THE NATURE AND INTERPRETATION OF THE COLLOIDAL GOLD REACTION

Abstract

Owing to the complexity of structure and function of the central nervous system its disorders manifest themselves in clinical pictures of the utmost variety. Furthermore, in the case of one large group of these affections, the syphilitic and parasyphilitic diseases, it is highly desirable to recognize their nature as early as possible in order that the necessary treatment may be begun and the progress of the malady be arrested before destructive lesions have supervened. The difficulties of diagnosis are consequently often very great and all suitable methods of investigation yielding objective results are therefore likely to be of much assistance, particularly if they aid not only in diagnosis, but also in observing the effects of treatment. Among such procedures are the various methods of examining the cerebrospinal fluid, such as determining the pressure under which it is held in the spinal canal, counting its cells, testing its globulin content, and