Text-books which deal with the examination of the spinal fluid give much space to elaborate schemes for a positive diagnosis from the spinal fluids in the different forms of meningitis. However, if one has had these same spinal fluids to examine, one is immediately impressed with the fact that no absolute rules will hold. This is especially true in cases of suspected tuberculous meningitis. Several recent articles have claimed a cure in cases of tuberculous meningitis, the diagnosis of which has been based on the mere counting of the cells, and a differential study of these cells.
In direct opposition to this point of view it may be interesting to note the findings in several different conditions, that have come under observation, which commonly occur in children.
The diagnosis of epidemic meningococcus meningitis is never based solely on the finding of an excess of polynuclears in the exudate. The infecting