Die postvaccinale Encephalitis.

In compiling and evaluating data on encephalitis following vaccination for smallpox, the authors have accomplished a commendable task. Though the origin of the disease remains a mystery, any effort toward classifying its known factors constitutes a step toward better understanding. The disease is properly treated as an entity, with a description befitting its clinical implications. The symptom-atology, the pathology and the course of this strange condition are excellently covered. Unfortunately, the discussion of the therapy is devoid of any specific facts. This shortcoming, however, is not in any way attributable to oversight on the part of the authors. For how can the prophylaxis be described efficiently when the etiology is so ill understood? How can treatment be complete when many contributing factors associated with the disease are hidden in obscurity?

The monograph is nevertheless rich in content, especially in statistical material. The clinical descriptions are profusely illustrated with cases typifying