In the past few years several interesting monographs have appeared discussing the history, the effects and the therapeutic value of meskal. It is surprising that such an ancient species of cactus should at this period command so much attention. Beringer discusses the subject in a most pleasing and interesting manner. The book is divided into two main parts; the first part takes up the history, physiologic effects and experimental results of meskal; and the second part consists of resumes of thirty-five case reports. Part I, is made up of twelve chapters, beginning with the earliest uses of the plant, its historic development, its numerous mystic and legendary significances gradually leading up to the experiments conducted at the Heidelberg Clinic.
The first chapters of the book are probably the most interesting, as they take one back to the early folk lore of the Mexican and North American Indians. It appears that