Pain is a tax levied on man for the privilege of life upon this planet. Some are taxed lightly and others are taxed heavily, but all are taxed. To relieve this stress, from time immemorial man has taken analgesics. In modern times, if home medication fails, professional consultation is available. The important question is the choice of an analgesic. The advantage appears to lie with aspirin because it especially evokes relief of pain caused by inflammation.