Professor von Noorden's studies into these derangements of metabolism which result in an overproduction of acid, thus endangering the proper degree of alkalinity of the blood, may seem at first more abstruse and of less utility than the subjects of the previous volumes in this interesting series, but in reality they concern the clinician very nearly; moreover, they are in a field which has been hitherto too little explored.

French investigators have until very recently done most work here, the Germans, as our author frankly concedes, having been at first sceptical regarding the whole doctrine of autointoxication; but since becoming convinced of its truth, the latter are studying the subject with their accustomed thoroughness, von Noorden's researches into it have been particularly valuable.

Physicians who treat chronic disease successfully, must keep a close and intelligent watch upon the digestion, excretion and assimilation of their patients. All such will agree with von Noorden, I, that there are numerous forms or manifestations of self-poisoning; 2, that the acid forms are among the gravest of them, and 3, that those special perversions of metabolism resulting in the excessive production of oxybutyric acid, diacetic acid and acetone, which so greatly endanger diabetics and also complicate at times other diseases more or less seriously, are of the utmost practical importance. Dr. A. C. Croftan, the translator of the three previous volumes of the series, has performed the same service for this one, and in his customary able and scholarly manner. The author's title may be briefly rendered "The Acid Autointoxications" and the needs of the publishers have led to a further contraction of this into the one word "Autointoxications."

Boardman Reed. 1833 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pa.

Note

It is a source of satisfaction to me to announce that Messrs. E. B. Treat & Co., New York, have undertaken to publish the collection of these monographs in English. Particular care will be taken to have them appear as nearly simultaneously in New York and in Berlin as possible; and I hope that this American Edition will meet with the same approbation which I am happy to say has been accorded the German.

Prof. Dr. Carl von Noorden.