Gate and Papacostas1 have recently described a new serum test for syphilis which in their hands gave results agreeing quite closely with the Wassermann reaction. The technic of the test as developed by them consists of adding two drops of solution of formaldehyd to 1 c.c. of clear serum in a test tube, shaking to obtain a thorough mixture, plugging the tubes with "cotton wool" stoppers, and allowing them to stand at room temperature for from twenty-four to thirty hours. Readings are then made; the serums which have become solid and jelly-like are considered as giving a positive reaction and those which remain fluid, a negative reaction. A comparison of this test with the Wassermann reaction on over 400 serums showed an agreement in 85 per cent. of cases. When the reactions differed the authors were unable to determine which was the more accurate. In early cases of syphilis