Diverticular Disease of the Colon: A Deficiency Disease of Western Civilization presents a study of colonic physiology and the symptoms of colonic diverticulosis and diverticulitis. The book also discusses the etiology and pathogenesis of the disease and its treatment by dietary means. The monograph is divided into 22 chapters, discussing a wide range of topics that provide greater insight into the diverticular disease of the colon. The book initially provides the definitions and etymology of words used, the history of the disease, and its detection and recognition. Several chapters are also devoted to the examination of the colon; the effect of certain drugs and stimuli to the colon; clinical manifestation and classification of the disease; treatment and prognosis; and the epidemiology and etiology of diverticulosis and its relationship to dietary fiber. This book will be of benefit to physicians, surgeons, epidemiologists, and medical students.