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THE medical problems of flying were first seriously tackled during the latter part of the first world war, when it became obvious that mechanical construction was indivisible with pilot performance. Research has since proceeded along two main lines: pre‐selection of personnel for flying duties and the maintenance of the physiological efficiency of flying personnel. There is no doubt that the work accomplished is proving invaluable in these times of extended air force expansion and added interest is therefore given to the report of the symposium held at Washington D.C., at which Air‐Commodore H. E. Whittingham represented Great Britain.

The causes of “ altitude sickness ” are enumerated and discussed, and a definition is given of the limits within which pure oxygen or mixtures of air and oxygen may be breathed at various heights, with the symptoms and effects produced. The usefulness of the pressure‐cabin and the requirements which it must satisfy are also considered. Ear troubles occurring in flight, and the risk of embolism in rapid ascents, are discussed, together with their causes, and the possibility of eliminating these troubles is examined.