In the narcotic drug situation we are confronted by fact and not by theory. Intelligent comprehension and unbiased investigation are needed far more than we need premature conclusions drawn from insufficient experience or too narrow observation along special lines. The fundamental fact is this, as has been repeatedly stated, that the narcotic addict, until his disease mechanism can be competently and successfully arrested physically, needs the daily administration of sufficient quantities of the drug of his addiction to meet the indications of his disease. If the drug is not administered to him in sufficient amounts to meet these disease indications, he cannot be blamed if, in the agony of his suffering and the desperateness of his plight, he is forced into the underworld and the illicit channels of supply for the continuance of a physically endurable and economically possible existence. Until the medical profession and the medical institutions--hospital and otherwise--have in competent execution methods of handling and treatment of the narcotic addict which are more humane and more effective than those shown by ample testimony to be in common use, the supply of narcotic drug to the responsible narcotic addict to the extent of physical need, without unjustifiable exploitation, financial or otherwise, is the duty of the medical man. Any law which to this extent limits the supply of opiate drug to the addict should receive the support of the medical profession. Any law which renders it difficult or impossible for a physician to conscientiously and rationally meet, to this extent, the indications of narcotic drug disease, should meet from the medical profession with a united and honest attempt at its modification. Above all there should be fostered and promoted by the medical profession an intelligent, unbiased investigation into the actual facts surrounding the problem of narcotic drug addiction as a definite disease. Such information concerning the physical and clinical facts of this disease, as we should be in a position to give, would be eagerly welcomed by the law-makers and the administrators and the judiciary; and we should be in a position to co-operate with them in the making and interpreting of narcotic drug laws. Lack of such information has played an important part in whatever mistakes our police, legislative and administrative bodies have made, and forced them to proceed as best they could to meet the demand of a public menace that could no longer be denied.