In this preliminary report of our experience during the last year in the treatment of neurosyphilis by inoculation of the malaria plasmodium, we shall not endeavor to draw conclusions as to its value. Time will determine this, not only in cases of general paralysis, but also in other forms of neurosyphilis. Our observations thus far and the published results of others have led us to believe that a continued thorough trial and observation of the "fever therapy" for several years is warranted.
A discussion of the mechanism by which the results are accomplished is not illuminating but is of historic interest. Clouston is reported by McAlister1 as prophesying, in 1883, that "some day we shall hit upon a mode of producing a local inflammation or manageable septic poisoning by which we shall cut short and cure attacks of mania." In 1887, Wagner-von Jauregg2 started to practice "fever therapy."