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SummaryTwelve children with chronic asthma were given a trial course of cortisone and later a trial course of prednisolone, and the results are compared.The expiratory flow rate (E.F.R.40) was used to assess the cases and to measure the response to treatment.The general effects and relief of symptoms produced by the two drugs were similar, rather more children being rendered symptom-free by prednisolone than by cortisone, on a given dosage.Seven cases responded better to prednisolone, and two cases responded better to cortisone. The results show that 15 mg. of prednisolone and 75 mg. of cortisone produced a similar satisfactory effect, and on this dosage a peak response was generally observed after two to three weeks. When the dose was reduced, the response usually waned.The response to adrenaline is at first inhibited and later enhanced during either cortisone or prednisolone therapy.We acknowledge with thanks the work of Mr. J. Booth.S.R.N., and Mr.L. Drury in the asthma clinic and for technical assistance. We are also grateful to Dr. A.

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Following the reports of Reese and Peters (1952) and of Shy and McEachem (1951) that A.C.T.H. was of benefit in the relief of dystrophia myotonica by increasing muscle strength, it was decided to try the effect of A.C.T.H. on a further group of patients. The results obtained form the basis of the present report. Case 1 is reported in detail, the remainder briefly. Case Reports Case 1.-Mr. S. is aged 35. In 1943, when serving in the Royal Marines, he noticed an inability to relax his grip. He was admitted to hospital where the diagnosis