Since the introduction of the Weltmann serocoagulation reaction in 1930, numerous European investigators, among whom may be mentioned Purper,1 Carrière, Martin and Dufossé,2 Teufl3 and Rosegger,4 have verified the value of this test as a nonspecific laboratory aid in diagnosis and prognosis. The information obtained by the use of the Weltmann test helps to indicate the nature of the pathologic process predominant at the time, that is, whether it is exudative, fibrotic or septic. The literature indicates that in many instances the Weltmann reaction may give more information than the sedimentation rate.
We have investigated the Weltmann reaction as associated with most of the conditions encountered in a general children's hospital and have shown5 that predominantly exudative conditions such as lobar and bronchial pneumonia, abscess, purulent effusions, acute tonsillitis, suppurative arthritis, acute rheumatic arthritis and the progressive stages of tuberculosis are characterized by a shift