Acute rheumatic fever in young adults, either in naval service1or in civilian life,2begins primarily as an acute infection exhibiting acute polyarticular arthritis as the major manifestation. Intensive salicylate therapy, when instituted early in the acute phase,3following the principles outlined by Coburn,4successfully suppresses infection in such cases.5The incidence of polycylic recrudescences and residual chronic infection is materially reduced. Cardiac residua are prevented if therapy is instituted before significant clinically recognizable carditis has appeared and already existing carditis is favorably influenced. In applying Coburn's therapeutic regimens to young men, 10 Gm. or more of salicylates, given intravenously or orally, is usually required. Even smaller doses are known to depress plasma prothrombin, induce alterations in acid base equilibrium and precipitate serious toxic reactions. Therefore the safe yet effective application of the method hinges on the dosages required, the physiologic and toxic effects of