Dangers of Steroids for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Changing from Imperial to Metric SIR,-We wish to support Dr. R. E. Smith's plea (14 March, p. 695) for a full adoption of the metric system as soon as possible, and especially his suggestion that we must abandon the past and not use the system in terms of more or less exact equivalents of the Imperial system.The 1963 editions of the British Pharmacopocia and British Pharmaceutical Codex 'both include notices stating that up to 30 June 1965 preparations in the old system may be supplied when metric or Imperial prescriptions or those without strengths are -presented.This is to allow timne for the disposal of old stocks.The time limit has now been extended to 31 July 1965 for manufacturers or wholesalers and 31 January 1966 for retailers.The General Notices of the Codex state that the Codex Revision Committee intended to reformulate all the preparations of the -Codex in rational metric terms, but it was found impossible to carry out all the necessary experimental work before the volume had to go to press.It was therefore decided that the 1963 Codex reformulation should confine this to certain solid unit dosage forms, such as lozenges, pastilles, pessaries, suppositories, and tablets.The remaining preparations will be altered in the next edition (due in 1968).Liquid formulae containing new products have, however, been formulated in rational metric quantities.This results in some linctuses, for example, being made up to a 5 ml.dose and others to a 60 minim (4 ml.) dose.The anomalies will be removed in the -next edition.This delay is unfortunate since it will prolong the confusion.As we pointed out in this journal in 1953,1 the change means a certain amount of hard- ship to those who have to alter their prescribing habits, but the eventual result will justify it.This hospital changed completely to the metric system on 1 January 1957 after two years' notice had been given, and the change -went smoothly with no serious difficulties.2A U.C.H. sister stated that " getting accustomed to the metric system was like learning a new language, and learning to think in this new language took time and effort," but she concluded that once the effort had been made " the advantage of the metric system as far as the nursing staff is con- cerned is that it is more simple and, therefore, safer."' We consider it is best to change as soon as possible to rational quantities based on 50 mg.instead of 60.As one of us has