For many years investigators have striven to evolve some sort of test which would help in the diagnosis of tuberculosis. In 1907 von Pirquet brought forth his well known cutaneous test, and soon several modifications of the test were introduced, including the Mantoux intracutaneous test, which has so well stood the test of time that at present it is used more extensively than any of the others. The value of the Mantoux test as an aid in establishing a diagnosis of tuberculosis in infancy and early childhood has been accepted for many years. Reports of its value in adult life have been received with varying degrees of approbation and distrust, and only in recent years has it been found to have a definite place, when properly performed and interpreted, as an aid in establishing a diagnosis of tuberculosis in older patients.
The lack of agreement as to the value of