INTRODUCTION 



Seven years have elapsed since the attention of the profession was 

 first seriously attracted to the nonspecific character of vaccine therapy. 

 The literature previous to this, however, contained considerable evi- 

 dence suggesting this viewpoint. Immunologists and members of the 

 medical profession were so engrossed with the idea that favorable re- 

 sults could only be secured by specific means that this evidence was 

 largely ignored. 



As a consequence of the stimulation given by the earlier investi- 

 gators there has developed an extensive literature upon this subject. 

 A considerable number of agents, many of them proprietary in char- 

 acter, have been recommended as possessing special virtues. The 

 marked febrile reaction with its accompanying shock inherent in the 

 more toxic substances first used in this form of therapy prevented its 

 widespread adoption. This may be considered as most fortunate. It 

 is well that this procedure was restricted until more unanimity of 

 opinion was established in regard to indications, dosage and therapeutic 

 value. Indiscriminate use of any new and more or less untried method 

 of treatment, especially when associated with possible danger, is to be 

 discouraged. Its application in conditions where it is not indicated 

 would tend to place it in bad repute and might delay the development 

 of a method of real but possibly limited value. 



It is opportune, therefore, that this subject be fully presented to 

 the profession by some one familiar with the problems of immunity, 

 well informed upon the literature of Protein Therapy, and who at the 

 same time has enjoyed clinical experience in its application. Dr. Pe- 

 tersen, in conjunction with Dr. Jobling, were the American pioneers in 

 this work. Through their carefully controlled clinical observations and 

 logical deductions they have stimulated other investigators. 



To all those interested in the treatment of infections and this 

 includes both physicians and immunologists this book will be most 

 welcome, presenting as it does in a comprehensive manner a com- 

 plete analytical review of the subject, which will be of assistance in 

 furnishing a basis for further carefully controlled studies. 



JOSEPH L. MILLER. 



