The etiology and pathogenesis of acute dilatation of the stomach and its attendant phenomena are for the most part obscure. A considerable number of exhaustive clinical and pathologic studies of this interesting and important phase of gastric pathology have appeared in recent years, notably those of Conner,1Borchgrevink2and Novak.3A careful scrutiny of reported cases seems to have definitely established a number of significant points. Following the example of Conner, it has been customary to classify the cases on the basis of a chief pathologic factor common to certain groups, and it was found that many followed operations under general anesthesia, which was usually chloroform. Others developed during the course of, or convalescence from, severe and wasting diseases, after injuries, after errors in diet associated with sudden overloading of the stomach, and in persons with spinal deformities of various kinds. To these groups probably should be