There is no phase of the management of cases of gonorrhea that gives rise to more anxiety to the clinician than the period of probation preceding the decision as to cure. There are few errors that may be fraught with such disastrous consequences to the patient and his family, and to the reputation of the doctor, than an error in this important decision. Yet only too commonly it is found that, without adequate thought and without careful observation, this heavy responsibility is readily and lightly accepted.
In the time at my disposal I propose to enumerate the various points that must be considered in approaching such a decision, to give my views based on clinical observations in conjunction with certain improved pathologic tests, and to provoke discussion of those controversial points by which new light may be thrown on this old problem.
The tests of cure may with propriety be