that achieved by nitroglycerin. It is likely that the duration of action of the sublingual nitrates is not as long as would be ideal, merely more prolonged than that achieved by nitroglycerin: a 1-21/2 hour duration of action seems most likely. Evidence that oral "long-acting nitrates" have a prolonged duration of action is, we agree, lacking. Although the information that nitroglycerin ointment may be superior is potentially exciting,"O its preliminary nature deserves reconfirmation before its acceptance to the exclusion of the sublingual mode of administration.