Ten cases of argentaffin carcinoma of the ileum, encountered at autopsy over a period of 12 years, are reviewed, with particular attention to the state of the mesenteric blood-vessels. Six of the 9 cases that had had symptoms attributable to the tumour showed obliterative elastic sclerosis of the mesenteric blood-vessels. Gangrene of the small intestine resulted in 4 and was fatal in 3. Impairment of blood-supply was evident in a further 2 cases. A relationship between the occurrence of this vascular lesion and secretory activity of the tumour is postulated. It is suggested that awareness of the possibility of this dangerous complication may bring a worthwhile prolongation of life in cases of this tumour.

Knowledge of the cellular changes that lead to hepatic neoplasia in humans is limited. Cirrhosis is a common antecedent or accompaniment of liver cell carcinoma and it seems that both its etiology and its time of duration are relevant risk factors. Many cellular changes have been observed in patients and among populations considered to be at risk. Of these, liver cell dysplasia is the most striking, and studies of its prevalence, natural history, and association with particular forms of cirrhosis suggest that it is a precancerous change. Bile duct carcinoma may follow infestation with liver flukes and duct epithelial hyperplasia is present before the development of cancer. Angiosarcoma from several causes is commonly preceded by a peculiar fibrosis, vascular changes, and Kupffer cell hyperplasia.

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cases in which poison was supplied by physicians'. To relate 'the function of medical doctors' to the views of an eccentric cult is quite contrary to the spirit of ancient scientific medicine.