finally omitted. Sodium carboxymethylcellulose can be used as an adjunct in the treatment of hemorrhoids and proctitis. We found this synthetic gum to possess most of the advantages and none of the disadvantages of other cathartics heretofore available to us.