The first step toward the treatment of a disease is the recognition of its existence. In the last seven years at the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital, there have been three cases which were not in accord with any hitherto recognized diagnosis, and which, because of the similar signs, symptoms, course and postmortem findings, strongly suggested a definite disease entity. Study of these cases has yielded little knowledge of the underlying etiologic factors. Because of this fact, these cases are presented, in the hope that similar cases will be more easily recognized, and more fruitful effort result. REPORT OF CASES Case 1.—History. —A. J. N., aged 42, married, a piano-case maker, entered Peter Bent Brigham Hospital, Dec. 20, 1916, complaining of weakness and gaseous distension of the abdomen. His family, marital, and past history presented no significant data. His habits were excellent. He was born in Sweden, and had lived in