Macroscopically normal tongues were examined from 161 necropsies. Two types of lingual epithelium were investigated by morphometry and the results were statistically analysed in relation to known levels of alcohol and tobacco usage in each case. Alcohol and tobacco were each associated with a reduction in epithelial thickness brought about by a reduction in the maturation layer due mainly to cell shrinkage By contrast, the progenitor layer increased in size, due to hypertrophy rather than hyperplasia Changes occurred in each type of epithelium and were more severe with alcohol. There was no significant interaction between alcohol and tobacco. The structural changes appeared to be non‐specific reactions to local toxic effects of alcohol and tobacco. They could, if accompanied by equivalent functional decrements, indicate an increased vulnerability to carcinogens, whether or not these derive from alcoholic drinks or tobacco smoke.

A stereological analysis of epithelial structure at the lateral surface of the tongue showed that iron deficiency anaemia was associated with reduced epithelial thickness despite the absence of overt mucosal abnormalities. The epithelial atrophy was entirely due to a reduction in the size and number of cells in the maturation compartment. By contrast, the progenitor cell compartment was increased in thickness due to an increase in the number of cells. This hyperplastic reaction may be a trophic response to the overall loss of epithelium in this condition. copyright.

20 healthy young adult male rhesus monkeys were bled 3 times a week in an attempt to induce an anaemia and a depletion of iron stores. A mean haemoglobin of 6·1 g/IOO ml and a haematocrit of 23 % were obtained by 30 days. The iron saturation had fallen to a level of 11% and the reticulocyte response to 4·6 %. Of note was the short period required to induce these haematological changes, and the minimal impact on the animals.

By J. A. VALENTINE, M.D. W. A. K., AGED 26. Sight failing since 1915. No relatives with similar bad sight. Right vision, f; left vision, Tr. Ring scotomata. Pupils normal and media clear. Discs show indistinct margins. Vessels slightly smaller than normal. Fundi: (1) Outer zone in periphery shows thinned chorioids. Only large vessels of chorioids remain. (2) Intermediate zones: Some thinning of chorioids. Large veins visible with interspaces filled with dust-like pigment (leposits. (3)