CORONARY THROMBOSIS

following the administration of hydrochloric acid was probably due to the reduction in salt intake rather than to any other factor. In the second experimentthere is nothing to indicate that alterations in the quality of the food might not have causeda reductionin the redemato its former level. In the third experimentonly was theoedemareduced below the degree existing prior to the commencement of the experiment; and here again other factors (not mentioned) may have played a part. At any rate it is unwise to base important conclusionson the resultof one experiment. It is unfortunatethat Lashmetdoes not provide information concerningthe bicarbonatecontent of the blood plasmain his three cases. This is important in a discussion on the effect of acid intake on the condition of the body generally. Further clinical records would be of interest. For the present it cannot be said what are the factors responsible for the satisfactory clinical resultsobtainedby Lashmet. It is doubtful whether the production of acidosis is the main factor. It has beenshown on more than one occasion that acidosis and redema are not incompatible. Lashmet'sviews cannotbe unreservedlyaccepted. His methods, however, are of interest, and are worthy of investigation. Even if they shouldprove to be of little therapeuticimportance, and based on false hypotheses, they at leastlead to a new line of research,and may have their value in showing the way to increasedknowledge.