Capsules

P: In mass trials of polio vaccine, no fewer than 638,239 U.S. youngsters in the first three grades have received two inoculations (either of vaccine or a dummy substance). The third shot will be given a month after the second. Five (and possibly six) inoculated children have developed polio, but it seems certain that infection preceded injection. Mild reactions to the shots, such as a slight rash, nausea or a low fever, have been remarkably few--about one in 2,000.

P: With 7,276 new doctors licensed last year and only 3,855 deaths in the profession, the total number of U.S. physicians grew to 218,522. Most encouraging increase was among private practitioners, to a total of 156,333 (one for every 1,020 people), a gain of 4,970--including many released from military service.

P: Rodney Dee Brodie, survivor of the skull-joined Siamese twins separated in a historic operation (TIME, Dec. 29, 1952), was at home in Ferris, Ill., playing with his two brothers and two sisters. University of Illinois doctors said that at 32 months he was coming along fine, but they were still working on the problem of how to put a hard top on his skull, now covered with a felt-lined plastic cap.

P: The Veterans Administration has a new "physiological monitor" that mounts guard over a patient during major surgery. Developed by the National Bureau of Standards, it simultaneously registers blood pressure, heartbeat and respiration, and flashes the data on one panel so that surgeon or anesthesiologist can more easily keep watch on the patient.

P: A new insurance plan, to cover dental services (not usually covered by health insurance programs) ranging from cleaning and fillings to tooth-straightening and dentures, was offered to employee groups of 40 or more by New York City's Group Health Dental Insurance, Inc.

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