MALAKIN is a salicylated derivative of phenacetin, which occurs in small, palish-yellow crystals, insoluble in water but quite soluble in warm alcohol. The mineral acids decompose it into salicylic aldehyde and phenacetin. This also occurs in the stomach, and salicylic acid is found in the urine. Jaquet of Basle has (_Jour. de Med. de Paris_) found it of value in rheumatics in whom salicylic acid produces untoward effects. According to him, it has a mild, efficient action similar to that of nascent salicylic acid. No untoward effects were observed, but the results were prompt. It is given in 15-grain doses four or six times daily. As an anti-neuralgic and antipyretic it is inferior to phenacetin.—_Med. Standard._ PROTECTION AGAINST DIPHTHERIA.—The Board of Health has announced a new measure looking to the control and diminution of diphtheria, and circulars were sent to practising physicians giving the grounds for the step decided upon, and the reasons why it was deemed expedient. The proposition is to supplement the primary bacteriological examination now made at the beginning of any individual case of the disease, by other cultures repeated during its course and during convalescence. It is hoped in this way to make sure that apparent recovery, and the disappearance of all false membrane is followed by the extermination of all the Loeffler bacilli from the throat. The circular is written by Dr. Hermann M. Biggs, chief inspector of pathology, bacteriology, and disinfection, and is signed by President Wilson with the approval of the board. It is explained that 405 cases of true diphtheria have been subjected to repeated examinations at intervals of three or four days during illness and until the disappearance of the bacilli. It was found that in 160 cases the bacilli persisted after the complete separation of the false membrane, or, in other words, after the individual had recovered. Of these 160 cases, 103 showed the germ for seven days, thirty-four for twelve days, sixteen for fifteen days, four for three weeks, and in three for five weeks, after the exudation had completely disappeared from the upper air-passages. The circular infers, thence, that “these results show that in a considerable proportion of cases persons who have had diphtheria continue to carry the germs of the disease in their throats for many days after all signs and symptoms of the disease have disappeared.”