A STUDY OF THE COLLOIDAL GOLD REACTION AND ITS CLINICAL INTERPRETATION

Abstract

It was not until 1912 that Lange first presented the colloidal gold spinal fluid reaction which has since borne his name as well as the more common term, "gold-sol" reaction. In the comparatively short time which has elapsed since its advent, there has grown up on the subject a voluminous literature which has served to give the reaction a definite and well deserved place among the tests used as aids in the diagnosis of affections of the central nervous system. Further elucidation or discussion of the test may serve not so much for its justification as for a wider interpretation and broader understanding of this reaction and its relation to clinical symptoms. The best conditions for undertaking such a study will obtain, not in an insane hospital, dealing with mental cases alone, or even in a pure neurologic clinic, but in a general teaching hospital where all classes of cases