The editorial fiat of "too long" prevents a full exposition of the subject, but, in closing, let me say I hear millions of tobacco users ask, "Why, then, was this plant given to man, if its general effects are so decidedly evil?" The question presupposes design in creation. Without subscribing to this theory, or pretending to have solved the mystery of the presence of evil in the world, the answer may be suggested that the overcoming of many seductive evils becomes to man a means of his progressive higher development. Of one thing I am convinced, that the physical development and welfare of man is interfered with in strict sequence to his consumption of substances that are unnecessary for his nutrition--stimulants and narcotics inclusive.--_Medical Record._ * * * * * ACETIC ACID AS A DISINFECTANT. Dr. F. Engelmann, in _Cent. f. Gyn._, claims that acetic acid possesses equally as good antiseptic properties as carbolic acid; in fact, that it is to be preferred, as it is completely harmless, even if used in concentrated solutions, and that it is a valuable haemostatic, an advantageous addition particularly in obstetrics. Another important property is its ease of transition into the tissues, which, according to Engelmann's experiments, is by far greater than that of all the other antiseptics. Of bichloride it is well known that it forms an insoluble combination with albumen, and can therefore act only on the surface, while acetic acid extends into the deeper tissues with ease. Acetic acid also affects the metal of the instruments, but not as severely as the bichloride; the forceps, for instance, may be placed for a quarter of an hour in an irrigator filled with a three per cent. solution of acetic acid without being injured. A pleasant effect of acetic acid is that it softens and lubricates the skin. The author generally used a three per cent. solution; at times he has made use of a five per cent. solution, which would easily cause a painful burning at sore places, so that he only used the latter strength in septic cases, as the three per cent. solution proved to be a satisfactory antiseptic for general purposes. * * * * * COUNTER-IRRITATION IN WHOOPING COUGH. By G.F. INGLOTT, M.D.