"TREATMENT OF EARLY SYPHILIS WITH ELECTROPYREXIA"

To the Editor:—  In The Journal, July 18, Drs. Neymann, Lawless and Osborne, in their paper entitled "Treatment of Early Syphilis with Electropyrexia," state that "if external heat is used, especially if the temperature of the entire skin is raised to the same high level equal to that of the internal organs, terrifying states of delirium and dyspnea result." We desire to take issue with this statement. Since the introductory work of Simpson with the heated and humidified cabinet, the department of fever therapy of Grace Hospital has treated some 650 patients by artificial elevation of body temperature. Especially in the treatment of gonorrhea and its complications, body temperatures have been maintained at 106-107 F. (rectal) for six continuous hours, treatment being repeated every other day. Patients are admitted for treatment only after a careful cardiovascular-renal examination. Preparatory treatment consists of the administration of 5 grains (0.3 Gm.) of sodium