In reviewing the literature we discussed the problem, whether there is a correspondence between the morphological picture of acute gastritis and the clinical expression including a complex of symptoms "acute gastritis", which should better be called acute dyspepsia. There is no good accord.--The histological main features of acute gastritis are infiltration of mucosa by neutrophils and the leucodiapedesis. this acute gastritis is very seldom the cause of clinical symptoms of acute dyspepsia. Alcohol, spices or drugs may produce a "toxic damage" of the mucosa, but they do not cause an acute gastritis, just as little as some viral diseases or staphylococcal toxins.