In view of the fact that the technic employed for the examination of the cerebrospinal fluid varies greatly in the hands of the individual investigator and gives in consequence such discordant results, we have endeavored to develop a technic which shall have the advantages of uniformity and reliability, together with the simplicity requisite for ordinary bedside employment.
REVIEW OF METHODS
The methods in common use at the present time for both quantitative and qualitative estimation of the cell contents of the cerebrospinal fluid are three in number. The first, the so-called French method, developed by Widal, Sicard and Ravaut, depends on the use of the centrifuge. The second, the Cell-chamber method, was first introduced by Laignel-Lavastine and subsequently modified by Fuchs and Rosenthal. The third, that of Alzheimer, requires the use of a microtome and the necessary technic for tissue staining. Each has its advantages as well