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Show 183 The harmful effects of coca chewing on the individual are the same in the highlands as at sea level. The study of cocaine intoxication has nothing to do with the Physiological problems of High Altitudes: they are quite distinct. Altitude per se has no direct influence on the amount of addiction nor on its effects, though the very low standard of living, including underfeeding, as found often at high altitudes, does favor coca chewing. Dr. Monge says that the effects of coca chewing have not yet been sufficiently studied and thac, therefore, no premature steps should be taken against this habit, which he personally is "inclinded to accept as harmless and necessary in the extreme living conditions at high altitudes." The Professors of Pharmacology and the Commission roundly refute this very personal opinion of Dr. Monge. There can be no doubt that we possess all the essential scientific facts to enable us to condemn coca chewing as an attenuated and chronic form of cocaine addiction. There is no object in awaiting the further studies of mere academic details, before taking measures to restrict the disgraceful and scandalous amount of cocaine doping that is tolerated and even encouraged in Peru. The coca shrubs should be gradually replaced for crops of foodstuffs, vegetables and fruits to supply the same poor Indians with the calories and vitamins that they badly need today. The Commission of the United Nations recommends that "the solution of the problem of coca chewing should not be delayed by new experimental research. However interesting that might be, the social dangers of coca chewing seem to be sufficiently ascertained and its social and mainly nutritional curse should not be jeopardized by delay." (18). Editorial. "Ventajas del Mestizaje," America Indigena, XIV No. 3 (July,1954), pp. 183-186. In Spanish and English. The Editor discusses how the mestizo has, biologically, the natural defenses that his white ancestors acquired in Europe and is less prone to diseases from there. From his Indian background, the mestizo inherited resistance to diseases of his environment. Culturally, mestizaje is also advisable, etc. Rutz Reyes, Francisco(Mexico). "Notas Historicas Sobre el Origen de la Onchocercosis en America," America Indigena, XIV No. 3 (July, 1954), pp. 221-231. English Summary: In this paper written for the IV Centennary of the University of Mexico (see Memoria del Congreso Cientifico Mexicano, XI, pp. 9-20, Mexico, 1953), the author begins by presenting the hypothesis that onchocercosis |