ASPIRIN is the trade-name of acetyl salicylic acid. Its dose is 0.3 to 1 •og. (5 to 15 grains) . Like other salicylates it is of great use in acute rheumatic fever, in which it seems to have almost a specific action, as it causes the temperature to drop and the pain and swelling of the joints to decrease. Recent studies seem to point to a beneficial action on the heart itself in this disease. Aspirin also relieves headaches and neuralgia but does not cure the cause of these pains. It is much safer to use than the so-called antipyretics. The symptoms of an overdose are ringing in the ears, some dimness of vision at times, nausea and vomiting. With the lowering of temperature in fever there may be great sweating. Exposure to cold after its administration is therefore unwise.