=== The Effect of Alkalies on the Gastric Secretion. === Hayem states that alkalies given for some time and in sufficient doses, so far from curing hypersecretion of hydrochloric acid, are the most powerful agents in producing it. This is especially true of bicarbonate of sodium. They produce this effect after being absorbed and during excretion. That it is not due to their local action on the gastric mucosa, is proved by the use of mineral waters, which aid the absorption of alkalies, and so produce hyperchlorhydria more readily than alkalies alone. The above is true only if the gastric glands are numerous and active. If the mucosa is atrophied, instead of raising the digestive power of the gastric juice, with a tendency toward hyperchlorhydria, alkalies depress and aggravate the hypopepsia - British Med. Journal === Equal to the Emergency. === Dr. S. M. Brickner tells this story of a reporter for a New York newpaper who was assigned to cover a mysterious death in Harlem. He telephoned the city editor and said that the death was caused by uric acid poison. He immediately received instructions over the telephone to "visit every druggist in Harlem to ascertain who sold or purchased uric acid."