Alfalfa is good cattle feed but only nostrum exploiters have suggested its use as a medicine for human beings. While it may seem a waste of time to discuss the medicinal value of alfalfa its recent exploitation by the Norwich Pharmacal Company, Norwich, N. Y., as “a reconstructive tonic and nutrient” in the form of a mixture called “Alfatone,” calls for comment. According to the label on the preparation: “Each fluidounce represents: Alcohol 15 per cent. Medicago sativa (Alfalfa) 120 grains Taraxacum 2-1/2 grains Gentian 1 grain Berberine Hydrochloride 1/40 grain Glycerin and Aromatics.” “Dose.--One to three fluidrams (4 to 12 c.c.) 4 times daily.” Each maximum dose, therefore, should represent 45 grains of alfalfa, 1 grain of taraxacum (dandelion), 3/8 grain of gentian, 1/100 grain of berberin hydrochlorid, and 27 minims of alcohol. Since the bitter drugs are present in such small amounts that the preparation is almost devoid of bitterness, and as the medicinal value of alfalfa is practically nil, it is evident that whatever action Alfatone may have is due to the stimulant effects of the alcohol. Some of the claims made for Alfatone are: “A reconstructive nutritive tonic indicated in general debility, neurasthenia, convalescence, etc.” “... a Galactagogue of merit as well.” “... improves the appetite, aids the processes of digestion and assimilation, facilitates elimination and effects gradual but decided gains in strength, vitality and weight.” It is suggested that: “... in case of idiosyncrasy the addition of Tr. Nux Vomica 5 to 10 minims to the dose, unless contraindicated, will secure excellent results.” The Norwich Pharmacal Company naively remarks: “The dearth of medical literature on Alfalfa has lead us to present below a few of the findings of the Bureau of Plant Industry of the Department of Agriculture ... as well as those from several state experiment stations ...” Here are the “findings”: “... Digestible nutrients in 100 pounds of Alfalfa,... Protein, 11.0 pounds; Carbohydrates, 39.6 pounds; Ether Extract, 1.2 pounds.” “... The high value of Alfalfa is due to the amount of protein that it contains; to the large percentage of protein that is digestible and the palatability of Alfalfa.” “... Table showing pounds of elements removed from the soil by one ton of crop. Alfalfa Wheat Potash 49.79 12.52 Phosphoric Acid 8.27 9.08 Lime 43.51 2.95 Nitrogen 44.01 22.30” “... The abundance of muscle and bone producing material in Alfalfa makes this crop especially good.”