Medical Research Council. 'The Course of the Œsophagus in Health, and in Disease of the Heart and Great Vessels'

can readily be ascertained in the living subject by rendering it opaque to z-rays, as when_ a paste of barium salt is swallowed. The gullet can be made to signal changes in the shape of neighbouring organs in this way; thus, distortion of the gullet is known to happen in aneurysmal enlargement of the aorta. But this method of studying the forms of organs pressing against the gullet, and changes in these forms consequent upon disease, has not been used to full advantage. The necessary information, previously lacking or else unavailable in practical form, has been supplied by Dr. Evans, who has brought together previous observations and his own extensive and precise studies. These studies of Dr. Evans begin by noting in detail the normal contours of the gullet, and explaining all its curves in terms of surrounding structures. Thex' continue in a display of exaggerated or abnormal