There has long been an impression that large or clinical toxic doses of the salicylates cause acidosis. The symptoms of "salicylism" have been ascribed to the acidosis, and the use of sodium bicarbonate together with the salicylates has even been justified on this basis, although it is well known that the symptoms are not prevented by the bicarbonate. The use of the bicarbonate for the prevention of gastric irritation has appeared more rational. The considerable number of cases of poisoning by methyl salicylate, accompanied by symptoms of acidosis, reported in the literature,1have tended to fortify the supposition that salicylates in general cause acidosis. In poisoning by methyl salicylate the changes resemble those of diabetic acidosis, as indicated by the presence of acetone in the breath and urine and of decreased alkali reserve of the blood. The use of bicarbonate in the treatment of this acidosis appears rational and