Medicine: Capsules, Jul. 29, 1957

¶ The Panama Canal Zone, scene of modern medicine's victory over malaria, has reported 67 cases since June 1. Partly explained by a drought that has turned lakes into shallow, mosquito-breeding pud-dies, the outbreak is largely due to changes in control measures in surrounding Republic of Panama. ¶ Britain, which allows narcotics addicts to receive small maintenance doses legally and cheaply, reported only 333 known addicts. Medical professions supplied a whopping 30% of them: 77 doctors, 20 nurses, two dentists.

¶ There is danger in the carefree use of the most popular "happiness pill," meprobamate (trade-named Miltown and Equanil), warned the A.M.A.'s Council on Drugs. Side effects, including allergic reactions, shaking chills and fever, have been reported; the drug should be used under medical supervision, with the same care as other tranquilizers.