In the Berl. Klin. Wochenschr. of December 10, 1888, there was reported by Pawinski a case of asthma which presented a remarkable condition of auto-intoxication, apparently, as shown by the urine. Large amounts of aceton were discovered in this secretion upon the occurrence of each attack of asthma, while during the intervals it could be found only in traces. The patient, a young woman, was seized by the asthma after having been at a dance the previous night. When seen by Pawinski she presented the customary phenomena of such an attack, together with demonstrable enlargement of the heart. The case was under observation for some time and always presented acetonuria. It subsequently terminated fatally.
This case is of special interest for two reasons: 1. Because it indicates that acetone, which is known to be linked to an increased decomposition of the tissues, as in fever, carcinoma, diabetes, starvation and the