SIGNIFICANCE OF FEVER 633 



in case of tetrahydronaphthylamine (first noted by Stern), 

 which (according to researches emanating from the labora- 

 tory of H. H. Meyer) acts both as an excitant to the heat 

 regulating centre and induces a condition of constriction of 

 the blood-vessels of the skin, muscles, and kidneys. 66 An 

 increase of muscular action seems also concerned in the rise 

 of temperature. 67 Adrenin can also at times bring on a rise 

 of temperature. 



Salt- and Sugar-fever. Finally may be mentioned the 

 very remarkable "salt- and sugar-fever," which has re- 

 cently received much consideration but which is as yet with- 

 out explanation, a temperature exaggeration which has been 

 noted in animals and human beings (especially in infants, 

 but also in adults) after intravenous, subcutaneous, oral and 

 rectal introduction of solutions of sodium chloride or of 

 sugar, and which is apparently accompanied by an increased 

 production of heat and increased protein metabolism. 68 



Significance of Fever. In conclusion we may take up 

 the question as to what particular importance fever pos- 

 sesses for the economy. 



Since time immemorial physicians as well as patients 

 have been thoroughly impressed with the idea that fever is 

 harmful, and measures for its suppression have always 

 occupied a large place in therapy. The development of 

 scientific pathology at first seemed to support ideas of this 

 kind, and we were disposed to look especially upon the 

 parenchymatous and fatty degeneration of organs, a de- 

 pression of the vasomotors and a weakening of the heart, 

 as well as a loss of the haemoglobin of the blood, as the im- 

 mediate harmful effects of the heightened temperature it- 

 self. More recent studies, as those of Naunyn in particu- 

 lar, as well as those of Roily and Meltzer, have disproved 



M Jonescu (Pharmacol. Instit., Vienna), Arch. f. exper. Pathol., 60, 345, 

 1909. 



91 H. Mutch and M. Pembrey, Jour, of Physiol., 43, 109, 1912. 



w Studies by Bingel, Cobliner, Finkelstein, H. Freund, E. Grafe, Friberger, 

 Heim and John, Hort and Penfold, Nothmann, Schloes, Verzar. 



