From the report of a case of acute ascending paralysis by Landry in 1859 to the present, there has existed the greatest confusion concerning the localization of the lesion. Landry stated that autopsy showed evidence of recent pleurisy and pneumonia, with no appreciable lesion of the nervous system. However, he did not examine the peripheral nerves and it is generally agreed today that the syndrome was that of acute progressive polyneuritis. That an infectious process was the cause seems to be taken for granted. Landry reported the case history as follows:1
Acute generalized ascending paralysis. Autopsy. No appreciable lesion of the nervous system.
Jean Baptiste Grellier, aged 43, a road paver, entered the Hôpital Beaujon on June 1, 1859. He was small in stature, of frail constitution, emaciated and of poor color. He was not of a seclusive disposition.
The patient's father died at the age of 68, having