BmeT 1437 tiated glycogen-storage disease into a number of different types, and has revealed that the peripheral part of the glycogen molecule can undergo metabolic change independently of the central part. What light these new observations will throw on medicine will become clear early in the second century of glycogen. I believe that we can confidently assume that Claude Bernard would have given his interested approval to the many investigations into the structure and biosynthesis of glycogen which have taken place during the last twenty-five years of the first century of this substance.

National Health Service. By taking oxygen after temporary exertion beyond their real capacity, such as going upstairs, they can shorten the period of acute respiratory distress. The cylinder is also useful for operating the nebulizer for the relief of bronchospasm. Summary Coal-workers' pneumoconiosis has two forms: simple pneumoconiosis, which is rarely a cause of severe disability except in elderly men; and complicated pneumoconiosis, which may cause severe disability after the age of about 35 and is a modified form of tuberculosis. Under the present regulations men with either form are eligible for compensation. The number of new cases being certified annually in areas other than South Wales is increasing. The benefit paid is determined by the severity of disability and not by the degree of abnormality of the chest film. Miners receiving compensation may continue to work underground under dust-approved conditions if they wish. Advice on the nature of the disease, compensation, and re-employment is of special importance in the management of these cases, as misunderstandings are apt to arise. These are discussed in some detail. There is need for more exchange of information between the doctors with whom a miner with pneumoconiosis is likely to consult. Treatment of the acute pulmonary infections, bronchospasm, and cor pulmonale, and some of the principal symptoms in these cases, is briefly described. We wish to express our thanks to Dr. J. C. McVittie, of the Ministry of Pensions and National Insurance, for help in preparing the section on compensation. We are grateful to Dr. J. M. Rogan, of the National Coal Board, and to our colleagues in the Pneumoconiosis Research Unit for their helpful criticisms.

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The frequency of thyroid disease has been surveyed in 300 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 600 controls. The controls were drawn from visitors to the general medical wards of the Radcliffe Infirmary and were matched for age and sex with the UC patients. Two observers independently assessed all these subjects for thyroid enlargement of the simple goitre type. Although there were minor variations between the results obtained by the two observers, they found simple goitre in 8.7–6.3% among the UC patients compared with 4.3–3.3% among the controls; a difference which is significant. A history of thyrotoxicosis was obtained in 3.7% of the UC patients compared with 0.8% of the controls (p < 0.01). In more than half of the UC patients with a history of hyperthyroidism, the hyperthyroidism occurred years before the onset of the colitis. It is therefore highly unlikely that hyperthyroidism is a complication of the colitis. Possible reasons for the association of the two diseases are discussed but it is concluded that no satisfactory explanation exists at present.

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