Crotalin in Epilepsy

To the Editor: —The concluding paragraphs of the article on "Crotalin in Epilepsy," by C. L. Jenkins and A. S. Pendleton (The Journal, Nov. 14, 1914, p. 1749), indicate that the convulsions of epileptics are increased by its use and that it has no beneficial effect on the mental condition of the patient. In spite of this, and in spite of the dangers pointed out by Anderson and others, the wording of the authors might be interpreted to mean that they condone or perhaps even invite its use because it satisfies "the abnormal craving for medicine which all epileptics have." I feel certain that this was not their intention, and that they really wished to explain that any apparent benefits are due simply to the psychic effects of "doing something"; but unless they state their position more clearly, it may be feared that it will lead to the uncritical use