It is impossible to make even an approximately accurate guess at the proportion of physicians who are drug-users. Everywhere except in New York State physicians can obtain as many drugs as they desire without publicity and without laying themselves open to any penalty whatsoever, even if their purchases are brought to official attention. No medical organization takes any cognizance of drug-taking physicians or provides any medical help for them. It is highly probable that the New York State legislation may uncover some of the drug-taking doctors in that commonwealth, though this is by no means certain, since legislation in force in only one State cannot effectively put a stop to the illegal importation of habit-forming drugs from other States and countries. Proper restrictive legislation of sufficiently wide scope would very quickly disclose every drug-taking doctor in the nation, and either force him to correct his physical condition or drive him from the profession. Proper general regulation of the traffic and consumption of habit-forming drugs will aid tremendously in freeing the medical profession from drug-takers. Until this general regulation exists no general reform will be possible. An exact accounting for every grain of habit-forming drugs which he purchases, possesses, or administers, must be demanded of every physician in the United States before this evil can be entirely abated; and this accounting among physicians will be impossible until a similar accounting is demanded of every grain imported, manufactured, and dispensed by wholesale and retail druggists. Concerning the extent of the hold which the drug habit has upon physicians I have had a rare opportunity to judge. Not only has my dealing with the drug habit been as exclusively as possible through the physician rather than through the patient, but the brevity of my treatment and the privacy that my patients are assured make it possible for many physicians who have become afflicted to come to me for relief without arousing in the mind of any one a suspicion of the real cause for their brief absence. I therefore feel that I have a firm basis for accuracy. It is the fear of disgrace which has driven hundreds of physicians from bad to worse with the drug habit: they have become apprehensive that any effort tending to their relief will uncover their position to their families, associates, or patients, and thus bring ruin; so they have drifted on from bad to worse. Many who have not taken steps in time have reached the irresponsible and hopeless stage. To the medical profession in general, as well as to the public, these men are a dreadful menace. ATTITUDE OF THE PROFESSION