Focal infection as a definite factor in diagnosis and treatment has become well established, through the work of Rosenow, Billings, and others; it is no longer in the experimental stage. The clinical manifestations come under the eye of the observing practitioner almost daily. In our clinic at St. Luke's Hospital it has become a matter of routine to search carefully for foci of infection and to demonstrate their presence wherever possible. Some interesting observations have come to light which it seems might be worthy of publication. The following cases are cited, because each seems to illustrate a certain phase or phases of the subject:
Case 1.
—A. T., a boy of 12, came to my office in July, 1912. He had been suffering for several years with chorea, which, in spite of the usual treatment, rest in bed, Fowler's solution, etc., had been growing more and more severe. The eyes