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Summary: A case of mycotic aneurysm of the popliteal artery, following right hemicolectomy for carcinoma, is described. This was treated by ligation and excision without bypass grafting. The clinical features are discussed and the literature reviewed.

EDITORIAL SYNOPSIS Torsion of the gall bladder is an acute abdominal emergency hardly ever diagnosed pre-operatively. This is due largely to a lack of awareness of the existence of the condition, resulting in its rarely being entertained as a possibility in the differential diagnosis. A case is described and presented in relation to aetiology and treatment.

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Amphetamine (" benzedrine ") and its derivatives, amphetamine sulphate, dexamphetamine sulphate (" dexedrine "), methylamphetamine, and methylamphetamine hydrochloride (" methedrine ") are widely prescribed for a number of ills, and their stimulating effect on the central nervous system is becoming well known to the general public. Although the sale of oral and parenteral preparations is controlled under schedule 4, inhalers containing 325 and 330 mg. of amphetamine base or 250 mg. of methylamphetamine can still be bought without restriction for unauthorized use.* In spite of this ready supply only eight cases of acute poisoning with amphetamine or its compounds have been described in this country. All these drugs appear to have similar effects when taken in excess, and the term "amphetamine poisoning " in this account refers to the clinical picture which can be produced by overdosage with any of the group.The purpose of this paper is to report three further examples of acute amphetamine poisoning. The case reports illustrate the difficulties which may arise when such patients are admitted to the wards of general hospitals, the necessity for adequate sedation in treatment, and the danger of excessive or improper use of a "benzedrine inhaler."Case 1 A man of 23 attended the casualty department at 7 a.m. on June 7, 1956, complaining of a cramp-like pain over the praecordium, a tingling sensation over the face, and difficulty in breathing. The symptoms had been present for five hours. He denied having taken any drugs or alcohol. His wife stated that on the previous evening her husband complained of nasal obstruction and a frontal headache. At 11 p.m. he began to use a benzedrine inhaler bought the previous day. This seemed ineffective, and so he warmed the inhaler, at first before the fire and later by partial immersion in hot water. He inhaled constantly until 2 a.m., when he became dizzy and complained of inability to breathe and, soon afterwards, of nausea. Benzedrine inhalations were continued until 4.30 a.m. His symptoms persisted and about 6 a.m. his legs became weak, he had precordial pain, his face began to tingle, and he began to sweat profusely. Now